Whether you’re keeping the kids busy close to home or playing tour guide for visiting family, Philly delivers. We’ve rounded up the best things to do with kids over winter break—from cozy hot chocolate tours to magical light shows, ice skating adventures to museum explorations. Many are free or budget-friendly, making it easy to pack winter break with experiences your kids will remember for years to come.

Winter break is that magical time when routines pause and memories get made. These aren’t just activities to fill the days—they’re deposits in your family memory bank. Whether you check off every item on this list or choose just a few favorites, this is your chance to embrace what makes Philadelphia special during the holiday season.

If your kids aren’t getting excited about their Winter Break Camp experience, it’s time to plan an adventure with our Philly Winter Break Bucket List. Be extra, take selfies, and soak up every moment of this special time together! Comment below with your favorite Philly hotel recommendation to help your fellow parents plan their visits!

Check out these top family-friendly activities and create unforgettable memories right here in the city or venture out in the suburbs with our sister sites, Main Line Parent and Bucks County Parent. Their Holiday Family Fun Guides are packed with lights, markets, theater shows, Santa sightings, and winter break camps perfect for exploring beyond city limits.

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Free Philadelphia Winter Break Activities To Explore

Always Free:

• Liberty Bell Center (9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily)
• Fireman’s Hall Museum (dress up in firefighter gear!)
• Wagner Free Institute of Science (America’s first saber-toothed tiger!)
• Fabric Shop and Museum (suggested $5 donation)
• Universal Sphere at Comcast Technology Center (advance registration required)
• Wanamaker Light Show (final season!)
• Electrical Spectacle at Franklin Square
• Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest admission (skating extra)
• Boathouse Row Holiday Light Display
• All holiday markets (shopping extra)

Pay-What-You-Wish:

• Philadelphia Art Museum (Wednesday evenings & first Sundays)

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1. Find your festive spirit at a holiday attraction with the kids.

The Christmas Village at LOVE Park brings authentic German-style market charm with twinkling lights, festive treats, handcrafted gifts, and a Ferris wheel (through December 24, free admission). Don’t miss the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market at Dilworth Park featuring local artisans (through January 1) And the Wanamaker Light Show’s FINAL SEASON is a must-see before its 2026-2027 hiatus—over 100,000 LED lights dance to the world-famous organ!

2. Warm up with hot chocolate in a cozy café… or tour them all!

Beat the winter chill by visiting one of Philadelphia’s best hot chocolate spots! From classic cocoa to decadent artisan creations, these local cafes offer something special for every taste. Try Shane Confectionary in Old City or stop by Cake Life in Fishtown. We have 29 spots organized across 9 neighborhoods to satisfy your seasonal chocolate fix.

3. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink in Philly

The weather outside might get frightful, but there are some winter activities you absolutely love! Lace up your skates at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest celebrating its 32nd season with world-class ice skating, boardwalk rides, fire pits, and the new Jacquin’s Porch Bar—all with spectacular Delaware River views. Free admission, $5 to skate, $12 skate rentals. Or, if you’re not bothered by the cold, try Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Square ($15 adults, $12 children) featuring 18 festive holes with twinkling lights and Philly landmarks.

4. Experience Philadelphia’s top light shows.

Bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and explore Philadelphia’s magical holiday displays! The Electrical Spectacle Light Show at Franklin Square dazzles with hundreds of thousands of lights set to seasonal music (free!). 

Boathouse Row Holiday Lights feature themed displays including Winter Sparkle, Candy Cane Lane, and Hanukkah’s Lights of Hope. 

Miracle on South 13th Street (East Passyunk) is a beloved South Philly tradition where neighbors on the 1600 block transform their rowhomes into elaborate holiday wonderlands—from traditional twinkles to themed dioramas featuring everything from A Christmas Story to rainbow unicorns. Also, stroll the block nightly from 5-10 p.m. through New Year’s Day (free, but expect traffic—take SEPTA’s Broad Street Line to Tasker-Morris Station).

5. Explore a Philly museum.

Discover something new as a family by visiting one of Philadelphia’s many museums! The Franklin Institute ($23) offers mind-blowing demonstrations and hands-on science. Please Touch Children’s Museum ($24) also features six interactive zones including the restored 1908 carousel, plus special events like Christmas Celebration with Santa (Dec. 20) and Kwanzaa Celebration (Dec. 28). 

Don’t miss free museums like the Liberty Bell Center, Fireman’s Hall Museum, Wagner Free Institute of Science, and the Universal Sphere at Comcast Technology Center (advance registration required).

6. See a festive family show.

Philadelphia’s theater scene sparkles this season! Hansel & Gretel at Curio Theatre offers an interactive Make & Partake experience where young audiences help bring the magic to life ($20). One-Man Nutcracker at Proscenium Theater features one actor channeling Marie, Fritz, Drosselmeyer, the mice, and the Sugar Plum fairy ($18). Little Women at Hedgerow Theatre celebrates family and resilience during the Civil War era ($35).

7. Meet Santa around the city.

No winter break is complete without a visit to the jolly man in red! Santa’s making stops all around Philadelphia this season—from festive brunches to photo ops at Christmas Village and the Fashion District. Whether you’re looking for a quick hello or a full brunch experience with crafts and activities, there’s a Santa event perfect for your family. 

8. Take in iconic Philly views from the City Hall Tower.

See Philadelphia from a whole new perspective on the City Hall Tower Tour. Once the tallest habitable building in the world, City Hall offers a memorable ride to the observation deck—548 feet above ground—for sweeping 360-degree views right beneath the iconic William Penn statue. It’s a can’t-miss experience for history lovers and curious kids alike, offering a fresh way to appreciate the city skyline.

Tours run Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at 1400 John F. Kennedy Boulevard; tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for kids, with children 3 and under free. 

9. Visit winter wonderlands near Philly.

Just 30-40 minutes from the city, Longwood Gardens: A Longwood Christmas transforms conservatories with jewel-toned trees and the spectacular 60-foot Holiday Garden Railway tunnel (through January 11). Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature features nearly 1,900 animals plus whimsical light displays and the brand new Pherris Wheel with 110-foot views ($32 ages 12+, $27 ages 2-11, through January 3). Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater in Camden brings Scuba Santa and the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree.

10. Try a kid-friendly restaurant with built-in entertainment.

Fuel your winter break adventures at restaurants where the kids can play while you relax. From pizza at Pizzeria Stella to indoor play spaces like Craft Hall, plus fun activities like mini golf or bowling at Libertee Grounds and North Bowl, these spots let you enjoy a meal while the kids burn off energy. It’s the perfect solution for keeping everyone happy during the busy holiday season—good food, built-in entertainment, and no need to rush.

11. Give back together as a family.

Set some time aside during winter break to give back as a family. From serving meals at local shelters to collecting donations for those in need, Philadelphia offers meaningful ways to teach children the joy of helping others. 

Families can still sign up now for year-end volunteer shifts at Cradles to Crayons’ Giving Factory to sort and pack kids’ essentials (register in advance). Caring for Friends continues to welcome volunteers for meal prep and snack-bag projects across the region, and The Salvation Army offers holiday-season roles like ringing Red Kettles, serving meals, and participating in Angel Tree gift giving — contact your local center for exact dates and sign-ups.

12. Tour a Philly stadium

Taking a guided tour of one of Philadelphia’s sports venues can be an exhilarating experience, even when the seats are empty and the players are away. Fans can book VIP tours for behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms, press conference areas, batting cages and dugouts, team tunnels, and, in certain instances, on-field passes allowing you to dig your shoes into the same turf as Philly’s finest athletes.

Hours vary by stadium—check out each team’s official web page for more information: Eagles, 76ers and Flyers, Phillies, and Union.

13. Ring in 2026, Philly-Style.

Celebrate the New Year with kid-friendly events happening across Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. Families can enjoy early countdowns, balloon drops, fireworks along the waterfront, museum parties, zoo celebrations, skating events, and even the iconic Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day. Many events wrap up well before bedtime, making it easy for younger kids to join in the fun. 

14. Make a LOVE Award Nomination to recognize a small business, nonprofit organization, or expert who made a difference in your family’s life this year

Add a meaningful twist to your winter break bucket list by honoring the people and businesses who make family life in Philly better. Nominate your favorites and join Philadelphia Family readers who have shared trusted recommendations since 2013, helping other parents, grandparents, and caregivers navigate daily decisions—from finding the right camp to choosing a reliable contractor. The LOVE Awards and Family Favorite Honors are parent-powered and quality-focused, celebrating local businesses, nonprofits, and experts based on authentic, detailed nominations.

15. Protect your peace (and sanity) through the holidays.

Winter break brings precious family time, but it can also bring stress from disrupted routines, packed schedules, and complicated family dynamics. Make it a priority to build in downtime and be realistic about what your family can handle. If holiday gatherings feel overwhelming, the local experts’ advice for managing mental health during the holidays in this story offers strategies to protect your peace while staying present with loved ones.

Most importantly, let go of the pressure to do it all. Whether you check off every item on this bucket list or simply enjoy hot chocolate in your pajamas, the best winter break memories come from being together.

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Where Out-of-Town Visitors Should Stay in Philly

Hosting family or friends for the holidays? The Visit Philly Overnight Package is a game-changer—offering free hotel parking (worth up to $100!) on one- and two-night stays at participating hotels. Nearly 200,000 travelers have taken advantage of this deal since 2001, and with Philly ranked as one of America’s most walkable cities, guests can park once and explore everything on foot.

Philadelphia Hotel Recommendations:

• Center City for walkability to attractions, restaurants, and holiday markets
• Old City for historic charm near Independence Hall and cobblestone streets
• Navy Yard area for modern amenities and easy highway access

Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package for your guests—or treat yourself to a staycation! Comment below with your favorite Philly hotel recommendation to help your fellow parents plan their visits!

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