Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo with LumiNature as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo by Georgi Anastasov

Holiday Markets, Elf the Musical, Nutcracker, FEZtival of Lights, and More Fun Things To Do in Philly this Weekend

Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo

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

The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo

30 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Philly for Kids

Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia

Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Philly

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Best Philly Tours for Kids: Art Hunts, Food Tours, Ghost Tours, and More

Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill

100 Free Fun Things To Do in Philly with Kids

Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Fishtown with Kids: 9 Things To Do in the Fishtown Neighborhood of Philly

School Calendars 2024-2025: Important Dates for Philadelphia School District

Grand Slam U.S.A. challenges you to a game of laser tag! Photo courtesy of the center

Best Laser Tag Zones and Paintball for Philly Kids

Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND

31 Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids in Philly

Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author

Amazing Budget Weekend Getaways for Philly Families

Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids in Philly: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!

Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.

Visiting Historic Philadelphia: Top Things To Do in the Historic District with Kids

Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum

3 Days in Philadelphia with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

In addition to Pay-What-You-Wish First Sundays, kids 18 and under are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of the museum

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in Philly

Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop

13 Best Coffee Shops in Philly to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with Kids: Creative Family Time at the Art Museum

GUIDE

Guide to Classes for Kids in Philadelphia

Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

14 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philly: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days

Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

9 Walkable Neighborhoods near Philly for Family Outings

Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.

Great Theme Parks and Amusement Parks Near New Jersey

Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins

Great Stroller Walks and Stroller Hikes near Philly

Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.

13 Philly Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat

Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard

Animal Farms and Petting Zoos near Philadelphia that are Perfect for Preschoolers

Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC

11 Kid-Friendly Philly Cheesesteak Spots

Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up

Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Top Attractions in Philadelphia: Best Things to See and Do with Kids

Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin

38 Best Indoor Play Spaces and Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia

No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.

10 PA Weekend Getaways for Families

Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.

GUIDE

Philly Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways

One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties for Philly Kids: Race Cars to Mad Scientists

4/15/16 - By Lindsay Li

Philadelphia is full of exciting places to host birthday parties, including indoor play spaces, museums, parks and gardens. Make no bones about it, these are awesome places to host a birthday party! But if you are looking for something extra special that really fits your birthday kid’s personality, there are some extraordinarily unique spaces in Philly to host a one-of-a-kind birthday experience.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

For Science Lovers—Bring the Fun to You!

Take a space-themed birthday to the next level with a personal planetarium! Stars on the Move brings a portable planetarium to your home, and can fit up to 35 people. Denise Vaca, former producer from the Franklin Institute’s Fels Planetarium, leads the show! The best part is that this party takes place in your own home so there is no time limit.

Best for: 6-14

Check out the experiments at Wondergy. Their CoolScience show is a hands-on exploration of molecules at extreme temperatures using liquid nitrogen, fire, water balloons and more! Guests will help make things explode, contract, disappear and behave in ways that challenge our perception of the world around us. For the grand finale, bring together fresh cream, milk, flavorings of your choice and, of course, liquid nitrogen to make the freshest homemade ice cream you've ever tasted. A typical CoolScience party lasts just over 2 hours: about an hour for science, break for food and 20-30 minutes for ice cream making. But it only takes a minute and a big cloud of fog to freeze ice cream for your entire group!

Best for: 4 and up

For the Foodie—Savor Their Favorite Flavors!

Get your very own taste of a Philadelphia tradition at Lore’s Chocolates. Kids get to make their own sweets using traditional molds and a real production line. For an added bonus, get them in the mood by watching the original I Love Lucy “Job Switching” episode.

Best for: 6 and up

Kids can make their own pizza pies at Slice. A twist on the traditional pizza party, Slice offers a fun, messy, and delicious dining experience. This experience is available at the Washington Township location only.

Best for: 5 and up

Get hands-on training from a chef at the Kitchen Workshop. Young foodies can learn all about proper technique and baking secrets.

Best for: 7 and up

For the Thrill Seekers—Get their Pulse Racing!

Take a race around the track at Speed Raceway. Kids and adults can compete in qualifier and finalist racers, with F-1 inspired, road-style tracks.

Best for: 6 and up

Go on a treetop adventure at the Elmwood Park Zoo! The zoo's Treetop Zoofari features more than 45 games and 9 zip lines. Height restrictions mean this party is only for kids 54” and up.

Best for: 5 and up

For Train Lovers— Ride the Rails!

Take the kids out on the Strasburg Rail Ride! Board a private car and see the sights. This is a perfect special outing for any young Thomas the Tank or Chuggington fan!

Best for: 11 and under

Board the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad. Rent a private coach car for 2 hours of party time aboard a vintage train that will transport you and the whole party back in time!

Best for: 5-12

Photo via Wondergy.