Spring Break Breakdown: Everything to Do With Kids in Philly When School’s Out
Staying in Philly for Spring Break? From day camps to staycations to special museum programming here's how make the most of your week.
Franklin Square is in full swing during Spring Break. / Photograph by Jeff Fusco
Spring break is here (April 11th-20th for Philly public schools)! If you’re staying in town for break, don’t worry — there is so much to do and see that’ll occupy the kids and maybe even entertain you, too. From museum programming to break camps, here are all the ways to make the most of your week together.
Play at Franklin Square
Take advantage of the nice weather and extended spring hours to play Philly-themed mini golf, take a ride on the carousel, climb around the playground and indulge in a Tastykake shake. While it’s already open and running, Franklin Square is planning an Opening Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th, with Earth Day activities and a free Easter Hop-Along Trail (register here).
Franklin Square, 6th and Race streets.
What’s New at the Zoo
A giant snail topiary planned to arrive at the Zoo this week / Photograph courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
New for spring, the zoo just debuted a brand-new hands-on experience called Wildlife Rescue, consisting of 13 life-sized and larger-than-life climbable sculptures of endangered species.
Then, on April 15th, the zoo will debut a large-scale installation series called ZOOtopiaries, including five gigantic mosaic topiary scenes by Santoline Mosaiculture. The sculptures will be on view through October. Designs include giraffes, a preening peacock, a butterfly, a snail, and a school of fish. Both attractions are included with admission.
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue.
Spring Into Science at the Franklin Institute
Body Worlds / Photograph courtesy of Franklin Institute
In addition to their new Wondrous Space and Body Odyssey permanent exhibits, and their temporary Body Worlds: Vital exhibit, the Franklin Institute is planning special daily programming for Spring Break. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., there’s Science Story Time in the Atrium. And on Thursday and Fridays, kid-fave Mister John’s Music is bringing two interactive shows per day, packed with music, movement, and science. Even better: Every day is a chance to win! Every day through April 26th, a golden voucher will be hidden somewhere in the museum. Be the first to discover it, and you’ll win a full year of a family membership.
April 12th-26th, Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.
More Special Programming
Bubble Bash takes over the aquarium for Spring Break / Photograph courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
Ice Dinosaurs at the Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy’s latest special exhibit uses animatronic dinosaurs, fossils and skeletons to illustrate a time and a place that rarely get attention: the Late Cretaceous period in the Arctic Circle. Follow a family of Trodoons to see how they lived and survived. Want to save a little money? They’re only charging $10 admission on Tuesday during Spring Break!
Through September 2nd, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Sports & Recreation at Eastern State Penitentiary
During spring break, Eastern State’s programming centers around sports and other team activities at the prison. This includes a display of artifacts, talks, a scavenger hunt for kids, drop-in tours about renowned boxing champion turned Eastern State baseball player Charles “Jack” Blackburn,” and more. All activities are included with admission.
April 11th-20th, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
Voyage to the Deep at the Please Touch Museum
PTM’s current special exhibit is inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and takes kids aboard the Nautilus for exploration, pretend play, and ocean-inspired games. If you stop by on Saturday, April 19th, you can catch Philly Children’s Theatre’s Underwater Birthday Ball, an original musical for little ones featuring acting, singing, dancing, and puppets! All activities are included with museum admission.
Through May 10th, Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Bubble Bash at Adventure Aquarium
The aquarium promises a whole lot of bubbly fun for Spring Break, including photo ops, hands-on demonstrations, half-hourly Bubble Bonanza parties (bubbles come pouring into the rotunda for kids to go nuts in) and more.
Through May 4th, Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden.
Spring Break at the Museum of the American Revolution
During break, the museum will host family-friendly crafts, in-gallery talks and neighborhood walking tours to learn more about during the Revolutionary War. You’ll find even more hands-on activities in the Revolution Place discovery center — now relocated to the first floor — which will be open daily during break with extended hours and additional activities.
April 12th-27th, Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street.
The Hobbit at Arden Theatre
The Hobbit at the Arden / Photograph by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios
Looking for something on stage? Arden Children’s Theatre presents J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic adventure, cleverly adapted for the stage by Greg Banks. Designed for audiences ages seven and up, the show takes you on a journey to Middle Earth to join Bilbo Baggins on his epic adventure.
Through May 25th, Arden Theatre, 40 North 2nd Street.
Let’s Go, Phillies!
Kids can celebrate the Phanatic’s birthday on Sunday, April 20th with this sweet giveaway hat you definitely won’t steal from them. / Photograph courtesy of the Phillies
The boys are back in town! Head to Citizens Bank Park for the excitement, the snacks, and maybe a run-in with the Phanatic? They’re playing all home games from April 14th through 20th, so there are lots of opportunities to get in on the action. Tuesday, April 15th, is the league-wide Jackie Robinson Day, which will include a tribute to the legend prior to the game. And on the weekend, there are giveaways and fun just for the kids: On Saturday, kids ages 14 and under get free Nick Castellanos wristbands; Sunday is the Phanatic’s birthday, which means not only a pre-game celebration with mascots aplenty on the field, but presents for the kids (ages 14 and under) in the form of a very cute Phanatic widget hat (pictured above).
Bluey x CAMP
For little ones obsessed with Bluey, you can head to King of Prussia’s CAMP location to step inside her house and even have a meet-and-greet with Bluey and Bingo. It’s a pretty cute way to spend an hour. Make your reservations online.
Through May 1st, King of Prussia Mall, 160 North Gulph Road, level 3, King of Prussia.
Take a Staycation
Campout at The Logan / Photograph by Laura Swartz
If you can’t get away, but still want those vacay vibes without the stress of the airport, book a hotel with family-friendly amenities.
The Logan Hotel’s new Wondrous Space Campout takes place in the hotel’s corner Pennsbury suite, which offers expansive views of the Parkway, including Sister Cities Park and the Free Library. The suite is transformed into a little campsite for with a solar-system tent containing astronaut sleeping bags, and a star machine to turn on at night and complete the illusion. Plus, four tickets to the Franklin Institute, including their Wondrous Space exhibit, and some cute little TFI stuffed rocket ships to take home. (And they’ve got special Spring Break programming this week — see above.)
Photograph courtesy of the Logan
You’ll also get a s’more kit sent up to your room for that “campfire” experience on your living room floor. Oh, and a bottle of wine for the parents, because they get it. The package starts at $509 per night.
Photograph courtesy of the Bellevue
Another whimsical option? The Bellevue has just partnered with Amanda Seyfried’s eco-friendly toy brand to bring the Make it Cute Playhouse Experience to Philly. Your room will have a Make It Cute Modern Farmhouse playhouse set up for the little ones to explore, along with and a Make It Cuter “Welcome Home” decor kit, cookies from Levain Bakery, and more family-friendly amenities. After your staycation, you can take the playhouse home, have it shipped to you, or let the hotel donate it to a local family in need.
Spring Break Camps
Spring Break camps include rock-climbing at PRG / Photograph courtesy of Philadelphia Rock Gyms
If your kids are off, but you aren’t, here are plenty of camps to keep them occupied all day, whatever they’re into. Prices are per day.
Phield House
Kids ages six to 12 can spend their days playing sports and games in this massive indoor sports facility. Full-day ($65) and half-day ($40) options are available.
April 14th-18th, Phield House, 814 Spring Garden Street.
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
Nature explorers ages five through 12 will spend their days off hiking, playing games, and learning in the science lab. Camps are full-day ($80-$90), with after-care available for an additional $20 per day.
April 14th-18th, Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road.
Coco Academy
This Bella Vista spot focuses on STEAM programming with maker software, 3D printing, laser cutting, circuitry and more. And over spring break, they’re offering full-day ($96) camp for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids will complete a STEAM project, learn STEAM principles, and go to a nearby park to play and test their inventions.
April 14th-18th, Coco Academy, 1001 Christian Street.
Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Philadelphia Rock Gyms’ Fishtown and East Falls locations are hosting full-day ($99) and half-day ($60.50) camps all week long. Kids ages six to 15 will learn bouldering and top rope skills while strengthening their problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Extended care is available for an additional $15 an hour. Discounts are available for multiple-day registration. PRG’s suburban outpost in Oaks is also hosting Spring Break camp the same week.
April 14th-18th, all Philadelphia Rock Gym locations.
Movement Callowhill
Even more climbing! Movement (f.k.a. Cliffs at Callowhill) will also be hosting a week of rock climbing, collaborative games, and new skills for kids ages six through 13. Camp is full-day for $125, with discounts if you sign up for three or more days.
April 14th-18th, The Cliffs at Callowhill, 1010 Callowhill Street.
Philly Art Center
Artists ages five through 12 can get creative in the studio at Philly Art Center’s Queen Village, Fairmount, Mount Airy and Cherry Hill locations. Age groups are split up and guided by teachers who structure creative playtime. Camps are full-day ($90), with before- and after-care available for an additional cost.
April 14th-18th, Philly Art Center, various locations.
Photograph courtesy of Philly Art Center
Queen & Rook Game Cafe
Kids ages six to 14 will spend their day playing and learning about board games, card games and role playing games at Queen & Rook Game Cafe. Registration has to be at least three days ($225) and can be for up to five days ($375). Camp is full-day; extended care is available for an additional $30.
April 14th-18th, Queen & Rook, 123 South Street.
Butcher’s Sew Shop
Kids ages five to 11 can explore the art of sewing using hand and machine projects at this popular Queen Village spot. No sewing experience is necessary. Camp is $98 per day (or $475 for the week), with extended care at an additional cost.
April 14th-18th, Butcher’s Sew Shop, 800 South 8th Street.
Skate the Foundry
Kids ages eight and up can enroll in two-day camps over break to perfect their skateboarding skills at Skate the Foundry’s indoor West Philly location. Campers must have their own skateboard, helmet, and safety gear. Full-day is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it’s $230 for the two-day camp.
April 14th & 15th, Skate the Foundry, 888 North 40th Street.
