10 Family-Friendly Winter Break Activities in Philly

The holiday season is here…and whatever holiday(s) your family celebrates, all of us parents are looking for fun activities to engage the whole family and keep kids busy during winter break.

Here are 10 activities to enjoy over the holiday in the Greater Philadelphia area…please share your favorite activities in the comments below:

1. RiverRink Winterfest: Whether you and your kids like to ice skate or not, there is plenty of holiday fun at the RiverRink—including a kids lodge with games. You can sip hot chocolate while sitting outside by a fire pit.

2. Chanukah in Rittenhouse: This year, Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, overlaps with Christmas. There will be a public menorah lighting with music at Rittenhouse Square on December 28th. Whether you are Jewish or not, this will be a fun way to share Chanukah with your family!

3. Kids Camps: For working parents who aren’t able to take off work during winter break, kids camps offer a great way to keep kids busy and for kids to enjoy our city’s cultural institutions. Check out the camps at the Franklin Institute and Arden Theater. Many local YMCAs also offer camps during winter break.

4. The Play’s The Thing: There are so many wonderful shows for families that are on stage through the holiday season. Check out A Year With Frog and Toad, Sleeping Beauty and more selections for families at PhillyFunGuide.

5. Indoor Water Parks: When kids need to get their energy out and it’s too cold to spend much time outdoors, indoor water parks are great destinations. Just a short ride from the city, check out Sahara Sams or the reasonably priced Greater Plymouth Community Center.

6. Road Trip To Herrs: The Herrs Snack Factory is just a short ride from Philadelphia and has been named one of the 15 best light shows in Pennsylvania. Pack up the family, put on some holiday tunes and of course, take plenty of snacks!

7. City Lights: There are so many beautiful neighborhoods in Philadelphia to drive or walk through and enjoy the festive lights! 13th Street in Philadelphia is well-known for its decorating. Click here for a list of other neighborhoods to see.

8. Make Art: Cold winter afternoons are an ideal time to paint your own pottery, create a mosaic or check out family events at one of our amazing art museums. Visit The Library: We are fortunate to have a local library system that not only has great books for readers of all ages, but that offers free and fun programming through the city for young children, elementary age kids and teens. Check out the schedule here.

9. Give Back: When the presents have been opened and enjoyed, it’s an ideal time to remind our children that not everyone has what they need. There are a number of local organizations that encourage families to volunteer together. Check out Cradles For Crayons, Jewish Relief Agency or Philabundance.