The Best Things To Do in Philly with Kids
Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Philadelphia with kids, including events, festivals, attractions, and free activities through our curated calendar. Find what’s happening in Philly today and plan your next family adventure!
💞 Check out our sister Community Calendars too: Main Line Parent and Bucks County Parent.
🗓️ Have an event to share? Join Philadelphia Family as a Member and Submit it to us for consideration! (Members are given priority event coverage.)
Make the most of family life in Philly with the best weekend events, parenting tips, and local stories— all delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday.
Philadelphia Family’s High Five Newsletter delivers:
📍 Can’t-miss family weekend events and activities
💡 Practical parenting advice for city life
🧳 Insider tips to navigate Philly like a native
Subscribe now and never miss out on what’s happening for families in Philadelphia!
Philly Family Community Calendar
On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition
Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard 1001 Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia
Week of Events
On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition
An exhibition featuring artwork by Kathleen Greco and Andrea Bartine Caldarise exploring ocean life and natural landscapes will be on view starting from November 4, 2025 through April 14, 2026. Through their distinct styles, both artists explore patterns, textures, and forms found in nature. The […]
Manayunk Gets Lit Decorating Competition
Manayunk businesses are decking out their storefronts, windows, roofs, and more with over 80,000 lights during Manayunk Gets Lit! Stroll Main Street or hop on the Jolly Trolley to take in the magic of the lights, and cast your vote for your favorite light displays. […]
Philadelphia’s Christmas Village
Enjoy the magic of the Christmas Village at City Hall and LOVE Park from November 22nd through December 24th. With free admission, visitors can experience an authentic German-style market filled with twinkling lights, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts. Some activities include riding the Ferris wheel, […]
Family Weekend at Christmas Village
Families can discover endless fun at Christmas Village, making it an ideal spot for holiday celebrations! Take part in the dedicated Family Weekend on December 6th and 7th, featuring an array of delightful activities just for youngest guests. Capture joyful memories with Phil the Reindeer, […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
Open House: Mineral Mania! at Wagner Free Institute of Science
Visitors can discover the fascinating world of minerals at Wagner's Exhibit Hall's open house, featuring dazzling crystals, locally sourced specimens, and UV-glowing treasures. Families are invited to explore archival lantern slides, examine minerals under microscopes, and try hands-on experiments. Children can also enjoy a dedicated […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
Yoga On The Pier
Join Riverfront North and Roots2Rise for an all levels outdoor flow at Pennypack on the Delaware, Tuesdays from 6-7 pm! All ages and abilities are welcome. This class is made possible by the Riverfront North Partnership. Class is free but donations are welcome and will […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
Open Gym at Design Gym
Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
Open Gym at Design Gym
Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]
Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley
Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
The Enchanted Nutcracker
This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
Storytime and Design at Design Gym
Storytime + Design is a weekly creative experience diving into a book and fun design exercises to grow your creativity and design process. All ages and identities on the designer journey are welcome. Age range of books will vary, design exercises adaptable for all.
Open Gym at Design Gym
Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]
Glimpse of Goldfish at Goldfish Swim School – Fort Washington
Goldfish Swim School, Fort Washington invites families to “A Glimpse into Goldfish” on Friday, December 5, with free trial swim lessons every 30 minutes for children ages 4 months to 12 years. After their lesson, kids can enjoy a free open swim in the 90-degree […]
Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley
Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
The Nutcracker at Parkway Central Library
The Philadelphia Dance Academy and The Philadelphia Youth Ballet presents a free mini Nutcracker performance at the Parkway Central Library on Saturday, December 6th. Everyone is welcome, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 9:30 am.
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
Winter on the Waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum
Celebrate the season at the museum’s second annual Winter on the Waterfront! Enjoy festive, family-friendly activities like, Seaport Snowflakes, Knot-Tying Ornaments, Gingerbread Boat Building, and Holiday Tours aboard Olympia. New This Year: Cannoli Flavor Contest! In partnership with Holy Cannoli, create a history-inspired cannoli filling […]
Lucia and Swedish Christmas Market
Bundle up and experience a traditional Swedish Christmas Market at the American Swedish Historical Museum! Shop Scandinavian food, gifts, holiday decorations, and handmade crafts in a heated outdoor tent. Browse unique finds at Mormor's Attic secondhand sale, grab fresh baked goods from SWEA Philadelphia, and […]
From Seed to Blossom, Supporting Queer and Trans Youth! at People’s Light
This is a day of speakers, workshops, working groups, panels, and performances, all geared towards sharing resources and establishing connections in support of LGBTQ+ youth. Register for free! If you’re interested in serving as a vendor or having a table onsite, please visit our website.
Book, Paper, Scissors at Parkway Library
This Artists' Books & Paper Crafts is a wonderful opportunity for families to discover handmade art and meet local artists. The event features artists' books, blank books, prints, paper jewelry, zines, and paper-based art. With free admission, families and friends can browse unique creations and […]
Open Play Saturdays
Open Play hours at Baby Gear Group Jenkintown are the perfect outing for the family. With a train table, a play kitchen, costumes, books, and a variety of gross motor and creative and imagination toys for your walker, toddler and preschoolers will have no shortage […]
Riverbend’s Merry & Mindful Makers Market
Riverbend invites families to join them for a festive afternoon at their Merry and Mindful Makers Market on December 6th, featuring local artists, makers, and growers sharing handmade, eco-friendly gifts at an outdoor marketplace. Guests can enjoy s'mores roasting, wreath making, live painting and Mala-knotting […]
The Enchanted Nutcracker
This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]
Family Fun Saturdays at Historic Fair Hill
Join Historic Fair Hill each Saturday afternoon for storytimes, games, arts & crafts, gardening, scavenger hunts, and more!
Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley
Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]
Meet the Author: Thembi Palmer
This interactive, sensory-rich author visit with Thembi Palmer invites children to explore food, culture, and curiosity through storytelling, rhythm, and play. Free books will be available while supplies last, and the program is ideal for children ages 3-8 and their families. Sponsored by the Philadelphia […]
The Enchanted Nutcracker
This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
Breakfast with Santa Dave & Busters Philly 2025
Dave & Buster's invites families to kick off the season at their Annual Breakfast with Santa, a magical morning featuring VIP early access before doors open to the public. Families can enjoy a festive breakfast banquet, exclusive arcade play, keepsake photos with Santa, holiday crafts, […]
Holidays in Franklin Square
Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]
PECO Free First Sunday with Student Art Show at Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is hosting a new pilot program in partnership with Central High School during PECO Free First Sunday on December 7, celebrating the creativity of 17 Philadelphia students who explored culture, tradition, and identity through watercolor paintings inspired by Henri Matisse and the […]
The Enchanted Nutcracker
This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]
Family Funday with PopUpPlay
Activities include boat building, puppet making, and even constructing a working catapult. Each week promises captivating experiences for kids of all ages with a new make-and-take activity. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Activities are available on […]
Historic Holiday Tea Experience at Carpenters’ Hall
Celebrate the holiday season with afternoon tea and Dolley Madison at historic Carpenters’ Hall, where the First Continental Congress once met. Enjoy sweet and savory treats* while learning how tea shaped colonial life and the American Revolution. *Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available (email emilywinters@carpentershall.org […]
The Enchanted Nutcracker
This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]
Friends of Fitler Square Park Tree Lighting
Join neighbors, friends, and families at Fitler Square Park for their Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on December 7th. This event features hot chocolate, performances by the Philadelphia Dance Academy's Youth Ballet, Santa's arrival, and more!
Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]
