KidPaths

One Day in Philadelphia with Kids

The perfect family day in Philadelphia, morning to evening. 4 stops picked from 66 kid-tested activities based on ratings, variety, and parent tips. 2 stops are free.

9 AM
MorningStart the day with energy
Von Colln Playground

Von Colln Playground

Von Colln Playground sits adjacent to the scenic Von Colln Athletic Field near the Philadelphia Museum of Art area, giving kids both playground equipment and wi

Best for ages 2-12Free1-2 hours5 stars

Tip: Pair this visit with a walk or bike ride along Kelly Drive — the Schuylkill Banks trail is right there and perfect for all ages.

12 PM
LunchRefuel the family
The Lands at Hillside Farms

The Lands at Hillside Farms

The Lands at Hillside Farms is a working dairy farm where kids can see cows up close, learn how milk becomes ice cream, and then eat some of the best homemade i

Best for ages 2-12$20-40 (farm entry free or low cost; ice cream and dairy products are the main purchase — $5-10 per person)1-2 hours4.8 stars

Tip: This is in Shavertown, PA near Wilkes-Barre — about 2 hours from Philadelphia. Best for families road-tripping through NEPA or visiting the Wyoming Valley/Pocono region.

2 PM
AfternoonThe main event
Star Park Indoor Playground – Franklin Mall

Star Park Indoor Playground – Franklin Mall

Star Park earns nearly perfect reviews because kids genuinely love every inch of it — from the towering multi-level play structures to the themed play areas tha

Best for ages 0-10$40-$60 for 2 adults + 2 kids (approximately $10-$15/child; confirm on their website)1.5-2.5 hours4.9 stars

Tip: Located inside Franklin Mills Mall in Northeast Philadelphia — easy to combine with a mall outing or errands.

4 PM
Late AfternoonWind down
James G. Kaskey Memorial Park

James G. Kaskey Memorial Park

The Kaskey Memorial Park (the 'Penn Biology Pond') is a hidden gem on the University of Pennsylvania campus — a small botanical garden with a koi pond, native p

All agesFree30-60 min4.8 stars

Tip: This is a small campus botanical garden — expect a 30-45 minute visit, not a full destination.

Tips for Your Day

  • → Start outdoor activities in the morning before it gets hot.
  • → Pack snacks and water — saves money and avoids meltdowns.
  • → Check hours before you go. Museum hours change seasonally.
  • → Von Colln Playground is stroller-friendly — bring it for little ones.

Common Questions

What should I do with kids in Philadelphia for one day?
A great one-day itinerary: start at Von Colln Playground in the morning, grab lunch at The Lands at Hillside Farms, then visit Star Park Indoor Playground – Franklin Mall in the afternoon. 2 of these stops are free.
How much does a day in Philadelphia with kids cost?
A full day with a family of four costs roughly Free + $20-40 (farm entry free or low cost; ice cream and dairy products are the main purchase — $5-10 per person) + $40-$60 for 2 adults + 2 kids (approximately $10-$15/child; confirm on their website) + Free. Every listing on KidPaths shows family-of-4 cost estimates.
What order should I visit Philadelphia attractions with kids?
Start outdoors in the morning when kids have energy and it's cooler. Do indoor attractions after lunch when it's hottest. Save easy, free activities for late afternoon when everyone's winding down.

More Ways to Explore Philadelphia

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