What are the best things to do with kids in Philadelphia, PA?

Some of the top-rated family activities in Philadelphia, PA include The Historical Society of Haddonfield, Pinwheel Provisions, Strafford Park Parking Lot, Collingswood Public Library, Haddonfield Public Library. We have 172 curated activities with ratings, age recommendations, and parent tips.

What are free things to do with kids in Philadelphia, PA?

There are 85 free things to do with kids in Philadelphia, PA, including Fairmount Park, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, Liberty Bell Center, Sister Cities Park, Fireman's Hall Museum, and more.

What are indoor activities for kids in Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia, PA offers a variety of indoor activities for kids including museums, indoor play areas, and entertainment centers. Browse our full guide for details.

Family Activities Guide

Things To Do With Kids in Philadelphia, PA

Discover 172 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Philadelphia.

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Explore Neighborhoods

Ambler(11)Ardmore(9)Bryn Mawr(10)Cherry Hill(12)Chestnut Hill(8)Collegeville(12)Collingswood(12)Conshohocken(10)Doylestown(10)Haddonfield(10)Manayunk(7)Media(12)Moorestown(11)Newtown(11)Phoenixville(12)Wayne(12)

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Chanticleer, a pleasure garden garden in Wayne, PA

⭐ Activity

Photo: A. M.

Chanticleer, a pleasure garden

★4.9(1,375)$13 mi · Wayne

Chanticleer is a breathtaking 48-acre garden estate that transforms a nature walk into an adventure for curious kids. With meandering paths, hidden garden rooms, and seasonal blooms that change throughout the year, children love exploring the different themed areas while parents enjoy the stunning horticultural displays. The well-maintained grounds are stroller-friendly and offer plenty of space for little ones to discover nature at their own pace.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Ken Bateman

Valley Forge National Historical Park

★4.8(8,626)Free18 mi · Collegeville

Valley Forge National Historical Park brings American history to life with 3,500 acres of scenic trails, original Revolutionary War cabins, and interactive exhibits where kids can imagine life as a Continental soldier. The park combines outdoor adventure with living history, featuring a world-class visitor center with immersive films, ranger-led programs, and plenty of open space for kids to run and explore while learning about George Washington's winter encampment.

🕑 3-5 hours for a thorough visit including the Visitor Center, several historic sites, and a short hike or bike ride; 2 hours minimum if just hitting highlights

Wissahickon Valley Park park in Chestnut Hill, PA

🧗 Adventure

Photo: Anna Thompson

Wissahickon Valley Park

★4.8(6,824)Free8 mi · Chestnut Hill

Wissahickon Valley Park is a spectacular urban oasis offering over 50 miles of trails through lush forests, alongside a beautiful creek perfect for wading and rock hopping. This expansive park provides the perfect escape for families seeking outdoor adventure without leaving Philadelphia, featuring everything from easy stroller-friendly paths to more challenging hiking trails that wind through stunning wooded gorges.

🕑 2-4 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park

★4.8(3,453)Free22 mi · Newtown

Tyler State Park is a family paradise spanning over 1,700 acres of pristine Pennsylvania woodland perfect for active families. With miles of paved and unpaved trails ideal for biking, hiking, and exploring, plus Neshaminy Creek for cooling off, this scenic park offers endless outdoor adventures. The well-maintained facilities and variety of activities make it easy to spend an entire day surrounded by nature without traveling far from Philadelphia.

🕑 3-5 hours for a full visit including hiking, creek play, and picnic time, though families often stay all day

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania garden in Philadelphia, PA

🌿 Nature

Photo: Sao Funk

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

★4.8(2,820)$$

Morris Arboretum offers an unforgettable nature adventure just minutes from Philadelphia, where kids can walk through the treetops on a spectacular 50-foot-high canopy walk and explore 92 acres of stunning gardens. This isn't just a quiet stroll,children can discover hidden garden sculptures, climb through a giant treehouse, and experience nature from perspectives they've never imagined.

🕑 2.5-3.5 hours

🌳 Park

Photo: Kids Castle, Central Park - Doylestown

Kids Castle Central Park

★4.8(2,225)Free23 mi · Doylestown

Kids Castle Central Park is Doylestown's beloved family destination, offering sprawling playgrounds, scenic walking paths, and ample open space for picnics and play. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 2,000 families, this park serves as the community's heart, hosting year-round events that bring local families together while providing endless entertainment for children of all ages.

🕑 2-4 hours

🎨 Museum

Photo: Mercer Museum

Mercer Museum

★4.8(1,839)$$25 mi · Doylestown

Step into a towering concrete castle filled with thousands of fascinating early American tools, toys, and everyday objects suspended from walls and ceilings! The Mercer Museum's unique architecture feels like exploring a medieval fortress, while kids are captivated by the whaling boats hanging overhead, antique fire engines, and authentic Conestoga wagon,making history come alive in an unforgettable way.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours

🎭 Theater

Photo: The Colonial Theatre

The Colonial Theatre

★4.8(1,309)$23 mi · Phoenixville

Step back in time at this beautifully restored 1903 movie palace that's been entertaining Phoenixville families for over a century. The Colonial Theatre offers a unique movie-going experience with classic charm, comfortable seating, and a carefully curated selection of family-friendly films that you won't find at typical multiplexes.

🕑 2-3 hours (including movie runtime and pre-show concessions)

🎭 Theater

Photo: Ambler Theater

Ambler Theater

★4.8(836)$14 mi · Ambler

Step back in time at this charming single-screen movie theater that offers families an authentic, old-fashioned cinema experience without the modern multiplex price tag. With its intimate 450-seat auditorium, affordable tickets, and carefully curated family-friendly film selections, Ambler Theater creates a special moviegoing tradition that kids and parents alike will treasure.

🕑 2-3 hours (including a movie runtime of 90-120 minutes plus time for concessions and pre-show settling in)

🎭 Theater

Photo: County Theater

County Theater

★4.8(487)$25 mi · Doylestown

Step back in time at the County Theater, a beautifully preserved single-screen cinema in the heart of Doylestown that offers families an authentic movie-going experience you won't find at modern multiplexes. This nonprofit gem shows a thoughtful mix of family-friendly films, classic movies, and special events in an intimate, old-fashioned setting that makes every screening feel like a special occasion.

🕑 2-3 hours including the film and time to explore downtown Doylestown before or after

🌾 Farm

Photo: Zachariah Roberts

Collingswood Farmers' Market

★4.8(438)Free6 mi · Collingswood

The Collingswood Farmers' Market transforms Saturday mornings into a delightful sensory experience for kids, with colorful produce stands, fresh-baked treats to sample, and live music creating a lively atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for teaching children about where food comes from while they explore local crafts and enjoy the friendly community vibe that makes this one of New Jersey's most beloved farmers' markets.

🕑 1-2 hours

🎭 Theater

Photo: Steve Mcguire

Haddonfield Plays & Players

★4.8(162)$9 mi · Haddonfield

Haddonfield Plays & Players brings the magic of live theater to families through delightful productions and hands-on youth programs in a historic venue that's been a community treasure for generations. Whether you're catching a family-friendly show or enrolling your child in theater classes, this beloved organization offers quality performing arts experiences that spark creativity and confidence in young performers.

🕑 Performances typically run 1.5-2.5 hours including intermission; youth theater classes vary from 1-3 hours depending on the program