Beat the Brr: Things to Do in Philly

Fact: During the winter, it’s so much easier to stay inside, wrapped up in a furry, warm blanket than it is to go outside bracing frigid air that hurts your face.

Another fact: Staying cooped up too long can worsen the winter blues.

Lots of people get sad in the winter. Maybe you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or just hate cold weather. No matter the reason, getting out of the house is one of the best ways to keep spirits up when the sun is setting in the afternoon and you have lots of school work to do. I’ve compiled a list of fun things to do in Philly during the cold months, so next weekend hop on the train and get out there!

Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park

From now until February 26th, you can hit the ice rink at Dilworth Park, right in Center City. Grab a friend or your significant other and head into the city for some skating fun! Admission is $5, and if you don’t own skates, don’t sweat it – you can rent them for $10. After you’ve finished, head into the Rothman Cabin, a heated tent next to the rink where they serve beer, seasonal cocktails, and keep-you-warm food like poutine and chili. More information here.

Waterfront Winterfest at Penn’s Landing

Penn’s Landing has transformed itself into a pseudo-ski lodge from now until March 5, offering a skating rink, heated tent, fire pits, and plenty of cozy places to sit and keep warm while you watch skaters or just look out on the water and at the boats passing by on the Delaware. More information here.

Reading Terminal Market

Honestly, I could spend hours in Reading Terminal Market, soaking up the smells, sounds, and sights. It’s one of the best places in the city to people-watch, and it just so happens to be indoors! Head over to get a warm meal or two or twenty. I particularly like the grilled cheese sandwiches at Meltkraft, which are beyond your wildest cheese dreams, the chicken pot pie at Dutch Eating Place, and the burgers at Hunger Burger. Open Monday-Saturday 8-6, Sunday 9-5. More information here.

One Liberty Observation Deck

One Liberty Place provides guests with breathtaking views of Philadelphia from the 57th floor. Admission is $14 for adults. Other places to get a bird’s eye view of the city include the City Hall Tower Observation Deck and Top of the Tower in Three Logan Square.

The Fabric Workshop and Museum

This contemporary art museum offers exhibits of work crafted with unusual materials—such as fabric or metal—from diverse artistic backgrounds. This winter and spring, the museum features “Object Temporarily Removed” by Lenka Clayton and “Surface Forms.” The museum is located near Jefferson Station and Reading Terminal Market, so it’s easily accessible by train, and you can grab a bite to eat afterward! More information here.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

If you haven’t made it to the art museum yet, this winter is a perfect time to visit. Spend hours exploring its many rooms and exhibits. The museum covers 10 acres and features more than 300,000 works. A one-day visit isn’t enough to see it all. More information here.

The Franklin Institute

This is one of the most interactive museums in the city. Explore science hands-on, from sports to space to the human brain. SportsZone, which is all about the science of sports, and the Heart and Brain, which you can walk through to explore the inner workings of these important organs, are two of my favorite features. More information here. 

Helium Comedy Club

One of the best comedy clubs in the city, the Helium Club has hosted big names in comedy. Check out their website for information about upcoming shows.