Stephanie Levin

The weather is a mess and you’re stuck in the house with a wild child. Never fear: Our list of indoor playgrounds in and around Philadelphia is coming to the rescue. Keep reading to discover a host of sheltered play spaces that allow little ones to do all the romping and running they’re not allowed to do at home, including venues where they can explore Philadelphia attractions built out of LEGOS, rock-climbing gyms and a massive playhouse in one of the best Philadelphia parks. Many of these indoor playgrounds offer drop-off services, so you could head out to enjoy one of the best new restaurants in Philadelphia while they play, play, play till the cows come home. #MeTime! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids

This nature-inspired setup boasts locations in Center City and Chestnut Hill for newborns to 6-year-olds. There are picnic tables, a playhouse, a tree for climbing, and a babbling brook (made of shiny make-believe water) that your Earth child can cross via a balance-beam log. The Center City location offers classes, babysitting, a retail store, a café for grown-ups and even a hairsalon for kids.

A hop, skip and a jump from Center City, LittleSPORT touts sports-themed play options for crawlers to 6 year olds. Founded and owned by a mom who wanted to work while playing with her kids, little athletes-in-training can shoot hoops and climb rocks, as well as slide, jump and ride on wheeled things in the arena. Daily drop-in rates are $10 per child, and $5 if you have a crawler.

If you live in or near Queen Village and your kid is into tumbling, this is definitely the place for you. Gymnastic equipment, such as tumbling mats, rings, trampolines, balance beams and a rock wall, keeps toddlers and school-aged children moving and bouncing. Keep your eyes peeled for Family Open Gym days, when you’re whole brood—yes, even you, moms and dads, can get in on the fun. Drop-in prices are $12 or $15 per child for 45 minutes. Discounted packages are also offered when you purchase six, 12, or 18 visits. Word to the wise: If you live outside the neighborhood, prepare to take public transportation. Parking in the area is sparse.

You and your kiddos don’t have to live in—or go to—Center City to visit all the must-see Philadelphia attractions, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, City Hall, Citizen’s Bank Park or Pat’s King of Steaks. You can see mini versions—created with Legos—at the Plymouth Meeting Mall. When you’re finished ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the tiny creations, head to Pirate Adventure Island where kids can climb, slide and walk a plank. Children can ride a train, dodge lasers and, of course, build with LEGOS. LEGOLAND is hugely popular, so it can be crowded and disorganized. Try to visit early during the week to get the most out of your experience.

Have a little one bouncing off the walls? Let them get it out of their system at HFS City, which offers open run and jump times in its parkour, trampoline and ninja parks. Kids aged 5 and up can climb walls, swing on bars and jump into a foam pit. Adventurous tots ages 2 to 4 can get in on the action, too, so long as they have their brave and willing caregivers close by. Prices range from $12 for 30 minutes to $30 for 120 minutes of play time. Monthly passes and memberships are available, too.

Intended for both novice and advanced rock climbers, Philadelphia Rock Gym offers challenging indoor activities (as well as instruction) for folks of all ages in a supportive and chill environment. The 15,000-square-foot facility features 40 top ropes, lead climbing, walls for bouldering and roped climbing, and a full, state-of-the-art fitness center. This gym is located in East Falls, but there are also PRG locations in nearby Oaks, Coatesville and Wyncote.

This colorful indoor gym in East Falls already wins big with its zip lines, ball pits, slides and swings, but throw “safe” archery in the mix; and you’re suddenly parent of the year. In addition to a friendly and helpful staff, Kids at Play offers classes like toddler yoga and dancing as well as on-site early intervention services (occupational, speech and physical therapy). A comfortable lounge for caregivers is an added bonus.

A former music teacher opened this space in 2016, transforming an old public bathhouse in Fishtown into a community-minded family space catering mostly to the 6-and-younger crowd. The site is outfitted with a playhouse, lots of toys and a mezzanine-level “observation deck” that lets parents and caregivers encourage independent play while allowing them to keep an eye on their little troublemakers.

A family-owned business in Ardmore, Lulu’s is known for its warm vibe and awesome playthings. (Locals say it’s like being invited to the house of a friend whose toys are cooler than yours.) Geared for little ones up to age 5, the casita offers a ball pit, play fort and walls of magnetic boards and LEGOs. For parents, the café offers La Colombe coffee and edibles with a Latin twist.

Located 51 floors above the city, this cozy and quirky ski lodge-inspired watering hole offers seasonal adult beverages and a stunning panoramic view of the city. At the bar, you’ll find seasonal brews such as the Pennsylvania Tuxedo, Dogfish Head’s evergreen-infused pale ale—toddies and more. The spiked hot chocolate bar is where to get creamy, booze-forward hot chocolates and spiked coffees topped with sprinkles, marshmallows, whipped cream and other treats. On the food front, there’s rib-sticking fare like beef and veggie burgers, buffalo wings and mac and cheese balls. The $5 cover charge grants you hand warmers, access to a giant projection screen showing a crackling fireplace, and a lounge corner with rocking chairs and bean bags. To further the lodge theme, the venue is adorned with a bear-skin rug, a talking deer head, toboggans, skis and mounted antlers.

It isn’t summer in Philadelphia until you’ve visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square—one of our favorite day trips from Philadelphia. The horticultural haven, 30 miles west of the city, announced this week that it will bring back its much-oohed-and-aahed Fireworks & Fountains spectacular for six weeks starting in May. The fireworks displays, set to both old- and new-school tunes, feature fountain choreography, including jets that send water 175 feet skyward. Here’s the Fireworks & Fountains 2018 lineup: Sounds of SummerSaturday, May 26 Kick off Memorial Day weekend—the unofficial start of summer—with feel-good tunes by the Beach Boys, the Go-Go’s and even recent Super Bowl performer Justin Timberlake. Hooray for the Red, White, and BlueSunday, July 1 Celebrate Independence Day with songs by some of America’s greatest pop crooners, including Tom Petty, Whitney Houston, and adopted Philly son Bruce Springsteen. Monet’s GardenSaturday, July 21 Monet’s muse may be 3,000 miles away, but spectators can channel Giverny during this show, highlighting French composers Debussy, Dukas and Ravel. Happy Birthday, Leonard BernsteinSaturday, August 11 The world-renowned composer celebrates his 100th birthday in August. Remember the maestro and some of his most famous works from West Side Story, On the Town, and Candide. Then go visit an exhibition all about his life and influence he had on music at the National Museum of American Jewish History. Be Our GuestSaturday, September 1 Do those

Even the youngest among us can use a little floral therapy once we turn the page from dreary February to good-Lord-it’s-still-dreary March. The Philadelphia Flower Show returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center this weekend with a “Wonders of Water” theme sporting thousands of colorful blooms and rad water features that should make little eyes bulge in amazement. But the show is so much more than floral displays to ogle. Kids with short attention spans will find plenty to keep them busy with free activities that allow families to make a day out of the excursion. For one, there’s Butterflies Live!, which brings visitors eye to eye with vibrant and exotic winged creatures from around the globe. The Make & Take station provides creative minds with the supplies to build and decorate flower crowns, terraria, planters and more to tote home. Outside of the daily offerings, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also hosts a handful of one-off events. Dog lovers won’t be able to resist Fido Friday on March 9, when attendees bring their pups to a Yappy Hour to explore the exhibition hall with other four-legged friends. The Teddy Bear Tea on closing day, March 11, is a ticketed event ($28) that invites young visitors and their favorite stuffed pal to a precious tea party featuring drinks, dainty bites and the chance to take one more stroll around the displays before all of the petals disappear. The Philadelphia Flower Show runs March 3–11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Tick

Starting November 1, SkyGarten, the Center City rooftop bar inspired by Bavarian beer halls, once again transforms into the more seasonally appropriate SkyLodge. Located 51 stories above the city in Three Logan Square (1717 Arch St), the cozy, ski lodge resort-inspired watering hole offers seasonal adult beverages while affording guests a panoramic view of the city and beyond. Important details first: the bar. There, you can load up on a variety of seasonal brews—like the Pennsylvania Tuxedo, Dogfish Head’s evergreen-infused pale ale—toddies and more decadent boozy options such as spiked coffee and hot chocolate. Bartenders clad in buffalo plaid man the popular spiked hot chocolate bar, where you can top your creamy drinks with sprinkles, marshmallows, whipped cream and other treats. There’s also a shotski, from which you can throw back shots with four of your friends. Photograph: Courtesy Sky Philadelphia On the food front, you’ll find rib-sticking, lodge-inspired edibles like beef and veggie burgers, buffalo wings and mac and cheese balls—all ranging in price from $8 to $14. SkyLodge is open every Wednesday through Friday from 5 to 10pm and on Saturdays from 5 to 11pm. There’s a $5 cover charge that affords you hand warmers, access to a giant projection screen showing a crackling fireplace, and a lounge corner with rocking chairs and bean bags. To further the lodge theme, the venue is adorned with a bear-skin rug, taxidermy (including a talking deer head!) toboggans, skis

Starting January 15, La Peg’s outdoor beer garden will be transformed into Pegsicle, an ice bar and ice-sculpture garden, back this winter by popular demand. La Peg chef-owner—and amateur ice-sculptor—Peter Woolsey will “pick off” Pegsicle at noon on Monday, wielding chainsaws and chisels to craft a bar out of 16 huge blocks of ice. Spectators at La Peg, which is located in the FringeArts building across from Race Street Pier, can order drinks from the bar inside, bundle up and head out to watch Woolsey work his magic. At 5pm, the sculpting will cease—and the ice bar will be open for business. The bar will be open from Monday until the structure melts (they're projecting Friday, or so) during La Peg’s regular business hours—including happy hour from 5 to 7pm. Pegsicle goers can warm up with a drink from a special winter menu alongside three fire pits—all while enjoying views of the Ben Franklin Bridge overhead. For the ultimate experience, swing by at 5pm from Tuesday on to catch local artists creating ice sculptures to complement Woolsey’s bar-on-the-rocks. Guests can view these lit-up sculptures under the glimmering lights of La Peg’s outdoor Haas Biergarten and enjoy pub food, including burgers, wings and grilled cheese (ranging from $8 to $14), and upscale comfort food from La Peg’s full dinner menu (think butternut squash soup, “Thanksgiving dinner,” and crab cakes). Keep your gloved fingers crossed for temperatures to stay below freezing for the rest of the week so you

‘Tis the start of the season at Longwood Gardens. Beginning November 23, guests of the Kennett Square horticultural wonderland will be treated to a French-inspired holiday experience of the senses called A Longwood Christmas. On Longwood’s 1,000-acre lot, visitors will behold over 100 trees sparkling with half-a-million lights. Many of the botanical garden’s most popular sights will also be on view, including the illuminated Italian Water Garden and a wildlife tree decorated with edible treats such as wheat, fruit and birdseed for local furry and winged friends. Fire pits, fashioned by craftsmen and local artists, are kindled each night to keep visitors warm and toasty on the trail. Those who need a more substantial respite from the elements can step into the heated conservatory. Francophiles will be dazzled by an elaborately adorned table set with Versailles-inspired holiday decor, four acres of fragrant seasonal plants and botanical wonders and a colossal fir bedecked with blue, copper and gilded ornaments. Plus holiday-themed performances, organ sing-alongs and carolers are sure to get the Grinch-iest Grinch in the holiday spirit. This winter wonderland runs through January 7, 2018. Timed admission tickets are required and available now by going here. The gardens are open daily from 9am to 10pm. Tickets for adults 18 and older range from $23 to $30. Seniors (62 years and older) and college students (with ID) pay $20 to $27. Children ages 5 to 18 are $12 to $16; and kids 4

If Mondays generally make you feel like throwing sharp objects, this Monday is your lucky day: there’s an axe-throwing tournament in town. The competition is the product of a match made in heaven between local lumberjack (and jackie!) go-to Urban Axes and the Movember Foundation, which encourages dudes to grow out their beards throughout the month of November to raise awareness around a variety of men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer and mental health. Half of all ticket sales will support the Movember Foundation, which also hopes to use the event to encourage physical activity and champion the sporting of ’staches of all shapes, styles and colors. So throw on your flannel, warm up those arms and hit up Urban Axes on Monday, October 23 from 6:30 to 9:30pm. If you’ve never been, Urban Axes is located in a warehouse in Kensington, where they’ve hosted axe-chucking since last year. You’ve probably seen some photos and Boomerangs taken there on Instagram. A post shared by Urban Axes (@urbanaxes) on Oct 17, 2017 at 10:14am PDT Tickets are available until October 20 in limited quantities for experienced and novice axe-throwing adults (21 and older). You can purchase those here. Registration is $40, and includes food, wine and beer, and prizes for champion throwers. Mustachioed individuals are encouraged, but not required, for participation in the tournament. Closed-toe shoes, however, are a must. RECOMMENDED: Check out our guide to the best Philadelp

The Glow: A Jack O’Lantern Experience is coming to Philadelphia for the first time this October. If you’re a lover of fall and Halloween, and you’re seeking a family-friendly outing, look no further, grab a sweater—and your camera. Glow guests can expect to see more than 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins—real ones as well as ones molded from real pumpkins—in West Fairmount Park at Avenue of the Republic and States Drive. Jack’s artists have prepared single jack ‘o lanterns for guests’ viewing pleasure, featuring the likenesses of celebrities, sports icons, flowers and animals, as well as grand-scale jack o’lantern scenes in a variety of themes from prehistoric to oceanic. The carvers will be on hand to demonstrate their handiwork. You can get your glow on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday night in October, or on Thursdays, October 12, 19, or 26. Time-specific tickets, beginning at 7pm most nights, and offered every half hour until 10pm, must be purchased ahead of time here. (The limited number of Any Day Any Time tickets are completely sold out.) Admission for adults is $22 and youth aged 3 to 12 get in for $16. Kids 2 and under are welcome at no charge. Autumn-inspired food and drink will be available for purchase. On Sunday, October 8, The Glow has set aside some tickets for visitors with autism for Autism Speaks. These tickets will allow spectators with autism to stroll the trail before the sun goes down, among a quieter, smaller crowd. A discount code is required. The 1/3-mile wal