What to Do With Kids When School’s Out

Maintain the youngsters busy this Winter Break in Philly with so many enjoyable occasions. / {Photograph} courtesy of Please Contact Museum

There’s solely every week between Christmas and New Yr’s, however that week can go very slowly with no college, no schedule, and chilly climate. 4 days in, all of the presents have been opened and discarded, bumming round in pajamas till 11 a.m. such as you’re in a cereal advert turns into the a centesimal viewing of Encanto on Disney+, and also you’ve simply received to get out of the home earlier than you all go loopy. Don’t fear: There’s lots to do round Philly, from day-off camps to vacation magic. Right here’s the rundown.

See Additionally: What’s Open on Christmas Day in Philly?

Vacation Stuff That’s Nonetheless Round After Christmas

Look, the vacation season flew by and also you didn’t get round to all of it, and that’s tremendous as a result of Philly’s not able to let go both. Right here’s what sticks round via winter break (and past, in some circumstances).

Macy’s Christmas Gentle Present / {Photograph} by Laura Swartz

Holiday Lights
Even when Christmas is over, that gained’t cease Philly’s vacation establishments from glowing till 2023. The Macy’s Christmas Light Show (and Dickens Village upstairs, with a reservation), the Comcast Holiday Spectacular, Franklin Sq.’s Electrical Spectacle, and Metropolis Corridor’s Deck the Hall Light Show all run via the tip of the yr. You too can stroll via some lights at the zoo, take an open-wagon journey via an illuminated Shady Brook Farm, stroll via a lit-up South Philly avenue, try Tinseltown in Oaks, and extra. The checklist goes on, so preserve that vacation magic alive a bit of longer with a information to all of them here.

“Christmas Underwater” at Adventure Aquarium
Although Scuba Santa could have returned to the North Pole by Christmas (catch him via December twenty fourth), the aquarium’s distinctive oceanic spin on seasonal decor — together with the “World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree” in Shark Realm — will nonetheless be on show all through the animals’ properties via December Thirty first. The place else are you going to see an 18-foot-tall coral sculpture with sharks swimming round it? Plus, the remainder of the aquarium is up and working, so cease by to want all the ocean life a merry “Fishmas.”

Chilly Philly Mini Golf at Franklin Sq. / {Photograph} by Laura Swartz

Winter in Franklin Square
Franklin Sq. is filled with sparkle, holiday-themed mini golf, and lots to eat, drink, and have a good time on daily basis via New Yr’s and past. Catch the Electrical Spectacle gentle present each half-hour starting at 5 p.m. each day and working via 9 p.m. This week, you may collect a bunch of as much as eight to take pleasure in their brand-new iceless “avenue curling” rinks.

A Longwood Christmas
Longwood Gardens’ annual vacation exhibition runs via January eighth, with decorations each indoors and out. There’s additionally stay vacation music, open-air fountain reveals, and the pleasant Garden Railway show. Timed tickets are required, and weekends specifically promote out — however they’re one of many few sights open on Christmas Day.

Teddy Bear Tea at the Rittenhouse Hotel
Afternoon tea within the resort’s Mary Cassatt Tea Room is all old-school grandeur — which can simply be what you’re on the lookout for in a excessive tea. Their particular holiday-themed Teddy Bear Tea run via December Thirtieth. Children get storytime, a Gund teddy bear to take dwelling, treats, sandwiches formed like bears, and the selection of cider or scorching cocoa as a substitute of tea. Dad and mom get glowing wine. Win-win. The pre-paid price is $79 per individual for each adults and youngsters. Reservations are required and might be booked here.

Go Skating

Go skating at Dilworth Park throughout winter break. / {Photograph} by Jeff Fusco

For festive wintertime reminiscences, you may’t beat a spin across the ice with music taking part in and lights twinkling. And you may get that have at Rothman Rink in Dilworth Park, in addition to the nearly-30-years-running Blue Cross RiverRink. The latter’s Winterfest presents a comfortable lodge, foods and drinks, rides, photograph ops, enjoyable and video games, and river views to make it a vacation must-do even for these not concerned about strapping on a pair of skates. Take a look at our full information here, and make reservations here. Each rinks keep open effectively previous the vacation season, so even should you don’t get there over break, you’ve received a pair months left within the season.

In search of a lower-key ice-skating expertise? Be Effectively Philly has a complete guide to rinks within the metropolis and past.

See a Present

His crown is fabricated from cheese! / {Photograph} by Laura Swartz

From Disney on Ice to The Nutcracker, you may at all times depend on loads of kid-friendly fare onstage all through winter break. Right here’s what’s on this yr:

Mary Poppins
Mixing the novels of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney movie, Quintessence Theatre Group presents Mary Poppins. The stage model, tailored by Julian Fellowes (the creator of Downton Abbey), retains Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman’s traditional rating and songs with “an edge.” (“Spoonful of Sugar” continues to be there, don’t fear.)
Via December Thirty first, Sedgwick Theatre, 7137 Germantown Avenue.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
The last word traditional. From the Tchaikovsky rating to the fantastical journey to the Land of Sweets and again, this ballet by no means actually adjustments, and by no means actually has to. Come early for a pre-show image with the Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy to actually make your vacation season full.
Via December Twenty eighth, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Road.

Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto
Individuals’s Gentle at all times levels an elaborate, comical and fun-for-all-ages panto for the vacations, and this yr they’re actually bringing it. “With origins relationship again to commedia dell’arte, the ‘pantomime’ takes a widely known youngsters’s story and turns it on its ear,” they clarify. New for this yr, it’s Alice in Wonderland, stuffed with jokes and songs, and led by the fantastic drag performer Eric Jaffe because the Cheshire Cat. Finest for ages 5 and up.
Via January 1st, Individuals’s Gentle, 39 Conestoga Highway, Malvern.

Disney on Ice
You already know the drill, mother and father: Get the youngsters out of the home and of their most glittery princess costumes for a pair hours of determine skating set to their favourite Disney film soundtracks. This yr, Encanto joins the lineup, so be at liberty to sing alongside to “We Don’t Speak About Bruno” as a result of, be trustworthy, you recognize all of the phrases. Additionally, Frozen, as a result of Disney is aware of the place its bread is buttered. Purchase the $30 light-up wands and commemorative cups when you’re at it.
December Twenty fifth-Thirty first, Wells Fargo Heart, 3601 South Broad Road.

Disney on Ice / {Photograph} courtesy of Feld Leisure

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Children and adults alike will likely be swept away within the fairy story with traditional songs like “In My Personal Little Nook” and “Not possible.”
Via December Thirty first, Walnut Road Theatre, 825 Walnut Road.

The Sound of Music
Media Theatre levels one of the beloved musicals ever, with classics like “Do Re Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and “My Favourite Issues.” Catch the Rodgers and Hammerstein traditional via early January.
Via January eighth, Media Theatre, 104 East State Road, Media.

Charlotte’s Web
Arden Kids’s Theatre apparently needs to make all the youngsters cry this vacation season with the heartwarming and heartbreaking story of a particular friendship between a pig and a spider. I’m nonetheless not over it. Critically, although, the E.B. White ebook stays a childhood traditional for a cause. The present runs for 90 minutes with one intermission.
Via January Twenty ninth, Arden Theatre, 40 North 2nd Road.

Blue Man Group
“The boys are nonetheless blue however the remaining is all new!” guarantees Kimmel Cultural Campus, and I don’t actually know what meaning, however I do know that the present nonetheless consists of their signature drumming, absurdity, viewers interplay, and custom-made devices. It’s enjoyable; don’t give it some thought too arduous.
December Twenty seventh-Thirty first, Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Road.

… Or a Film

Philadelphia Movie Heart on Chestnut Road/ {Photograph} by E. Frizzelle for Go to Philadelphia

Philadelphia Movie Society is actually bringing it this winter break with Disney sing-alongs and a Harry Potter marathon!

Hogwarts Express
Watch all eight unique Harry Potter movies over six days on the Movie Heart, from The Sorcerer’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets and techniques on December Twenty sixth via the 2 Deathly Hallows flicks on December Thirty first.
December Twenty sixth-Thirty first, Philadelphia Movie Heart, 1412 Chestnut Road.

Disney Sing-Alongs
You know the way you attempt to educate your little ones that they have to be quiet on the films? Effectively, neglect all that, as a result of they will come see their favourite Disney princess films on the large display screen and sing their little hearts out. All screenings happen on the Philadelphia Movie Heart at 1412 Chestnut Road.

Museum Programming

Winter Break on the Penn Museum / {Photograph} by Eddy Marenco

Penn Museum
From December Twenty seventh via Thirtieth, the Penn Museum is free for everybody beneath 17, and there are some particular each day actions to interact youngsters of all ages. Together with the self-guided “Superb Artifacts” tour that includes QR codes to assist company “dig deeper” into every object, youngsters can create paper mosaics at a free “Creation Station,” be taught in regards to the principals of Kwanzaa via inspirational tales with Paul D. Finest (“Our Solar Paul” from Keepers of the Tradition), and be a part of the “Every day Dig” to take a 15-minute deep dive into one artifact on show.
December Twenty seventh-Thirtieth, 3260 South Road.

Franklin Institute
Head to the Franklin Institute for the science museum’s annual winter celebration Franklin Frost. The vacation programming runs via January 2nd and features a 26-foot-tall “celestial-themed tree,” miniature prepare shows, crafts and different actions in Huge Chill Valley and Celestial Village. All actions are included with admission.
Via January 2nd, 222 North twentieth Road.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Take a look at Artwork Children occasions together with pop-up studio actions and excursions on daily basis throughout break. On Wednesday, December 28th, college students, caregivers, and employees of the College District of Philadelphia (together with constitution colleges) will get free admission to the Artwork Museum all day, together with musical performances and art-making actions. To shut out the yr, have a good time Matisse’s 153rd birthday with a kid-friendly, family-focused art workshop and free cupcake giveaway (153 cupcakes, to be actual) to coincide with the museum’s particular exhibit on Saturday, December Thirty first.
December Twenty sixth-Thirty first, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Please Touch Museum
The Please Contact Museum‘s particular exhibit, “The Lion Guard,” primarily based on the favored animated present, brings the story to life with video games, motion, music, and extra Pleasure Lands-inspired enjoyable via January eighth. There may even be a Kwanzaa celebration on December Thirtieth and, in fact, their Countdown2Noon occasion on New Yr’s is a must-do for little ones (extra on that under).
Via January eighth, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.

Museum of the American Revolution
Over break, the museum is planning particular actions with costumed re-enactors, hands-on discovery carts, partaking in-gallery talks and extra to focus on the varied tales of women and men who skilled winter through the American Revolution within the Philadelphia space. Most actions are included with admission, however on December Twenty seventh there will likely be a particular ticketed History Explorer Meet-Up the place youngsters will study Henry Knox’s 1775 journey to Fort Ticonderoga to carry again cannons within the ice and snow: “Discover a miniature diorama and use reproduction objects to assist us remedy how precisely he managed to maneuver all 59 cannons in the course of winter to assist free town of Boston!”
December Twenty sixth-Thirty first, 101 South Third Road.

Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Pure Sciences continues its interactive particular exhibit “Ocean Bound,” which inspires guests to discover marine life and the way our habits and actions can have an effect on the well being of our waterways and oceans. Plus, on December Twenty seventh, they’re providing $10 admission.
Via January fifteenth, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

“Banksy Was Here”
Not precisely a museum, nevertheless it matches! New this month, “Banksy Was Right here” opened within the former Candytopia area in Style District, presenting the work of elusive, nameless avenue artist Banksy in an immersive, multisensory exhibit that includes unique works, projections, digital actuality and extra. The “unauthorized exhibition” options art work and installations, in addition to interactivity and photograph ops to maintain the expertise recent. Your mileage could range with youngsters — some could discover the subject material or particular results jarring, however others will benefit from the chaos. More info in our preview.
Via January Thirty first, Style District, 901 Market Road, Suite 1150.

Winter Break Camps

Maintain the youngsters busy at Winter Break camp. / {Photograph} courtesy of Music Theatre Philly

In case your youngsters are off, however you aren’t, listed here are loads of camps to maintain them occupied all day, no matter they’re into. Costs are per day.

Music Theatre Philly
From 9 a.m. to three p.m., your youngsters (ages 4 via 10) will spend the day with singing, performing, dancing, doing crafts and video games, and extra. Every day has a unique theme, from Disney to Broadway classics. Every day begins with a full warmup of thoughts, physique, voice, and creativeness; and all through the day crafts associated to the theme give youngsters breaks from performing. Camp is $120 per day, or $475 for the entire week, with prolonged care out there for an additional $15 per hour.
December Twenty sixth-Thirtieth, Music Theatre Philly, 262 South twelfth Road.

Phield House

Children in kindergarten via eighth grade can spend their days taking part in sports activities and video games on this huge indoor sports activities facility. Full-day ($50) and half-day ($30) choices can be found, and there’s a 10-percent sibling low cost.
December Twenty sixth-Thirtieth & January 2nd-Third, Phield Home, 814 Spring Backyard Road.

Philly Art Center
Artists ages 5 via 12 can get artistic within the studio at Philly Artwork Heart’s Queen Village, Mount Ethereal and Fairmount areas. Age teams are cut up up and guided by lecturers who construction artistic playtime. Camps are full-day ($84), with before- and after-care out there for a further price.
December Twenty seventh-Thirtieth, Philly Artwork Heart, 514 Bainbridge Road (Queen Village), 530 Carpenter Lane (Mount Ethereal), and 2333 Fairmount Avenue (Fairmount).

Philadelphia Rock Gym
Philadelphia Rock Health club’s Fishtown and East Falls areas are internet hosting full-day ($90) and half-day ($55) camps. Children ages six and up will be taught bouldering and high rope abilities whereas strengthening their downside fixing, communication, and teamwork. Lunch is supplied for full-day campers. Prolonged care is offered for a further $10 an hour. Reductions can be found for multiple-day registration. PRG’s suburban outposts in Malvern and Oaks are additionally internet hosting camp.
December Twenty sixth-Thirtieth, & January 2nd, Philadelphia Rock Health club, 2412 East York Road (Fishtown) and 3500 Scotts Lane (East Falls).

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
This distinctive camp lets youngsters actually run off to affix the circus in Mount Ethereal. It’s open to ages six via 16 and restricted to only 12 youngsters. Camp combines components of play, psychological focus, belief and team-building in a full day of classes and actions on actual circus tools. The total-day camp is $85 per day, or $400 for the entire week.
December Twenty sixth-Thirtieth, Philadelphia College of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene Road.

Skate the Foundry
Children ages eight and up can enroll in two-day camps over break to excellent their skateboarding abilities at Skate the Foundry’s indoor West Philly location. Campers will need to have their very own skateboard, helmet, and security gear. Full-day camp is $120 for a single day, or $230 for the two-day camp.
December Twenty seventh-Twenty eighth and December Twenty ninth-Thirtieth, Skate The Foundry West Philly, 888 North fortieth Road.

Finish winter break with a bang! / {Photograph} courtesy of Please Contact Museum

The children (in all probability) aren’t making it up til midnight, so occasion with them a bit of earlier. (After which plan one thing enjoyable for your self!) Take a look at our full NYE guide here, and see under for a number of the finest family-friendly celebrations.

Fireworks
Fireworks gentle up the Delaware River waterfront at 6 p.m. and midnight, so plan your day across the earlier present and get a front-row seat with waterfront events just like the one at Cherry Street Pier that has PopUpPlay-led craft actions, a dance occasion, a money bar for the grownups, free scorching cocoa for teenagers, and improbable views. Wish to watch these fireworks from the ice? E-book a ticket to RiverRink’s 5 p.m. New Year’s on Ice occasion and luxuriate in them from the rink, together with rides, meals and music. Liberty Point additionally has a family-friendly waterfront occasion with a stay ice-sculpting demonstration, make-and-take crafts, and dancing.

Coundown2Noon at Please Touch Museum
The Please Contact Museum goes all out with their signature Countdown2Noon occasion, which contains a full day of performances, crafts, dance events and a ball drop (and confetti bathe) at midday in Memorial Corridor.

Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown at Franklin Square
New Yr’s Eve craft-making begins at 5 p.m. Then, at 6 p.m., there’s a countdown to the “Sq. Drop” from atop SquareBurger. Afterward, stick round till 8 p.m., when you may take within the remaining Electrical Spectacle gentle present of the yr, play Chilly Philly Mini Golf, journey the carousel and extra. Better of all, this occasion is free!

Brunch With Cinderella at Figo
Cinderella is aware of a factor or two about looking ahead to the clock to strike 12, so it’s solely pure that she’d host her personal countdown celebration! Come take pictures with Cinderella and ebook an igloo (or desk) for brunch at Figo earlier than she counts all the way down to midday. Reservations required.