Category: Things to do with kids in Philadelphia

All Things Mummer

The Mummer’s Parade — Philly’s answer to Mardi Gras — takes place on New Year’s Day every year (subject to weather). As parades go, this is a biggie, with 12,000 marchers, enough sequins and feathers to outfit a gaggle of Vegas show girls and strutting string bands. The children will love the spectacle; just dress for the chilly weather. An indoor rehearsal show called Mummer’s Fest takes place at the PA Convention Center December 28, 29, 20, and 31. Donation suggested.

Location: Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

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Ubiq

Sneaker freaks love this store, with its edgy vibe, skater threads, hipster designer denim and hard-to-score clothing by Silas and Maria, Rag and Bone, Christian Dior, and Marc Jacobs. Sneaker heads are bound to swarm the limited edition Nikes they always seem to have. The area is a perfect ‘hood in which to shop, graze, and people watch around Rittenhouse Square.

Contact number: (215) 988-0194

Location: 1509 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

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The Sound of Philadelphia Souvenir Shop

Clue the children into the Philly sound. If they haven’t danced to Love Train it’s not too late. This shop is stocked with vinyl records and 45s for die-hard fans and serious collectors. And the kids will flip over the chance to check out the recording booth and record live songs over a favorite TSOP track.

Contact number: (215) 985-0900

Location: 309A South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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Spirit of Philadelphia

Take an afternoon or evening cruise on the Delaware, it’s a fun way to spend a few hours with the children and see both the Philadelphia and Camden side of the river from a new perspective. Cruises include lunch or dinner and entertainment. The kids will have fun pointing out landmarks like the Adventure Aquarium, Ben Franklin Bridge and the sports stadiums.

Contact number: (215) 923-1419

Location: Columbus Boulevard and Lombard Circle, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Smith Playground and Playhouse

This wonderful playground in Fairmount Park features a classic old wooden slide (the kind where you go riding down on a burlap sack) called Swing City, an amazing landscape of rope sculptures, swings, and other crazy stuff that children love; and the Playhouse, a 19th-century three-story mansion filled with toys, games and a miniature cityscape designed for the 5 and younger set.

Contact number: (215) 765-4325

Location: East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 16801

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Schuylkill Nature Center

Situated on 400-acres — the largest privately owned green space in the city limits- the Schuylkill Nature Center offers great programming for curious naturalists-to-be and their parents. For instance, every third Thursday from 1:30pm to 3pm, Nature Tots introduces 2 to 4 year-olds to outdoor adventure through stories, songs and crafts. A range of hiking trails — some as short as 1/4 mile — wind through wetlands, meadows, and forests. The colorful Discovery Center is the hands on place to learn about honeybees, insects, and birdcalls. There’s even a bird blind overlooking courtyard feeders.

Contact number: (215) 482-7200

Location: 8480 Hagys Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128

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Laurel Hill Cemetery

There’s nothing macabre about this eight acre cemetery in the East Falls section of the city, the first cemetery to be named a National Historic Landmark. Full of towering trees, amazing sculptures, and beautiful landscaping, Laurel Hill is a gorgeous place for walks, picnics, sketching, photography, watching birds, and riding bikes. Take a self guided tour — a map is just $5, or join one of the group tours that identify famous residents, including 12 passengers from the Titanic, friends and family of Ben Franklin, captains of industry, poets, writers, and dancers. Family programs include apple bobbing, scavenger hunts, and themed tours.

Contact number: (215) 228-8200

Location: 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132

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Blue Cross RiverRink

Open around Thanksgiving, the RiverRink is a super cool way to have winter outdoor fun. After skating, warm up with hot chocolate and snacks. Depending on the day, there’s a schedule of fun activities for the children. Sled skating sessions for the physically and developmentally challenged take place Sunday mornings, with advance reservations necessary.

Contact number: (215) 925-7465

Location: Delaware Avenue and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

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Morris Arboretum

This 92-acre horticulture display garden features a spectacular collection of mature trees in a Victorian landscape. You’ll love the roses, gorgeous perennial gardens, and graceful fernery; the children will adore the swan pond, wildflower meadows, and the viewing platform high in the canopy of a redwood grove. Don’t miss the Garden Railway, model trains on a quarter mile track in a miniature world of detailed historic buildings and landscape.

Contact number: (215) 247-5777

Location: 100 Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

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Philadelphia Zoo

America’s first zoo gives you and the children the chance to go on safari in the big city. For the little ones, the children’s zoo offers animals to pet, ponies to ride ($5) and a tree house for climbing. Wowing exhibits include Big Cat Falls, a lush landscape in which a dozen endangered cats prowl, including the occasional baby puma or snow leopard cub. The dimly lit reptile house can be a bit spooky for sensitive tykes, but the chance to see a gator, croc or viper up close is very cool. The Rock and Roar concert series entertains every other Tuesday at 11am during the summer. For an extra $5, take a camel ride or a paddle on a swan boat along Bird Lake.

Contact number: (215) 243-1100

Location: 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Learn more here.