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

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Philadelphia for 2024

Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Photo courtesy of the West Chester Railroad

10/25/24 - By Kristen Sullivan

Everyone loves a good Polar Express train ride! There's something about trains that evokes the spirit of Christmas and makes visits with Santa even more fun. So we've rounded up all the railroads hosting Polar Express trains and Christmas train rides near Philly. At many of these locations, families can ride a real locomotive with Santa Claus, hear Christmas stories, sing carols, sip hot chocolate, and admire views of the passing countryside. So put on those PJs and get ready to ride the rails with Santa!

Stay up to date on all things holidays by browsing our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, which is packed with great ways to celebrate the season. Looking for more ways to escape the winter chill this season? Check out our Indoor Activity Guide. As always, stay up to date with all the current events in the area with our Activity Calendar.