Presented by Pages to Pirouettes, The Nutcracker returns to the Free Library stage! Photo courtesy of the event
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Photo courtesy of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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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
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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
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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
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Weekday Picks for Philly Kids: Trains, Nutcracker, Museums Dec 14-18

12/12/15 - By Kristen Sullivan

How much longer until Christmas? is the question posed to many parents throughout the Delaware Valley around this time of year. Children are full of anticipation, yet parents are weary from holiday preparations such as card sending, gift wrapping, and elf-moving. (How many times have you forgotten to move your elf so far?)

Make your life a little easier by keeping the kids busy with activities from our Events Calendar. This week does not disappoint. Check out Star Wars Night at Franklin Square. Make Crafts in the Playhouse at Smith Memorial Playground. Take a train ride on New Hope & Ivyland Railroad or stop by the Delaware Art Museum to see The Muppet Christmas Carol at Popcorn & Pictures.

Continue reading for our top picks for the week ahead but browse the entire calendar to view all of the options. To narrow the search, select age range, area, and type. Be sure to check out the free events on our calendar too! Have a great week.

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Monday, December 14
Holiday Lights Express- Wilmington, DE
Head to Wilmington & Western Railroad for a special train ride. Passengers take a 45 minute journey in a heated train car, as they enjoy light displays along the way.

See all Monday's events

Tuesday, December 15
Storytime at Barnes & Noble- Bensalem, PA
Take a break from holiday shopping and listen to some stories at Barnes & Noble located at the Neshaminy Mall.

See all Tuesday's events

Wednesday, December 16
Homeschool Day- Philadelphia, PA
Visit Penn Museum for an educational experience in which children learn about Archaeological Adventures in the Americas.

See all Wednesday's events

Thursday, December 17
Seedlings- Philadelphia, PA
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education hosts a nature hour perfect for preschoolers ages 2-5. Adult participation and pre-registration is required.

See all Thursday's events

Friday, December 18
Norristown Nutcracker- East Norriton, PA
Enjoy ACPPA Community Art Center's creative retelling of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at East Norriton Middle School.

See all Friday's events

Photo courtesy of WIimington & Western Railroad