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

  • Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]

  • Baby and Toddler Playtime at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Play, talk, sing and explore books and toys while listening to music and gaining social, emotional, fine and gross motor skills. This event is intended for babies and toddlers along with parents, grandparents or caregivers. Plan to meet in the Storyhour Room. 

  • Lunar New Year at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Parkway Central Library welcomes families to celebrate Lunar New Year with the vibrant sounds of Kyo Daiko drumming, traditional dances, opera performances, and a colorful fashion show featuring cultural attire. With more than ten performances across two floors, guests of all ages can experience the […]

  • Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]

  • The Rail Park’s Community First Plan Focus Group

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    This in-person community focus group is part of Friends of the Rail Park’s Community First Plan, an effort to understand how the Rail Park can grow in ways that reflect its values and responsibilities to the neighborhoods it runs through. These conversations help guide how […]

  • Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]

  • Daylily Documentary Screening at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    At Parkway Central Library, families can come together for a documentary screening, which is presented by PlantPop. Daylily is a free, feature length documentary that explores the devotion surrounding a plant that blooms for only one day. Through the personal stories of gardeners from different […]

    Free
  • printPHILLY! 2026

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    The Philadelphia Print Consortium invites families to the fourth annual printPHILLY! print fair on Saturday, February 28 at Parkway Central Library on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This free event features over 40 vendors showcasing prints created with everything from traditional letterpress to modern digital techniques, […]

    Free
  • Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]

  • The Spirit of Soul Food at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Celebrate Black History Month with flavor, tradition, and more! Come together at Parkway Central Library for a live cooking demonstration while exploring the rich history behind curry chicken and cabbage-two dishes deeply rooted in the African diaspora and its culinary traditions. Learn how spices, storytelling, […]

  • For Love to Thrive Black Cultural Heritage Celebration

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Placed during the year of the Nation’s 250th anniversary, Friends of the Tanner House and the Free Library of Philadelphia present a free-to-the-public, four-hour cultural heritage resource fair in Parkway Central Library's Skyline Room. This event will celebrate African-American heritage sites and initiatives throughout the […]

  • Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]

  • Read to a Therapy Dog at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    On Wednesdays at Parkway Central Library, independent readers and children can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from Comfort Caring Canines. Dogs will be accompanied by their handler during this program, and each child will be assigned individual time to read to […]

  • BLACKPRINT 20: Still We Teach. Still We Rise. Awards and Art Display

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Come together for Free Library Exhibitions and Blackprint 20 in Parkway Central Library's Skyline Room for an art display and awards banquet honoring educator luminaries and the core ideal of freedom through education. Registration is required. Seats are limited; free tickets may be requested by […]

  • African Drum Circle with Mister Boom Boom at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    With this exclusive program, Mister Boom Boom teaches little ones to play a range of West African hand drums, including the djembe and the talking drum. The program wraps up with an exhilarating dance and drum circle, where kids get to showcase their newly acquired […]

  • Kujichagulia – Self-Determination Culinary Experience with the African American Museum in Philadelphia

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    The African American Museum in Philadelphia celebrates the second day of Kwanzaa with Kujichagulia – Self-Determination Culinary Experience on December 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Culinary Literacy Center at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Led by a distinguished guest chef, this program highlights […]

  • Kwanzaa Celebration for All Ages at Parkway Central Library

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Join the Kwanzaa Cooperative for a FREE 2-day celebration from 12:00-3:00 PM in the Auditorium, featuring multicultural performances of dance and music, plus the history of Kwanzaa. Children and teens under 18 will receive a bagged lunch and gifts following the program. This celebration is […]

  • Languages of Philadelphia: French

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Come together at Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special French storytime! Part of the Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers.

    Free
  • 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 […]

  • 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. 

  • Languages of Philadelphia: German

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Would you like to hear stories told in another language? Head over to Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special German storytime! Part of their Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers. […]

    Free
  • Languages of Philadelphia: Spanish | Cuentos bilingües en español

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Join the Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special Spanish storytime! Part of their Languages of Philadelphia story time series, this story time is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers. ¿Alguna […]

    Free
  • Languages of Philadelphia: Arabic | قصة عربية ثنائية اللغة

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Go to Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special Arabic storytime! Part of our Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers. Presented by Al-Bustan […]

    Free
  • The Joy of Trying New Foods with Thembi Palmer

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Join author and storyteller Thembi Palmer at Parkway Central Library to celebrate This Book May Make You Try Things!, her new picture book. Families and children ages 3-8 can enjoy an interactive time with music, games, crafts, and food tastings that celebrate the joy of […]

    Free
  • Languages of Philadelphia: Polish

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium is hosting a special Polish storytime, as part of their language series. This storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and their caregivers.

    Free
  • Languages of Philadelphia: Russian | Двуязычные чтения для русскоязычных семей

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Bilingual Russian Family Storytime Have you ever wanted to learn another language? Join us at Parkway Central Library in Montgomery Auditorium for a special Russian storytime! Part of our Languages of Philadelphia storytime series, this storytime is intended for children aged 6 and under and […]

    Free
  • Social Justice Resource Fair

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Head to the Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement for the 10th annual Social Justice Symposium. This teen-led event will be a resource fair addressing two major issues: Food Accessibility and Mental Health.  Local organizations tackling these issues will be present with resources for […]

  • Pathways to Power: Celebrating Welcoming Week and National Voter Registration Day

    Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street, Children's Department Ground Floor - Room 22, Philadelphia, PA, United States

    New to Philly or a lifelong local? This event is for you! Whether you're just settling in or know the city like the back of your hand, join for a day of learning, sharing, and community-building! What’s Happening? Over 10 amazing partners will be offering […]

    Free