During the winter, it can be easy to feel cooped up in the house when the temperatures dip below freezing. I know I find it hard to motivate myself to get outside, but when you have kids bursting at the seams with energy, it’s time to find some stuff to do! Enter my winter activities for kids near Philadelphia list. There’s plenty of options for everyone to choose from, whether you’re looking for indoor, outdoor, free, or are willing to pay an entrance fee.
Table of Contents
Winter Activities for Kids Near Philadelphia
If you’re feeling curious
We are fortunate to have so many great museums in the Philadelphia area! Here are a few that are particularly great for kids.
- The Franklin Institute – If you have a science-lover, The Franklin Institute does not disappoint! Check out their website for upcoming exhibits, current planetarium shows, and daily schedule of live science demonstrations.
- Museum of Illusions – Get your cameras ready for some eye-fooling fun and hands-on installations.
- Please Touch Museum – Of course, we have to include the Please Touch Museum on our list! Ideal for the littlest of kiddos, Please Touch Museum encourages learning through play with two floors of fun, engaging exhibits.
If you’re feeling playful
If your family enjoy a little friendly competition, try one of these game-centered winter activities for kids (and parents)!
- Bowling – There are plenty of family-friendly spots around the city to bowl. Add in some bumpers and pizza and you’re set for a great afternoon with the little ones!
- Indoor mini golf – Puttshack is a combo indoor mini golf and restaurant/bar, but kids are welcome until 7pm.
- Board and Brew – Cookies, coffee, and board games make for a great afternoon for the whole fam! Board and Brew offers a wide selection of games and food – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re feeling energetic
If you have young kids, you know that sometimes you just need to take them out of the house to burn some energy.
- Kids at Play: This indoor playground welcomes babies who are crawling through kids up to age 12 to explore their multi-sensory toys and jungle gym.
- Phield House: Run, jump, kick, throw – you name it, you can do it at this multi-sport indoor facility. You can book a court, field, or batting cage or sign up for a class or clinic.
- Urban Air: There are several Urban Air locations in the Philadelphia area. In addition to the trampoline park, each location may have other attractions such as indoor slides, bumper cars, laser tag, and more, so check their website for details.
- Superior Play Systems: If you’re in the market for a playground for your yard, you may have come across Superior Play Systems. But did you know you can take the kids there to play on their indoor showroom? They have playsets, basketball hoops, and trampolines to try out during their Open Play hours.
If you’re feeling outdoorsy
Brave the cold and get some fresh air! As they say, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing.
- Ice skating: The Independence Blue Cross River Rink is open through early March and has toddler, kid, and adult size skates available for rental plus skate “helpers” for little ones who need them.
- Longwood Gardens: While most of the gardens’ typical outdoor blooms are dormant during winter, you can still enjoy lots of walking paths for some exercise. Plus, the conservatory has a great children’s area when you need to head inside to warm up.
- Franklin Square: Franklin Square’s famous carousel and mini golf still run through winter, plus they have a heated tent with warm drinks for sale.
If don’t feel like spending money
These activities are all free! Cause let’s face it: we can’t spend hundreds of dollars every week just on activities.
- Library: Check your local branch’s website for story time or an activity schedule – they usually have a lot to offer! Or, just stop in to browse and read some books together.
- Park: Even when it’s chilly, kids love parks and playgrounds. Bundle up and bring a thermos of hot chocolate!
- Home Depot: Did you know Home Depot offers a free kids’ activity on the 1st Saturday of every month? They’ll take home a cute craft and learn a new skill.
- Volunteering: Volunteering is such a great activity to participate in as a family. You can try your nearby food bank, pet rescue, or nursing home.
Hopefully you’ve found at least one or two winter activities for kids near Philadelphia from this list. Don’t forget, you can always just cozy up at home and watch a movie, too. Happy winter!
If you liked this list of winter activities for kids, here are some other family-focused posts from my blog you might enjoy:
+ COMMENTS
add a comment