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Best of November: LumiNature, Thanksgiving Cruise, and More Fun Things to Do in Philly

Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
10/27/24 - By Liz Baill

November brings plenty of things to do, as Philadelphia gears up for the holidays, from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving and full steam ahead to Christmas. Don’t miss our favorite kid-friendly events and activities in Philadelphia this month.

November begins the holiday season with bright lights as LumiNature opens at the Philadelphia Zoo. Not long after Election Day (don't forget to vote!) is Veteran's Day, so head to the Museum of the American Revolution where families can honor those who have served our country during a weekend of special programs. The month rounds out with Philly's beloved 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, so tune in or bundle up and hit the Parkway before you stuff yourself with all the trimmings.

Before the falling leaves turn to snowflakes, make sure to check our Fall Bucket List and browse our Fall Activities Guide. And don't forget to book tickets now for these Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides!

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently. Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

 

 

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Enjoy the holidays under the lights at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Enjoy the holidays under the lights at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Philly, November 2024

Fall Fest at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Philadelphia - Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3, 2024
Sweater weather is upon us, and now visitors can enjoy the crisper temperatures with delicious food and drinks, music, events and more all along the Waterfront. READ MORE

Apple Weekend

Lahaska - Saturday, November 2 & Sunday, November 3, 2024
Families can celebrate apple season with moonbounces, gem mining, axe throwing, and mural painting during Apple Weekend at Peddler's Village. Once you've worked up a good appetite, enjoy apple ciders, pies, and butters, all available for purchase. There will be an apple pie eating contest and live music to entertain all ages. READ MORE

CraftNOW Create

Fairmount Park - Saturday, November 2, 2024
Kids can take part in group sculpture making, recycled paper weaving, bottle cap mosaic magnets, and more at this arts and crafts day at Smith! Demonstrations and activities will be set up on Smith Memorial's wrap-around porch and immediately in front of the Playhouse. READ MORE

Fall Foliage Express

West Chester - Sundays, November 3 & 10, 2024
All Aboard the West Chester Railroad for a ride through the picturesque Chester Creek Valley to view the beautiful foliage on a heated train. This 90-minute journey takes visitors back in time to the village of Glen Mills, then returns back to the station. READ MORE

Family-Friendly Beginner Mosaic Workshop

Philadelphia - Saturday, November 9, 2024
Step into the exciting world of mosaics! Join our Education Team to learn about the Zagar Method used at PMG. Explore different materials and create your own 9” x 9” mosaic. All materials will be safe for young participants. Mosaics will need to be finished at home, but PMG will provide materials for completion. READ MORE

2024 Veterans Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

Old City - Saturday, November 9 to Monday, November 11, 2024
Visit the Museum of the American Revolution to explore artifacts and enjoy performances while learning about America’s first veterans and the men and women who continue to serve our nation today. Activities include an opportunity to share messages of gratitude with service members, 10-minute gallery talks, and learning at the Discovery Cart. READ MORE

Manayunk Gets Lit

Manayunk - Thursday, November 14 to Thursday, December 31, 2024
The 4th Annual Manayunk Gets LIT Decorating Competition is back, and you get to help decide who will win. Get ready to take in more than eighty thousand dazzling lights as Manayunk businesses decorate their storefronts, windows, roofs, and really anything that can be lit. READ MORE

The National Dog Show

Oaks - Saturday & Sunday, November 16 & 17, 2024
Every year, The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center hosts The National Dog Show. Visitors can expect to see 2,000 show dogs representing over 150 breeds. Besides watching the dogs, family-friendly activities are available to keep children entertained. READ MORE

THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE - Film Screening

Philadelphia - Sunday, November 17, 2024
All kids are welcome to this “groovy” movie where they can make their own challah cover and take home Kronk’s own challah recipe. READ MORE

FEZtival of Trees & Lights with Santa

Plymouth Meeting - Thursday, November 21 to Sunday, November 24, 2o24
LuLu Shriners hosts the FEZtival of Trees and Lights with Santa. This annual family-friendly event features a forest of uniquely decorated trees, children's activities, shopping, raffles, and free digital photos with Santa. READ MORE

LumiNature at The Philadelphia Zoo

Fairmount Park - Thursday, November 21 through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. LumiNature takes guests on a magical journey featuring 200+ illuminated penguins, a 100 ft-long jungle tunnel, and special surprises each night. Kids can also enjoy s'mores over a campfire, watch strolling performers, and sip hot chocolate. READ MORE

The Nutcracker presented by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet

Drexel Hill - Friday, November 22, 2024
Presented by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, this beloved holiday tradition has been captivating audiences for over 30 years, offering a magical experience for families. With professional guest artists and talented local dancers, it’s a chance to enjoy world-class ballet at an affordable price. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise

Philadelphia - Thursday, November 28, 2024
City Cruises Philadelphia will be hosting their Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise once again. Step aboard for a wonderful evening of delicious food, lively entertainment, and breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline. Guests can expect games, live DJ entertainment, and a delicious Thanksgiving buffet while enjoying quality time with family and friends. READ MORE

6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade

Fairmount - Thursday, November 29, 2024
Head to the Art Museum for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade and officially kick off the holiday season amid grand performances, marching bands, special guests, and of course...Santa Claus himself. Be a part of the action downtown or watch from home.  READ MORE

Carnival of Lights

Pottstown - Friday, November 29 through Wednesday, January 1, 2o25
Holiday lights, amusement rides, and games await families at the Carnival of Lights in Pottstown. This year's carnival will be held at the Norco Fire Department. Guests can expect more food, vendors, and visits with Santa. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Penn's Landing - Friday, November 29 through Saturday, February 23, 2025
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Liz Baill
Liz Baill is an educator, writer, and mom of three in the Philadelphia area. She loves developing resources that inspire kids and families to engage in creative play and open-ended exploration. She has taught children and their grown-ups in museums across the country including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Liz has developed award-winning content for kid-friendly audio guides, labels, exhibitions, websites, and lesson plans, and is the author of "Armor & Animals" and "What Can Colors Do?" Follow her attempts at momming creativishly and her work pursuits in the art education world in Instagram @creativishmom.
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