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

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Start the day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard. Join Betsy for a secret ceremony raising the thirteen-star flag and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Independence Hall 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

One-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s […]

PLAYDate: A Day of Art & Entertainment for All Ages!

NKCDC Garden 1825 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival presents a day of art and entertainment for children of all ages! On Sunday, July 27th, head to Fishtown at the NKCDC Garden for a magical candy-land themed day! Doors open at 12:30PM. The performance of the new play "The […]

Free
Family Funday with PopUpPlay

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 […]

Franklin’s Key at Play & Players Theatre

Play & Players Theatre 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Pig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin's Key, a thrilling sci-fi adventure reimagining Benjamin Franklin’s legacy in an alternate universe where science and magic collide. This visually stunning production blends Philadelphia’s rich history with breathtaking stage illusions by Skylar Fox (Harry Potter […]

$35 – $65
Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Start the day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard. Join Betsy for a secret ceremony raising the thirteen-star flag and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.

Baby Wordplay Storyplays With Miss Pam!

Baby Wordplay Live with Miss Pam

The Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

There is overwhelming evidence that reading, singing, and gesturing with young children daily brings exceptional, permanent benefits. And the research is clear: this is one area where earlier is better. Join Librarian Miss Pam to read, sing, count, practice Spanish and ASL and have adventures […]

Baby Wordplay Storyplays With Miss Pam!

Baby Wordplay Live with Miss Pam

The Philadelphia Ethical Society 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA, United States

There is overwhelming evidence that reading, singing, and gesturing with young children daily brings exceptional, permanent benefits. And the research is clear: this is one area where earlier is better. Join Librarian Miss Pam to read, sing, count, practice Spanish and ASL and have adventures […]

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Independence Hall 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

One-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s […]

Toddler Art and Pizza

Toddler Art and Pizza

Joe's Pizza Philly 122 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA

Join Steam Engines Learning Co at Joe's Pizza for S.T.E.A.M. crafts, pizza and a story. Planned with working parents' schedule in mind.

Songs & Stories with Krystal

Rutabaga Toy Library 3426 Conrad St c2, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Weekly gatherings - a wonderful way to explore Rutabaga & meet new friends! Hangouts are open to the public: free for members & just $10 drop-in for non-members. We’ll sing together a read a book during this casual circle time. Free-play afterward. Invite a friend!

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Start the day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard. Join Betsy for a secret ceremony raising the thirteen-star flag and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.

Design Gym SUMMER HOURS

Design Gym: Summer Hours

Design Gym 179 W Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

At design Gym, "Open Gym" will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:00AM-6:00PM at the design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington @silkscreenstudios. OPEN GYM is free, drop-in hours to explore design and exercise your creativity. Some ways to enjoy "Open Gym": - Bring […]

Free
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Independence Hall 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

One-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s […]

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 […]

“The Questioneers” exhibit at the Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Head to Philly's Please Touch Museum this summer to experience The Questioneers exhibit! This exhibit is based off of the best-selling series of books by author Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts. The Questioneers characters Ada Twist, Scientist; Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; Sofia […]

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Start the day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard. Join Betsy for a secret ceremony raising the thirteen-star flag and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.

Design Gym SUMMER HOURS

Design Gym: Summer Hours

Design Gym 179 W Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

At design Gym, "Open Gym" will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:00AM-6:00PM at the design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington @silkscreenstudios. OPEN GYM is free, drop-in hours to explore design and exercise your creativity. Some ways to enjoy "Open Gym": - Bring […]

Free
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Independence Hall 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

One-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s […]

New Baby Meetup

Rutabaga Toy Library 3426 Conrad St c2, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Weekly gatherings - a wonderful way to explore Rutabaga & meet new friends! Hangouts are open to the public: free for members & just $10 drop-in for non-members. In your new role as caregiver, sometimes you simply need to feel heard — to be seen […]

Franklin’s Key at Play & Players Theatre

Play & Players Theatre 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Pig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin's Key, a thrilling sci-fi adventure reimagining Benjamin Franklin’s legacy in an alternate universe where science and magic collide. This visually stunning production blends Philadelphia’s rich history with breathtaking stage illusions by Skylar Fox (Harry Potter […]

$35 – $65

BlackStar Film Festival Opening Night Film: TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing, directed by Louis Massiah and Monica Henriquez, is a biography of the influential writer Toni Cade Bambara, whose literary works and film collaborations were a catalyzing force in 20th century cultural and political movements. The documentary […]

Little Beets Music Class at Rutabaga Toy Library

Rutabaga Toy Library 3426 Conrad St c2, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Little Beets Music Class is a hands-on music making experiences designed to foster children's musical growth. A portion of each class is dedicated to shared musical activities, such as sing-along songs, finger plays, instrument exploration, and movement. The remaining time allows for musical free play, […]

$25
Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House Flag Raising

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Start the day in the charming Betsy Ross House courtyard. Join Betsy for a secret ceremony raising the thirteen-star flag and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.

Design Gym SUMMER HOURS

Design Gym: Summer Hours

Design Gym 179 W Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

At design Gym, "Open Gym" will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10:00AM-6:00PM at the design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington @silkscreenstudios. OPEN GYM is free, drop-in hours to explore design and exercise your creativity. Some ways to enjoy "Open Gym": - Bring […]

Free
STORYTIME + DESIGN

Storytime & Design at Design Gym

Design Gym 179 W Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

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 are welcome on the designer journey. Age range of books will vary, design exercises adaptable for all.

Free
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Independence Hall 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

One-of-a-kind award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches are located throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, telling riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places where they actually happened. Specially-trained, uniformed storytellers delight and entertain with free, short 3-to-5-minute stories while sharing the secrets of Philadelphia’s […]

Sankofa Farm Stand at Bartram’s Village

Bartram's Village

Come purchase fresh, chemical-free inspirited local produce straight from Sankofa Community Farm every Thursday at the Bartram’s Village apartments (54th & Lindbergh Blvd entrance), now through mid-November! EBT, cash, WIC Farmer’s Market vouchers, and Senior vouchers are all accepted methods of payment (standard retail WIC […]

Arts on Center Stage

Arts on Center Stage

Dilworth Park 1 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Philadelphia’s robust network of arts and culture organizations will be celebrated every week as they perform in the center of the city. The performances will range from orchestral serenades and ballet ensembles to jazz instrumentals and more. Attendance is free for all, but seating in […]

Franklin’s Key at Play & Players Theatre

Play & Players Theatre 1714 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Pig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin's Key, a thrilling sci-fi adventure reimagining Benjamin Franklin’s legacy in an alternate universe where science and magic collide. This visually stunning production blends Philadelphia’s rich history with breathtaking stage illusions by Skylar Fox (Harry Potter […]

$35 – $65

BlackStar Film Festival Opening Night Film: TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts 300 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing, directed by Louis Massiah and Monica Henriquez, is a biography of the influential writer Toni Cade Bambara, whose literary works and film collaborations were a catalyzing force in 20th century cultural and political movements. The documentary […]