53 Awesome Things To Do Indoors in Philly On Cold and Rainy Days

Caught cabin fever when it's too cold to play outside? We've compiled all the best spots for kids to have fun inside, including all the best indoor play spaces and indoor playgrounds near Philly. Cozy up and channel creativity, get tuckered out at a trampoline park, meander through a museum, and so much more.

Need more ideas for great times indoors? Be sure and check out Free Indoor Play Spaces for Philly Kids and our Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones Guide. Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox!

Indoor Playgrounds in Philadelphia

1. Beehive at Bok—East Passyunk

This hip play space reflects the iconic Bok building's creative small businesses and makers.

2. Kith and Kin—Brewerytown 

Kids will love the playhouse and scarf launcher in this gathering spot, while grown-ups will love its cool, calm vibe.

3. Lilypad—South Philly

Lilypad offers open playgroup opportunities by age, with the first visit free. This community and volunteer-run space also has a thrift store and a roster of classes.

4. Nest—Center City

After more than a decade, Nest's sought-after play space has become a favorite among Philly parents.

A little house for big fun at PlayArts. Photo by the author

5. PlayArts—Fishtown

This artsy Montessori-style space is as beautiful to look at as it is fun to play in.  

6. Rutabega Toy Library—East Falls

Rutabega is best known as a toy lending library, where a monthly $45 membership fee allows you to borrow all sorts of toys. Rutabega also hosts open play hangouts in it's amazing East Falls play space, so check its calendar on a cold or rainy day.

7. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse—Fairmount Park

Beloved and historic, Smith's newly renovated (and free!) playhouse now includes a brand new rotating interactive place space on the second floor.

Race your own creations at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Photo courtesy of the center.

Indoor Playgrounds in the Philly Suburbs

8. Charming Star Playroom—Newtown Square

This woodland-themed play space is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

9. Chatter Splatter—Norristown

Ball pits, play kitchens, and pretend gardens will keep kids entertained at this indoor playground all day.

10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center—Plymouth Meeting

An interactive LEGO world, indoor playground, and even a theme park ride make this every kid's play paradise.

11. Lulu's Casita—Ardmore and West Chester

The perfect play cafe where you can enjoy your coffee in a comfy chair as the kids romp.

12. Ship to Fun—Willow Grove

Take a break from shopping in the Willow Grove mall and visit Ship to Fun, an indoor playground with lots of toddler play equipment and a soft play area to keep young children safe.

Just hangin' around at Kids at Play. Photo courtesy of Kids at Play

Gyms and Trampoline Parks Near Philadelphia

13. BounceU—Collegeville and Exton

Kids can jump the day away in the many bounce stadiums. Special events and toddler times are also offered.

14. The Factory at Reach—Bridgeport

The ninja area at this self-proclaimed ninja warrior facility is the perfect place to let off some steam.

15. iFLY—King of Prussia

Kids 3 and up can realize their soaring superhero dreams at this indoor skydiving facility.

16. iCore Ninja Fitness—West Chester

Obstacle courses and fitness challenges make this giant gym a favorite for mini ninjas.

17. Indoor Water Parks near Philly - Various locations

It's never too cold for a splash at an indoor water park. 

18. InMovement—Philadelphia

Kids will love tumbling in the open play sessions or classes at this hot spot for gymnastics.

19. Jumpers—Newtown Square

Five thousand square feet of bouncy fun guarantee tired-out kiddos.

20. Kids at Play—Philadelphia

Roller coaster cars, a sensory room, ball pits, and a zip line are just some Kids at Play highlights.

21. The Little Pod—North Wales

Part indoor gym, part play space, part arcade, The Little Pod has a little of everything.

22. Oasis Family Fun—Glen Mills

Virtual reality, laser mazes, and rock climbing walls make this a true oasis of fun.

23. Rainbow Play Systems—King of Prussia

This playground equipment showroom and store offers open play sessions for just $7.

24. SkyZone—Multiple Locations

Your classic trampoline park with everything from foam pits to climbing walls. 

25. Urban Air—Multiple Locations

Urban Air locations around Philadelphia go beyond foam pits and trampolines to bring kids an indoor zip line, a dodge ball room, and laser fury bumper cars.

Kids' Indoor Classes Near Philadelphia

26. Art Studios—Multiple Locations

Channel your inner Picasso at one of Philly's many drop-in art studios, like Busy Bees or Mud Room. Philly Art Center also offers drop-in creative playtime.

27. Baby Wordplay—Multiple Locations

Miss Pam's beloved story plays are popping up at various locations around the city.

28. Mister John's Music—Italian Market

This Philly parent favorite is just as fun for grown-ups as kids, with its emphasis on contemporary music, diversity, and inclusion.

29. The Candy Lab—Ardmore

Get your sugar rush while making candy crafts.

Admire all the beautiful shapes, sizes, and colors at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by the author

Museums Near Philadelphia

30. Academy of Natural Sciences—Philadelphia

Come for the dinosaurs, stay for the fossil dig, butterfly room, and kids' space with small animals.

31. Adventure Aquarium—Camden

You'll find Nemo and all of your favorite marine creatures just over the bridge.

32. African American Museum in Philadelphia—Philadelphia

Four exhibition spaces celebrate African American heritage and culture.

33. American Helicopter Museum—West Chester

Say hello to helicopters and explore all things aviation.

34. American Swedish Historical Museum—Philadelphia

Kids can explore Swedish culture through Toddler Times and an interactive Pippi Longstocking exhibition.

35. Battleship New Jersey—Philadelphia

Explore military history on one of the largest battleships ever built.

36. Barnes Foundation—Philadelphia

Mini Monets and budding Basquiats will love wandering the galleries of one of the country's most impressive art collections.

37. Museum of Illusions—Philadelphia

Fool your eye and bend your brain at this highly interactive and Instagramable museum.

38. Fabric Workshop and Museum—Philadelphia

This contemporary art museum is also a studio space for its artists in residence.

39. The Franklin Institute—Philadelphia

Hike through a heart, explore electricity, and pop into the planetarium at this family favorite. 

40. Michener Art Museum—Doylestown

The cultural heritage of Bucks County is brought to life in the Michener's galleries.

41. Museum of the American Revolution—Philadelphia

The interactive galleries just steps from Independence Hall are a great place to learn about the early days of the country.

42. National Constitution Center—Philadelphia

Don the robes of a Supreme Court Justice, give a pretend press conference as President, and learn how a bill becomes a law.

43. National Liberty Museum—Philadelphia

This museum is dedicated to showcasing art and exhibitions interpreting themes of liberty and freedom.

44. Penn Museum—Philadelphia

Mummies, archeology, and family-friendly Culturefest! make this one of Philly's most memorable museums.

45. Philadelphia Museum of Art—Philadelphia

Rocky-run into one of the largest art museums in the country.  Take a self-guided tour or check out a family program.

The Market exhibit at the Please Touch Museum. Photo by the author

46. Please Touch Museum—Philadelphia

Ride the carousel or go down Alice's rabbit hole at Philly's premier children's museum.

47. Woodmere Art Museum—Chestnut Hill

Dedicated to Philadelphia art and artists, kids will love the sculpture garden and children's exhibition space.

Crayola Experience

More Fun Indoor Activities Near Philadelphia

48. Arden Theatre—Philadelphia

Check out the children's theater and watch stories come to life.

49. Arnold's Family Fun Center—Oaks

Go-carts, ropes courses, laser tag, bowling, mini-golf, and more make Arnold's a one-stop fun shop.

50. Crayola Experience—Easton

Plan a colorful excursion to make your own crayon, learn how crayons are made, and burn off some steam in the Crayola playground. 

51. Herr's Snack Factory—Nottingham

Take a tasty tour through Herr's chip factory and watch potatoes being peeled, sliced, and turned into a crunchy snack.

52. IKEA—South Philadelphia and Conshohocken

Explore a home other than your own at IKEA and indulge in some Swedish meatballs.

53. Escape Room—Multiple Locations

Embark on some team-building with your family in an escape room.

This post has been updated for January 2023.