Though it’s bookended by holiday hustle and bustle, winter break leaves little ones with lots of downtime—and parents searching for ways to stave off cries of “I’m bored!” With schools and daycares closed, it takes creativity to fill the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Luckily, the Delco area offers a wealth of family-friendly activities to make winter vacation fly by.
Merry & Bright
Keep the holiday magic going a little longer.
A Longwood Christmas: A holiday celebration on a grand scale, the displays at Longwood Gardens will enchant your entire family. This year, the gardens and conservatory are decked out in nostalgic style for “A Very Retro Christmas.” November 17 through January 7. Learn more.
Rose Tree Festival of Lights: Every evening in December, Rose Tree Park in Media hosts its Festival of Lights, where you can stroll through dozens of illuminated trees and displays. December 1 through January 1. Learn more here.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo: Take a walk on the merry side at Elmwood Park Zoo. Wild Lights includes twinkling displays plus animal meet-and-greets, seasonal treats, live music, and carousel rides. Select nights November 17 through December 30. Learn more.
Yuletide at Winterthur: Take a short drive from Delco to Delaware, where this historic house and garden come alive with holiday cheer. Kids will love the giant gingerbread house, toy train display, and children’s garden, while grown-ups can admire seasonal décor inspired by couturier Ann Lowe. November 18 through January 7. Learn more.
Game On!
Hit play on activities for sports-lovers of all ages.
Skating at Ice Works Aston: Lace up your skates at this Aston rink, which offers an expanded schedule of public skating times during winter break. The weekend before Christmas, little ones can skate with Santa. December 22 through 30. Learn more.
Sky Zone Glen Mills: Fight off cabin fever at this indoor trampoline park, where bouncing off the walls is not only allowed, but encouraged. Sky Zone features trampoline courts, a ninja warrior course, rock climbing, parkour, and even a golf simulator. Learn more.
Delco Sports Museum: Take a deep dive into sports history at this museum in Wayne, which celebrates local legends of baseball, basketball, the Olympic Games, and more. Weekdays 9AM to 4PM. Learn more.
Outdoor Adventures
Bundle up and enjoy the frosty forecast.
Christmas at Linvilla Orchards: Kick off winter break at Linvilla, which hosts holiday activities through December 23. Take a picture with Santa, cut your own Christmas tree, snack on fresh doughnuts, and meet the farm’s resident animals. Daily through December 23. Learn more.
New Year’s Eve at Treehouse World: For a unique New Year’s celebration, head to Treehouse World in West Chester. This outdoor adventure park is ringing in 2024 with an al fresco afternoon party, complete with treehouses, a woodland obstacle course, ziplining, and more. December 31 10AM to 1PM. Learn more.
Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway: The Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway gets a festive transformation each holiday season. Visit during the day to enjoy the Railway along with the kid-friendly Whimsical Woods and Tree Canopy Walk, or come the weekend before Christmas for the illuminated “Nighttime Express.” November 24 through December 30. Learn more.
Cozy Indoor Fun
Inventive activities for the entire family.
Game on State Arcade: Head to Media for friendly competition at Game on State, which will entertain kids of any age with pinball, classic arcade games, console games, and VR sets. Learn more.
Holiday Classes at The Candy Lab: Make the season extra-sweet with a candy crafting class in Ardmore. Kids 6 and up will love creating custom confections to take home. December 26 through 29. Learn more.
The Media Theatre: The Media Theatre hosts two family-friendly musicals this winter: Mary Poppins and Finding Nemo Jr. Nemo takes a morning slot on weekends, with a 60-minute runtime perfect for little ones. Matinee and evening tickets are available for Mary Poppins. December 5 through January 21. Learn more.
School’s Out Art Camp at Wayne Art Center: Need to squeeze in a few hours of work or errands? Drop off your littles for creative fun at the Wayne Art Center. Half and full-day art camps are available for ages 6+. December 27 and 28. Learn more.
Winter Wonderland Tea at A Taste of Britain: Feeling festive and fancy? Reserve your table for a winter-themed afternoon tea featuring sweet and savory treats with seasonal flourishes. December 18 through January 1. Learn more.