Are you looking for fun things to do in Philadelphia in the winter?
Believe it or not, winter is a great time to explore Philadelphia! The city quiets down after all of the Christmas festivities, and popular attractions aren’t as crowded.
Even though winter can be cold in Philadelphia, there are still plenty of fun things to do both inside and outside that will warm you up and bring some joy to the gray days.
We love spending time in Philadelphia during the winter months. Some of our favorite activities can only be done in the winter, like ice skating at Dilworth Park or checking out the cars at the Auto Show.
The guide below shares some of the best things to do in Philadelphia in winter. So, let’s get our coats on and check them out!
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15 Ways to Enjoy Philadelphia in the Winter
1. Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park, next to City Hall, is one of the best places for families looking for a fun winter activity in Center City Philadelphia. It’s a top location for Christmas fun, but guests can enjoy winter activities on the plaza until the end of February!
One of the best things to do is ice skating on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. It’s the perfect spot to spend a winter day (or night) with your loved ones.
Other fun features are the charming Rothman Cabin, which offers hot cocoa, snacks, and a cozy spot to warm up, and the winter garden, with topiaries and pretty lights.
Visitor’s Tip: You can skate for FREE Mondays & Tuesdays in February. Skate rental not included.
2. Independence Hall & Old City
One of the best times to visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the other historic sites in Philadelphia is winter. The sites are typically less crowded than during the spring and summer months. You don’t need a reservation to visit Independence Hall in January and February (except for holiday weekends).
All of the incredible historic attractions in Old City are within a short walking distance, so that you won’t be out in the cold too long. You can also warm up in the Bourse, where you can grab lunch or a snack.
🚌 Get around Philadelphia easily with this Hop On/Hop Off bus tour
3. Philadelphia Zoo
We love the Philadelphia Zoo! It’s a top destination to visit in Philadelphia with kids.
Winter is a great time to visit a zoo. The crisp, cool air usually makes the animals more active. They love to jump, run, and play to stay warm.
The best part about the Philadelphia Zoo is that they have inside areas to view animals as well. So if it’s too cold for them outside, you can usually find them inside.
The Philadelphia Zoo also runs some fun events in the winter, like Luminature, a holiday light show that runs through the first week of January, and their Zoo-A-Thon fundraiser, which typically occurs in February or March.
For 2024, the Philadelphia Zoo has a new exhibition. Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans will be making its East Coast debut on February 1st at the zoo. the exhibition will run through April 15th.
4. Franklin Square Light Show & Mini Golf
Franklin Square has a lot going on year-round, but the fun doesn’t stop in the winter.
First, the fountain and surrounding trees are decked out in thousands of sparkling lights to create the Franklin Square Electrical Spectacle Light Show. The show runs nightly through February 25th, with a performance every 30 minutes starting at 5:00 pm. During the holiday season, they play festive favorites. It’s one of the best Christmas light displays in Philadelphia!
Other winter activities at Franklin Square include Chilly Philly Mini Golf and Mini Gold With Love, the carousel, and street curling. Not to mention all of the food and drinks they sell. It’s a perfect spot to spend a winter day or night in Philadelphia.
5. Visit a World-Class Museum
Philadelphia is home to dozens of museums that are awesome to visit any time of year. But when it’s cold outside, it’s nice to stay warm inside. It’s hard to list all of the incredible museums in Philadelphia, but we have some favorites, like the Franklin Institute, the Independence Seaport Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Several museums offer free or discounted admission. And if you are visiting from out of town and have museum membership, you may be able to use that membership at a participating Philadelphia museum.
🤩 Save money visiting Philadelphia attractions with the Go City Pass
6. RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing
Running through February 19th, RiverRink Winterfest at Penn’s Landing is a perfect activity during the winter season in Philadelphia.
The ice rink is the main attraction, as kids and parents alike can lace up their skates and cruise next to the Delaware River.
But Winterfest doesn’t stop at just skating. There is a whole carnival of fun with rides for all ages. There is a carousel and Ferris wheel and also vendors selling tasty treats. You can also book a firepit or warming cabin.
7. Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is one of those must-do things in Philadelphia. Its crazy history, haunting appearance, and beautiful architecture draw visitors in from all over.
It also is a fun place to visit in Philadelphia during the winter. Eve though it is a big tourist attraction, it tends to be less busy during the winter months. Plus, the gray winter skies give it more of a vibe.
Visitor’s Tip: Eastern State Penitentiary has no heat and open to elements in some areas. Make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. It might even be a little colder inside.
8. City Hall Tower Tour
Philadelphia’s City Hall is known for its architecture and its fascinating history.
Completed in 1901, City Hall stands at an impressive 548 feet tall, making it the world’s tallest masonry building (and the world’s tallest building at the time). The 36-foot-tall bronze statue of William Penn sits on top, overlooking the city.
Visitors can stand right below William Penn’s feet on the City Hall Tower Tour. The tour takes you to the top of the tower on an open-air observation deck. It’s a perfect way to spend a clear winter day in Philadelphia.
9. Winter Hike in Wissahickon Valley Park
There are several beautiful hiking trails near Philadelphia. But if you want to spend a winter day outside in nature without traveling too far, Wissahickon Valley Park is the perfect place.
Forbidden Drive offers visitors a safe place to walk without navigating rocks, tree roots, and other tripping hazards. However, traversing the other trails is fun in the winter. Just be mindful of ice.
Don’t forget to wear layers, especially if it’s near or below freezing, so you can stay warm while you’re outside.
After your walk, warm up with a delicious meal at the Valley Green Inn, located inside the park.
10. Playful Spaces
Traditional museums are fun, but sometimes you want to visit a space where you can play with the exhibits. Thankfully, there are some entertaining spaces where you can do that in Philadelphia.
The most popular playful museum is the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park. It’s a kid’s dream space with plenty of make-believe to go around.
The Museum of Illusions is fun for both kids and adults. You can make your friends believe you are walking on the ceiling.
One of the newest spaces in Philadelphia is Otherworld. This futuristic art play space is a little trippy and a lot of fun.
11. Pennsylvania Convention Center Events
There is always something fun going down at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Two huge events take place during the winter season.
The Philadelphia Auto Show is a popular and family-friendly event every winter. The Auto show runs from January 13th through the 21st of 2024. It’s filled with the newest cars and fun displays. Guests can also take a ride through a Jeep obstacle course. And there are always some famous movie cars.
The PHS Flower Show is back at the convention center again for 2024! It takes place March 2nd through the 10th, just squeezing in before winter is over. The event is HUGE and features dozens of displays based on theme. There is also a children’s play area and butterfly house.
12. Adventure Aquarium
Just across the Delaware River, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ, is another fantastic place to visit during winter in Philadelphia.
There are plenty of exhibits to keep everyone entertained for a few hours, including the adorable hippos and the scary shark bridge. There are also several tanks where you can touch sharks, rays, and starfish.
If it’s not too cold, stop and take a picture with the Philly skyline in the background. It’s the perfect backdrop!
13. Sesame Place
Although Sesame Place is a big summer destination, they are also open in the winter! It’s one of the best things to do with kids during the winter in Pennsylvania.
Sesame Place hosts its holiday event, A Very Furry Christmas, in December. During the event, the park is open every Friday-Sunday and the whole week between Christmas and New Year.
However, the fun doesn’t end there! In 2024, Sesame Place will be open the first weekend in January, then weekends for limited hours starting mid-February. Not all their rides are available during these winter months, but they’ll still offer plenty of fun.
14. Valley Forge National Historical Park
During the winter of 1777-1778, Valley Forge in Montgomery County was the encampment site for Washington and his soldiers. So there is no better time to visit than in winter to get a feel for what they were going through!
Valley Forge National Historical Park is a perfect spot to visit during winter because you aren’t’ outside for too long. Between the excellent visitor center and museum and driving to each stop, you have plenty of opportunities to warm up.
15. Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is a top destination for Christmas lights near Philadelphia during the winter. Their holiday displays are known worldwide, and it’s easy to see why when you visit.
However, Longwood Gardens is also a great place to visit after the lights come down. Although the gardens aren’t as colorful as they are in the spring and summer, there is still plenty of beauty to be found.
Of course, the best place is the Conservatory during the frigid months. The massive greenhouse is warm and with some humidity, giving you a break from the cold, dry air. We love their Winter Wonder orchid displays. And with tons of flowers to see, it helps chase away those winter blues!
🤩 Visit multiple attractions over 60 days with the Go City Pass
FAQs About Visiting Philadelphia in Winter
Average Winter Temps in Philadelphia
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
| December | 46° | 34° |
| January | 41° | 28° |
| February | 45° | 30° |
| March | 53° | 37° |
What is Philadelphia Like in the Winter?
The coldest month to visit Philadelphia is January, with temperatures dipping below freezing. However, February can have milder days, sometimes even into the 60s and 70s.
It can snow in Philadelphia in the winter. In some years, snowfall may only accumulate about 1-2 inches. Other years, storms can bring as much as 10-18 inches.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Philadelphia?
January can be a great time to visit Philadelphia. It’s a quiet time in the city, so there aren’t too many crowds to contend with. And hotels tend to be less expensive.
What Should I Wear During Winter in Philadelphia?
Winter can be cold in Philadelphia, so it’s best to wear a heavy coat, scarf, and hat. Slush and snow are prevalent during the winter months, so warm, waterproof boots are a great way to keep your feet warm. Don’t forget layers! It’ll be warm inside most places you’ll visit.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Many of these winter activities in Philadelphia are in Center City or close to the waterfront. These hotels are great options to stay close by.
- Element by Westin is right next to City Hall and Dilworth Park. Some of the rooms even overlook the property, giving you views of the Winter Garden and ice rink. With large rooms and complimentary breakfast, it’s a great option.
- Residence Inn by Marriott is also close to City Hall. The hotel is also a short walk to Reading Terminal Market, a popular Philadelphia attraction.
- The Kimpton in the Old City is only a few blocks from the historic attractions.
Wrapping Up Winter in Philadelphia
We love exploring Philadelphia in the wintertime! Even though it can be cold and sometimes snowy, there are plenty of fun things to do to keep you warm and entertained.
We also love how quiet the city can be, with fewer crowds at popular spots like Independence Hall and Eastern State Penitentiary. Winter is a wonderful time to visit Philadelphia.
There are even more fun ways to spend a winter day or weekend near Philadelphia. Of course, Pennsylvania itself has plenty to do during the winter as well!
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