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

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.

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 […]

Meet & Greet Author Lady Carolyn: Book Signing & Self-Care Journaling Class

Yeadon Public Library 809 Longacre Blvd., Yeadon, PA, United States

Carolyn Jenkins, a Philadelphia native, author, producer, screenwriter, and writer of creative non-fiction stories and journal books, is on a mission to help women take charge of their narratives with the release of her latest book, Her Life Lessons in a Clutch Journal & Short Motivational Stories. […]

Astrology Camp

Astrology Camp

Mt. Airy CDC HQ 6703 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, Suite 200,, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Are you looking to learn the language of the stars and planets in the heavens above? Astrology Camp is a unique and immersive experience for individuals intrigued by celestial influences on human life and our collective world. Camp participants will delve into the realm of […]

$275.00

Growing Towards the Sun Art Installation

Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard 1001 Intrepid Avenue, Philadelphia, United States

Growing Towards the Sun features work by painter Elizabeth Castiglione and sculptor Emily Squires Levine. Both artists play with the idea of flowers to represent the human experience, from Emily’s playful depictions of bushes and bouquets to Elizabeth’s balance of growth and decay in her […]

Free
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Explore a dazzling world of illuminated lanterns, cultural stage performances, acrobatics, crafts, and fountain shows. This festival is perfect for all ages, and is running daily from 6pm-11pm until August 31st! Head to the website below for ticket pricing.

Paper, Prints, and Play! Art Kids Studio

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

Experiment with new materials, tools, and techniques in this drop-in program inspired by prints in the Brand X exhibition. Projects, artists and themes change every few weeks: July 18–August 3 | Dab, Dash, Glide August 8–August 24 | Wordplay   South Vaulted Walkway, Ground Floor […]

Paper, Prints, and Play! Art Kids Studio

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

Experiment with new materials, tools, and techniques in this drop-in program inspired by prints in the Brand X exhibition. Projects, artists and themes change every few weeks: July 18–August 3 | Dab, Dash, Glide August 8–August 24 | Wordplay   South Vaulted Walkway, Ground Floor […]

Second Gen: An Inter-generational Art Exhibit For All

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

You're invited to Second Gen's opening reception! The 20*20 House works to be a welcoming space for our community- regardless of age-to explore and enjoy art. Second Gen seeks to break down these barriers by designing a family-friendly gallery environment. This exhibition pairs artists’ work […]

Free
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.

Toy Swap at Baby Gear Group Jenkintown

Baby Gear Group Jenkintown 2278 Mt Carmel Ave, 2nd Floor, Glenside, United States

Bring your clean and undamaged toys for newborns to school age kids and swap them for something different and exciting.  Attendees are encouraged to bring toys to swap but it is not required, so come and take what you need!

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 […]

Celebrate Lafayette’s Return!

Cliveden 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States +1 more

Join Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm and Cliveden of the National Trust for a day of family fun celebrating the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette's return to Germantown on July 20, 2025! Follow in Lafayette's own footsteps and start your afternoon with a meet […]

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
Free Summer Rowing Camp at Lloyd Hall

Free Summer Rowing Camp at Lloyd Hall

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

A free summer rowing camp offered through Philadelphia Parks and Recreation for 13-17 year olds running in two week sessions from 8:30am-3:30pm. Campers will learn the skills and discipline around the sport of rowing as well as participate in other activities. Offering free breakfast and […]

Free
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 […]

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Franklin Square 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Explore a dazzling world of illuminated lanterns, cultural stage performances, acrobatics, crafts, and fountain shows. This festival is perfect for all ages, and is running daily from 6pm-11pm until August 31st! Head to the website below for ticket pricing.

“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