Enjoy picking and other family-friendly activities at Linvilla Orchard. Photo courtesy of the orchard
Apple Picking near Philly: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
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Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia
Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
32 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air.. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!
Ultimate Archery is a great experience for families looking to have some fun together!
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Franklin Square Features Center City's only miniature golf course. Photo courtesy of Historic Philadelphia
Best Mini Golf Courses Near Philadelphia
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
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Kids and parents will love the fresh ingredients and delicious flavors in the ice pops and pies and pies at Lil' Pop Shop..Photo courtesy of the shop
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Philly families will find tons of great things to do with kids this summer around the city and the state
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Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins
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Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite summertime traditions Photo courtesy of the Delaware-River-Waterfront
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University City District presents free outdoor movies at Clark Park. Photo courtesy of University City District
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Bring the family to the first annual Rail Park Block Party where Noble Street will bustle with activities. Photo courtesy of the event
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Bass River State Forest. Photo courtesy NJ State Park Service
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Explore the Children's Discovery Garden at Sister Cities Park. Photo courtesy of Matt Stanley
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At Johnson's Corner Farm, it's all about the berries.
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The Pocono Mountains are a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of the Lehigh River by Mommy Poppins
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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Kith and Kin
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Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Join the Phillies Kids Club, just in time for the home opener!
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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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Smith Memorial Playhouse is always free, with space for kids to make their own crafts. Photo courtesy of Smith
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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Six Flag Great Adventure brings big time thrills as one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Harriet's Bookshop is full of titles that represent Black kids and kids of color. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Explore a house at PlayArts. Photo by the author
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In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum
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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
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Enjoy the wildflower meadow at Delaware Canal State Park near the Giving Pond. Photo courtesy of PA DCNR
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Don't miss closing weekend of Disney100, the magical world premiere exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Photo by @Disney
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Bask in the glow of thousands of lights without ever leaving your car at Dasher's Lightshow at the Philadelphia Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of the event
Bask in the glow of thousands of lights without ever leaving your car at Dasher's Lightshow at the Philadelphia Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of the event
12/21/22 - By Victoria Fox

Looking for the best things to do in Philly this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The countdown to Christmas is in full swing! Snap a pic with Santa before the big night and find out what's on everyone's wishlist. Make magical memories by taking your family to Disney On Ice, The Nutcracker, or Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story. If you love history, Washington Crossing the Delaware is the place to be on Christmas day. Grab some hot cocoa and ride on a merry-go-round at A Very Furry Christmas. Keep the festivities going at night with Dasher's Lightshow or American Heritage's Grand Illumination. 

Don't celebrate Christmas or looking to shake off the cabin fever after gifts are opened? Check out our list of 20 Things to Do on Christmas Day. We've got everything you need to keep the family busy while school's out, so browse our roundup of 35+ Fun Things Do Over Winter Break and our Holiday Bucket List, all featured in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in Philly. 

More Things To Do in Philly this Week with Kids:

 

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Disney On Ice presents
Disney On Ice presents "Frozen" and "Encanto" at the Wells Fargo Center. Photo courtesy of Disney

Things To Do Christmas Weekend in Philly with Kids

Seven Spools of Thread

December 23 - January 2023
Camden NJ
The cast of "Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwaanza Story" is made up entirely of men exploring the principles that make up their family. With live music by Jamal Dickerson and directed by Haki Pratt, this rousing tale will have you on your toes from start to finish. READ MORE

Being ______ at Christmas: Family Day at the Weitzman

Sunday, Dec 25, 2022
Philadelphia
Fill in the blank on Christmas day at the Weitzman Museum with live performances by Lolly Hopwood, a traditional Chinese lion dance by the Philadelphia Suns Lion Dancers, a drumming workshop with Joseph Tayoun, and hip-hop dance with Movemakers Philly. Get creative with make-and-take crafts including paper lanterns and charm bracelets, plus enjoy a sensory-friendly play zone and family-friendly film screenings. READ MORE

Washington Crossing the Delaware

December 25, 2022
Bucks County
Hundreds of reenactors dress in Continental military uniforms as they make their way across the Delaware River in three replica Durham boats. The actual crossing ceremony begins at approximately 1 pm. READ MORE

Disney on Ice Presents Frozen and Encanto

December 25 - 31, 2022
Philadelphia
Get ready, because Elsa, Anna, and Mirabel bring their magic to Broad Street just in time for the holidays. Disney on Ice hits a home run with this epic mash-up, as Arendelle and the Madrigal Casita come to life on the rink at Wells Fargo, where you'll definitely be talking about Bruno. READ MORE

Art Kids Studio & Tours: Winter Break

December 26 - 30, 2022
Philadelphia
Get creative as a family between Christmas and New Year at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Explore paintings of interior scenes from Matisse in the 1930s, along with immersive spaces and fabulous places in the museum. READ MORE

Night Before Christmas Train

Last day December 23, 2022
Ronks
Experience the excitement of Christmas Eve even when it's not December 24 on this very special one-hour train ride. Listen to the classic poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on this journey aboard a decorated holiday train, where drinks and treats are available for purchase. READ MORE

Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquarium

Last day December 24, 2022
Camden NJ
Scuba Santa swims through the Adventure Aquarium alongside sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays during Christmas Underwater. Kids can see the world's tallest underwater Christmas tree amid submerged light displays. READ MORE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Last day December 24, 2022
Philadelphia
Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Visitors can expect booths featuring conventional European food, sweets, drinks, and shopping. Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, Ferris wheel, and train. READ MORE

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Now through December 28, 2022
Philadelphia
For years, families have been enjoying George Balanchine's Nutcracker at the Academy of Music. Make this a tradition in your family this season by attending one of the many performances available. READ MORE

Dasher’s Lightshow: A Christmas Drive Thru at the Philadelphia Mills Mall

Now through December 31, 2022
North East Philadelphia
Bask in the glow of thousands of lights without ever leaving your car at this holiday drive-thru at the Philadelphia Mills Mall in Northeast Philly. READ MORE

American Heritage's Grand Illumination

Now through January 1, 2023
North East Philadelphia
American Heritage Credit Union welcomes visitors to its annual Grand Illumination celebration featuring the lighting of two 40-foot Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, and over 400,000 lights. This month-long display always gets families into the spirit of the season. READ MORE

Christmas Candylane

Now through January 1, 2023
Hershey
Experience Hershey Park during the Christmas season, when 5 million lights twinkle across the park. The choreographed light show NOEL dances to classic holiday tunes. Ride roller coasters, amusement rides, and visit Santa and his nine reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Stables. READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Now through January 8, 2023
Langhorne
Sesame Place hosts A Very Furry Christmas celebration, featuring a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and whirling rides. See Santa, Rudolph, and the whole Sesame Street gang. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show featuring holiday music and lights. READ MORE
The lighting of the candles during Hanukkah is an important job for kids! Photo by Liz Baill
The lighting of the candles during Hanukkah is an important job for kids! Photo by Liz Baill

More Top Things To Do in Philly Right Now

What's Open on Christmas Day in Philly: 20 Things to Do with Kids

If you're looking to get out of the house on Christmas, here's where to go. READ MORE

Philadelphia Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Christmas Day restaurant options for great meals and less stress. READ MORE

Holiday Break in Philly: 35+ Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's Eve

Shows, museums, lights, and more to get you out and about over winter break. READ MORE

8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History

Put on your yarmulkes, it's time for Hanukkah! READ MORE

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Philly

The Philadelphia region sparkles, glitters, and shines at these light shows. READ MORE

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