You might want to curl up on the couch in bad weather, but your kids still need to move around and burn off all that energy. Whether you’re well-established or just moving to Philly, here are some indoor play spaces keep Philly kids busy no matter what the weather.

Indoor Play Places in Philly

Not only is Philadelphia home to a variety of play spaces, but many of them offer much more than just a spot for kids to have fun. You’ll find resources for parents, options for those seeking sustainability, and support for kids with special needs.

Beehive at Bok

1901 S. 9th Street, Suite B03, Philadelphia (South Philly)

Beehive at Bok is a South Philly gem in the basement of the Bok Building. There is fun to be had for children of all ages with Beehive’s crafting room, open-ended toys, LEGO wall, and kid-scale rowhome. Climbing structures, quiet nooks, and sensory stations cater to kids’ varying sensory needs and help to create an inclusive environment.

Beehive at Bok offers open play hours all week, party packages, and summer camps where kids can play, learn, and get crafty. It also serves as a community resource, with offerings such as new baby groups and tutoring and homework help. “Little pollinators” of all types will enjoy this vibrant and quirky indoor space.

By My Side

1542 E. Montgomery Avenue (Fishtown)

By My Side is a Fishtown lodestar for parents of young children. They offer Playgroup, where parents can socialize, get advice, and grow their community. This focus on togetherness makes By My Side stand out as a local resource. The suggested donation for Playgroup is only $5, keeping it accessible for community members.

Of course, By My Side is also great for the kids. Playgroup includes free play, circle time, and a snack. There are plenty of toys, as well as the unique addition of rescue animals such as rabbits. By My Side also offers up their space for parties, with the cost going directly toward their year-round programming.

Cub Social

2532 S. 13th Street (South Philly)

Cub Social’s priority is to provide a safe, clean, and respectful play environment. They promote the development of a bias-free world for all children despite ability or background inspiring friendships through play.

Parents can take advantage of Cub Social in multiple ways. Their Preschool is a research curriculum and play-based learning program. The After-School Program involves homework help, activities, and free play at the indoor playground. Party packages are also available for both child and adults events.

Everland

529 S. 4th Street (South Street neighborhood)

This sustainable living shop in Queen Village (where you can also rent pre-loved kids’ items) doubles as a play space for little ones. Everland offers open play Wednesday through Sunday, with the option to either drop in or become a monthly member. On Mondays and Tuesdays, parents can take advantage of Community Coworking: get your work done in a quiet space while your little ones are supervised in the play area.

Everland emphasizes community, holding classes and events to build connection. Enjoy programs such as Move & Groove, a toddler movement class, Baby & Me Postpartum Yoga, Prenatal Mat Pilates, and fun one-off events like a family-friendly happy hour.

Kids at Play

7201 Ridge Avenue (Roxborough)

Kids At Play boasts an indoor playground and 7,000-square-foot multi-sensory facility. Kids will love the zip line, interactive virtual playground, ball pits, swings, and slides. Open play is offered both with membership and as a drop-in option.

This Roxborough indoor play location goes above and beyond for the kids who visit, especially children with sensory challenges. They have board-certified occupational, physical and speech therapists on staff to help children learn through play, and also offer Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy.

Kith + Kin

3060 W. Jefferson Street (Brewerytown)

Kith + Kin is another space that focuses not only on play and child development, but on connection and community. They host support groups and workshops in order to help parents and strengthen relationships.

For the kiddos, there is a 3,000 square foot space with features such as a custom-designed playhouse and infant pod. Kith + Kin offers drop-in open play and various membership tiers. Classes and workshops are available for both kids and adults, from lactation classes to kids’ yoga.

Lilypad

1234 S. Broad Street (South Philly)
 

Non-profit and volunteer-organized, Lilypad creates access to affordable play and sustainable resources. Playgroups are free for first-time visitors, and they offer sliding scale options for drop-ins and memberships.

When you’re not using Lilypad’s playspace, head down to the basement and check out their thrift store. The donation-based shop is stocked with toys, gear, clothes, books, nursing supplies, and more. Purchases help keep memberships affordable, so you can really feel like you’re investing in your community.

Music Theatre Philly: The Playhouse

1301 Locust Street (Center City)

You may know Music Theatre Philly as a performing arts center, but did you know they have an indoor play space known as The Playhouse? The nature-themed play zone has features like an oversized birdhouse with a slide and farmers market imagination play.

Visitors to The Playhouse can drop in or opt for monthly memberships. Various events are held throughout the week, such as music, tumbling, and arts and crafts. Happy Hour (extended open play from 5-7 pm) is offered once a month, perfect for parents with more traditional working hours.

Playology

218 S. 45th Street (West Philly)

Playology emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and the way that play is a universal language bringing people together. They aim to create a supportive environment for not just kids but also their parents, offering classes and workshops such as a Baby Connection Group.

Kids will love the variety of toys, as well as the swing, slide, and ball pit. You can drop in with them or sign up for a membership that suits your needs. If you decide to celebrate a special occasion at Playology, they have four different party packages to choose from.

Rutabaga Toy Library

3452 Conrad Street, C2 (East Falls)

Rutabaga Toy Library’s name comes from their wonderful, eco-friendly initiative of offering toys and games to be borrowed by members. This system allows children to access a vast catalog of toys, returning and exchanging to keep things exciting, all while reducing toy waste and clutter.

Kids can play in the play space during open hours, or join a hangout (also great for the grownups). Rutabaga offers toddler and baby meetups, and songs and stories. In keeping with their value of sustainability, they also have a zero-waste party package, so you can celebrate your child’s birthday in a memorable and eco-friendly way.

Smith Memorial Playhouse

3500 Reservoir Drive (East Fairmount Park)

 

 

Smith Memorial Playhouse is a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park. Smith’s beautiful 3-story, 16,000 square foot Playhouse was designed solely as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia’s most prominent late 19th century architects, James H. Windrim.

Interactive play is the name of the game at the Playhouse. There is a tumbling room, a climb-on train, a mini-town room with indoor tricycles, and rotating “Play-Stallations” — themed installations for kids to get hands-on and creative.

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

12357 Academy Road (Northeast Philly)

We Rock the Spectrum provides children with a fun and motivational environment to help them in the areas of strength, movement, sensory processing, communication, positive behavior modification, social interactions, and self-care skills. Their unique equipment assists all children in their neurological growth and development.

Keeping the families of special needs kids in mind, We Rock the Spectrum offers Respite, Break Time Care, and One-to-One Attendant Care. These services are designed to provide a break to those who have more on their plate when it comes to balancing the needs of everyone in their care.

Getting Out of the House

When the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor fun, it’s still good to get a change of scenery. Dropping in to an indoor play place can turn everyone’s day around. There is also always a plethora of Philly family-friendly events to choose from so that no one gets cabin fever.

 

Lead photo courtesy of Kith + Kin.