How To Choose Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

• Find attractions with multiple activities in one place, to satisfy different age groups. Also look for timeless activities—things that are fun no matter your age or ability level.
• Keep it convenient. Choose spots with nearby food, rest areas, and easy parking or transportation. Keep eating schedules, nap times, and energy levels in mind when planning your day.
• Include a mix of both independent and group activities. While it’s nice to do some things together as a family, sometimes younger kids might need some one-on-one time, and older kids might crave some independence. 
• Incorporate choice. Offering options allows kids to feel like they’re part of the planning and their preferences and opinions are being considered. 

Tips for a Stress-Free All-Ages Day In Philadelphia

• Plan to visit only 1-2 spots in a day to avoid burnout.
• Keep a flexible schedule, adjusting as necessary.
• Be realistic about transitions between activities.
• Mix active time with rest time, building in moments of quiet. 
• Always have snack and bathroom break options in mind.

Museums and Cultural Spots that Wow All Ages

Museum of Illusions — Old City

“Experience the impossible” at this unique museum of optical illusions and visual trickery, which includes mind-bending attractions like a reverse room, a vortex tunnel, and a tilted room.

For toddlers/pre-K: This is a great way to engage in sensory play, as little ones explore the way the museum spaces play with light, color, shape, and mirrors. 

For big kids: Bigger kids can learn about the science behind these illusions, making this visit as educational as it is fun.

For teens: Time for a selfie! Teens will love the many unique and funny photo ops you can take throughout the museum, like a cloning table or head-on-a-platter.

Franklin Institute — Logan Square

This hands-on science museum is a must-visit in Philly for good reason. It will inspire curiosity and a passion for science no matter what age you are.

For toddlers/pre-K: Young children will love the immersive, multi-sensory experience of traveling through a human heart or climbing the brain’s neural network.

For big kids: This is really the ideal age group to take advantage of the museum’s amazing interactive and educational exhibits, and they’ll be fascinated by everything from the Wondrous Space exhibit to the Sports Zone to the LEGO play space. 

For teens: In addition to the awe-inspiring Fels Planetarium, teens will enjoy FI’s upcoming special exhibition about Universal theme parks (coming Winter 2026).

Photo courtesy of Otherworld

Otherworld — Northeast Philadelphia

Part immersive art experience, part “mixed reality playground,” this large-scale psychedelic art installation is hard to describe but easy to enjoy.

For toddlers/pre-K: Little ones will engage in a thrilling sensory experience while exploring the different colors and textures surrounding them. Sensory play is a great way to get those brain neurons firing!

For big kids: There are lots of cool interactive areas for active play, including climbing structures and hidden passageways.

For teens: Hiding throughout the exhibit are puzzles and mysteries to solve. While you don’t need to do the puzzles in order to enjoy your visit, they can make the experience extra rewarding for teens and adults.

Battleship New Jersey — Camden 

This interactive naval museum allows families to explore the USS New Jersey, the most decorated American battleship and one of the largest ones ever built. Located on the Camden waterfront, you can reach it from Philly by taking the RiverLink Ferry for an even more nautical adventure.

For toddlers/pre-K: Jason’s Kids Kompartment is a small boat and play area specifically designed for preschool-aged visitors. Note that front carriers are required for bringing infants and toddlers aboard the battleship since it is not stroller-friendly. 

For big kids: Bigger kids will enjoy learning about history while climbing and exploring the ship. The cannons are always a big hit! Sensory friendly days are also offered. 

For teens: For a more immersive experience that even teens will enjoy, try the youth-oriented Overnight Encampment program, where you can chow down in the Crew’s Mess, sleep in the sailors’ bunks, and take a hands-on tour of the ship’s gun turrets.

Photo by Lisa Warden

Outdoor Adventures for Mixed Ages

FDR Park — South Philadelphia 

The largest park in South Philly, this picturesque spot offers plenty of fun activities for all ages across its 348 acres. While you’re there, be sure to grab some delicious food at the Southeast Asian Market!

For toddlers/pre-K: Younger kids will love the new state-of-the-art Ava C. Verna playground which features a tree canopy, giant slide, and the largest swing set in North America.

For big kids: There are a lot of fun nature-based activities available for families, including free boating and fishing, biking trails, pop-up nature crafts, and other youth programming. 

For teens: Check out the free archery range, or visit the world-renowned skatepark.

Fairmount Park — Fairmount

Philly’s largest park is home to some great destinations, including the Philadelphia Zoo (great for all ages), the Please Touch Museum (best for toddlers and kids) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (best for kids and teens). There are also some fun outdoor spaces that might interest your family depending on your kids’ ages. Fairmount Park is very large, so make sure you have a plan (and a car, if you’re visiting multiple spots).

For toddlers/pre-K: Check out Smith Playground, an amazing free playground with multiple climbing and swinging zones, a giant wooden slide, and a three floor indoor Playhouse. 

For big kids: Visit Treetop Quest, an aerial adventure park where you can maneuver from tree to tree with zip-lines and obstacles.

For teens: Music-loving teens will want to catch a concert at the Mann Center (an outdoor performance venue that offers many family-friendly events throughout the summer), while sports-minded teens will want to check out Sedgley Woods, a 27 hole disc golf course. 

Longwood Gardens — Kennett Square

This renowned public garden is a magnificent display of horticulture and a great day trip destination for the whole family. They offer youth discounts and free admittance for children under five. 

For toddlers/pre-K: The indoor Children’s Garden is specifically designed for the youngest visitors, and features child-sized fountains, a bamboo maze, a dripping cave, and beautiful mosaic architecture with hidden bugs.

For big kids: Longwood hosts a lot of family and child programming, including Family Learning Workshops designed for children 5-9 and Youth Workshops designed for children 10-16.

For teens: Even teens will be impressed by the extraordinary fountain displays and the Instagram-worthy Flower Garden Walk.

Treehouse World — West Chester

For an afternoon of arboreal adventure, check out Treehouse World. It’s a fantastic day trip spot for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

For toddlers/pre-K: The youngest visitors will love interacting with the nature-based sensory garden, meeting bunnies and goats at the mini farm, and exploring the fairy tale themed treehouses in the Once Upon a Treehouse zone. Older toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy the beginner zip-line (2 years minimum), bungee trampoline (20lb minimum), and tree climbing (22lb minimum). 

For big kids: Bigger kids will have fun exploring Pirate’s Cove Treehouse, which features a zip-line and a “walk the plank” harnessed free fall. They can also enjoy the bungee trampoline, tree climbing, the warrior woods obstacle course, and the Toxic Plunge slide. 

For teens: In addition to the warrior woods obstacle course and more advanced zip-lines, teens will love the thrilling inflatable rides, like the Toxic Meltdown. They can also try their hand at tomahawk axe throwing.

Hellerick’s Adventure Farm — Doylestown

This family-friendly farm features a host of activities to do as a group, including crop picking, wagon rides, and a corn maze. There are also various attractions that will appeal to different age groups.

For toddlers/pre-K: The farm features slides, friendly farm animals, and a tractor tire playground that toddlers will love.

For big kids: From the farm obstacle course to the silo climbing wall to the aerial adventure park, there is plenty of excitement for thrill-seeking big kids.

For teens: Teens will enjoy the aerial adventure park, mini golf course, and human foosball, and they can also try out the one-of-a-kind goat yoga experience. 

Activities and Entertainment Everyone Can Enjoy

Professional Sports Game — South Philadelphia

Watching a beloved Philly sports team play is an activity that the entire family will enjoy. Catch the Phillies at Citizen Bank Park, the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, and the 76ers and Flyers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena (formally the Wells Fargo Center). All locations are free for babies and small toddlers, and offer Kids Club memberships for older kids which grants access to special events, merchandise, and contests. Keep an eye on their calendars for family-friendly programming and promotions, and be sure to get a “first game certificate” if it’s your kid’s first visit.

Photo by Liz Baill (@creativishmom)

Live Theater — Multiple Locations

Attending a theater performance can be a great cultural experience for the whole family. Ensemble Arts offers a Family Discovery Series with family-friendly programming for every age, from Peppa Pig: My First Concert to Hip Hop Orchestra. Get your children excited about live theater, whether it’s at a childcare matinee at the Wilma Theater or the Philadelphia Theatre Company or a teen night at the Arden.

Sky Zone — Multiple Locations

Burn some energy at a trampoline park! Kids of all ages will enjoy playing here, with different attractions available to suit their needs. 

For toddlers/pre-K: A dedicated Toddler Zone is perfect for “Little Leapers” to safely bounce and explore without being trampled by older, larger children. 

For big kids: Big kids are the primary audience for these parks, and will love checking out the freestyle jump, foam zone, zip-lines, slides, and sky ladders, or challenging a friend to skyhoops or a skyjoust.

For teens: Teen-approved activities include Glow (a lights-out glow-in-the-dark experience), Ultimate Dodgeball, and the Warrior Course. 

Arnold’s Family Fun Center — Oaks

Truly putting the “fun” in “family fun,” there are activities aplenty for all ages at this indoor amusement center. In addition to the fun center, you can also find a cinema and the kitschy American Treasure Tour museum on the premises.

For toddlers/pre-K: Toddlers and preschoolers have special attractions just for them, including kiddie rides, a kiddie bounce for those under 4, and small go-karts for children 3-6.

For big kids: Bigger kids will love the go-karts, black light mini golf, climbing ropes course, bounce zone, arcade, laser tag, and thrill rides.

For teens: Teens have access to everything the Family Fun Center offers, including additional thrill rides, axe throwing, tactical laser tag, and pro go-karts.

Seasonal Favorites for Kids of All Ages

Summer

Spruce Street Harbor Park: The Delaware Waterfront is the place to be in the summer. Spruce Harbor offers relaxing hammocks and floating gardens, an arcade, and family-friendly programming.

RiverRink Summerfest: A few blocks north, RiverRink Summerfest will entertain kids and teens with a roller skating rink (skate rentals available from Toddler 11 to Adult 12), carnival rides, boardwalk games, mini golf, and a moon bounce. 

Fall

Linvilla Orchards: Between pony rides, apple picking, barnyard animals, playgrounds, indoor mini golf, and moonlit hayrides to the Witch’s House, there’s something for everyone at this festive fall favorite. 

Winter

RiverRink Winterfest: In the winter, RiverRink celebrates Winterfest with a massive ice skating rink, a ferris wheel, and delicious hot chocolate and seasonal food at the Lodge. Skate rentals are available in toddler, kid, and adult sizes, and you can also rent a skate helper for little kids who are new to skating. 

Christmas Village: For festive winter fun, the Christmas Village in Love Park and City Hall offers artisan shopping stalls, yummy seasonal food, and rides for all ages. Teens can shop and sip hot cocoa while younger kids meet Santa and Rudolph or attend a storytime. 

Food Stops That Make Everyone Happy

Craft Hall — Northern Liberties

Younger kids will love the pirate ship themed indoor playground, while older kids and teens will enjoy the Den, which features old school Nintendo games, air hockey, foosball, arcade games, and board games.

Reading Terminal Market — Center City

When no one is in the mood for the same food, head to Philly’s oldest public market and let everyone pick what they want. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!

Kura Sushi — Center City

Between the conveyer belt sushi, the drinks served by a robot waiter, and the claw machines upstairs, the whole family will enjoy the entertaining experience of eating at Kura.

Craftsman Row Saloon — Washington Square

Children of all ages will enjoy the over-the-top decorations and seasonal menu items at this perennially festive restaurant. In addition to comfort foods like mac and cheese and grilled cheese, kids and teens will love the extravagant (and delicious!) milkshakes. 

Queen and Rook — Queen Village

Part restaurant, part game cafe, Queen and Rook is great for a family-friendly meal that includes entertainment. They have high chairs and a kids menu for little ones, and plenty of board games and arcade games for older kids and teens.