The Miracle on South 13th Street lights up Philly! Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia
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The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
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Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
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Santa roams Philadelphia's Christmas Village all season long. Photo courtesy of Kory Aversa for Christmas Village.
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Journey through Chester Creek Valley aboard Santa's Express. Photo courtesy of the West Chester Railroad
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Santa visits KOP for breakfast. Enjoy story time with Santa, face painting, a balloon artist, and delicious food. Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus
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Skate and enjoy Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Photo courtesy of the Delaware River Waterfront
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Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
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Ultimate Archery is a great experience for families looking to have some fun together!
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Ricketts Glen State Park is a family-friendly destination with awesome activities for all ages. Photo of Ricketts Glen by the author
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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Smith Memorial Playhouse is always free, with space for kids to make their own crafts. Photo courtesy of Smith
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34 Things To Do With Preschoolers This Winter

Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum
Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum
1/4/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

It can be challenging to keep Philly toddlers and preschoolers entertained during the winter months. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can exclude outdoor play as an option and may force Philly parents to get creative at home. But if the weather isn’t being too uncooperative, there are plenty of ways to engage those young, inquisitive minds and energetic little bodies outside of the house. 

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up our top picks to keep Philly parents and their young kids from going stir crazy this winter. From the city to the suburbs, little ones in the Delaware Valley can learn, grow, and be inspired no matter what the thermometer reads. Browse our list below to find the perfect fit for your children.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Philadelphia

POSTPONED: PNC Grow Up Great

January 1, February 9, and March 9, 2019
The Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza hosts an hour-long interactive event for kids in which children learn the basics of jazz and musical theater. ILL Doots hosts this free event. READ MORE

Book Nook Story Time

January 2, February 6, and March 6, 2019
Every other Wednesday, children can listen to stories, songs, and rhymes lead by a librarian from the Free Library of Philadelphia. The fun begins in the seating area between Miller's Twist and Metropolitan Bakery. READ MORE

Creative Play Time at Smith

January 2-6, 8-13, 15- 20, 22-27, 29 -31, February 1- 3, 2019
Creative Play Time at Smith is an opportunity for children to use their imaginations. Included activities are messy art, imaginative play, and making crafts. Every week features a different theme. READ MORE

First Wednesdays

January 2, February 6, and March 6, 2019
On the first Wednesday of every month, the Please Touch Museum offered deeply discounted admission. Visitors can expect two hours of playtime for this discounted fee. READ MORE

Open Climb

Mondays from January 7 through April 17, 2019
Cecil B. Moore Library welcomes children ages 3-5 to experience its new playspace that features a climbing wall. This structure along with educational toys encourage creative and imaginative play which encourages children’s learning and development. READ MORE

Read & Romp

January 7, 12, 14, 19, February 11 and 16, 2019
Little learner are invited to the National Liberty Museum for Read & Romp, an exciting hour of imaginative storytelling, interactive games, and creative crafts in the Museum’s galleries, designed especially for children ages 2-6 with their caregivers. READ MORE

Big Kids (2-5) Story Time

Tuesdays from January 8 through March 26, 2019 (excluding February 12 and 19)
Head to Parkway Central Library to listen to stories, sing songs, learn rhymes, enjoy music and movement with kids aged 2-5 along with their caregivers. READ MORE

Stroller Tour at The Philadelphia Museum of Art

January 9 and February 13, 2019
Babies enjoy a stroller ride while caregivers get a tour of the Art Museum. Museum educators lead the way and, no one worries if baby fusses. Meet in the Lenfest Hall in the West Lobby to join the tour. READ MORE

Virtual Sundays on Stage

January 13 and 27, February 24, and March 10, 2019
The Free Library of Philadelphia now offers Sundays on Stage virtually. Audiences can expect a celebration of diversity through music, dancing, and storytelling at these unique performances. READ MORE

Toddler Time at American Swedish Historical Museum

January 15, February 19, and March 19, 2019
Children experience art, science and literature in the surroundings of the American Swedish Historical Museum. Geared towards toddlers, these sessions provides hands-on activities and interactive stories to engage even the littlest visitor. READ MORE

Toddler Time at the Barnes

January 17, February 21, and March 21, 2019
The Barnes Foundation's Toddler Time is back with a welcoming program for the littlest art lovers. Enjoy a winter-themed storytime, art activities, and a gallery adventure. READ MORE

Johnny Shortcake at World Cafe Live Philadelphia

January 19, 2019
Johnny Shortcake takes the stage at World Cafe Live Philadelphia. The doors open at 10:30 AM and the show begins at 11 AM. Tickets can be purchased online. READ MORE

Music Monkey Jungle at Reading Terminal Market

Every Tuesday
Sponsored by Reading Terminal Market, this music time with Music Monkey Jungle is free and open to the public. All ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities are welcome to participate and no registration is needed. READ MORE

Baby Bird Playdate

Every Friday
Meet in the Education Studio 2 at The Philadelphia Museum of Art for playtime with the littlest among us. Participants can journey through the Museum to experience daily gallery exploration, studio art creations, and imaginative play. READ MORE

Storytime in The Lodge

Saturdays until March 2, 2019
Every Saturday at 11am, families can enjoy music and marvelous tales while dancing from the comfort of home during Blue Cross RiverRink's Virtual Storytime in the Lodge. READ MORE

Nature Play Saturdays

Saturdays throughout the year
Families are invited to the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education for a hike and unstructured nature play with representatives from the NaturePHL program. Guests can expect to climb, explore, and learn about the many health benefits of outdoor activity. READ MORE

Xtreme Bugs

Now through January 21, 2019
Explore the Academy of Natural Science's newest exhibit called Xtreme Bugs. Visitors come face-to-feet with nearly 20 massive, colorful, moving bugs including a fluttering monarch butterfly,  a fluffy tri-colored bumblebee, and a gigantic Madagascar hissing cockroach. READ MORE

Museum Playdates at the Penn Museum

February 5 and March 5, 2019
On the first Tuesday of the month, Penn Museum’s Museum Playdates offers young guests and their parents or caretakers a one hour program with a different theme every month. Activities are designed for young learners and feature storytime, dramatic play, art projects, and a small snack. READ MORE

Little Explorers Toddler Program

February 6 and March 6, 2019
Encourage your little one’s curiosity about the natural world through the Little Explorers Program designed especially for toddlers ages 2-4. These virtual lessons vary by month.  READ MORE

Suburbs

Terrific Trains Family Program

January 5, 2019
All Aboard! Visit the Brandywine Railroad train display at the Brandywine River Museum once more before it is taken down for the season. At this event, children can create a colorful train to display at home. READ MORE

Toddlers in Nature

January 9, 23, February 6 and 20, 2019
Toddlers along with their favorite caregiver enjoy this nature program at Tyler Arboretum. These hour-long sessions feature a story, themed exploration, and time in nature. All activities are developmentally appropriate. READ MORE

Tumbles & Treats

January 10, 2019
Natural Balance Gymnastics & ShopRite of Hatfield are teaming up for an hour of food & fitness. Guests can tumble with Coach Kelly, then enjoy healthy treat time with Miss Kristen. READ MORE

Little Play Times at Legoland

Weekdays
Toddlers can experience the joy of building during these sessions especially geared to toddlers at Legoland Philadelphia. Kids can expect activities such as color sorting and counting, DUPLO Duck Builds, storytime, and create your own story opportunities. READ MORE

Toddler Time

Fridays and Saturdays through April 2019
Toddlers can burn off their energy by jumping the morning away at Sky Zone Glen Mills. Toddler Time gives little ones the opportunity to jump without being overwhelmed by bigger kids. READ MORE

Magic Mornings

Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays through May
Toddlers enjoy stories, crafts, walks, and more with their favorite caregiver at Briar Bush Nature Center. Each week, a new topic is offered. Sessions fill up quickly so advance registration is a must. Registration can be completed online. READ MORE

Tiny Trackers

January 10, 24, February 7 and 21, 2019
Preschoolers and their favorite grown-up join the Tiny Tracker workshop for lessons in nature at Tyler Arboretum. Every session features a unique theme, a take-home craft and an outdoor walk. READ MORE

Story Time at Linvilla Orchards

Tuesdays beginning January 15, 2019
Children are entertained as Linvilla Orchards staff reads stories to them about animals, the outdoors, and more. This story time is geared towards preschoolers but all ages are welcome to attend. READ MORE

Nature Valentines

February 7, 2019
Visit Norristown Farm Park to turn paper hearts into animals and make special valentines for friends and family. Participants learn about love between parents and babies in the animal kingdom in addition to creating valentines with things found in nature. READ MORE

Tyke's Tuesday at ISC

Tuesdays throughout the year
No matter what the weather brings, parents and their pre-schooler can have fun while making new friends and getting a little exercise at this weekly event. Admission includes a skate lesson, skate rental, skate mates, a soft pretzel, a small drink, and time in the Funzone. READ MORE

Storytime with Lolly

Mondays and Wednesdays
Read, sing, and play at this toy store in the heart of Peddler's Village. Children can join Lolly for a free storytime perfect for preschoolers and toddlers (but all are welcome!). READ MORE

Free Crafts for Kids

Saturdays throughout the year
Until further notice, Lakeshore will not host Free Crafts for Kids programming. Come make some crafts at Lakeshore. From 11 AM to 3 PM, children can drop by and create something spectacular each week. Themes vary by week and no registration is needed. READ MORE

Child's Play Series

March 6, 2019
Geared towards preschoolers, this hands-on event gives children (accompanied by a caregiver) an opportunity to learn about sheep at Peter Wentz Farmstead. Kids make a wool craft too! READ MORE

Comedy Improv Puppet Shows for Kids

Every Saturday and Sunday
Audience members can watch these virtual puppet shows on Facebook Live! There are two sessions both Saturdays and Sundays, 1 PM and 3:30 PM. READ MORE

Annual Antique Toy Train Show

Now through January 27, 2019
The Museum of American History hosts its 18th annual antique toy train show. See gauge toy trains from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Models from Lionel, Marx, and American Flyer are on display, zooming past vintage Plasticville buildings from the 1950s. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Kimmel Center Common Wealth Plaza
Free Library of Philadelphia/ Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia/ Central Library
American Swedish Historical Museum
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Penn Museum (University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology)
Brandywine River Museum
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ