Things To Do With Kids In Philadelphia Area During Winter Break

There's nothing quite like having the young ones at home for the holidays. But, let's be honest — after a few days off of school, your kids might be looking for something outside the house to do during winter break (and you'll probably be ready for a change of scenery yourself).

Fortunately, the Philadelphia area offers a lot of kid-friendly attractions during the holiday season. Sure, there are the usual stand-bys. But For the holidays, the Philly area steps up big.

Whether its ice skating, a train ride, a light show or a trip to the museum, here are 10 things to do with kids in the Philadelphia area during the holiday break.

Christmas Village at LOVE Park
There's a German-style Christmas Village at JFK Plaza, more commonly known as LOVE Park for the iconic sculpture there. Merchants are set up at 80 booths selling toys, winter wear, food, drinks and more. New this year, there's also a Ferris wheel and kids train ride. There is music and other live performances.
Price: Free to attend, attractions vary.
Address: North 15th and Arch streets, Philadelphia

New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
For the young train lovers in your life, New Hope & Ivyland Railroad has several holiday excursions planned, including the Santa's Steam Spectacular and the North Pole Express Train. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for carols, cookies, hot chocolate and more holiday cheer. They're running seasonal rides through Dec. 24.
Price: Varies based on class and peak or off-peak hours
Address: 32 W. Bridge St., New Hope

A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Running through Jan. 5, there are more than a half-million lights, organ sing-alongs, carolers, fountain shows and more than 50 decorated trees at the gardens in Kennett Square. There are also three fire pits where visitors can warm up on chilly days. Buy a timed ticket at a non-peak time for lower prices and smaller crowds.
Price: Variable, depending on date and time.
Address: 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
Open nightly through Jan. 5, more than 3 million lights illuminate the night at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley. You can just drive through the two-mile trail in the comfort of your own car, or stop in for a cup of hot cocoa and a treat at the Farm Market (you can enjoy them beside a bonfire, too).
Price: $30 per carload
Address: 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
What says "wintertime fun" more than ice skating with a view of the Delaware River? At the only Olympic-sized skating rink in Philadelphia, they've got fire pits and plenty to do inside, including arcade games and a lodge serving treats. Winterfest runs all the way through March.
Price: Skating admission, $4. Skate rental, $10.
Address: 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

Holidays at the Please Touch Museum
There are special holiday events planned every weekend through January at Philly's renowned kids' museum. For little ones who won't make it until midnight, there will be a New Year's countdown to noon on Dec. 31.
Price: Tickets for kids and adults are $19.95
Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

'Very Furry Christmas' At Sesame Place
At the theme park in Langhorne, there are millions of lights, a fire tower, an immersive snow globe experience, the illuminated 1-2-3 Christmas Tree and more, in addition to all the park's usual kid-friendly features.
Price: One-day tickets are available for $25.99, with some deals offered
Address: 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

Winter at Dilworth Park
In the heart of Center City, there's a lot going on for the holiday season at and around Dilworth Park. Through Jan. 1, the Deck the Hall Light Show is being projected onto the west side of Philly's historic city hall. There's an ice rink, an interactive keyboard and Wintergarden, a seasonal array of plants and lights. You'll also find the Made in Philadelphia holiday market there.
Price: Free to visit.
Address: 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia

Luminature at Philadelphia Zoo
A light and music and sound spectacle has come to the zoo for the season. The immersive display creates the illusions of animals coming to life and much more. There also will be live performers, hot chocolate and warm adult beverages.
Price: Timed tickets for non-members are $24 for adults and $19 for kids ages 2-11.
Address: 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia

Comcast Holiday Spectacular
If you're in the area, you can stop in for a free show in the Comcast Center lobby. Home to one of the world's highest resolution LED displays, it is featuring free, 15-minute shows with music from "The Nutcracker," images of a sleigh ride over the city and more. The show has been watched by more than 2 million people since it started in 2008 and it runs daily at the top of the hour, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (except for 5 p.m. on weekdays).
Price: Free
Address: 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.