Family events in Philadelphia, PA

Citizens Bank Park hosts the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies in a late season showdown that may have heightened importance as the standings tighten. This game provides a timely gauge of both teams and what they have left for the closing stretch.

Miss Meghan leads a lively storytime with books, songs, and playful activities for children ages four and under with their caregivers. After the reading portion, families can stay for unstructured playtime. Siblings are welcome.

Mr. Alec leads little ones through stories, songs, and playful rhymes. Storytime wraps up with bubbles, followed by a playgroup. Intended for babies and toddlers, along with their siblings and caregivers.

Miss Meghan leads a lap-sit session featuring storytelling, music, nursery rhymes, and gentle bounces for babies and their caregivers. Playtime follows the session, and siblings are welcome.

Staff from the Museum of the Revolution present a program on life aboard a ship during the Revolutionary War. Participants will hear about notable sailors, learn how cannons were fired at sea, and explore how to craft a seafaring tall tale. Best for ages 6 to 12.

Live and Local, presented by 4333 Collective, brings a free, all ages concert experience to the waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park. The Lazy Hammock becomes a relaxed listening spot with hammock lounging, skyline views, and food and drinks on site. Expect a high energy night of live music from a rotating lineup of bands. Performers across the series include Full Body 2, Slingshot Dakota, Horse Jumper of Love, Kevin Devine, Oso Oso, Atta Boy, Wild Pink, Spirit Of The Beehive, WIKI, and Iron Chic, with more shows still to be announced.

Mr. John leads a lively storytime for infants and toddlers with read-alouds, music, and fingerplay activities. After the storytelling, infants and toddlers can enjoy time together in an open playgroup.

Pack a blanket and a snack for a relaxed storytime near the Clark Park playground, featuring stories, songs, bubbles, and plenty of fun. If the weather turns rainy, the gathering will move to Walnut Street West Library, with same-day updates shared on social media. Suitable for all ages.

Explore hands-on building at a welcoming club where you can create with LEGO bricks, blocks, Magna-Tiles and Lincoln Logs. All ages are invited, and toddlers have a dedicated area with age-appropriate blocks. Bring your biggest ideas and start building.

Hosted by Jazz Philadelphia, The Shane Aaserud Quintet performs at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This event is free to attend.

Spruce Street Harbor Park sets the scene for the Friday Night Jazz Series, a Waterfront showcase of standout jazz talent presented in partnership with Rising Sun Presents. This installment features Jazz Philadelphia presenting The Shane Aaserud Quintet. Settle in for live jazz with skyline views, a relaxed lounge vibe, and convenient food and drink options, all wrapped in soulful, feel-good sounds. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

GO2 for Lung Cancer presents the 16th annual 5K Walk/Run in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Zoo. Participants can run or walk a course through the zoo, with family-friendly activities such as a kids dash, a scavenger hunt, music, and more. The event welcomes all ages and ability levels. Participation is available in person or remotely, either individually or with a team. Fundraising supports one-on-one assistance, screening and treatment navigation, and research aimed at accelerating cures and replacing stigma with hope. Zoo admission is included with every registration, not valid for remote participants.

A 3.1 mile course with more than ten interactive spots awaits, featuring activities such as karaoke and Stop & Listen to 95, plus new surprises along the route and a celebratory hot dog at the finish. In-person entrants receive a T-shirt, a medal, and a ticket to a Flyers home game. Virtual participants may purchase Flyers home game tickets at a discounted price. Discounted registration is available for children 12 and under.

Discover a trove of vintage and antique finds at the Drexel University Vintage & Antique Flea Market. Treasure hunters and casual browsers can explore racks of era-spanning fashion, from Victorian looks to standout pieces from later decades, along with accessories and classic designer handbags. Collectors will find throwback entertainment and pop culture items, including older game consoles, rare anime figures, retro toys, and sought-after comics. Home enthusiasts can sift through mid-century furnishings, colorful glassware, and character-filled kitchenware. Jewelry lovers can browse a broad range of styles, with sparkling pieces to suit many tastes. With so many categories to explore, there is always the chance to uncover an unexpected gem.

The Pennsylvania and New Jersey Speed Puzzling Championship brings a full slate of competitive solving to Rose Bud Studios. Participants can compete individually, with a partner, or on a four‑person team, and new races add even more variety with the Pairs Relay and the Puzzle Pyramid. It is also a chance to connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts. Early‑bird savings are available, including discounted tickets and the opportunity to receive a complimentary Championship T‑shirt with a qualifying single transaction that includes contest tickets and the T‑shirt in the cart, using the coupon code 26FREETEE at checkout. Extras include the chance to compete alongside pros, pick up complimentary puzzles, and trade at a puzzle swap table that is free for registrants and available to guests for a small fee. Prizes await the top three finishers in each division, including gift certificates or prize puzzles, along with custom laser‑etched wooden puzzle piece trophies. Registration reserves one spot per event and is finalized once payment is received. Pricing for pairs and teams is per person, with costs split across partners or team members, and each adult must purchase their own ticket. There is a limit of one ticket per event per purchase, except when purchasing for juniors. The program features check‑in, brief instructions, and contests across multiple rounds, including Solo, Pair Relay, Pair, Solo Puzzle Pyramid, and Team.

The Delaware River Festival brings a full day of free, all-ages experiences to the Camden Waterfront and Penn’s Landing, celebrating the river that connects both shores. Explore live animal encounters and environmental exhibits, get creative with face painting and hands-on crafts, and take part in science activities and games. Paddle Penn’s Landing is available at no cost, and complimentary ferry rides carry visitors across the Delaware River. The Independence Seaport Museum offers free building admission during the festivities. Food trucks and parking are available for purchase. Throughout the event, attendees can discover the wonders of the Delaware River and learn ways to help protect this vital resource.

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinatown with a full day of community fun and cultural activities. The program features live performances, lively lion dances, a mooncake eating competition, pay-per-play carnival games, complimentary art activities, and a lantern parade that moves through Chinatown.

Miles for Migraine Pennsylvania returns to Philadelphia for its 14th year with a community-focused day of movement, connection, and awareness for people living with migraine and headache diseases. Participants can meet others who understand their experience, hear from inspiring speakers, and explore a community area with sponsors and local partners. The event features an officially timed 5K run, a 2-mile walk with free registration, and a relax option that is also free. Medals are awarded at the finish for everyone who completes the walk or run. Wearing purple is encouraged, and standout style may earn a fun prize. Funds raised support Miles for Migraine’s free programs and services and benefit local centers including Jefferson Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania, helping advance research, education, and fellowship training in the region. Donations are encouraged for the no-cost walk and relax options.

Now in its eighth year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is part of USA 250 and 2026 NPDC. It continues an annual tradition.

The 5th Annual FELStival 2026 is a free, family-friendly fall celebration at Federation Early Learning Services’ Paley Early Learning Center. Expect a lively afternoon with food trucks, live music, appearances by farm animals, sensory activities, family yoga, children’s games, hands-on projects, and participation from community partners. Guests can also take guided tours of the center to learn about early childhood programs, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K Counts, and Head Start, meet the staff, and explore the classrooms. It offers outdoor fun for all ages, engaging options for young children, and opportunities to connect with the community. Admission is free.

Family Day in Fishtown offers arcade games and food for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Barcade will donate a portion of 2026 Family Day token sales to Gamers Outreach, a nonprofit that brings video game recreation to children in hospitals with support from the gaming community. A complete schedule of Family Day dates is available on the organizer’s website.

Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay brings hands-on activities to Spruce Street Harbor Park, offering creative crafts and beginner-friendly STEM experiences for children and adults to enjoy together. The program is free, open to the public, and welcomes all ages. Projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. This edition features Costume Creation using cardboard and paper bags, inviting families to imagine, build, and create side by side through art and simple engineering challenges.