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

  • 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

    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 […]

  • On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition

    On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition

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

    An exhibition featuring artwork by Kathleen Greco and Andrea Bartine Caldarise exploring ocean life and natural landscapes will be on view starting from November 4, 2025 through April 14, 2026. Through their distinct styles, both artists explore patterns, textures, and forms found in nature. The […]

    Free
  • 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: […]

  • Breakfast with Santa Dave & Busters Philly 2025

    Dave & Busters 325 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Dave & Buster's invites families to kick off the season at their Annual Breakfast with Santa, a magical morning featuring VIP early access before doors open to the public. Families can enjoy a festive breakfast banquet, exclusive arcade play, keepsake photos with Santa, holiday crafts, […]

    $30.09 – $35.96
  • PECO Free First Sunday with Student Art Show at Barnes Foundation

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

    The Barnes Foundation is hosting a new pilot program in partnership with Central High School during PECO Free First Sunday on December 7, celebrating the creativity of 17 Philadelphia students who explored culture, tradition, and identity through watercolor paintings inspired by Henri Matisse and the […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 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 […]

  • Montgomery County Chorale and 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
  • 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
  • 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 […]

  • Friends of Fitler Square Park Tree Lighting

    Fitler Square Philadelphia

    Join neighbors, friends, and families at Fitler Square Park for their Annual Tree Lighting ceremony on December 7th. This event features hot chocolate, performances by the Philadelphia Dance Academy's Youth Ballet, Santa's arrival, and more!

  • 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 […]

  • On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition

    On the Land, In the Sea Exhibition

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

    An exhibition featuring artwork by Kathleen Greco and Andrea Bartine Caldarise exploring ocean life and natural landscapes will be on view starting from November 4, 2025 through April 14, 2026. Through their distinct styles, both artists explore patterns, textures, and forms found in nature. The […]

    Free
  • 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: […]

  • Make-It-Pop! with InLiquid

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

    Make-it-Pop! highlights and celebrates everything Pop Art. From the use of pop culture, bold colors, and mass-produced artwork to graphic styles and ironic subjects, this exhibit dives into what “makes it Pop” in their artist members' portfolios. Learn more here.

    Free
  • Meet Santa at King of Prussia for the Holidays

    King of Prussia Mall 160 N Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA, United States

    This sensory-friendly event provides a calm, private setting for children with special needs and their families to meet Santa. Reservations are required. Register here.