Fun Things To Do In Chester County This Weekend For Families And Kids January 17th, 18th, & 19th

A list of the best things to do in Chester County 

   this  weekend

January 17th, 18th, & 19th



What to do this weekend with your family? There is so much to do for families and kids. We invite you to check out our events calendar, with many family-friendly events and things to do on the weekends and every day of the week. We constantly update our events calendar, so there is always something new and exciting to do! 




It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.




The Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village is a feast for the eyes with more than 100 creative and whimsical entries crafted by the public in different categories. The gingerbread entries will be on exhibit during shopping hours from November 15 through January 19, 2025 in the Visitor & Event Center. Admission is free.


 
This winter, there’s no better place to warm up—and chill out—than Longwood. Escape the chill and bask in the warmth of our beautiful new West Conservatory as it begins its peak flowering season. Relax amid lush, tropical gardens. Unwind as the soothing sounds of water transport you to another world. Soak up the sun and leave your winter worries at the door.



The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons video game on the Nintendo Switch™ system is coming to Adventure Aquarium! From January 11 to February 12, themed activities will allow Aquarium guests to explore the wonders of aquatic life while enjoying the world of Animal Crossing™: New Horizons. 



Explore paleontology’s final frontier in Ice Dinosaurs, the Academy’s exciting new special exhibit. Transport yourself to the Late Cretaceous period in the Arctic Circle, where dinosaurs actually lived year-round in extreme polar environments. This brand-new, immersive, and educational experience brings this era to life with animatronic dinosaurs, engaging stories, and real fossils, skeletons, and museum casts.



Imagination Street a new play space that kids and parents can enjoy together. For kids (ages 0–9), it is a meaningful, hands-on play experience in nine, interactive, themed playhouses that form a “city” to explore. For parents, there’s a cafe-style lounge to gather, drink coffee, or get some work done. Because the space is an open concept, parents are in close proximity of their children the entire time. They offer open play sessions, private parties, events, and more.




Burn off some energy while having some fun while skating with the family.

Guests to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can pay what they wish for admission every Friday evening and the first Sunday of the month. Reservations are required.




Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park have adventures behind every corner. They are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family, and you’ll see why we’re more than just a trampoline park.

DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription: Wassailing Caroling Hayride


You may also enjoy: 


Fun Things to Do With Kids In Chester County is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we hope you will.


Fun Things To Do In Chester County This Weekend For Families And Kids January 10th,11th, &12th

A list of the best things to do in Chester County 

   this  weekend

January 10th, 11th, & 12th




What to do this weekend with your family? There is so much to do for families and kids. We invite you to check out our events calendar, with many family-friendly events and things to do on the weekends and every day of the week. We constantly update our events calendar, so there is always something new and exciting to do! 



Greenberg's Train & Toy Show is designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. All scales are welcome as are books, videos, and railroad Iana.




It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting.


Explore paleontology’s final frontier in Ice Dinosaurs, the Academy’s exciting new special exhibit. Transport yourself to the Late Cretaceous period in the Arctic Circle, where dinosaurs actually lived year-round in extreme polar environments. This brand-new, immersive, and educational experience brings this era to life with animatronic dinosaurs, engaging stories, and real fossils, skeletons, and museum casts.



This holiday season, experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas as you never have before—made even more spectacular with the opening of Longwood Reimagined. Brand new spaces—from our sprawling new West Conservatory to imaginative new outdoor landscapes—decked out for the holidays give way to wondrous new ways to experience the season … and incredible new memories to make. Revel in hundreds of thousands of lights … marvel at astonishing feats of horticulture, ingenuity, and creativity … and delight in beauty at every turn, all as we welcome you to our biggest—and most magical—A Longwood Christmas yet.




The Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village is a feast for the eyes with more than 100 creative and whimsical entries crafted by the public in different categories. The gingerbread entries will be on exhibit during shopping hours from November 15 through January 19, 2025 in the Visitor & Event Center. Admission is free.




On view through our Chrysanthemum Festival and A Longwood Christmas seasons, a perfectly fanciful blend of horticulture, engineering, and lighthearted fun awaits guests of all ages with this very special display located outdoors near the Terrace Restaurant.


Imagination Street a new play space that kids and parents can enjoy together. For kids (ages 0–9), it is a meaningful, hands-on play experience in nine, interactive, themed playhouses that form a “city” to explore. For parents, there’s a cafe-style lounge to gather, drink coffee, or get some work done. Because the space is an open concept, parents are in close proximity of their children the entire time. They offer open play sessions, private parties, events, and more.




Burn off some energy while having some fun while skating with the family.

Guests to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can pay what they wish for admission every Friday evening and the first Sunday of the month. Reservations are required.




Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park have adventures behind every corner. They are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family, and you’ll see why we’re more than just a trampoline park.

DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription: Wassailing Caroling Hayride


You may also enjoy: 


Fun Things to Do With Kids In Chester County is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we hope you will.


Fun Things To Do In Chester County This Weekend For Families And Kids January 3rd, 4th & 5th

A list of the best things to do in Chester County 

   this  weekend

January  3rd, 4th & 5th





What to do this weekend with your family? There is so much to do for families and kids. We invite you to check out our events calendar, with many family-friendly events and things to do on the weekends and every day of the week. We constantly update our events calendar, so there is always something new and exciting to do! 



Traveling Dinosaur Experience — The #1 Dinosaur Experience in North America is Migrating To A City Near You. Opportunities To Meet Baby Dinosaurs and Experience A Raptor Training Show. Shop Online. Get In Touch. Meet Our Trainers. This weekend only at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.



Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.


LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo


LumiNature, a fantastical new winter light experience set to transform the Zoo, will take guests on a magical journey of illuminations, music, sound and surprises.



It’s the first Sunday of the month, which means free admission at the Barnes. Enjoy art activities, performances, and free access to the collection and Mickalene Thomas: All About Love.

Start the new year off with upbeat and inspiring performances by the Getting Better Everyday Step Team! Based in Mickalene Thomas’s hometown of Camden, New Jersey, this talented group of girls will get families up and moving. Be sure to stick around after each show for an interactive workshop on the art of step.




The creative team behind Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto invites you to explore the whimsical world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook! People’s Light continues its winter holiday tradition with a cast of Lost Boys, pirates, fairies, and a trio of card-playing dogs. Meanwhile, a TikTok-famous croc is on the loose, hunting down dance moves, followers, and Captain Hook’s right hand. Cheer the heroes, boo the villains, clap, and sing while eating all the Swedish Fish you can catch. Join Wendy, Michael, and John in this “Darling” trip to Neverland for ages 5-105.




The holidays will arrive early to the Brandywine Museum of Art this season with the return of the Brandywine Railroad holiday train display, plus a new exhibition that will highlight the miniature worlds created and loved by the Wyeth family of artists—including two additional model train displays that will delight visitors of all ages. 




This holiday season, experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas as you never have before—made even more spectacular with the opening of Longwood Reimagined. Brand new spaces—from our sprawling new West Conservatory to imaginative new outdoor landscapes—decked out for the holidays give way to wondrous new ways to experience the season … and incredible new memories to make. Revel in hundreds of thousands of lights … marvel at astonishing feats of horticulture, ingenuity, and creativity … and delight in beauty at every turn, all as we welcome you to our biggest—and most magical—A Longwood Christmas yet.




The Gingerbread Competition & Display at Peddler’s Village is a feast for the eyes with more than 100 creative and whimsical entries crafted by the public in different categories. The gingerbread entries will be on exhibit during shopping hours from November 15 through January 19, 2025 in the Visitor & Event Center. Admission is free.




On view through our Chrysanthemum Festival and A Longwood Christmas seasons, a perfectly fanciful blend of horticulture, engineering, and lighthearted fun awaits guests of all ages with this very special display located outdoors near the Terrace Restaurant.


Imagination Street a new play space that kids and parents can enjoy together. For kids (ages 0–9), it is a meaningful, hands-on play experience in nine, interactive, themed playhouses that form a “city” to explore. For parents, there’s a cafe-style lounge to gather, drink coffee, or get some work done. Because the space is an open concept, parents are in close proximity of their children the entire time. They offer open play sessions, private parties, events, and more.




Burn off some energy while having some fun while skating with the family.

Guests to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can pay what they wish for admission every Friday evening and the first Sunday of the month. Reservations are required.




Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park have adventures behind every corner. They are the ultimate indoor playground for your entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family, and you’ll see why we’re more than just a trampoline park.

DescriptionWassailing Caroling HayridesDescription: Wassailing Caroling Hayride


You may also enjoy: 


Fun Things to Do With Kids In Chester County is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any of the events or activities posted on this blog. Events and activities are posted for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the times, dates, or locations of activities and events. We also do not guarantee that you and your kids will have fun, but we hope you will.


New Year's Eve Family Events in the Philadelphia Area






December 28th

Help us celebrate the new year with a Noon Year's Eve Party! Read books, make crafts, and count down to noon during this party with your little one to prepare for the actual holiday.

Free program for ages 0 - 6 years. Registration Required.December 31 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm





Celebrate the New Year with Adventure! Ring in the New Year with Twiggy dropping from the Pirate Ship at 12 Noon. Twiggy’s Tree Shakin’ New Year’s Eve Party is December 31st, from 10am – 1pm. The ticket is $28.00 and includes Tree climbing, Tomahawk Toss, Ziplining, and Warrior Woods. Non-participating guests can also purchase Treehouse Passes.








Count Down 2 Noon at The Please Touch Museum
December 31st   
9-11:30 a.m. or 1-3:30 p.m.

To create a festive and fun New Year’s Eve for everyone, we are offering two timed sessions with limited capacity and will livestream the New Year’s Eve ball drop on the Museum’s lower level for those who want a quieter countdown experience. Choose the option that works best for your family; both the morning and afternoon sessions will end with our traditional New Year’s Eve ball drop and livestream option!





Noon Year's Eve Celebration at Brandywine Zoo 
December 31st  

We’ll have a celebratory atmosphere with a group countdown to Noon. Program takes place outside in the zoo so dress for the weather! Hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the snack bar. Some animals may not be out because of the cold weather. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY!

We're getting so excited for our New Year's Eve Confetti Countdown! Countdowns will be at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM on Dec 31, with special musical performances from  We Kids Rock and appearances from Pinky the Puppet. Plus, a Pom Pom Party in the STEM room and firework painting in Studio D. We hope to see you!




Ring in 2024 in style with Parties on Ice! There are two great sessions, including New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront, the biggest and brightest fireworks show in the area.





New Year's Eve in Kennett Square


The Mushroom Festival and Kennett Area Restaurant & Merchant Association are again hosting the Annual Mushroom Drop being held at State & Union Streets this year.

Weather permitting (no wind), the lighted Mushroom will be raised at 8:55 PM - bring the kids for the opening celebrations.



New Year's Eve at Cherry Street Pier

Enjoy activities with PopUpPlay, including make-and-take crafts and games (while supplies last), a New Year’s countdown, gymnastics courses from National Kids Gym, puppet making, and the Digger and David Puppet Theater (a roaming puppeteer), scooter races and catapults, a scavenger hunt, a dance party with live video feed on the Pier’s jumbo screens, black light room, and special balloon drop to countdown to the New Year. Plus, enjoy a  front-row seat to the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront at 6 pm.



New Year's Eve Family Jam at Ardmore Music Hall

New Year's Eve (Day) Family Jam w/ Alex & the Kaleidoscope.

Countdown and Ball Drop at Noon + Arts & Crafts + Brunch!






New Year's Eve Fireworks at Sesame Place

The night sky sparkles at Sesame Place, with our spectacular fireworks show, set to Sesame Street music, making the festivities on New Year's Eve truly memorable. Fireworks will begin immediately following their Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade on December 31st.





Join our pal Duke has he hosts the county's most royal family-friendly New Year's Celebration with his second annual Diamond Dropevent!

Gather with us on New Year's Eve at 3:30 PM at Storytime Corner to get the wiggles out at a bubble dance party, an exclusive gift for all kids (12 & under) in attendance, all culminating in counting down and watching the diamond drop at 4pm!

This is the New Year's tradition you don't want to miss!

What to do with the Kids Over Winter Break in Chester County and Surrounding Area



The presents have been opened, and toys have been played with, and every parent fears the words "I'm bored" over Christmas break. Don't fret; Fun Things has you covered with events to keep your family busy over break.

Catch a Show



November 20- January 5th 

The creative team behind Alice in Wonderland: A Musical Panto invites you to explore the whimsical world of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook! People’s Light continues its winter holiday tradition with a cast of Lost Boys, pirates, fairies, and a trio of card-playing dogs. Meanwhile, a TikTok-famous croc is on the loose, hunting down dance moves, followers, and Captain Hook’s right hand. Cheer the heroes, boo the villains, clap, and sing while eating all the Swedish Fish you can catch. Join Wendy, Michael, and John in this “Darling” trip to Neverland for ages 5-105.



December 26th - January 4th

Mickey and his pals are rocking the DJ table and you’re on the guest list! Feel the electric atmosphere as they remix favorite Disney tunes into colorful worlds.








What would the holidays be without George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®? Whether it’s your first or thirty-first time seeing Pennsylvania Ballet’s production of the classic, watching the timeless story brought to life is always a delight. From a festive family party to the exciting battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, and the delectable journey through the Land of Sweets, Marie’s magical story is thrilling for the young – and young at heart.


Watch the Twinkling Lights



December 4th - December 31st
Monday-Thursday 6PM - 9PM
Friday-Sunday 6PM - 10PM

 This is a synchronized Christmas light display in the Marchwood neighborhood of Exton, PA, drive up, tune your radio to 90.3 FM, and enjoy!





Enjoy a unique display of tens of thousands of lights and animated displays from the comfort of your own vehicle.  Load up the car with family and friends and traverse the 60 acre/1.1 mile route through the Christmas Tree farm lit up and synchronized with Holiday songs to celebrate the season! NEW THIS YEAR: No need to selct a date or time for your reservation. Simply purchase a ticket and show up during the Light Show! The show will not operate if there is inclement weather. Please check social media for the latest information.




Christmas at Longwood Gardens
November 22nd - January 12th


Half a million outdoor lights and holiday magic await you during Longwood's incomparable Christmas display. Enjoy dazzling trees and seasonal concerts. The Music Room hosts a special, themed holiday display. Kids of all ages will delight in a miniature Garden Railway decked out for the holidays. Thousands of poinsettias accented with amaryllis, artemisia, begonias, cyclamen, hybrid lilies, kalanchoes, paperwhites, red-berried plants, etc other flowers flourish inside acres of heated glass conservatories. Living wreaths, swags, and live floral trees adorn rooms throughout the Conservatory. Included in Gardens admission.



Holiday Light Show and Dickens Village Macy's Center City

November 29th - December 31st

The 28,575-pipe Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest playing pipe organ, will be featured with the noon and 6 pm showings (except Sundays).

Dickens Christmas Village is open this year by advance reservation from 11/25 (Black Friday) to 12/31. 





Herr's Christmas Lights

November 27th- January 5th

Come enjoy our FREE Holiday Lights Display from dusk to dawn (5pm-7am). Drive through our corporate campus and over 600,000 dazzling lights. We ask that all visitors stay in their cars for everyone’s safety.




West Chester Griswolds
November  28th- January 2

 The lights will start on Thanksgiving night (November 23).    We will run through at least January 1, 2024.  We look forward to seeing everyone and have some exciting new stuff planned for this year.  We will also accept letters to Santa again this year.


December 1st - January 1st

We invite you to walk around and view our display. We, please, ask that you pull over and park next to our home. Please respect our neighbor's properties. Please do not park in front of our neighbor's homes, and please do not turn around in their driveways. There is a mailbox located at the front of the house for your letters to Santa. Don't forget to tune your radio to 87.9, so you can hear all the Christmas music and movie clips on the big screen. 



Winter in Franklin Square
November 21st- February 23rd

Franklin Square transforms into a winter wonderland starting November 21! Enjoy dazzling Electrical Spectacle Light Shows presented by PECO, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Street Curling, and seasonal sweet treats and cocktails!



LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
November 21st - January 4th

LumiNature, a fantastical new winter light experience set to transform the Zoo, will take guests on a magical journey of illuminations, music, sound and surprises.





November 22nd - December 31st

Elmwood Park Zoo’s favorite family tradition, Wild Lights, returns this holiday season! With new lights and decorative attractions and more animals on exhibit, this year’s Wild Lights is sure to be brighter than ever! Take a stroll through “Oh” Christmas Tree, and be surrounded by a glistening forest, or visit with our big cats in Trail of the Jumping Jaguar. Each night of Wild Lights features live entertainment, unique animal encounters, performances, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa himself.





Open EVERY NIGHT from Nov. 23rd through Jan. 5
5 pm to 10 pm

Experience the magic of more than 3 million lights illuminating acres of farmland at the Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show! Encounter whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters.
Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show in a private open-air wagon ride (weather permitting).



December 2nd - December 30th

Stroll an enchanted Village and sip tasty beverages. Find perfect gifts in 65 specialty shops and boutiques. Enjoy fine dining or casual fare in your choice of restaurants. Ride a 1920s carousel and play in the arcade. See a magnificent display of gingerbread houses. Spend the night in our elegant country inn. And enjoy the company of the people you love.




November 28 - January 1
shows every hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The annual Comcast Holiday Spectacular returns with super high-res digital holiday shows displayed on one of the world’s largest LED video walls.

A must-see holiday tradition, this free 15-minute video show takes visitors on a festive, musical journey featuring classic holiday songs, performances, and a sleigh ride around the world.




Go Ice Skating



Blue Cross River Rink Winter Fest
Opens November 24th- February 29th

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation is proud to continue to present a wintertime tradition in Philadelphia, as the Blue Cross River Rink will re-open for the 28th season on November 26th. The Blue Cross River Rink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located on Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.





Winter at Dilworth Park
November  10th – March 9th

Come to ice skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, relax with a warm seasonal beverage at the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin, stroll through the seasonal plant arrangements in the Wintergarden, view the dazzling Deck the Hall Holiday Light Show, and shop for gifts at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.


Ice Line  Skate indoors at Ice Line in West Chester








Ice Works - Skate indoors at Ice Works in Aston. 








Ride some Rides



Sesame Place A Very Furry Christmas


November 16th - January 5th

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place® is a festive, family-friendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends. The park is transformed into a one-of-a-kind Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations all around.
At the center of our 1-2-3 Christmas Tree show is a 30-foot fully-illuminated pixel-based tree that will project festive animated images. At the same time, guests can dance along to a festive holiday soundtrack – all making for the ultimate light show experience!
Sing along at two special Christmas shows and take a train ride tour through the Twiddlebugs’ Gingerbread Cookie Factory on the Sesame Place Furry Express!



Hershey Park Christmas Candyland

November 15th - January 1st


The magic of the holidays comes to life at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. With two million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, festive decorations, and Hershey's
 Product Characters decked out in their holiday best, there is something for all to enjoy! 


Dutch Winter Wonderland

November 16th - December 31st


Dutch Winter Wonderland offers themed rides, games, and holiday entertainment under thousands of twinkling lights! Indoor activities include cookie decorating, voting for your favorite gingerbread house, and sharing holiday wishes with Santa. 

Explore Someplace New


November 23rd–January 5th

Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity in the historic mansion, and woodland whimsy awaits outdoors. There is so much to see and do throughout the season– delight in beautifully decorated trees and marvel at a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Enjoy enchanting decorations and outdoor lighting inspired by the woodlands of Winterthur. Advance reservations strongly recommended.




 November 29 through January  1

Holidays at Hagley returns with the theme, “Treasures and Traditions," and will feature Holiday Home and Garden Tours, the sixth-annual Gingerbread House Contest, Santa Day, Holiday Nights Tours, and more. 



Brandywine Railroad at Brandywine River Museum
November 16th- January 5th

A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater, and even a carnival.

A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are also incorporated into the display to allow for further engagement.




November 23rd - December 30th

Make your holiday even more magical with a visit to the Holiday Garden Railway, as it is transformed for the season with thousands of twinkling lights! See the enchanting rail cars in a festive wonderland of lights and sounds, a marvelous experience for visitors of all ages.




November 29th - January 1st

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia during our Holiday Bricktacular. Enjoy seasonal LEGO build activities, holiday theming throughout the Center, and
 much more