Fun Activities During Spring Break in Philadelphia

1. First Friday at Cherry Street Pier

The new season kicks off April 5! Pay a visit to the Delaware River and view work by dozens of local artists. Support our community and view the works of more than 20 Philadelphia artists -- and best of all, it's free! 

2. Philadelphia Union Game

Take your sports fans out during spring break for a soccer game at Subaru Stadium on the Delaware riverfront in Chester. 

3. Philadelphia Phillies Game

Grab your kids and your mitts and head out to the ball game this April, with home games starting up again in the new season! 

4. Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia hosts this annual, free celebration of cherry blossoms at the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center and the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center on April 13 and 14, though the gardens are also open Wednesdays through Sundays all spring and summer.

5. Indoor Play Places

They say April showers bring May flowers, but rainy days can be tough with small kids, especially when you're trying to figure out how to keep kids busy during spring break in Philadelphia. The good news is we have a whole list of the best indoor play places in Philadelphia, all designed to keep your kids busy and entertained. Need to to recharge while they play? Check out our favorite kid-friendly coffee shops. And if the weather really has you down, we've got you covered with 50+ indoor activities to do on a rainy day in Philadelphia.

Franklin Square is known for its playground, but make sure to take a ride on the carousel, too! Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Get Outside in Philadelphia During Spring Break

6. Try out a new playground

Maybe your kids have gotten tired of your favorite Philadelphia neighborhood playground, or maybe you just want to check out a playground featuring a pirate ship. Try out Smith Memorial Playground, which is perfect for spring's uncertain weather, offering indoor play spaces, as well as the classic Giant Wooden Slide and innovative play structures for sunnier days. Or visit the playground at Franklin Square, and get in a round of mini golf and a trip on the Parx Carousel while you're there. Check out our round up of the best playgrounds in Philadelphia and the suburbs, including tot lots for the littlest ones! 

7. Have a picnic

Sometimes when the weather is beautiful and your kids have a lot of energy to burn off, a picnic in a park can be the perfect thing to keep everyone happy. Try out Wissahickon Valley Park, which also boasts miles of trails for a spring hike. Or visit Ridley Creek State Park, which has a popular circular trail as well as multiple playgrounds throughout the park. For more ideas, we've rounded up our favorite picnic parks in Philadelphia and its suburbs.

Visit Museums in Philadelphia During Spring Break

8. Sail into Spring Weekends at the Museum of the American Revolution

Explore life at sea during the Revolutionary War on Saturdays and Sundays throughout April! (Hint: Contact your local library to see if they offer complimentary passes to this museum, and you might be able to score free admission.)

9. Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

Head to the Franklin Institute on April 8 for a solar eclipse viewing party run by chief astronomer Derrick Pitts. Safely observe the solar eclipse under large solar filter tents or through specially-equipped telescopes. The event is free and open to the public.

10. The Art of the Brick

Your Master Builders will thrill at the sight of inspiring artworks made exclusively from LEGO bricks, with original pieces as well as reimagined famous art masterpieces like Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. After exploring the exhibit, guests can build their own creations in the 9,000-square-foot brick play space. 

11. Namaste India

The Please Touch Museum is a must-visit for most families, and that's especially true through May 5, as the museum is hosting an interactive exhibition about the vibrant art, food, and culture of India. On March 23, the museum will celebrate the Festival of Colors, Holi, as part of the exhibition. Reservations are required to visit the museum; sign up for a date and time on the website. 

12. Museum of Illusions

You won't believe your eyes at one of Philadelphia's newest family museums located in the heart of historic Philadelphia. An anti-gravity room, infinity tunnel, and kaleidoscope are just a few of the illusions you'll find at this museum.

13. Historic Philadelphia

Go back in time and be a tourist in Philadelphia by visiting the top sites in historic Old City Philadelphia. From Ben Franklin to Betsy Ross to the Liberty Bell and much, much more, historic Philadelphia has so much to explore.

14. Woodmere Art Museum

Head to Chestnut Hill for Woodmere Art Musuem's latest family-friendly exhibition "Layer Up!" featuring artwork by kids in kindergarten through high school, created with the guidance of the teaching artists collaboration Prints Link Philadelphia. After viewing the exhibition, kids will enjoy a romp through the outdoor sculpture garden.

15. Under the Canopy

Head to the Academy of Natural Sciences to get up close and personal with rainforest friends. Open through September 2, "Under the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest" celebrates the most diverse ecosystem on the planet, with a live sloth, boa constrictor and other animals. Admission to this special exhibit is included in the general admission price.

16. Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Head to the Rocky Steps and wander the Art Museum as a family. The Art Kids Studio is open for drop-in art making during much of spring break week! 

Many libraries offer free passes to local museums, zoos and gardens. It's a great way to check out someplace new! 

17. Trolls: Save the Humans

Did you know that Philadelphia is home to the oldest zoo in the country? In addition to big cats, reptiles, and birds from around the world, you can come face-to-face with giant troll sculptures by Thomas Dambo. The art installation is included in zoo admission. Kiddos can also explore the Fairy Trail and search for 12 fairy doors located throughout the zoo in a new scavenger hunt. Learn more about what you need to know before you go to the Philadelphia Zoo in this handy review.

Celebrate Easter in Philadelphia During Spring Break

18. Have Brunch with the Easter Bunny

There are so many places to see the Easter Bunny in Philadelphia, so hop on over to this list of options to have breakfast and photos with this new rabbit friend.

19. Ride an Easter Bunny Train

Most kids get eggs-cited about trains, and Easter Bunny trains are no eggs-ception. Luckily there are a lot of options to ride the train with the Easter Bunny in the Philadelphia area. Hop aboard!

20. South Street Easter Promenade

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.

The 4th annual PEEPS in the Village is now on display at Peddler's Village through April 17th. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

Fun Activities During Spring Break in the Philadelphia Suburbs

21. Peeps in the Village

At Peddler's Village, get your family together for an arts and crafts night and create a unique a Peeps display. Then enter Peddler's Village Peeps display competition. From March 11 through April 14 (except for Easter Sunday), visit the village and tour all the submissions. Vote on your favorite (until April 1), while you stroll through the many shops in this super cute and quaint Lahaska destination. Then head over to Giggleberry Fair, where your kids can enjoy riding a carousel as well as shooting balls and running through obstacles at Giggleberry Mountain. An arcade is also onsite.

22. Easter Eggstravaganza

From March 23 to 30, Bucks County's Shady Brook Farms will feature spring break activities that kids of all ages are sure to enjoy. From go-karts and inflatables to play areas and obstacle courses, how can you go wrong? Be sure to bring a basket to collect eggs, too, then watch a live chicken show (and think about what came first). Don't forget to grab a photo opp with the Easter bunny! 

23. Big Kahuna's

This indoor water park is about a half-hour's drive outside of Center City Philadelphia, located in West Berlin, New Jersey. Spend the day relishing 80-degree temperatures, imagining it's summer instead of spring. Tube along a lazy river, try your hand at balance surfing, or plunge down the various water slides. 

24. Dutch Wonderland

Up for a drive with your little ones? Take the car out to Lancaster and spend the day in the sun touring this amusement park, featuring more than 30 rides and live shows. While there are a couple of coasters, the rides at this theme park generally target a younger crowd, with non-intimidating attractions like bumper cars, train rides, fun slides, and kite flights. 

25. Take a Hike

The Philadelphia area has lots of great trails and hikes that are great for families, even toddlers in strollers. Lace up your shoes, grab some snacks, and hit the trails. Bring a hammer and try out the natural sounds of Ringing Rocks Park or bring binoculars and spot the many water birds and other animals who frequent the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, which offers easy trails, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility in parts.

26. Go Fishing

What better way to make memories with your kids than reeling in some quality time on a local lake? Try your luck at places like French Creek State Park, where 88 species of fish have been identified. Or head to Neshaminy State Park, which also provides boating access to the Delaware River.

27. Go Down the Shore

New Jersey has 130 miles of shoreline, with beautiful beaches, boardwalks, and unique plant and animals. Hit your favorite beach or check out a new one before the crowds get unbearable this summer. 

This article was updated for 2024 by writer Alyce Wilson.