Things To Do With Kids in Philadelphia, PA
Explore the best Philly fun with kids today, think museums, zoos, hands-on exhibits, and sweet treats in the City of Brotherly Love!
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Experience Exciting Kids Activities in Philadelphia
Explore Family-Friendly Activities in Philadelphia
Looking for exciting things to do in Philadelphia with kids? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the city is full of fun, educational, and interactive attractions that the whole family can enjoy. From outdoor adventures to indoor experiences, Philadelphia offers a variety of options that make it easy to plan a memorable outing.
Top Outdoor Family Activities in Philadelphia
When the weather is nice, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors together. Philadelphia’s parks, zoos, and gardens provide a perfect mix of recreation and education for kids of all ages.
- Philadelphia Zoo: One of the oldest zoos in the U.S., it’s home to more than 1,300 animals and features interactive exhibits like Zoo360 walking trails.
- Franklin Square: Great for younger children, Franklin Square offers a carousel, playground, mini-golf, and plenty of open space to run around.
- Fairmount Park: A massive green space great for biking, hiking, and scenic picnics.
- Spruce Street Harbor Park: Seasonal waterfront fun with hammocks, food vendors, arcade games, and more.
Indoor Adventures and Educational Fun
If you’re planning a day indoors, Philadelphia has plenty of engaging and educational options. These spots combine learning and play, making them ideal for curious kids.
- Please Touch Museum: Specifically designed for children under 7, this museum encourages learning through hands-on play, with exhibits like the kid-sized city and imagination playground.
- The Franklin Institute: A science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and the popular Giant Heart exhibit.
- Adventure Aquarium: Located just across the river, this aquatic attraction features sharks, sea turtles, a touch tank, and live diving shows.
- Indoor play spaces like Kids at Play: Great for toddlers and preschoolers, these safe environments offer open gym time, ball pits, and sensory play equipment.
Philadelphia also offers family-friendly tours, including historic sightseeing walks, mural arts tours, and even foodie adventures for curious little taste testers. Whatever your interest, there are plenty of family activities in Philadelphia to keep everyone entertained and engaged.
Whether you’re exploring a new museum or enjoying a sunny afternoon at the park, these family things to do in Philadelphia today are just the start. With so many options available year-round, it's easy to find something that fits your family’s schedule and interests. Check out local offers and plan your next outing with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
The strongest kid-friendly water park deals near Philadelphia are typically Island Waterpark at Showboat in Atlantic City and Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin, both offering discounted day tickets compared with gate pricing. From Center City, Sahara Sam’s is about a 30–40 minute drive, while Island Waterpark is roughly 70–90 minutes, traffic depending.
With deals, Island Waterpark at Showboat tickets commonly drop from standard prices around $49–$59 down into the mid-$30s for a day pass, with occasional extra savings on multi-ticket bundles. Many locals use Groupon to lock in these lower rates before heading down the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
Yes, families near Philadelphia often choose Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin and Island Waterpark at Showboat in Atlantic City for indoor water fun when the weather is lousy. Both parks run year-round with climate-controlled areas, and discounted admission is frequently available through Groupon vouchers.
Near Center City Philadelphia, you can mix activities like tech-infused mini golf at Puttshack, discounted movie tickets for AMC or Regal locations, and trampoline sessions at Sky Zone. These options sit within about a 15–20 minute radius, making them easy add-ons to a day in town.
Families around Philadelphia regularly save at trampoline venues such as Launch Deptford and Sky Zone, where limited-time offers shave roughly 15–20 percent off standard jump passes. Deals typically cover 60–90 minutes of jump time and can be bought in advance on Groupon for specific locations.
Affordable arcade and mini golf outings near Philadelphia include Lucky Snake Arcade in Atlantic City and Puttshack in Center City, both of which run timed play or round packages at below walk-in pricing. Groupon often lists passes for these venues that bundle multiple games or players into one discounted rate.
Budget-friendly animal experiences near Philadelphia include goat cuddle sessions at EZ’s Rescue Ranch in Gloucester Township, which are often offered around half off standard pricing. These sessions give kids a hands-on, small-group visit with rescue animals without the higher cost of full-scale zoo admission.
Philadelphia-area families commonly trim costs for SeaWorld Orlando or American Dream parks by buying dated or single-day tickets through Groupon instead of paying full gate price. Savings of 30–40 percent are typical, especially on advance-purchase options for Big SNOW, DreamWorks Water Park, or Nickelodeon Universe.