11 Exciting Things to Do with Toddlers in Philadelphia
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When the weather gets warm, finding things to do with toddlers in Philadelphia becomes plentiful. Of course, you can do something with toddlers in the winter. But the east coast weather can make it challenging to find activities. That a toddler will enjoy and that will tire them out at the end of the day. Also, whether you have a young toddler or an older toddler will determine if you can do early morning activities. If later in the afternoon will hit the spot.
If you didn’t know, South Jersey and parts of Delaware are a part of the Philadelphia region, and both areas also have great things to do with toddlers that you might not have thought. Besides the South Jersey and Delaware beaches, you might not believe there are things to do, but the surrounding Philadelphia regions have a lot to offer.
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Outdoor Things to Do with Toddlers
If you have a young toddler who loves animals, the zoo will be a great place to go. A few zoos work great with this age group and are open at times that will work for both the parents and the kids. Elmwood Park Zoo is great for toddlers.
If your kid is two and under, they are free. If they want to come along with their dog brothers and sisters, you can bring them along as well on Wednesday, Fridays & Sundays from 12 pm – 5 pm in March – June. Let’s not forget the Yappy Hours that you can enjoy with your pet on certain days in the summers.
Don’t worry if you are not ready for all the razzle-dazzle of the regular zoo. You can always check out the KidZooU at the Philadelphia Zoo. If you are looking for an indoor and outdoor experience learning about animals, this is another excellent option. Unlike the Elmwood Park Zoo, kids 2-11 will have to pay the child rate. Only infants, 23 months or younger, will be free.
Free And Kid Themed Options
Want a free option to get introduced to Philadelphia? Franklin Square is a historical and free outdoor activity you can do with the toddlers. It has a miniature golf course (and what toddler doesn’t like swinging things), a carousel, and the Fountain Show that will wow the little ones as they see the water move up and down. Lastly, the playground at the Square is always a win-win since toddlers love climbing, jumping, and running around. You can watch them play and enjoy themselves.
If you want to take a trip down memory lane with your kids, take them to Sesame Place. With rides, shows, and unique dining options, your toddler will have the times of their lives if they are Sesame Street fans. There are also special shows that you can be a part of during the summer months, and with vacation packages that you can choose from, the kids can stay for free, and you can get discounts on hotels and food.
Indoor Things to Do
You don’t have to be outside to enjoy things to do with your toddlers in Philadelphia. You can always go to the Adventure Aquarium and visit the marine life. Even though the children rate starts for two-year-olds, there are shows, ways to play your visit based on hours, and special events. If you go on your child’s birthday, admission is free, and there are lots of dining and shopping opportunities there.
If your toddler loves to explore through touch, the Please Touch Museum is a great option when coming to Philadelphia. There are designated areas for toddlers who are three and under that, you can your toddler can explore together, or you can join the other programs with all age groups at the museum. There are unique time slots for toddlers where it’s dedicated to learning for them, and you will have to pay for admission for your toddler to visit the museums.
Venues might temporarily suspend some activities with all indoor activities due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Always make sure to call before visiting to ensure you have the most up-to-date information as the websites might be slow to update.
Activities Outside of Philadelphia City
The Funplex is located in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and with indoor and outdoor activities, you and the toddler can do something all year round. If you want to get outside of Philadelphia for the day, you can visit south jersey in less than 30 minutes from city limits. There are daily, all-season, and birthday party packages that will fit all of your needs if you are looking for something different to do.
Funzilla is located in Delran, NJ, and is another indoor option if your toddler likes the arcade feel. There is a dedicated area for toddlers three years old for two hours’ worth of play, and the cost is less than $20 per child.
If you have a couple of hours for travel, you can visit the Delaware Children’s Museum. There is a cost for children one-year-old and older, so you will pay what adults pay, but it’s another great place to take the toddlers. It has lots of activities similar to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.
If you and your family are into the arts, you can visit the Delaware Children’s Theatre. There are so many programs with children actors that your toddlers will be able to connect with the stories being told. Most of the shows are recommended for ages 2+, so you won’t have any issue with your toddler enjoying the show and feeling like they are a part of the action.
There are so many existing things to do in Philadelphia. Whether you are coming for a day trip, weekend, or longer, you and the family will have a great time in the Greater Philadelphia area with your toddler. I have blog posts that talk about how to travel with infants and toddlers. You can read the one for infants here and toddlers here.
