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
  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Hansel & Gretel

    Hansel and Gretel

    Curio Theatre Company 4740 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This holiday season, Curio Theatre Company invites families to step into the story with HANSEL & GRETEL, a brand new Make & Partake Theatre Experience written by Paul Kuhn and directed by Mya Flood. Following the success of Jack and the Beanstalk and The Three […]

    $20
  • Mister John’s Music Adult Cabaret Performances

    Mister John's Music 761 S 8th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Join Mister John's Music at The School on the evenings of December 15th, 18th, and 19th for heartfelt end-of-session performances from their Adult Cabaret Classes, featuring work developed throughout the fall. These free performances showcase personal storytelling through song and are available on a first-come, […]

  • 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
  • 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: […]

  • 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 […]

  • STORYTIME + DESIGN

    Storytime and Design at Design Gym

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

    Storytime + Design is a weekly creative experience diving into a book and fun design exercises to grow your creativity and design process. All ages and identities on the designer journey are welcome. Age range of books will vary, design exercises adaptable for all.

  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • Ugly Sweater Contest at the Christmas Village

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

    The Christmas Village hosts an Ugly Sweater Contest on December 19th in celebration of National Ugly Sweater Day. Contestants with the most creative designs will compete for exclusive prizes at this festive holiday gathering.

    Free
  • Mister John’s Music Adult Cabaret Performances

    Mister John's Music 761 S 8th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    Join Mister John's Music at The School on the evenings of December 15th, 18th, and 19th for heartfelt end-of-session performances from their Adult Cabaret Classes, featuring work developed throughout the fall. These free performances showcase personal storytelling through song and are available on a first-come, […]

  • Cracked Nuts

    Cracked Nuts at Suzanne Roberts Theatre

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

    Cracked Nuts is an uproarious and comedic dance-play that puts a modern holiday twist on the famed classic, The Nutcracker. Featuring beloved characters, lively music, and multiple styles of dance, this one-of-a-kind holiday adventure delivers nonstop entertainment and pure Christmas joy! Twenty years after Clara's […]

    $50
  • 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
  • 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
  • Contemporary West Dance Theatre’s “A Cool Yule” Holiday Spectacular!

    Fringe Arts 140 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Let your heart soar as Contemporary West Dance Theatre heralds in the holidays with their annual performance of “A Cool Yule!” Christmas Spectacular! Gather your family and friends to celebrate the season with a mix of timeless classics, audience sing-alongs, and the thrilling sounds of […]

  • Fellowship! The Musical

    Fellowship! The Musical at the Adrienne Theater

    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 […]

  • 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: […]

  • Christmas Celebration at the Please Touch Museum

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

    Celebrate with Please Touch Museum for a Saturday with Santa! Children can meet Santa as he roams the Museum, and enjoy Duke Ellington’s rendition of the Nutcracker, as performed by the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra’s Jazz Ensemble.

  • 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 […]

  • DIY Gift Tags at Utility Works MakerSpace

    Utility Works MakerSpace 18 N Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne

    Led by Caroline Lancaster, participants will create festive gift tags ranging from simple punch-and-decorate designs to intricate origami trees using colorful papers and patterns, and wrapping paper will be available for any gifts needing to be wrapped. Attendees will leave with completed projects or all […]

    $15
  • 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
  • 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, […]