It’s no secret, children are bursting with creativity and energy! As kids develop and grow, much of their learning and understanding of the world around them involves play. Children play to learn, to explore, to understand. Luckily, Philadelphia is a city filled with many kid-friendly things to do to keep your little ones engaged and active.
We’ve rounded up our top eight things to do with kids in the city anytime of the year!
1. Take The Kids To The Franklin Institute, Center City
Located in center city, The Franklin Institute is fun for children of all ages. Through immersive experiences and captivating exhibits, children are able to explore and learn while having fun. The museum showcases permanent exhibits focused on electricity, the brain, and more. There’s also a giant heart for children (and adults) to climb through and learn about the different chambers of the heart while a soft beating sound thuds in the background.
The Franklin Institute also hosts traveling exhibits like the most recent magical Disney exhibit.
Plan your experience by visiting their website.
Where: 222 N. 20th st
2. Let The Kids Run At Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, Fairmount Park
Located in East Fairmount Park, Smith Memorial Playground has been a treasured destination for over 100 years. Let your little ones run free and enjoy unstructured creative play for children 10 and younger. The playhouse was specifically designed as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia’s most prominent late 19th century architects, James H. Windrim.
The Playground consists of 6 1/2 acres of open fields, wooded terrain, and sloped hills. The star of the playground however is the century old Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, a beloved and treasured play experience for generations of Philadelphia’s children.
Plan your experience by visiting their website.
Where: 3500 Reservoir Dr
3. The Please Touch Museum, Centennial District
Many times we say to our children “don’t touch” so it’s very pleasant to have a safe place to take children where they can actually do the opposite. The Please Touch Museum, as indicated by its name, is the ultimate discovery center for babies, toddlers, and school-aged children and families.
Children can enjoy permanent exhibits such as the fairytale garden, the rocket room, the imagination playground and so much more. There are also traveling exhibits and kid-friendly and family events throughout the year. Lastly, who can resist the the beloved carousel.
Plan your experience by visiting their website.
Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic
4. Kids Love Candlelight concerts
Kids can be difficult to please, particularly since they have no filter and will bluntly let you know if they’re bored. Luckily, Candlelight offers a range of concerts for every music taste, so your children will definitely find something they like. Taking place at top-notch Philly venues like Adventure Aquarium, Independence Seaport Museum and The Rittenhouse Hotel, you can unwind to the popular tunes in a breathtaking setting.
👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older
Where: Various locations across the city
5. The Philadelphia Zoo, West Philly
Located in West Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s first zoo! Indeed it’s always a fun and educational time for children. Learn about different types of animals and their habitats while observing them. From sloth bears, to lions, to flamingos, The Philadelphia Zoo is wildlife discovery at its finest. There’s also an immersive dinosaur exhibit, Staying Power, that brings prehistoric creatures to life!
Plan your experience by visiting their website.
Where: 3400 W. Girard Ave
6. Kids At Play, Roxborough
Located in the Roxborough section of the city, Kids At Play is the ultimate indoor children’s amusement center. Children can tumble, climb, slide, and engage with one another in an open and safe place. Perfect for toddlers to children up to age 12, Kids At Play has something for everyone from zip lining to ball pits to slides!
What we love about Kids At Play is it incorporates sensory centers and equipment for children on the spectrum or with sensory disorders. Parents are able tor relax while renaming on site as their children play and explore.
Plan your experience by visiting their website.
Where: 7201 ridge Ave
7. Independence National Historical Park, Old City
Kids can learn about US history while exploring iconic sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Located in historic Old City, Independence National Historical Park is the perfect educational and fun option for children anytime of the year.
Where: 526 Market St.
8. Visit the Adventure Aquarium, Camden, NJ
Located just across the Delaware River in Camden, NJ, this aquarium features over 8,500 aquatic species, including sharks, penguins, and hippos. Children can learn about marine life and how essential it is to human life. Moreover, visiting the aquarium is a great opportunity to discuss environmental awareness and sustainability especially as it impacts our water friends.
Where: 1 Riverside Drive. Camden, NJ 08103