Indoor Things to Do Near Philly Over Winter Break

1. The Franklin Institute

If you haven't been in a while, The Franklin Institute is a great place to spend the day. Climb through the heart, watch a planetarium show, or try your hand at pitching a baseball.

2. Penn Museum

Visit Asia, Africa, and Ancient Egypt all in one day at Penn Museum.

3. Puttshack

Hit the techy fairway at Puttshack, which is kid-friendly every day until 8pm.

4. Fun Dungeon

Have some fun at this Phoenixville arcade bar that has family hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

5. Flight Club

If you've got teenagers in the house, Flight Club is an awesome way to spend 90 minutes that you'll all enjoy. Guests under 21 are not permitted on Saturdays or after 6pm on other days and children under 12 are not permitted to throw darts, so teens only!

6. Trampoline Park

Put on your grippy socks and get ready to jump at a local trampoline park.

7. Philadelphia Art Museum

Run up the museum steps Rocky style and then explore the galleries during Pay What You Wish admission days at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

8. Netflix House

Choose your adventure at King of Prussia's Netflix House. Guests of all ages are permitted, but attraction tickets can get pricey and older kiddos will appreciate it best.

9. Sloomoo

Slime aficianados and 90s Nickelodeon kids alike will have a ball at Sloomoo in the King of Prussia Mall.

10. Go Bowling

If there's one thing Philly's got, it's bowling alleys. If you're looking for lanes nearby, check out our roundup of the Best Bowling Alleys in Philly for Kids.

11. F1 Arcade

Kiddos are welcome until 9pm every day at the brand new F1 Arcade. Kids under 7 cannot race, so leave the toddlers at home to avoid tears.

12. Craft Hall

Craft Hall is really the perfect family hang. Great beer, good food, an indoor playground, and arcade games. They even have a dog park outside for fluffy family members.

The Academy of Natural Sciences is perfect for the dinosaur lovers in the family. Photo courtesy of the author

13. Academy of Natural Sciences

Hang out with the dinos and walk through the butterfly garden at Academy of Natural Sciences.

14. Mütter Museum

Learning about the human body in science? Got a kiddo who loves curiosities? Then The Mütter Museum is perfect for your fam.

15. Go for an Indoor Swim

Dive into an indoor pool or water park. You can even make a weekend of it and stay at one of the local resorts, like Great Wolf Lodge.

16. SPIN

Every Saturday before 6pm, SPIN offers a family package where all ages are welcome to join in the fun. So grab your paddle and hit the ping pong tables.

17. Try an Escape Room

There's no better way to bond as a family than to bust out of an escape room.

18. Museum of Illusions

Figure out which way is up at the Museum of Illusions.

19. Pinball Gallery

See if anyone in your family is a pinball wizard at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern.

A snack and a tour? Count us in! Stock up on chips while learning how they're made at Herr's Snack Factory. Photo courtesy of the author

20. Herr's Snack Factory Tour

It may be a bit of a hike, but this factory tour is totally worth the drive. The free chips alone are a great incentive!

Outdoor Things to Do Near Philly Over Winter Break

21. Check out a New Playground

Visit Smith Memorial Playground or use our The Best Playgrounds for All Day Play to find even more fun.

22. Go Ice Skating

Take a spin on the ice at Blue Cross RiverRink or Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink.

23. Electrical Spectacle

If you missed Franklin Square's light show over the holiday season, you're in luck! Electrical Spectacle runs through the end of February, so cash in on those days off for some nighttime fun.

24. Go Snow Tubing

If you love tubing down the river in the summer, give snow tubing a try at a nearby mountain.

25. Drive Go Karts

See who can ride the fastest on an indoor go kart speedway.

26. Go Skiing

Go skiing at a mountain within a two-hour drive of Philly.

27. Take a Winter Hike

Nothing clears the mind quite like a hike through a park on a brisk winter day.

More Things to Do Near Philly Over Winter Break

28. Take a Trip Back Through History

Step back in time with a visit to Historic Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

29. Linvilla Orchards

Escape the cold with a game of science-themed indoor miniature golf or try glice skating at Linvilla Orchards.

30. Tea Around Town

Get shuttled around for a tour of Philly with a spot of tea on a Tea Around Town tour.

Winter Break in Philly FAQS

Q: What are the best outdoor winter activities for kids in Philly?

A: Popular outdoor fun includes ice skating at Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing — both classic Philly winter experiences. You can also play mini golf at Franklin Square’s Chilly Philly Mini Golf, sled where snow falls, or check out holiday light displays around town.

Q: Where are good indoor options when it’s too cold to play outside?

A: Great warm places include The Franklin Institute (hands-on science fun for all ages), Please Touch Museum (excellent for toddlers and preschoolers), Museum of Illusions Philadelphia (interactive and mind-bending fun), and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (colorful mosaic art space).

Q: Do I need reservations or tickets?

A: Ice skating rinks often require timed tickets, and museums may have limited entry or special exhibits. Reservations help avoid lines and ensure you get on the schedule you want.

Q: What can we do for free or low cost?

A: Some museums offer free or “pay what you wish” days, check out our list of Free Museums and Free Museum Days, or you can head to your local library for free programming or to roam for new reads. Visit our list of 100 Free Things To Do in Philly for even more fun and FREE things to do! 

Q: Are there places with activities for all ages (toddlers through teens)?

A: Yes — interactive museums (like science or illusions), big playgrounds (e.g., Smith Playground), ice skating rinks with beginner aids, and seasonal festivals tend to have something for every age group. We've also rounded up Things To Do in Philly that Everyone Will Love!

Q: What should we bring or plan for when doing outdoor winter activities?

A: Dress in layers, bring gloves and hats, and plan warmer rest stops or indoor breaks. For skating, socks that are thick and comfortable make rentals more fun; hot cocoa afterward is always a hit!