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

  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

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

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • 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
  • 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 […]

  • Pet Photos with Santa & The Grinch

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

    Animal Welfare Association is bringing back holiday photos with Santa and the Grinch on November 30th from 1-5pm for an afternoon of festive fun. Families and pets can snap photos with Santa or the Grinch, enjoy a hot chocolate bar, make cards for shelter animals, […]

    $10
  • Historic Holiday Tea Experience at Carpenters’ Hall

    Carpenters' Hall 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Celebrate the holiday season with afternoon tea and Dolley Madison at historic Carpenters’ Hall, where the First Continental Congress once met. Enjoy sweet and savory treats* while learning how tea shaped colonial life and the American Revolution. *Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available (email emilywinters@carpentershall.org […]

    $85
  • New Hope Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

    Logan Inn 10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA

    Come together for New Hope’s beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, a cherished tradition that has brightened the heart of the town for over 40 years at the corner of S. Main St. and Ferry St. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors for an evening filled […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

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

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

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

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Open House: Mineral Mania! at Wagner Free Institute of Science

    Wagner Free Institute of Science 1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Visitors can discover the fascinating world of minerals at Wagner's Exhibit Hall's open house, featuring dazzling crystals, locally sourced specimens, and UV-glowing treasures. Families are invited to explore archival lantern slides, examine minerals under microscopes, and try hands-on experiments. Children can also enjoy a dedicated […]

    free
  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

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

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • 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
  • Festival of Trees Opening Ceremony

    Love Park 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On December 1st, Philadelphia's Festival of Trees will hold their Opening Ceremony, which benefits Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This year's expanded event features two dozen designer holiday trees created by local artists, plus a new tribute display of over 200 stars honoring CHOP patients. […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

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

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

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

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

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

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • 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
  • Wine Tasting at The Christmas Village

    Wine Tasting at The Christmas Village

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

    Every Tuesday in December, visitors can raise a glass to the season with Wine Tastings at The Christmas Village, hosted in collaboration with Mazza Wines. From bold reds to crisp whites, you can enjoy a curated selection that highlights the artistry of local winemaking. Whether […]

    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 […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

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

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • 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 […]

  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

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

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • 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
  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

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

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Holiday Greenery Workshops with Terrarium Therapy

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

    Get creative this holiday season with Holiday Greenery Workshops at the Christmas Village hosted in collaboration with Terrarium Therapy! From sparkling globes and classic wreaths to charming succulent holiday trees and elegant table centerpieces, each week features a different project designed to bring seasonal cheer […]

    Free
  • Open Gym

    Open Gym at Design Gym

    Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]

  • Philadelphia Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Betsy Ross Tree Lighting

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

    Experience the magic of the holidays as Philadelphia Youth Ballet dancers bring beloved scenes from The Philadelphia Dance Academy's The Nutcracker to life at the Old City District Historic Holidays Tree Lighting.

  • 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 […]

  • Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

    Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square

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

    Franklin Square's beloved mini golf course transforms into Chilly Philly Mini Golf for the winter season, featuring festive lights, seasonal music, and playful wintertime decorations throughout all 18 holes. As Center City's only outdoor mini golf course, families can enjoy the holidays with a fun […]

  • Little Women at Hedgerow Theatre

    Little Women at Hedgerow Theatre

    Hedgerow Theatre 64 Rose Valley Rd, Media, PA, United States

    A timeless family favorite comes to life on stage from November 26th through December 28th, 2025! Step into the heart of the March family, where sisters Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth grow up together amid the American Civil War. Brave, bright, and endlessly imaginative, each […]

    $35
  • 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
  • Holidays in Franklin Square

    Holidays in Franklin Square

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

    Holidays in Franklin Square runs from November 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, featuring the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO, with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music. Guests can enjoy festive activities like Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, fire […]

  • Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

    Festival of Trees at Christmas Village

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

    Experience the third annual Festival of Trees at LOVE Park, benefiting Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This winter wonderland features 20+ uniquely decorated trees by local artists and sponsors like the Philadelphia Zoo. Vote for your favorite tree with a donation—all proceeds support CHOP's Children's […]

    Free
  • Open Gym

    Open Gym at Design Gym

    Design Gym 1714 North Mascher Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come to Open Gym at Design Gym: Where everyone is a designer. If you’ve been curious about OPEN GYM, Design Gym will be open Wednesdays through Fridays, from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at their community design studio and third space in Norris Square/Olde Kensington. OPEN […]