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!

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Philly Family Community Calendar

Events

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Today

  • 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

  • Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley

    Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley
    Main Street Manayunk Main St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]

    Free

  • 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 […]

  • Santa Arrives at Camelback Resort

    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 […]

  • 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

  • Fellowship! The Musical at the Adrienne Theater

    Fellowship! The Musical
    The Adrienne Theater 2030 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Fellowship! The Musical is the hilarious, lovingly-crafted musical parody of The Fellowship of the Ring, following all of the events from this epic adventure with one big difference: This time it’s funny! ​This Broadway-style send-up features twelve original songs, from an over-the-top opening number complete […]

  • ArtSmart Presents, The Philadelphia Gritty-Tones, a Barbershop Quartet

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

    Grab your scarf, your soft pretzel, and your best “Yo!”—’cause we’re bringing the brotherly love and the barbershop buzz! Join ArtSmart for a one-of-a-kind benefit concert featuring The Philadelphia Gritty-Tones, a barbershop holiday quartet made up of four top-tier Philly musicians who harmonize harder than […]

  • Boathouse Row Light Display

    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: […]

  • Winter Kick-Off at the Please Touch Museum

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

    Families can celebrate the wonder of winter at Please Touch Museum as December begins with seasonal art projects, hands-on activities, and a special performance by the Chocolate Ballerinas featuring selections from their holiday production, The Nutcracker Dipped In Chocolate.

  • 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 […]

  • Lucia and Swedish Christmas Market

    American Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Bundle up and experience a traditional Swedish Christmas Market at the American Swedish Historical Museum! Shop Scandinavian food, gifts, holiday decorations, and handmade crafts in a heated outdoor tent. Browse unique finds at Mormor's Attic secondhand sale, grab fresh baked goods from SWEA Philadelphia, and […]

    $5 – $10

  • OSB Teams’ Basketball Tryouts

    finley recreation center 7701 Mansfield Ave, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On December 6th, OSB TEAMS is proud to announce their recruitment for student athletes to participate in the Basketball Tryouts to be recommended for an advancement to USA BASKETBALL to potentially play in the amateur league to fulfill their dreams of becoming a professional basketball […]

    $75.00

  • Winter on the Waterfront at the Independence Seaport Museum

    Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Celebrate the season at the museum’s second annual Winter on the Waterfront! Enjoy festive, family-friendly activities like, Seaport Snowflakes, Knot-Tying Ornaments, Gingerbread Boat Building, and Holiday Tours aboard Olympia.  New This Year: Cannoli Flavor Contest! In partnership with Holy Cannoli, create a history-inspired cannoli filling […]

    $18 – $23

  • From Seed to Blossom, Supporting Queer and Trans Youth! at People’s Light

    People's Light 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA, United States

    This is a day of speakers, workshops, working groups, panels, and performances, all geared towards sharing resources and establishing connections in support of LGBTQ+ youth. Register for free! If you’re interested in serving as a vendor or having a table onsite, please visit our website.

    Free

  • 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 […]

  • Origami Star Decorations at Utility Works

    Utility Works MakerSpace 18 N Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne

    Learn to fold the mini lucky stars you’ve seen on TikTok and transform them into ornaments, garlands, or an 8" paper tree using a variety of colorful papers. You’ll take home all the materials and know-how to keep creating on your own. This class is […]

    $20

  • Open Play Saturdays

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

    Open Play hours at Baby Gear Group Jenkintown are the perfect outing for the family. With a train table, a play kitchen, costumes, books, and a variety of gross motor and creative and imagination toys for your walker, toddler and preschoolers will have no shortage […]

    $15

  • Riverbend’s Merry & Mindful Makers Market

    Riverbend Environmental Education Center 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA, United States

    Riverbend invites families to join them for a festive afternoon at their Merry and Mindful Makers Market on December 6th, featuring local artists, makers, and growers sharing handmade, eco-friendly gifts at an outdoor marketplace. Guests can enjoy s'mores roasting, wreath making, live painting and Mala-knotting […]

    Free

  • Christmas In Kensington

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

    Visit the 5th annual Christmas in Kensington, an indoor holiday market filled with local vendors, live music, festive food, and seasonal drinks from Philadelphia Brewing Company. Create your own ornament, shop unique gifts, and enjoy a full day of community celebration—all safe from the winter […]

    Free

  • The Enchanted Nutcracker

    The Enchanted Nutcracker
    Miller Theater 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]

  • Happy Holidays from Rox 2025

    Roxborough Pocket Park 6170 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Roxborough Development Corporation presents Happy Holidays from Rox 2025, a neighborhood celebration with local shopping, holiday crafts, and seasonal activities. The day features Santa's arrival by fire truck at 3PM and concludes with a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30PM.

    Free

  • Atopos Adaptation at InLiquid

    Atopos Adaptation at InLiquid
    InLiquid 1400 N American St #314, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Running from December 6th, 2025 to January 10th, 2026, “Atopos Adaptation” is a multimedia exhibition featuring seven InLiquid Artist Members exploring life and form, and investigating the beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of organisms with whom we coexist. Using ecology as a point of inspiration, the […]

    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

  • Philadelphia’s Christmas Village

    Philadelphia’s Christmas Village
    City Hall and LOVE Park 1500 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Enjoy the magic of the Christmas Village at City Hall and LOVE Park from November 22nd through December 24th. With free admission, visitors can experience an authentic German-style market filled with twinkling lights, festive treats, and handcrafted gifts. Some activities include riding the Ferris wheel, […]

  • Family Weekend at Christmas Village

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

    Families can discover endless fun at Christmas Village, making it an ideal spot for holiday celebrations! Take part in the dedicated Family Weekend on December 6th and 7th, featuring an array of delightful activities just for youngest guests. Capture joyful memories with Phil the Reindeer, […]

    Free

  • Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley

    Manayunk’s Jolly Trolley
    Main Street Manayunk Main St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Ride the festively decorated Jolly Trolley through Manayunk's twinkling holiday lights! Enjoy food and drink deals, shopping specials, and live entertainment as the trolley—decked with lights, decorations, and holiday music—makes stops at your favorite Main Street businesses. Special Guests (on trolley and strolling Main Street): […]

    Free

  • 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

  • Montgomery County Chorale and Orchestra Presents Festival of Carols

    Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra Presents: Festival of Carols
    Trinity Lutheran Church 1000 W. Main Street, Lansdale, PA, United States

    Montgomery County Chorale & Orchestra's Festival of Carols offers a festive program of traditional carols and seasonal music, concluding with the world premiere of Wake Up by composer Melissa Dunphy. Commissioned through the Michael Kemp Fund for New Music, the piece features choir, orchestra, and […]

    $25

  • The Enchanted Nutcracker

    The Enchanted Nutcracker
    Miller Theater 250 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, an inclusive, 60-minute performance of the Enchanted Nutcracker, with light narration, will enchant audiences of all ages. Honoring tradition while welcoming everyone, the show features vibrant characters, beautiful dancing, and a sensory-friendly atmosphere. It's a joyful holiday experience where all families can […]

  • The Philadelphia Chorus Concert: “The Light of Unity”

    Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral 19 S. 38th Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    The Philadelphia Chorus presents "The Light of Unity," a fall concert featuring works by Elaine Hagenberg, Jake Runestad, Ralph Vaughan Williams, J.A.C. Redford, Mack Wilberg, and more. The performance takes place Saturday, December 6, at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Tickets are $30 general admission, $25 for […]

    $15 – $30

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]