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.

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Philly Family Community Calendar

  • The Great Pet Adoption Celebration with Animal Welfare Association

    Animal Welfare Association 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees, NJ, United States

    Families are invited to The Great Pet Adoption Celebration, a weekend honoring World Pet Day (November 30) and National Mutt Day (December 2) featuring lovable dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs looking for their forever homes. Whether visitors are ready to adopt their new best […]

    Free
  • Northern Liberties Christmas Tree Lighting Party

    1001 N. 2nd Street 1001 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA

    Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and Amazon Fresh present the lighting of the Northern Liberties Christmas Tree on Tuesday, December 2nd. This family-friendly event begins with ornament decorating at 5:00 pm, followed by festivities at 5:30 pm featuring Santa photo opportunities, a dance performance from […]

  • Yoga On The Pier

    Yoga On The Pier
    Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • Languages of Philadelphia: German

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Would you like to hear stories told in another language? Head over to Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special German storytime! Part of their Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers. […]

    Free
  • Fishtown’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting at Mamajuana Cafe Philly

    mamajuana cafe philly 1000 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

    Mamajuana Cafe Philly gives a special gift to the Fishtown and Northern Liberties communities with a grand Christmas tree at the intersection of Frankford and Columbus Boulevard for everyone to enjoy. The tree will be up to 25 feet tall and have 10,000 twinkling sparkling […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Evil Genius Beer Company’s Tree Lighting

    Evil Genius Beer Company 1727 N Front Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Evil Genius Beer Company invites guests to kick off the holiday season at their Twas an Evil Christmas Tree Lighting Party on Thursday, December 5th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Lab in Fishtown. Visitors can enjoy the lighting of a nearly 20-foot […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Glimpse of Goldfish at Goldfish Swim School – Fort Washington

    Goldfish Swim School - Fort Washington 185 Commerce Dr., Fort Washington, PA, United States

    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 […]

    Free
  • Santa Arrives at Camelback Resort

    Camelback Resort 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA

    Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand arrival at Camelback Resort joined by their elves and friends from the Pocono Township Fire Department, who will help the jolly duo light the resort’s Christmas tree. In partnership with Toys for Tots of Monroe County, guests […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • The Nutcracker at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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. 

  • Book, Paper, Scissors at Parkway Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • Meet the Author: Thembi Palmer

    Charles L. Durham Library 3320 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

    Free
  • City of Camden’s Tree Lighting Celebration

    aquarium loop dr Aquarium Loop Dr, Camden, NJ

    Join the City of Camden for the annual tree lighting at the aquarium circle! Come watch the tree light up for the holidays and enjoy family activities, performances, fire pits, food and more on Saturday, December 6th 4PM to 8PM (Aquarium Loop Dr, Camden, NJ […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • PECO Free First Sunday with Student Art Show at Barnes Foundation

    Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • Family Funday with PopUpPlay

    Spruce Street Harbor Park 401 S Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • Friends of Fitler Square Park Tree Lighting

    Fitler Square Philadelphia

    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!

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Yoga On The Pier

    Yoga On The Pier
    Pennypack on the Delaware 7801 State Road, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    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 […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Writing Workshop with Ona Gritz

    20*20 House 20 Lansdowne Court, Lansdowne, PA, United States

    Author Ona Gritz facilitates a free afternoon writing workshop for ages 10+ in a welcoming, supportive environment. Participants should bring writing materials and a favorite poem by another author to share. Young writers ages 10-17 must register with an accompanying adult. Register here.

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    Boathouse Row 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    For this holiday season, Boathouse Row is getting extra festive! Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation are lighting up the Schuylkill all season long with special holiday displays from now through New Year’s Day. Holiday Season Schedule: Dec 4-13: Winter Sparkle Dec 14-21: […]

  • Haunted Christmas with East Kensington Arts Committee

    Philadelphia Brewing Co. 2440 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Haunted Christmas lands at Philly Brewing Co. on Saturday, Dec 13th! Come together for a night where holiday cheer gets a spooky twist. Shop from unique vendors, encounter Krampus, rock out to live bands, and catch a spooky short film compilation on the big screen. […]

    Free
  • German American Weekend at the Christmas Village

    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Christmas Village celebrates German-American heritage on December 13-14 with traditional music, Schuhplattler dancing, and authentic German cuisine. The weekend includes live performances in traditional costumes and Sunday's German Games featuring bratwurst-eating, beer stein-holding, and pretzel toss competitions.

    Free