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

Ice Dinosaurs Exhibit

The Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Explore paleontology’s final frontier in Ice Dinosaurs, the Academy’s exciting new special exhibit. Transport yourself to the Late Cretaceous period in the Arctic Circle, where dinosaurs actually lived year-round in extreme polar environments. This brand-new, immersive and educational experience brings this era to life with animatronic […]

BODY WORLDS: Vital at the Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute 222 North 20th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Franklin Institute invites families to explore the fascinating BODY WORLDS: Vital exhibition. This unique experience features real human specimens that reveal the intricate workings of our bodies.

Just a Moment Art Show at Wanamaker House

Wanamaker House 2020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

Just a Moment features work by painters Christina Penrose and Mary Powers-Holt. Each artist finds beauty in observation, drawing inspiration from the peaceful environments around them. Christina invites us into quiet still life paintings of moments on kitchen tables. Her blue and white dishware cradles […]

Free

Cecily Brown: Themes and Variations at Barnes Foundation

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

Cecily Brown: Themes and Variations,' a collaborative exhibition by the Barnes and the Dallas Museum of Art, explores the groundbreaking work of Cecily Brown through a feminist lens. The exhibition, held in the Roberts Gallery, features more than 30 pieces demonstrating how Brown challenges and […]

DREAMGIRLS at The Walnut Street Theatre

Walnut Street Theatre 825 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

DREAMGIRLS, a sensational Broadway musical, is coming to The Walnut Street Theatre. The show follows a talented girl group's rise to fame, filled with onstage excitement and backstage challenges. The audience can expect dazzling performances, powerful singing, and a variety of musical genres, including pop, […]

Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA, United States

Visitors to Longwood Gardens this spring will discover a season of newness and beauty with Spring Blooms. The Gardens present their inaugural season featuring the Bonsai Courtyard, redesigned outdoor landscapes, and a newly imagined Idea Garden. This combination of elements establishes a unique experience of […]

Bubble Bash at Adventure Aquarium

Adventure Aquarium 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ, United States

Adventure Aquarium celebrates the spring season with Bubble Bash, an event running from March 31st to May 4th. During Bubble Bash, visitors can immerse themselves in the underwater world, discovering the wonders of bubbles through in-exhibit displays, hands-on activities, and photo opportunities.

The Hobbit at Arden Theatre Company

Arden Theatre Company 40 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Bilbo Baggins embarks on an unexpected adventure filled with magic and mystery in The Hobbit at Arden Theatre Company. This exciting new stage production brings Tolkien's beloved story to life, as Bilbo travels through fantastical lands, encounters fascinating creatures, and discovers the power of friendship. […]

Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Visit "Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s" to see how artists made beautiful and creative works during a time of global change and challenge. During the 1940s, many things changed in politics, science, and how people lived. This exhibit shows how artists used their […]

Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags at the Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Museum of the American Revolution marks the 250th anniversary with a special exhibit, Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags. See over a dozen original flags, stitched by colonial makers like Betsy Ross, from the Revolutionary War. These rare survivors offer […]

Disney’s ALADDIN JR. at the Walnut Street Theatre

Walnut Street Theatre 825 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Walnut Street Theatre presents Disney's "Aladdin JR.," based on the beloved animated film and Broadway show. Families can expect a magical and thrilling adventure as street urchin Aladdin, with the help of a fun-loving Genie, tries to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and […]

Otter Spotlight at the Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Zoo will present its Spotlight Series during select months in 2025. The series will celebrate favorite animals through special talks, enrichment activities, take-home crafts, themed food and beverages, and educational experiences. The Spotlight Series is included with regular Zoo admission. In May, the […]

Philadelphia Children’s Festival

Penn Live Arts 3680 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The Philadelphia Children's Festival is turning 40! Established in 1985 as the first festival of its kind in the country, Penn Live Arts is thrilled to celebrate four decades of welcoming generations of families to enjoy the best in performing arts for young audiences. This […]

Paws & Feet 5k Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day

Cooper River Park N Park Dr, Pennsauken, NJ, United States

Animal Welfare Association’s signature event, the Paws & Feet 5k Run/Walk and Doggie Fun Day is an annual fundraising event celebrating the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.

Jazz Town presented by Rittenhop

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

For the third consecutive year, Rittenhop invites you to Jazz Town, a celebration of the Baltimore and Philadelphia swing dancing scenes. With events happening in both cities the first weekend in May, enjoy a free swing dance at Cherry Street Pier featuring live music by […]

Sunday MakeBreak: I Love Mom Clay Pot

Lincoln Plaza 2424 E Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA, United States

Make the perfect Mother's Day gift using your fingerprints! Michaels will provide everything you need to make an "I Love Mom" clay pot. $10 with all supplies included. 

Pour Your Own Candle with Queer Candle Co.

Ray's Reusables 935 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Create your own custom scent and learn how to make candles with Queer Candle Co.! All participants will make an 8 oz candle at this fun and delightful-smelling workshop. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, but you are welcome to BYOB. Tickets $50.

Maxim Krueger Piano Concert

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

You are invited to a concert by the young and brilliant pianist Maksim Krueger! Maksim Krueger is a laureate of prestigious international competitions: The Princeton Festival Piano Competition – First Prize Winner Jacob's Music Steinway Piano Competition – First Prize Winner Young Pianist Competition of […]

Movement & Play Class at Goldfish Swim School

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

Head to Goldfish Swim School - Fort Washington and join Marianna of Purposeful Play for a special movement class! There will be two 45-minute class options full of movement, climbing, music, and more: 10:30 am for 5 months to crawlers and 11:30 am for walkers […]

Friends’ Central School Middle & Upper School Take-a-Tour Tuesdays (Grades 6-12)

Friends' Central Middle & Upper School 1101 City Avenue, Wynnewood

Take-a-Tour Tuesday offers an opportunity to learn more about Friends' Central School. During the tour, visitors will meet teachers, administrators, and students, providing a window into the school's experience. The tour highlights the school's outstanding curriculum, warm classroom culture, incredible opportunities, and excellent facilities, illustrating […]

Little Wares Postpartum Connections Series

Little Wares 8117 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join Little Wares for a 6-week interactive workshop on Tuesday mornings for postpartum families. Each week will be hosted by a postpartum professional, focusing on a specific topic area. Join all six weeks or drop-in when you can! $150 for the series or $30 drop-in. […]

Kid Art Class with Amy Kelly

Kid Art Class with Amy Kelly

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Amy Kelly is a mixed-media artist specializing in commissioned pieces and teaching art to people of all ages. She has a BFA in drawing from Kutztown University. Amy started teaching in 2013. She makes personalized, mixed-media paintings of people’s pets, loved ones, or homes. Join her […]

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 […]

In Harmony: Chamber Music with Philadelphia’s East Asian Communities

Crane Community Center 1001 Vine St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and Dolce Suono Ensemble present a free community concert as part of Dolce Suono Ensemble's new project, "In Harmony: Chamber Music with Philadelphia's East Asian Communities". Students from the Crane Center's after school program will be participating in a side-by-side performance […]

Teen Art Class with Amy Kelly

Teen Art Class with Amy Kelly

Cherry Street Pier 121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Amy Kelly is a mixed-media artist specializing in commissioned pieces and teaching art to people of all ages. She has a BFA in drawing from Kutztown University. Amy started teaching in 2013. She makes personalized, mixed-media paintings of people’s pets, loved ones, or homes. Join her […]

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
Mother’s Day Weekend at the Barnes

Mother’s Day Weekend at the Barnes

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

With a world-class art collection, expertly guided tours, an on-site restaurant featuring delicious fare, and a fabulously curated shop, the Barnes has everything Mom could want for a special day.​ Art, brunch, and a gift - you're all set!   Tours: Highlights Tour (Thursday–Monday, 11:30am […]

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 […]

Mother’s Day Weekend at Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA, United States

Enjoy a flower-filled stroll this Mother’s Day Weekend and celebrate the opening of Festival of Fountains with the return of daily fountain performances. Take in a spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performance Friday (The Piano Men), Saturday (Here You Come Again), and Sunday (Where the Heart Is) evenings when […]

Mother’s Day Weekend at the Barnes

Mother’s Day Weekend at the Barnes

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

With a world-class art collection, expertly guided tours, an on-site restaurant featuring delicious fare, and a fabulously curated shop, the Barnes has everything Mom could want for a special day.​ Art, brunch, and a gift - you're all set!   Tours: Highlights Tour (Thursday–Monday, 11:30am […]

Early Dismissal Camp at Butcher’s Sew Shop Junior

Butcher's Sew Shop 800 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Come and sew after school! There will be hand and machine sewing and embroidery projects, for all levels. All materials provided and no prior experience needed! $88 registration. Pick up from McCall, Meredith, Coppin, and Nebinger schools at noon or time of your school's dismissal. […]

School Age Studio: Trees, Buildings + Bodies

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

Available on select School District of Philadelphia (SDP) half-days, School Age Studio: Trees, Buildings + Bodies is a hands-on, project-based design workshop that allows students to be designers in a studio. Students will learn the design process through activities and exercises to design and build […]

$45 – $65

Date Night: Japanese Boro (Sashiko) Coasters

West Philly Tool Library 1314 S 47th, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Date night at West Philly Tool Library: learn about boro, traditional Japanese patchwork, and create a set of coasters inspired by this technique! $40, cost flexible.