Philly Activities in Winter, or Anytime
Just because there’s a chill in the air or snow on the ground doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of incredible ways to explore Philadelphia. In fact, we’d argue that winter is a great opportunity to see new sights or try new activities that you typically wouldn’t in the summer months. Whether you live in Philly or are just visiting, you’ll find a wide array of fun winter activities around the city, fit for groups large and small.
But which to choose? We’re here to help. From exploring Philly’s museums to delving into its storied history, these group activities are perfect for team building events, birthday parties, alumni reunions, and more.
1. Visit Dilworth Park
Starting in November, Winter at Dilworth Park transforms this urban oasis with ice skating, holiday markets, a beer garden, and more. With City Hall as the backdrop, it’s a perfect spot to take in the seasonal charm.
2. Go Ice Skating at RiverRink Winterfest
Lace up your skates and glide along the Delaware River waterfront at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with cozy cabins, twinkling lights, games, and food and drink. It’s a perfect spot for families or a small group outing after work.
3. Embark on a Museum Scavenger Hunt
You can’t go wrong with a trip to one of Philadelpia’s world-class museums. But whether you’ve been through the museums in the past or the experience is brand new, you can take your group’s experience up a notch with museum scavenger hunts from Watson Adventures.
- At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you can go mad for art, solve a murder mystery or devilish whodunit, enroll in wizarding school, and more.
- At the Franklin Institute, your group might discover the stranger side of the museum, catch a twisted killer, or solve puzzles to save your own lives.
- And at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, you can test your wits on the Escape the PAFA Scavenger Hunt.
4. Warm Up with Hot Chocolate
Treat yourself to a steamy mug of rich, delicious hot chocolate around the city. It’s just the thing for warming up after a chilly trip skating or exploring. You might go European at Bloomsday Cafe in Old City or try one of the eclectic options at Menagerie Coffee.
5. Root for the Home Team
So you’ve gone ice skating and warmed up with some cocoa. Now watch the pros take to the ice at a Philadelphia Flyers game. Had enough ice for one day? Opt for a 76ers game instead.
6. Go Wild at the Zoo
See the Philadelphia Zoo in a new light with LumiNature, a dazzling nighttime display featuring more than a million lights. It transforms the zoo into a winter spectacle filled with glowing animals and stunning projections. As long as the weather isn’t too cold, enhance your trip with our Wild Wildlife Scavenger Hunt, which highlights strange facts and little-known secrets you might miss on your own.
7. Cruise on the River
Experience Philly’s skyline from the water on a sailing with Philadelphia City Cruises. Bundle up on deck or stay snug inside as you enjoy food and beverages alongside a heaping helping of breathtaking views along the Delaware River.
8. Connect with the American Revolution
Journey back to a time of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. For an indoors adventure, set out on the Revolutionary Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt at the Museum of the American Revolution, where a chronological deep-dive into the war brings the Revolution to life. Or grab your warmest coat and take a day trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777. The park offers scenic hiking trails and fascinating historical insights.
9. Turn Up for Trivia Games
For a truly weather-proof experience, enjoy a wide array of trivia games just about anywhere—at home, in the office, in a rented ballroom or restaurant space, or Zooming in from multiple places at once. And with audio and visual components, scavenger hunt rounds, and creative photo challenges, as well as many different themes, these aren’t run-of-the-mill pub-trivia games anyone could throw together.
10. Take in a Show
Escape the cold with a world-class show through Ensemble Arts Philly. From Broadway musicals, including Hamilton this winter, to comedy shows, live podcasts, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, there’s something for everyone.
Let Watson Adventures host your next group activity in Philadelphia!
Looking for more ways to explore Philly? Explore dozens of unique Philadelphia scavenger hunts and team building activities from Watson Adventures.
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Image credit: Dilworth Park photo by Bryan Angelo on Unsplash; Giraffe photo by Demure Storyteller on Unsplash