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
  • Haunted Christmas with East Kensington Arts Committee

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

    Haunted Christmas lands at Philly Brewing Co. on Saturday, Dec 13th! Come together for a night where holiday cheer gets a spooky twist. Shop from unique vendors, encounter Krampus, rock out to live bands, and catch a spooky short film compilation on the big screen. […]

    Free
  • German American Weekend at the Christmas Village

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

    Christmas Village celebrates German-American heritage on December 13-14 with traditional music, Schuhplattler dancing, and authentic German cuisine. The weekend includes live performances in traditional costumes and Sunday's German Games featuring bratwurst-eating, beer stein-holding, and pretzel toss competitions.

    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, […]

  • Puppy-Palooza with Animal Welfare Association

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

    The Animal Welfare Association is celebrating Puppy-Palooza, and it's full of dogs and puppies eager to meet their new families! From goofy, energetic youngsters to patient, loving adult dogs, there's a perfect four-legged friend waiting to make any home complete. Families are invited to stop […]

    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
  • The Tapcracker by The Lady Hoofers

    The Tapcracker by The Lady Hoofers

    Suzanne Roberts Theatre 480 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble presents The Tapcracker, an all-tap take on the classic Nutcracker story. With the setting in a whimsical Paris and featuring over 40 dancers from the region, the show blends playful storytelling with rhythm and movement. Along with […]

  • Carina Romano Photography Q&A

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

    Whether you're new to photography or want to see your town through a fresh lens, this workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with your creativity and community during the golden hour. Led by experienced photographer Carina Romano, participants will explore Lansdowne's scenic streets before […]

  • Gingerbread Rowhome Decorating at Mighty Bread Bakery & Cafe

    Mighty Bread Bakery & Cafe 1211 Gerritt St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Mighty Bread Bakery & Cafe's beloved Philadelphia Gingerbread Rowhome class comes back for this holiday season. This includes hands-on instruction, dinner, drinks, and take-home treats for the couple or family (child (ages 6+) plus adult). The baking is already done by Might Bread, so all […]

    $225
  • 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 […]

  • One-Man Nutcracker by Chris Davis

    Prosceium Theater at the Drake 302 S. Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    You know the Nutcracker the ballet, but what if the ballet was performed by only one man? If the daughter Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the mice, the Sugar Plum fairy, were all channeled through one actor. Chris Davis is proud to bring […]

    $18
  • Showgirl Swiftmas at the Barn Yard

    The Barn Yard 305 2nd Ave #212, Collegeville, PA, United States

    The Barn Yard presents a Taylor Swift-themed celebration on December 13th for all the Swifties! This event features singing and dancing to Taylor Swift hits, friendship bracelet making, hotdogs and sweet treats, drinks, glitter activities, and more. Prices vary, and tickets can be purchased online.

    $30
  • Lincoln Mill’s A Twisted Christmas

    Lincoln Mill’s A Twisted Christmas

    Lincoln Mill Haunted House 4100 Main St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Lincoln Mill Haunted House presents A Twisted Christmas, Philadelphia's first and only holiday haunted house! For this season, cheer and terror come together for this Christmas-themed horror experience. This is perfect for those that love Halloween and Christmas while creating new memories with the family. […]

  • The Tapcracker by The Lady Hoofers

    The Tapcracker by The Lady Hoofers

    Suzanne Roberts Theatre 480 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble presents The Tapcracker, an all-tap take on the classic Nutcracker story. With the setting in a whimsical Paris and featuring over 40 dancers from the region, the show blends playful storytelling with rhythm and movement. Along with […]

  • 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: […]

  • Members-Only Morning at the Please Touch Museum

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

    Museum members can explore the Museum before it opens to general admission visitors at 11 AM, with special holiday treats.

  • Free Admission at The Michener Museum

    Michener Art Museum 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA, United States

    The Michener Museum is now free of charge on the second Sunday of every month. The free second Sunday and evening hours on first Thursday are possible due to a $400,000 grant from the Art Bridges Foundation, whose Access for All program is funding 64 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Science Story Time at The Academy of Natural Sciences

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

    Join Academy educators and fellow young natural history enthusiasts for a special science story time! Each month features a different family-friendly science story followed by a fun, hands-on craft activity. Catch the fun the second weekend of each month, Saturday and Sunday, at 11 a.m. […]

  • Gift Making Workshop & Pizza Party at Philly Art Center

    Philly Art Center (Mt. Airy) 530 Carpenter Ln, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Need time to do some holiday shopping? Parents can drop off their kids for a Gift Making Workshop + Pizza Party on December 14th, where they'll make one-of-a-kind gifts while enjoying pizza lunch. This event features DIY wrapping paper, winter wonderland sculptures, cards, and more! […]

    $40
  • PECO Family Jams: Hardboard Painting

    Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, NJ

    Philadelphia's Magic Gardens celebrates the artistic legacy of the Lorenzo family—three generations of artists from Guerrero, Mexico known for their bold, colorful paintings on Masonite hardboard depicting village landscapes, Mexican wrestlers, and jaguar dancers. Visitors can create their own hardboard artwork inspired by the Lorenzos' […]

    Free – $15
  • Al-Bustan’s 2nd Annual Holiday Souk

    Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture 310 W Master St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come together for Al-Bustan’s 2nd Annual Holiday Souk on Sunday, December 14th. This will be the perfect opportunity to get your holiday gifts from local artists and makers! A souk is a traditional market or bazaar commonly found in Middle Eastern and North African countries. […]

    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
  • German American Weekend at the Christmas Village

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

    Christmas Village celebrates German-American heritage on December 13-14 with traditional music, Schuhplattler dancing, and authentic German cuisine. The weekend includes live performances in traditional costumes and Sunday's German Games featuring bratwurst-eating, beer stein-holding, and pretzel toss competitions.

    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, […]

  • One-Man Nutcracker by Chris Davis

    Prosceium Theater at the Drake 302 S. Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    You know the Nutcracker the ballet, but what if the ballet was performed by only one man? If the daughter Marie, little boy Fritz, creepy uncle Drosselmeyer, the mice, the Sugar Plum fairy, were all channeled through one actor. Chris Davis is proud to bring […]

    $18
  • 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 […]

  • The Tapcracker by The Lady Hoofers

    The Tapcracker by The Lady Hoofers

    Suzanne Roberts Theatre 480 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble presents The Tapcracker, an all-tap take on the classic Nutcracker story. With the setting in a whimsical Paris and featuring over 40 dancers from the region, the show blends playful storytelling with rhythm and movement. Along with […]

  • 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
  • Chanukah Pajamikah with Chabad of Fishtown

    Billy Pen Studios 1516 North 5th St., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Join Chabad of Fishtown in celebrating Chanukah on December 14th with this cozy, warm, and fun event. This features dancing, treats, an Epic Lego menorah, 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: […]