Philadelphia Winter Break Planner: Top Picks for Family Fun 2024
Winter break is here, and with the kids off from school, it’s time to fill your days with fun, enriching, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to enjoy festive holiday events, explore local museums, or find a cozy indoor play space, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our ultimate winter break planner, featuring activities and venues in and around Philadelphia that will delight the whole family!
CAN’T-MISS WINTER EVENTS
1. Glow to Bed – A Journey Through Time
- Where: Glow at Washington Township
- When: Open at sundown through January 5
- Website: Glow at Washington Township (Check local listings for exact location details.)
This illuminated experience takes you on a spectacular journey through time. Drive among dazzling light installations and festive displays and watch the music sync to the music on your radio!
2. Disney On Ice
- Where: Wells Fargo Center
- When: December 26 – January 4
- Disney on Ice Info: Disney On Ice Official
Watch your favorite Disney characters come to life on the ice! From Mickey and Minnie to beloved princesses, the whole family will be enchanted by this spectacular show. - Link to tickets: Get tickets here
3. IBX Riverrink Winterfest
- Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Penn’s Landing
- When: Open through February 23
Lace up your skates and glide along the Delaware River with stunning city views. Warm up with hot cocoa in the cozy cabins, play arcade games, and enjoy seasonal treats in a fun winter village setting.
4. Winter in Franklin Square
- Where: Franklin Square
- When: Through February 23
Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling light shows, festive decorations, mini-golf, and a classic carousel. Perfect for all ages.
5. Gardens’ Holiday Garden Railway
- Where: Morris Arboretum
- When: Open daily through December 30
Explore a whimsical display of model trains weaving through a miniature landscape featuring historic Philadelphia landmarks, all meticulously crafted from natural materials.
6. The Three Little Pigs at Curio Theatre
- Where: Curio Theatre Company
- When: December 27 & December 28 (times vary, check listings)
A delightful twist on a classic tale! Bring the kids to this fun, family-friendly production that’s sure to spark their imagination.
7. Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND
- Where: LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Plymouth Meeting
- When: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM
LEGOLAND’s Holiday Bricktacular features festive LEGO builds, holiday-themed activities, and plenty of hands-on fun. Perfect for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages!
8. LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo
- Where: Philadelphia Zoo
- When: Select dates through January 4 (check website for tickets)
Experience the zoo after dark with glowing animal displays, interactive light installations, and seasonal treats. An enchanting adventure for the whole family!
9. The Gardens After Dark
- Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
- When: December 27, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Explore artist Isaiah Zagar’s immersive mosaics by the glow of colorful lights. This special evening event offers a unique way to appreciate the whimsical, reflective artwork.
10. Mummers Day Parade
- Where: City Hall & Broad Street, Philadelphia
- When: January 1 at 9 AM
- Info: Mummers Day Parade
Ring in the New Year with Philly’s iconic parade! Watch as spectacularly costumed performers strut down Broad Street in a tradition that’s uniquely Philadelphia.
11. Philly Goat Project Christmas Tree-Cycle Festival
- Where: Awbury Arboretum
- When: January 4, 12 PM – 3 PM
- Info: Philly Goat Project
Recycle your Christmas tree, meet friendly goats, and enjoy festive fun at this eco-friendly celebration. A great way to teach kids about recycling and caring for the environment.
MUSEUMS TO KEEP BUSY
(Check websites for tickets and up-to-date hours.)
- Museum of Illusions
- Where: Center City, Philadelphia
- Website: Museum of Illusions Philly
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM – 8 PM
Get ready for mind-bending exhibits and interactive photo ops!
- Museum of the American Revolution
- Where: Old City, Philadelphia
- Website: Museum of the American Revolution
- Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Dive into America’s founding era with hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities.
- Please Touch Museum
- Where: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
- Website: Please Touch Museum
- Hours: Open daily 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Designed for little ones, this museum offers imaginative play, interactive exhibits, and learning through exploration.
- Academy of Natural Sciences
- Where: Logan Square, Philadelphia
- Website: Academy of Natural Sciences
- Hours: Open daily (check website for hours)
Discover towering dinosaur fossils, butterfly exhibits, and the wonders of the natural world.
- The Franklin Institute
- Where: Logan Square, Philadelphia
- Website: The Franklin Institute
- Hours: Open daily 9:30 AM – 5 PM
A Philly science hub filled with interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments—from outer space to the iconic giant heart!
INDOOR PLAY SPACES TO VISIT
When winter temps dip or the rain (or snow!) sets in, these indoor spots let the kids burn off energy in a warm, safe environment.
- Beehive at Bok – South Philadelphia
- Kids at Play – Roxborough
- Kith + Kin – Brewerytown
- Smith Memorial Playhouse – Fairmount
- Nest Center City – Center City
- We Rock the Spectrum – NE Philadelphia
- Playology – West Philadelphia
- PlayArts – (Weekends Only) Philadelphia
- Lulu’s Casita – Ardmore, PA
- Captain Hook’s Playroom – Marcus Hook
- Lulu’s Casita – West Chester, PA
- Junior Playland – Newtown Square, PA
- Barn Yard – Collegeville, PA
- Imagination Street – Exton, PA
- Le Mignon – Berwyn, PA
- Ocean Park – Burlington, NJ
- Superior Play Systems – Norristown, PA
- Little Munchkins Playroom – Port Richmond, Philadelphia
From bouncy slides to sensory-friendly gyms, each spot offers unique features that cater to a range of ages and interests. Check their websites for open play hours and any advance registration requirements.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL WINTER BREAK
- Plan Ahead: Many activities require tickets or timed entry, especially during school breaks. Book early to secure your spot.
- Dress Appropriately: Even if you’re mostly indoors, you’ll want warm outerwear for quick transitions between places.
- Pack Snacks: Museums and play spaces may have cafés, but bringing extra snacks can be a lifesaver for hungry kiddos.
- Stay Flexible: Have a backup plan in case an event is sold out or the weather acts up. Philadelphia is full of hidden gems!
- Beat the Crowds: If possible, visit popular attractions on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid peak times.
Enjoy Your Winter Break!
With so many exciting events, museums, and indoor play spaces, you’ll have no trouble making the most of this extended winter break in the Philadelphia region. Whether you’re ice skating at Riverrink, exploring a dinosaur exhibit, or cozying up in a local play café, you’re sure to create warm memories that last all season long. Bundle up, plan your days, and have a magical winter break!
