Ideas for keeping kids entertained during holiday break: Philly’s best activities and day trips
Discover the best activities and day trips for kids in Philly during the holiday break. From museums to skating, day trips, and at-home DIY projects, there’s fun for every family!
The holiday break is here, and while the kids may be thrilled, parents might already be wondering how to fill those long winter days.
Whether your little ones need to burn off energy, dive into a new learning experience, or simply stay entertained indoors, Philadelphia offers a treasure trove of activities to keep the whole family happy.
From outdoor skating and adventure parks to hands-on museums and creative at-home projects, this guide has something for every family dynamic. So bundle up, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore the best ways to make this holiday break memorable for everyone!
Winter can bring on cabin fever, but Philly has countless ways to keep kids moving and having fun. Skate at the Blue Cross RiverRink or Cooper River WinterFest for some frosty fun. Try indoor spots like Jumpers Family Fun Center, packed with slides and bounce houses, or challenge older kids to climb walls at the Philadelphia Rock Gym. If you’re up for a day trip, head to Spring Mountain Adventures for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Turn the holiday break into a mini-adventure with these family-friendly trips near Philadelphia. Head to Diggerland, the construction-themed amusement park, where kids can operate real machinery. Explore the magical Enchanted Woods at Winterthur Museum, complete with fairy houses and whimsical gardens. For train enthusiasts, a visit to Strasburg Rail Road offers steam train rides through Lancaster County. Whether it’s nature, history, or amusement parks, these outings offer fun for every family.
Philadelphia is bursting with family-friendly museums that make learning a hands-on experience. At the Please Touch Museum, younger kids can play in a massive water exhibit or a mini supermarket. For dinosaur lovers, the Academy of Natural Sciences offers fossils, live animal displays, and “The Big Dig” excavation site. Older kids will enjoy the Franklin Institute, where they can walk through a Giant Heart, learn about flight, or explore the latest tech exhibits. These museums bring fun and education together, perfect for kids of all ages.
When staying home is the plan, Philly organizations like the Academy of Natural Sciences and Yes! And... Collaborative Arts have you covered. Download free science experiments like building a DIY volcano or try art projects inspired by local museums. The Free Library’s Reading Champs offers creative activities like inventing your own sport or playing Philly-themed charades. With these resources, you can bring education and creativity straight to your living room, no matter the weather.
Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom. Take the family to LEGOLAND Discovery Center to see Philly landmarks built entirely from LEGO or design your own creations in the workshops. Visit the Franklin Institute’s Fels Planetarium for a starry escape, or try a family-friendly escape room for a real-life puzzle adventure. For active fun, head to The Cliffs for indoor climbing or Sky Zone for trampoline jumping. Rain or shine, Philly has endless ways to keep kids entertained and parents happy.