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!
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Philly Family Community Calendar
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, PhiladelphiaWeek of Events
Monday, July 13, 2026
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July 13, 2026 -(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
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July 13, 2026 -Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
From March 28, 2026 to February 14, 2027, Botany of Nations is a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a culturally layered, new perspective on the legendary Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, co-curated with ethnobotanist and author Enrique Salmón, PhD, and developed with contributions from Indigenous […]
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is back for 2026! During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible only from […]
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
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July 14, 2026 -Ministry of Awe
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July 14, 2026 -Yoga On The Pier
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July 14, 2026 -Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
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July 14, 2026 -Live & Local Concert Series presented by 4333
Ministry of Awe
Ministry of Awe is a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia that's located inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world packed with fun for the family. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. When visitors enter the ATM, they end up […]
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 […]
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is back for 2026! During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible only from […]
Live & Local Concert Series presented by 4333
Families can enjoy free live music under the stars at Live & Local, presented by 4333 Collective. Set along the waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park, the event features talented local bands, stunning skyline views, food, drinks, and plenty of hammock vibes. A feel-good night […]
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
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July 15, 2026 -(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
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July 15, 2026 -Kids Play at Springfield Mall
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July 15, 2026 -Ministry of Awe
(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
From March 28, 2026 to February 14, 2027, Botany of Nations is a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a culturally layered, new perspective on the legendary Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, co-curated with ethnobotanist and author Enrique Salmón, PhD, and developed with contributions from Indigenous […]
Kids Play at Springfield Mall
Come together at Springfield Mall for a free kids event on every third Wednesday of each month, beginning Wednesday, January 21st through Wednesday, August 19th. Kids Play provides free entertainment and discounts for toddlers and their caretakers. Events include a variety of fun activities, entertainment, […]
Ministry of Awe
Ministry of Awe is a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia that's located inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world packed with fun for the family. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. When visitors enter the ATM, they end up […]
Thursday, July 16, 2026
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July 16, 2026 -Ministry of Awe
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July 16, 2026 -Live & Local Concert Series presented by 4333
Ministry of Awe
Ministry of Awe is a new, ever-evolving immersive art experience in Philadelphia that's located inside a 19th-century bank and transformed into a surreal world packed with fun for the family. Each act of wonder yields infinite returns. When visitors enter the ATM, they end up […]
Live & Local Concert Series presented by 4333
Families can enjoy free live music under the stars at Live & Local, presented by 4333 Collective. Set along the waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park, the event features talented local bands, stunning skyline views, food, drinks, and plenty of hammock vibes. A feel-good night […]
Friday, July 17, 2026
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July 17, 2026 -Fiber Craft Fridays at Kingsessing Library
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July 17, 2026 -Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
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July 17, 2026 -Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
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July 17, 2026 -Friday Night Jazz Series
Fiber Craft Fridays at Kingsessing Library
At Kingsessing Library, little ones can learn the basics of crochet, finger knit, mushroom knit, or just get cozy with some yarn on Friday afternoons. Yarn will be out in the children’s area starting at 3:30 pm, and then Librarian Rachel will provide a short […]
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's most beloved summertime traditions. The festival features roller skating, outdoor boardwalk games and rides, mini golf, and great food and drinks, all set against stunning views of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin […]
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square is back for 2026! During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible only from […]
Friday Night Jazz Series
Families can catch free live jazz on the waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park, featuring an exceptional lineup of musicians in partnership with Rising Sun Presents. Think skyline views, soulful music, food, drinks, and a laid-back lounge atmosphere. Open to all ages and not to […]
Saturday, July 18, 2026
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July 18, 2026 -Stories of Science at Science History Institute
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July 18, 2026 -(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
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July 18, 2026 -Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
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July 18, 2026 -Community Paddle Boating at FDR Park
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July 18, 2026 -Open Play Saturdays
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July 18, 2026 -Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park
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July 18, 2026 -Family Fun Saturdays at Historic Fair Hill
Stories of Science at Science History Institute
At Science History Institute, families can enjoy an engaging program that highlights spellbinding and surprising stories of science history. Saturday’s fun, interactive activities are designed for science lovers of all ages. Stories of Science takes place weekly on Saturdays, with each story varying every week. Admission […]
(Daily) Botany of Nations at The Academy of Natural Sciences
From March 28, 2026 to February 14, 2027, Botany of Nations is a groundbreaking exhibition that offers a culturally layered, new perspective on the legendary Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, co-curated with ethnobotanist and author Enrique Salmón, PhD, and developed with contributions from Indigenous […]
Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
Families are warmly invited to discover the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, a Philadelphia tradition over 35 years in the making, officially opening for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 4 and open every weekend until October 31. More than a market, this vibrant […]
Community Paddle Boating at FDR Park
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Independence Seaport Museum for free paddle boating at FDR Park on select summer and fall dates. Families and visitors of all ages can explore Edgewood Lake aboard easy-to-use paddle boats while spotting turtles, ducks, flowers, and other wildlife along the way!
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 […]
Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Families and individuals can start their Saturdays with movement, mindfulness, and waterfront views at Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This relaxing weekly experience combines Tai Chi and guided meditation on the park's double-decker barge along the Delaware River. Focused on slow, intentional movement […]
Family Fun Saturdays at Historic Fair Hill
Join Historic Fair Hill each Saturday afternoon for storytimes, games, arts & crafts, gardening, scavenger hunts, and more!
Sunday, July 19, 2026
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July 19, 2026 -Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
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July 19, 2026 -Family Funday with PopUpPlay
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July 19, 2026 -Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
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July 19, 2026 -Live & Local Concert Series presented by 4333
Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park
Families are warmly invited to discover the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, a Philadelphia tradition over 35 years in the making, officially opening for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 4 and open every weekend until October 31. More than a market, this vibrant […]
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 […]
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's most beloved summertime traditions. The festival features roller skating, outdoor boardwalk games and rides, mini golf, and great food and drinks, all set against stunning views of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin […]
Live & Local Concert Series presented by 4333
Families can enjoy free live music under the stars at Live & Local, presented by 4333 Collective. Set along the waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park, the event features talented local bands, stunning skyline views, food, drinks, and plenty of hammock vibes. A feel-good night […]

