Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
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The zoo lights are aglow at LumiNature. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
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Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.
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Take a sparkling selfie at the Miracle on South 13th Street. Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia
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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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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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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
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Build birthday memories brick by brick at LEGOLAND. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND
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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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Put your skills to the test on the obstacle course at Urban Air. Photo courtesy of Urban Air
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Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP), located in the heart of Old City.
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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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Ultimo Coffee serves up treats and pours hearts all day. Photo courtesy of the shop
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Turn your eye of the tiger into the eye of an artist at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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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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Take a bikde ride through Doylestown. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Six Flag Great Adventure brings big-time thrills and is one of our favorite amusement parks in New Jersey.
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Both babies and dogs love stroller walks for some fresh air. Photo courtesy of Gina Massaro for Mommy Poppins
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Parents eat while kids climb and slide at Craft Hall.
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Pony rides always bring out smiles at Linvilla Orchards. Photo courtesy of the orchard
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Try a whiz-wit at Tony Luke's, a reliable Philly cheesesteak spot with multiple locations. Photo courtesy of J. Varney for GPTMC
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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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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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
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No one walks the plank, but everyone has fun with with Scallywag’s Pirate Adventures in Erie. Photo courtesy of Scallywag's Pirate Adventures.
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Take a hike: Family getaways are a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
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Over a million lights illuminate the Philadelphia Zoo with LumiNature as it transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland. Photo by Georgi Anastasov
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Annual 2020 Philly GoList: What To Do in 2020 with Philly Kids

Photo courtesy of the Kimmel Center
Photo courtesy of the Kimmel Center
1/3/20 - By Kristen Sullivan

With 2019 officially in the history books, Philly families can look forward to all the fun that awaits in 2020. Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up some of our top picks for the year. From annual activities such as the Philadelphia Flower Show. Invention Convention, and Paleopalooza, to new opportunities like the Very Eric Carle Exhibit at Please Touch Museum, there is much excitement happening throughout the Delaware Valley.

Please be aware that venues holding events later in the year are still updating details about their offerings. Please check back often for the latest information.

Looking for iconic family activities in Philly? Check out our list of 100 Things to Do with Philly Kids Before They Grow Up.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

January

Mummers Parade

January 1, 2020
This annual tradition is a great way to start off the new year, Philly-style. Beginning at Philadelphia's City Hall at approximately 9am, spectators can enjoy the Mummers as they march south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue. READ MORE

Three Kings Day

January 4, 2020
The Kimmel Center, Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Cultural Center invite guests to celebrate one of Mexico's most popular holidays, Three Kings Day. Families can enjoy a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men. READ MORE

James and the Giant Peach

January 11-22, 18-19, 2020
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center presents the magical tale of Roald Dahl's story, James and the Giant Peach. In this show, boy and his insect friends journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit for an amazing adventure. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Festival at Hudson River Museum

January 18, 2020
Kick off the Year of the Dragon at the Hudson River Museum with traditional Asian arts, crafts, demonstrations, and performances for all ages! Festivities begin with the colorful ceremonial lion dance. Make dragon drums and dragon puppets in family art workshops, and learn the art of origami (paper folding).  READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

January 25, 2020
Guests can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival

January 26, 2020
Family and friends visiting the Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival at Unionville High School can enjoy sampling a variety of chocolate treats, including cakes, brownies, candies, cookies and cupcakes. READ MORE

February

Winterfest for Wildlife

February 1, 2020
Families can come out for guided winter wildlife hikes, food trucks,  wildlife talks, and more at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. This event supports the Wildlife Clinic. READ MORE

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Family Concert Series

February 9 and 23, 2020
The Rock and Roll Playhouse is excited to present a family concert series featuring the music of world famous artists that both kids and grown ups alike can enjoy. Each concert showcases a different artist or band. READ MORE

George Washington's Birthday Celebration

February 16, 2020
This year, families are invited to a virtual birthday party honoring our first president, George Washington, as he turns 289! Sing Happy Birthday, share homemade cards via Zoom, and ask President Washington questions. READ MORE

Philadelphia Flower Show

February 29-March 8, 2020
The 2022 Flower Show's theme is "In Full Bloom," with a special children's area called Kids Cocoon.  Gardeners and horticulturalists respond to themes of well-being and passion for life as inspirations for their art made entirely of flowers. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of The Great Narberth Leprechaun Hunt
Photo courtesy of The Great Narberth Leprechaun Hunt

March

Paleopalooza Festival

TBD
The Academy of Natural Sciences offers a mix of both virtual and in-person activities during this year's festival over nine days. at The Academy of Natural Science. Participants can expect hands-on workshops, digital drawing class, and fossil exploration stations. READ MORE

The Great Narberth Leprechaun Hunt

March 14, 2020
The annual St. Patrick's Day tradition is fun for everyone. Children start at "The Blarney" Booth where participants receive a game card with clues and an empty black plastic pot-o'-gold. Then, kids search throughout the shops of downtown Narberth to locate ten hidden leprechauns. READ MORE

Play-A-Palooza

March 28, 2020
As “spring fever” spreads, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse celebrates Play-A-Palooza, its seasonal playground grand-opening party. Families can enjoy a lineup that includes music and dance, a bookmobile, games, relay races, science experiments, an obstacle course, food trucks, and unstructured nature-based play across Smith's 6.5 acres.  READ MORE

April

South Street Easter Promenade

TBD
Hop over to the 91st Easter Promenade, an annual Philadelphia tradition, beginning at 5th and South Street and ending at Headhouse Plaza. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Cottontail and their friends preside over the occasion— and don't forget to dress up for the annual best-dressed contest. READ MORE

Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival

TBD
Shofuso and Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia's reimagined Cherry Blossom Festival features local artists and performers, with the Sakura concert series exploring the intersections of Japanese and African American culture, through a range of musical guests.  Park's Pop-up Beer Garden will also set up shop for the festivities. READ MORE

Celebrating Earth Day

TBD
Temple University's Ambler Campus celebrates Earth Fest, its Earth Day celebration. This year's event is virtual.  READ MORE

Brick Fest Live

April 25-26, 2020
Families are amazed by life-sized LEGO models and cities (including local landmarks!) built entirely of this timeless toy, as they play with mind-blowing attractions that set the imagination free, and build with millions of LEGO bricks at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. READ MORE

May

Philadelphia Renaissance Faire

May 2-3 and 9-10, 2020
Guests to Fort Mifflin are transported back to the Renaissance period with the help of the fort’s castle-like walls, moat, wooden bridge, mounted cannons, and underground barrack during the Philadelphia Renaissance Faire. READ MORE

Philadelphia Children's Festival

May 7-9, 2020
The Philadelphia Children's Festival is back with an exciting array of professional performances for the whole family, including free outdoor performances. In addition, guests can enjoy the outdoor PLAYground with hands-on activities, performers, and food.    READ MORE

Brandywine Strawberry Festival - CANCELED

May 28-31, 2020
Families can enjoy rides, games, live entertainment and more at this affordable festival. Little ones can enjoy moonbounces, inflatables, and carnival games in Strawberryland while big kids can delight in rides and amusements geared to tweens and teens. READ MORE

June

Civil War Event

TBD
Experience the firepower of cannon firing as soldiers march into battle at Pennypacker Mills. See artillery demonstrations, visit the Civilian Street where everyday life in the 1860s is demonstrated, and participate in the “Be a Soldier Kid Enlistment” activity. READ MORE

Fete Day at Elfreth's Alley

June 6, 2020
Visit Elfreth's Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street, during this special celebration and get a peek into many of the 18th-century private homes of residents on the historic street while enjoying music, colonial games, and craft demonstrations. READ MORE

Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Annual Festival Concert

June 7, 2020
The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra presents its 83rd Annual Festival Concert. Audiences can expect to hear a musical performance led by Conductor and Music Director Louis Scaglione. READ MORE

Chester County Balloon Festival

June 26-28, 2020
Ever seen a hot-air balloon up close? Chester County Balloon Festival is your chance. This family-friendly event offers activities for all ages on the ground and in the air. READ MORE

Kutztown Folk Festival

June 27-July 5, 2020
Everything old is new again! The oldest continuously-operated folklife festival is back with a week full of entertainment for families, offering a window into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch. READ MORE

July

Party on the Parkway and Fireworks Spectacular

July 4th Community Picnic in the Park

TBD
Families can celebrate our nation's independence with a variety of historic fun at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Guests can expect artillery demonstrations, musket demonstrations, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and storytelling benches. READ MORE

Good Neighbor Day

TBD
Families can enjoy entertainment all day long at Kerr Park. Guests can expect bike-decorating, canoe races, food, music, carnival rides, games, and races including a Kids' Run. The grand finale includes a firework display at dusk. READ MORE

Blueberry Festival

July 11, 2020
Blueberries are the star of the show at Linvilla Orchards. Guests can pick their own blueberries, participate in a blueberry pie eating contest, as well as enjoy live entertainment. READ MORE

Kimberton Fair

TBD
Spend the day at this old-fashioned country fair. At Kimberton Fair, guests can expect 4-H livestock competitions, agricultural and home art exhibits, fun-filled contests, rides, great food, and entertainment. READ MORE

August

Watershed Butterfly Festival

TBD
Enjoy a day filled with family fun, including butterfly exhibits, interactive children's activities, live music, local food and more. This annual event features local artisans, an insect zoo, animal shows, nature walks, and the famous Butterfly and Bug Parade. READ MORE

Bug Fest at The Academy of Natural Sciences

TBD
The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts its annual celebration of insects with new activities and shows. Guests can see bug displays, watch cockroach races, and learn bug facts from scientists.   READ MORE

Philadelphia Folk Festival

August 13-16, 2020
This year's annual folk festival looks a bit different. While the number of people is limited and no camping is allowed, there is still much to look forward to at this scaled-down experience. READ MORE

September

Mushroom Festival

September 12-13, 2020
Kennett Square's annual mushroom festival promises culinary events, growing exhibits, children’s entertainment, vendors, and mushroom art. READ MORE

Bucks County Dragon Boat Festival

September 12, 2020
This festival brings together dragon boat teams from across the tri-state region for a day of friendly competition, cultural demonstrations and family fun with the overarching goal of paddling out hunger in the community. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of The Great Pumpkin Carve
Photo courtesy of The Great Pumpkin Carve

October

Truck and Tractor Day

TBD
Little ones who love big vehicles won't want to miss Winterthur's Truck and Tractor Day. Both young and old can enjoy a day of farm-style fun by getting close up and personal with the trucks, tractors, and equipment on site. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Carve of Chadds Ford

TBD
This three day festival features over 60 artisans as they turn ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art. In addition to seeing the carved pumpkins, kids can walk a haunted trail, win raffle prizes, and hear live music. READ MORE

November

The National Dog Show

November 14-15, 2020
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

6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 26, 2020
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

A Longwood Christmas

November 26, 2020 through January 2021
Walk through the gardens to see the lights, flowers, and trees, and stop into the conservatory to view the seasonal poinsettias. Don't miss the fountain show set to music. READ MORE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

November 26 - December 24, 2020
Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Visitors can expect booths featuring conventional European food, sweets, drinks, and shopping. Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, ferris wheel, and train. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Christmas Village in Philadelphia
Photo courtesy of Christmas Village in Philadelphia

December

Festival of Lights

Early December though January 1, 2021
Shortly after sunset each night, Rose Tree Park comes alive with a beautiful light display. Dozens of illuminated trees and lit displays draw visitors back every year to walk in the winter wonderland and linger in the festive atmosphere.   READ MORE

Independence Seaport Museum Parade of Lights

TBD
The most nautical light show around takes place at Independence Seaport Museum, where a fleet of boats all dressed up for the holidays will parade down the Delaware River. Before the parade at sundown, kids can make crafts and participate in other seasonal activities. READ MORE

Lucia Fest and Christmas Market

TBD
Held at the American Swedish Historical Museum, Lucia Fest is a family-friendly festival complete with Lucia processions and live music. In addition, the Christmas market offers holiday deli items, decorations, and gifts in outdoor heated tents. READ MORE

Betsy Ross' Birthday Bash

December 31, 2020
Happy Birthday to you, Betsy Ross! Every year, guests to the Betsy Ross House enjoy a birthday celebration on New Year's Eve which includes family-friendly activities like storytelling and crafts.  READ MORE

Sugarhouse New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront Show

December 31, 2020
Ring in the new year with fireworks hosted by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Offering prime viewing of fireworks, festive hats, noisemakers and ginger ale toast, the Independence Seaport Museum is ready to entertain. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Center City/South Philadelphia
Kimmel Center Commonwealth Plaza
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Temple University- Ambler Campus
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Kimmel Center - Verizon Hall
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Chadds Ford Historical Society
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
American Swedish Historical Museum