53 Awesome Things To Do Indoors in Philly On Cold and Rainy Days
Caught cabin fever when it's too cold to play outside? We've compiled all the best spots for kids to have fun inside, including all the best indoor play spaces and indoor playgrounds near Philly. Cozy up and channel creativity, get tuckered out at a trampoline park, meander through a museum, and so much more.
Need more ideas for great times indoors? Be sure and check out Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids and our Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones Guide. Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox!
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Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia
1. Beehive at Bok—East Passyunk
This hip play space reflects the iconic Bok building's creative small businesses and makers.
2. Kith and Kin—Brewerytown
Kids will love the playhouse and scarf launcher in this gathering spot, while grown-ups will love its cool, calm vibe.
3. Lilypad—South Philly
Lilypad offers open playgroup opportunities by age, with the first visit free. This community and volunteer-run space also has a thrift store and a roster of classes.
4. Nest—Center City
After more than a decade, Nest's sought-after play space has become a favorite among Philly parents.
A little house for big fun at PlayArts. Photo by the author
5. PlayArts—Fishtown
This artsy Montessori-style space is as beautiful to look at as it is fun to play in.
6. Rutabega Toy Library—East Falls
Rutabega is best known as a toy lending library, where a monthly $45 membership fee allows you to borrow all sorts of toys. Rutabega also hosts open play hangouts in it's amazing East Falls play space, so check its calendar on a cold or rainy day.
7. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse—Fairmount Park
Beloved and historic, Smith's newly renovated (and free!) playhouse now includes a brand new rotating interactive place space on the second floor.
Race your own creations at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Photo courtesy of the center.
Indoor Playgrounds in the Philly Suburbs
8. Charming Star Playroom—Newtown Square
This woodland-themed play space is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
9. Chatter Splatter—Norristown
Ball pits, play kitchens, and pretend gardens will keep kids entertained at this indoor playground all day.
10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center—Plymouth Meeting
An interactive LEGO world, indoor playground, and even a theme park ride make this every kid's play paradise.
11. Lulu's Casita—Ardmore and West Chester
The perfect play cafe where you can enjoy your coffee in a comfy chair as the kids romp.
12. Ship to Fun—Willow Grove
Take a break from shopping in the Willow Grove mall and visit Ship to Fun, an indoor playground with lots of toddler play equipment and a soft play area to keep young children safe.
Just hangin' around at Kids at Play. Photo courtesy of Kids at Play
Gyms and Trampoline Parks Near Philadelphia
13. BounceU—Collegeville and Exton
Kids can jump the day away in the many bounce stadiums. Special events and toddler times are also offered.
14. The Factory at Reach—Bridgeport
The ninja area at this self-proclaimed ninja warrior facility is the perfect place to let off some steam.
15. iFLY—King of Prussia
Kids 3 and up can realize their soaring superhero dreams at this indoor skydiving facility.
16. iCore Ninja Fitness—West Chester
Obstacle courses and fitness challenges make this giant gym a favorite for mini ninjas.
17. Indoor Water Parks near Philly - Various locations
It's never too cold for a splash at an indoor water park.
18. InMovement—Philadelphia
Kids will love tumbling in the open play sessions or classes at this hot spot for gymnastics.
19. Jumpers—Newtown Square
Five thousand square feet of bouncy fun guarantee tired-out kiddos.
20. Kids at Play—Philadelphia
Roller coaster cars, a sensory room, ball pits, and a zip line are just some Kids at Play highlights.
21. The Little Pod—North Wales
Part indoor gym, part play space, part arcade, The Little Pod has a little of everything.
22. Oasis Family Fun—Glen Mills
Virtual reality, laser mazes, and rock climbing walls make this a true oasis of fun.
23. Rainbow Play Systems—King of Prussia
This playground equipment showroom and store offers open play sessions for just $7.
24. SkyZone—Multiple Locations
Your classic trampoline park with everything from foam pits to climbing walls.
25. Urban Air—Multiple Locations
Urban Air locations around Philadelphia go beyond foam pits and trampolines to bring kids an indoor zip line, a dodge ball room, and laser fury bumper cars.
Kids' Indoor Classes Near Philadelphia
26. Art Studios—Multiple Locations
Channel your inner Picasso at one of Philly's many drop-in art studios, like Busy Bees or Mud Room. Philly Art Center also offers drop-in creative playtime.
27. Baby Wordplay—Multiple Locations
Miss Pam's beloved story plays are popping up at various locations around the city.
28. Mister John's Music—Italian Market
This Philly parent favorite is just as fun for grown-ups as kids, with its emphasis on contemporary music, diversity, and inclusion.
29. The Candy Lab—Ardmore
Get your sugar rush while making candy crafts.
Admire all the beautiful shapes, sizes, and colors at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by the author
Museums Near Philadelphia
30. Academy of Natural Sciences—Philadelphia
Come for the dinosaurs, stay for the fossil dig, butterfly room, and kids' space with small animals.
31. Adventure Aquarium—Camden
You'll find Nemo and all of your favorite marine creatures just over the bridge.
32. African American Museum in Philadelphia—Philadelphia
Four exhibition spaces celebrate African American heritage and culture.
33. American Helicopter Museum—West Chester
Say hello to helicopters and explore all things aviation.
34. American Swedish Historical Museum—Philadelphia
Kids can explore Swedish culture through Toddler Times and an interactive Pippi Longstocking exhibition.
35. Battleship New Jersey—Philadelphia
Explore military history on one of the largest battleships ever built.
36. Barnes Foundation—Philadelphia
Mini Monets and budding Basquiats will love wandering the galleries of one of the country's most impressive art collections.
37. Museum of Illusions—Philadelphia
Fool your eye and bend your brain at this highly interactive and Instagramable museum.
38. Fabric Workshop and Museum—Philadelphia
This contemporary art museum is also a studio space for its artists in residence.
39. The Franklin Institute—Philadelphia
Hike through a heart, explore electricity, and pop into the planetarium at this family favorite.
40. Michener Art Museum—Doylestown
The cultural heritage of Bucks County is brought to life in the Michener's galleries.
41. Museum of the American Revolution—Philadelphia
The interactive galleries just steps from Independence Hall are a great place to learn about the early days of the country.
42. National Constitution Center—Philadelphia
Don the robes of a Supreme Court Justice, give a pretend press conference as President, and learn how a bill becomes a law.
43. National Liberty Museum—Philadelphia
This museum is dedicated to showcasing art and exhibitions interpreting themes of liberty and freedom.
44. Penn Museum—Philadelphia
Mummies, archeology, and family-friendly Culturefest! make this one of Philly's most memorable museums.
45. Philadelphia Museum of Art—Philadelphia
Rocky-run into one of the largest art museums in the country. Take a self-guided tour or check out a family program.
The Market exhibit at the Please Touch Museum. Photo by the author
46. Please Touch Museum—Philadelphia
Ride the carousel or go down Alice's rabbit hole at Philly's premier children's museum.
47. Woodmere Art Museum—Chestnut Hill
Dedicated to Philadelphia art and artists, kids will love the sculpture garden and children's exhibition space.
Crayola Experience
More Fun Indoor Activities Near Philadelphia
48. Arden Theatre—Philadelphia
Check out the children's theater and watch stories come to life.
49. Arnold's Family Fun Center—Oaks
Go-carts, ropes courses, laser tag, bowling, mini-golf, and more make Arnold's a one-stop fun shop.
50. Crayola Experience—Easton
Plan a colorful excursion to make your own crayon, learn how crayons are made, and burn off some steam in the Crayola playground.
51. Herr's Snack Factory—Nottingham
Take a tasty tour through Herr's chip factory and watch potatoes being peeled, sliced, and turned into a crunchy snack.
52. IKEA—South Philadelphia and Conshohocken
Explore a home other than your own at IKEA and indulge in some Swedish meatballs.
53. Escape Room—Multiple Locations
Embark on some team-building with your family in an escape room.
This post has been updated for January 2023.
Places featured in this article:
Benjamin Franklin Museum
American Swedish Historical Museum
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
Parkway Central Library
Crayola Experience
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
The Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
Penn Museum
The Franklin Institute
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Sky Zone Glen Mills
BounceU of Langhorne
iFLy King of Prussia
Center for Architecture + Design
Martin Guitar Factory, Museum and Visitors Center
King of Prussia Mall
Adventure Aquarium
Kids at Play
Arden Theatre Company
Please Touch Museum
Reading Terminal Market
Cecil B Moore Library
Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio
Mudroom Studio
Ikea South Philadelphia
Ikea Conshohocken
iCore Fitness
Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio
Fashion District
Smith Memorial Playground
NEST Center City
Oasis Family Fun
The Little Pod
Rainbow Play Systems
African American Museum in Philadelphia