Okay, Philly parents, we made it past the holidays—now what? This weekend (Jan 3-4) is your absolute last chance for a couple of big seasonal hits, like that wild Disney on Ice show. If you need something new, check out Quintessence Theatre’s Pirates of Penzance—it’s classic but usually a bit much for the younger crowd, so it’s a great teen pick, or hit up PAFA for their free art day if you can snag a spot!
Quick Picks
Family Art Day
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
A totally free, all-ages art-making session at one of our city's best art schools.
A Christmas Story The Musical
Walnut Street Theatre
Catch the very last matinee/evening shows of this hilarious, relatable holiday musical before it packs up.
Disney on Ice Presents: Jump In!
Xfinity Mobile Arena
The perfect, contained, big-show experience for little ones obsessed with Elsa and Moana.
Disney on Ice Presents: Jump In!
It's the absolute last chance to see this massive ice show featuring characters like Elsa, Moana, and the *Toy Story* crew. Great if you need a solid two hours of structured, bright, noisy entertainment for the younger kids.
Why we picked it: This is the final day of the run, making it a must-do if your kid is holding out for a big spectacle.
A Christmas Story The Musical
You know the movie, now see the stage version—it’s loud, funny, and definitely leans toward slightly older kids who get the 'triple-dog-dare' jokes. Make sure you check the Saturday schedule for afternoon/evening options.
Why we picked it: The run concludes this weekend (and Sunday), so this is the final call for Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun!
Winter at Dilworth Park (Ice Rink & Cabin)
The rink is still open right outside City Hall, so grab the kids for a spin—renting the penguin skate-aids is a must if you have newbies! Afterward, snag a hot chocolate at the Cabin for that cozy City Hall vibe.
Why we picked it: It’s prime ice-skating season right in the heart of the city, and it’s fun for every age group that can stand up.
Astra Lumina
This is a seriously cool immersive light walk where nature and projections meet—perfect for escaping the cold and blowing their minds. It's a bit outside the city proper, but totally worth the drive for the visuals.
Why we picked it: An immersive, one-mile pathway of cosmic lights makes for a magical indoor/outdoor experience regardless of the January weather.
Wagner Free Institute of Science
This Victorian-era science museum is a total time capsule, stuffed with 100,000 specimens like a full draft horse skeleton. It’s free to visit, which is amazing for a spot this unique, but check their specific hours for Saturday.
Why we picked it: It's one of the few genuinely free museums in the city and feels like a secret cabinet of curiosities.
To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775–1958
This exhibit explores Philly’s role in the Navy's history and closes soon—on January 9th. It’s a great, quiet spot to explore some serious local history without the usual crowds.
Why we picked it: It’s a specialized exhibit about Philadelphia's naval history that is ending its run next week.
MLK Weekend Programming
While the main Day of Service is Monday, many spots like the Museum of the American Revolution start special talks and programming honoring Dr. King’s legacy this weekend. It’s a great way to kick off the conversation with older kids early.
Why we picked it: It’s the start of MLK weekend, offering a chance for meaningful educational programming before the Monday service events.
The Pirates of Penzance
Quintessence Theatre is doing Gilbert & Sullivan—it's quirky operetta fun that's perfect for teens who need a break from typical musicals. Look for afternoon and evening performances on Sunday.
Why we picked it: A genuinely clever and slightly niche production closing out its run this weekend.
One-Man Nutcracker
Chris Davis performs the entire *Nutcracker* by himself—seriously, that’s the whole premise! It’s a high-energy, boundary-pushing take on a holiday classic, and this is one of the final days to catch it.
Why we picked it: It’s a totally unique, one-person theatrical feat that is a great intro to boundary-pushing theater for older kids.
Winter in Franklin Square (Chilly Philly Mini Golf)
The mini-golf course is decked out for winter—think lights and seasonal tunes on all 18 holes. It’s Center City’s only outdoor mini-golf, and it's usually quieter this time of year.
Why we picked it: The holiday decorations are *just* coming down, but the fun winter mini-golf is still going strong through the first week of January.
Family Art Day
PAFA hosts a free, all-ages art-making session where you try new materials and everyone gets to take home something they made. You *must* register in advance, so snag those spots ASAP!
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, hands-on, multi-generational activity, but you have to register for the free program.
First Sunday at Philadelphia Museum of Art
It’s Pay What You Wish admission for everyone on the first Sunday, so you can hit the Sphinx or check out *The Stories We Wear* exhibit on a budget. They often have Art Kids programming too, so check their schedule.
Why we picked it: The PWYW admission is a huge win for families, and it's a great way to explore a world-class museum without breaking the bank.
Fireman's Hall Museum
Check out Philly's first volunteer fire brigade history—kids can climb on/look at old trucks and try on coats and boots! It's small, manageable, and totally free, which is a huge win for early January.
Why we picked it: It’s a hands-on, free history lesson perfect for the little ones fascinated by big red trucks.
Woodmere Art Museum
Admission is totally free for kids all year, and free for everyone on Sundays! It’s a bit of a trek up to Chestnut Hill, but the art showcases local Philly artists and has a great sculpture garden if the weather holds.
Why we picked it: It's always free for children, and the general admission is free for everyone on Sunday, making it a zero-pressure cultural hit.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
The RiverRink is still open for skating with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge backdrop—it’s super festive and way less crowded than the Dilworth Park rink sometimes. Grab a warming cabin or hot cocoa after you’re done skating your hearts out.
Why we picked it: The holiday-specific events might be over, but the iconic waterfront rink is still running for an authentic Philly winter activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Philadelphia this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) offers a few genuinely free options: check out the hands-on Family Art Day at PAFA on Sunday (registration required!) [id: philadelphia-4], the Wagner Free Institute of Science in North Philly which is always free [id: philadelphia-6], and the Fireman's Hall Museum in Old City [id: philadelphia-7].
Where can we go if it rains all weekend?
If the weather turns, try the Astra Lumina light walk in Jenkintown for an immersive visual experience [id: philadelphia-2], or head to the Walnut Street Theatre for a last chance to see A Christmas Story The Musical [id: philadelphia-11]!
What's best for my toddler/preschooler this weekend?
For younger kids, your best bets are the Disney on Ice show on Saturday for a big, bright spectacle [id: philadelphia-10], or a visit to the Fireman's Hall Museum where they can safely explore real historic fire trucks [id: philadelphia-7].