Due to COVID-19, some indoor spots require advance ticket purchases. Many tickets are timed to limit capacity. All indoor venues require guests to wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. If a location appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our events calendar to find other exciting options. 


Watch the sharks from a safe distance at Adventure Aquarium. Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia​

Things to Do With Kids on Rainy Days in Philadelphia

1. Cross the bridge to Adventure Aquarium and see sharks up close in the amazing shark tunnel, take in the adorable blue penguins, and enjoy "petting" some pretty crazy creatures. 
    
2. See the latest exhibit featuring Permian Monsters at the Academy of Natural Sciences and learn about dinosaurs, and other live and extinct creatures. 
    
3. Catch a planetarium show or explore the new Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibit at the Franklin Institute. 
    
4. All aboard! Ready your sea legs at the Independence Seaport Museum and brush up on some maritime history. 
    
5. Navigate through the obstacle courses at Giggleberry Fair. 
    
6. Learn how our country's founding document was written and amended through history at the National Constitution Center.
    
7. Wander through the galleries at the Museum of the Revolution to learn the stories that shaped our nation.
    
8. Be colorful at the Crayola Experience.
    
9. Listen to stories, participate in a music circle, or attend pizza night at Lulu's in Ardmore or West Chester.
    
10. Take a deep dive into our nation's birth at the Museum of the American Revolution, which has an incredible immersive space for young historians. 
     
11. Check out the Liberty Bell, rain will keep the usually packed crowds to a more manageable size.
    
    
    Celebrate the diversity of America at the African American Museum. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
     
12. Experience the rich heritage that is featured at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
     
13. Learn how stuff gets made by taking a factory tour—from pottery to pretzels there is so much to explore.
     
14. Try axe throwing at Bury the Hatchet.
     
15. Take a ride to Lancaster County and visit the Railroad Museum of Pennysylvania.
     
16. Climb the walls, literally, at the Philadelphia Rock Gym.
    
    
    Unleash your child's creativity at Legoland Discovery Center Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Legoland
     
17. Get creative, build, and play at the Legoland Discovery Center. 
     
18. Become a member at Nest, an adorable indoor play space that offers a variety of kids classes.
     
19. Paint pottery at Color Me Mine in Wayne, Glen Mills, or Montgomeryville.
     
20. View a world-famous art collection at the country's first art museum and school, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
     
21. Browse through books and more at your local library and borrow a few to read at home.
     
22. Burn off some energy at Jungle Wonder, a, 25,000-0square-foot entertainment center with an arcade, pool tables, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, and a special toddler bounce area.
     
23. Head to one of the many trampoline parks or bounce houses to see who can jump the highest. 
     
24. Drop by Kids at Play for open-play days, typically held on Sundays.
    
    
    Discover the power of learning through play at the Please Touch Museum. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
     
25. Enjoy an interactive experience with the kids at the Please Touch Museum.
     
26. Relive a moment from your childhood, when we weren't surrounded by awesome play spaces, and catch a movie or maybe do a little shopping at the mall.
     
27. Make it a spa day for yourself while your kids work on art projects at Primp & Play.
     
28. Grab a treat at Reading Terminal Market.
     
29. Be inspired by incredible works of art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
     
30. If all else fails, here's a no-fail list of activities for when you're stuck indoors. 

This post was originally published in 2016. Writer Kristen Sullivan contributed to this 2021 update.