30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: June 10–16
Need plans? We've got something great, every day!
Need plans? We’ve got something great, every day.
Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND
All Week
Betsy Ross House’s Flag Fest
June 9—15
239 Arch St.
Every day from June 9—15, there will be fun activities at Betsy Ross House, beginning with daily flag raisings with Betsy Ross at 10 am, and including educational programming, historical reenactors, and more.
Delaware River Waterfront
The Blue Cross RiverRink, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Cherry Street Pier open full-time for the summer this weekend with skating, rides, food, and lots more family fun.
Photo Pop!
The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall East
Photo Pop is back with “Sweet Paradise.” Go selfie-wild with a new location, a new theme, and lots of Insta-worthy art at this temporary Philly art exhibit. Tickets available online.
Legally Blonde: The Musical
Through July 14
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
“Omigod, you guys!” This Broadway musical based on the movie is way too much fun! Follow Elle Woods from the sorority house to the courthouse with lots of upbeat music along the way.
Chinese Lantern Festival
May 1 — June 30
Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival brings 2,000 individual works of art consisting of giant sculptures wrapped in colorful silk and filled with thousands of LED lights to Franklin Square. In addition to the lantern displays, there will also be cultural performances, from acrobatics to the art of face-changing. The Chinese Lantern Festival requires tickets during its nighttime display, but access to Franklin Square and the lanterns is free during the day.
‘Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes’ at the Franklin Institute
Through September 2
222 N. 20th St.
Franklin Institute celebrates Marvel’s 80th Anniversary with a new immersive exhibit including original sketches, costumes and props from Marvel films (including Black Panther, Captain America, and Thor), interactive experiences in life-size scenes, and lots of photo ops! Read our preview here.
‘America to Zanzibar’ at Please Touch Museum
Through September 2
4231 Avenue of the Republic
The Please Touch Museum welcomes a new special exhibit, “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far,” which allows families to learn about Muslim culture around the world through interactive displays, artifacts, and more. See our preview here!
‘Creatures of Habitat’ at Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Through September 30
“Creatures of Habitat: A Gazillion Piece Animal Adventure” brings 12 giant LEGO vignettes created by Sean Kenney all over the zoo. Kids will be able to use the returning Zoo Keys at “audiobooks” located at each sculpture (as well as other areas throughout the zoo) to “unlock” secrets and stories about the animals. Read all about the exhibit in our preview.
‘Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation’
Through December 31
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
This exhibit focuses on the intellectual and political conflicts between Hamilton and his contemporaries, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams, and of course, Aaron Burr.
Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum
Daily through Labor Day
100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia
A quarter-mile of track weaves its way through an intricate display featuring Philadelphia-area landmarks made of natural materials like bark, pinecones, and stones. Model trains and cable cars navigate the tunnels, bridges, and turns all set against the beautiful garden backdrop. The Garden Railway is one of the true highlights of the incredible Morris Arboretum, and is always a kid favorite.
Parks on Tap: Belmont Plateau
June 12-16
Our favorite family-friendly beer garden hits a place called the plateau (Will Smith tells us it’s where everybody goes).
Monday
Drag Storytime with John Jarboe
John Jarboe, artist and Artistic Director of the Bearded Ladies Cabaret, will share stories and sing songs by Fred Rogers. Read MoreRead and Romp at National Liberty Museum
Ages 2-6 with a caregiver will enjoy storytelling, interactive games, and creative crafts centered around Nine Little Jellybeans Learn to Get Along. Read MoreStory Art at Sister Cities Park
The Free Library of Philadelphia will lead a weekly storytime at the park, followed by nature-themed crafts with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Read MoreColonial Chocolate Making Demonstrations
Kids will learn about the Revolutionary role of chocolate, practice their hand at frothing, and finally enjoy a delicious cup of 18th-century chocolate. Read MoreArt in the Park at Sister Cities Park
The Philadelphia Museum of Art will lead a free collage activity for kids. Read MorePlay Fit
Join LEAP Maker Mentor, Mr. Bey, for weekly fun and exercise using the climbing wall and play space. Read MoreSummer Kickoff Party with The Amazing Mr. Q
Summer Reading kickoff party with the Amazing Mr. Q's puppets, magic, mischief, and mayhem! Enjoy the show and sign up for the Summer of Wonder. Read MoreSpider-Man Skate Party
Skate with Spider-Man! Plus movie and trivia. Read MoreGoat Story Walk
Join the Philly Goat Project's three miniature Nigerian goats Anthony, Bebito, and Ivy for a storywalk around the library! Read MoreMarbled Paper Making with the Rosenbach Museum
Come make a marbled paper bookmark and see how science makes it all possible. You'll also get a free family pass to visit the Rosenbach Museum where you'll discover some examples of marbled paper and get the chance to make your own book! For school ... Read MoreTuesday
Music Monkey Jungle Free Session at Reading Terminal Market
Sing, dance, move, and have a rockin’ good time with Music Monkey Jungle. Admission is free and open to the public. Read MoreStory Jams
Story Jams is a playgroup centered around play and positivity that includes storytime, music, dancing, and sensory exploration. In case of inclement weather, meet inside the library. Read MoreMeet Author Greg Pizzoli
Kick off summertime with a special visit from award-winning children’s author/illustrator and Philadelphia native Greg Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed, Goodnight Owl)! Come hear stories and learn about Greg’s artistic process. Read MoreWoven Together at Sister Cities Park
The Fabric Workshop & Museum will bring their current exhibit– “Sonya Clark: Monumental Cloth, the Flag We Should Know”– to life. The exhibit will be the inspiration for engaging textile, craft, and hands-on activities. Read MorePreschool Dance Party
Stories and songs presented by musician Jessica Carroll. For children ages 2-5 with an accompanying adult caregiver. Read MoreNature in the Park
The Academy of Natural Sciences will bring fun games and experiments that involve creatures and crawlers! Read MoreAround the World with the Geography Lady
Travel to Korea while staying in the library! Get to know about different places and different cultures with Alycia Larson, the Geography Lady. Read MoreWho's Your Favorite Superhero? Teen Series
Teens will read excerpts aloud from their favorite superheroes books and graphic novels. After the readings, participants can watch superhero movies in the large meeting room. Read MoreRachel Dougherty at Falls of Schuylkill Library
Local author and illustrator Rachel Dougherty will read from her book, "Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge," and lead a special STEM activity. Read MoreSnake Party
A snake expert will introduce you to a bunch of his snake friends and he'll tell you about the interesting lives they have, and, if you are brave enough, you can pet one. For school-age kids. Read MoreTeen Tuesday: Macramé Keychain Making
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn various knots to tie to make a keychain. Read MoreTeen VR and Pizza End of School Celebration
Experience virtual reality and enjoy free pizza (first come first served) Sign up for summer reading and a chance to win cool prizes. Read MorePride Rainbow Slime
Explore the vocabulary of LGBTQ+ pride and symbolism through slime, and maybe a little glitter, too! For ages 6-12. Read MoreTour 'Our Five Senses'
Take a free curator-led tour of 'Our Five Senses', the first family-friendly, fully-interactive exhibit at the Free Library. While the exhibit is geared for all ages, the suggested minimum age for the tour is 10 years old. Tours are free but tickets are required; register ... Read MoreAround the World with the Geography Lady
Travel around the world while staying in the library! Get to know about different places and different cultures with Alycia Larson, the Geography Lady. Read MoreBrickmasters Stop-Motion Animation Club
School age kids can come learn how to create their own animated movie! Read MoreFace Painting at the Library
Try on a different look with face painter and artist Jane Lashner. Space may be limited. Read MorePortal Pop-Up
Stop at Trolley Portal Gardens for food from Foolish Waffles and an interactive art activity with staff from University City Arts League. Read MoreWoofstock: Summer Concert Series
Woofstock is back every Tuesday night at Seger Dog Park for a free performance by local artists, refreshments, and fun. Read MoreFamily Pride Party
Celebrate Pride with your family! The party includes a Pride-themed storytime with books, music, movement, and more. Stay after to make your own pride flag decoration or genderwheel to continue the discussion at home. Read MoreFamily Night at Dietz & Watson Delishop
Free pretzel dogs and water ice for kids, plus a magician, face painting and fun giveaways. Read MoreFamily Night Slime and Pizza
Enjoy family access to the studio at night. Call to make a reservation by 3 pm Tuesday afternoon, and indicate whether you want dinner delivered for your family. Then show up and have fun getting messy. Read MoreMario Lanza Kid Fest: Halloween Night
Get some more use out of your kids' Halloween costumes and bring a trick-0r-treat bag! Read MoreNight Skies in the Observatory
Build your own experience from any combination of planetarium shows, a live science talk on astronomy or space science, hands-on astronomy activities, and continuous telescopic observing all evening (weather permitting). The program is staffed with knowledgeable observers, and free star maps are provided. Buy tickets ... Read MoreWednesday
River Exploration and Lab
Get an up-close and personal look at the Schuylkill River, and learn the nitty-gritty about monitoring the health of this vital waterway. For ages 5-13. Reservations required online. Read MoreJams! in the Park at Dickinson Square
Meet in the park for stories, music, and a sensory activity. Read MorePAW Patrol Skate Party
Skate with Chase and Marshall! Read MoreDrag Queen Storytime
Encouraging a safe place for inclusive dialogue, special guest Brittany Lynn will share children's books about diversity and self-love at this popular storytime. For all ages. Read MoreGrow Up Green at Sister Cities Park
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will lead activities for kids age 3 and up that encourage a connection to nature and outdoor play. Read MoreAnts on a Log: Music for Children and Other Childlike People
Philly's favorite folksy duo, Ants on a Log, performs music for children and other childlike people, songfully advocating for positivity, social justice, and silliness! Read MoreStroller Tour at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Parents and caregivers with babes in tow are welcome for a monthly stroller tour of the galleries. Read MoreYoung Science Hour at Sister Cities Park
The Franklin Institute will bring unique science experiments, demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed to teach kids about space, robotics, and more. Read MoreMarbled Paper Making with the Rosenbach Museum
Come make a marbled paper bookmark and see how science makes it all possible. You'll also get a free family pass to visit the Rosenbach Museum where you'll discover some examples of marbled paper and get the chance to make your own book! For school ... Read MoreWhat If... Wednesday: Imagine with Art
Inspired by the book "What If…" by Samantha Berger, kids 11 and under can stretch their artistic imaginations with this weekly challenge! Read MoreDance Out Loud at Lilypad
An enrichment class for ages 1-3, created by licensed Speech-Language Pathologist Alex McCarraher and Teaching Artist Melissa Widhson, Dance Out Loud combines dance, rhythm, sequencing, and language enrichment strategies to develop and strengthen verbal and nonverbal skills. Drop-ins welcome. Read MoreToddler Yoga at Kith + Kin
Toddler Yoga is a fun, energetic and engaging way for parents to connect with their young children (ages 2-4) through yoga poses. Toddlers will learn poses while parents help guide the little ones towards focus, leading by example with their own participation. Drop-ins welcome. Read MoreFree Yoga for Kids
A fun and free yoga class for children ages 7-12, led by instructor Anne-Marie Mulgrew. Yogis under 7 can participate with an adult. Read MoreTween Paint Nite
The library hosts a special program, just for tweens ages 8 to 12. A paint instructor will guide participants to paint their very own masterpieces. All materials will be provided. Space is very limited; first come, first served. Read MoreFather's Day Storytime with Author Ray Pine
Local author Ray Pine will share his new book "A Boy and his Dada," a reflection on past relationships with fathers, and the future sons that many of us will be raising. For families, and kids of all ages. Read MoreSongs to Know and Love
Join Jessica Carroll and learn some new songs and sing along to your old favorites. Read MorePastorius Park Free Summer Concert
Conjunto Philadelphia kicks off the summer series. Families and friends bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the music. Concerts are rain or shine– in case of bad weather, they will take place at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Cherokee Campus. Read MoreThursday
Stroller Tour at the Barnes Foundation
Take a 45-minute guided tour and discover ways to look at and appreciate art with little ones in tow. Open to parents and caregivers with babies up to 18 months in a stroller or baby wrap. Note: no double-wide strollers. Read MoreAround the World at the Bagel Place
Kids ages 2-5 will learn about different countries around the world through pictures, stories, sensory activities, and more with the Geography Lady. Read MoreFace Painting at the Library
Sign up for Summer Reading and get your face painted and enjoy some balloon art with Fabulous Faces! Read MoreDodgeball Tournament
Dodgeball tourney for school age and up! Teams will be put together the day of the event. No more than 5 people per team. Bring your own water bottle. Read MoreWhere in the World: Korea
School-age kids and their caregivers will explore the culture, history, and food of Korea. Read MoreTeen LGBTQ Workshop with Attic Youth Center
This workshop provides basic knowledge and insight on LGBTQ terminology and concepts, generates empathy amongst youth through activities and firsthand storytelling from a young transwoman of color from West Philadelphia. Read MorePride Teen Forum
Ages 12 and up can share thoughts in a safe space and explore and discuss the history and work of LGBTQ+ communities. Read MorePride Month: Slime Time
To celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, make rainbow slime using different household ingredients and some sparkle! For school-age kids and teens, 10 and older. Read MoreArt Star Pop-Up Market at The Bourse
With an array of one-of-a-kind gifts from 16 unique vendors, shoppers can expect to find the perfect gift just in time for Father’s Day! In addition to the handmade gifts and goods, guests can enjoy an outdoor pop-up bar, and Scoop DeVille will also be on ... Read MoreFishing Meet-Up
This free fishing workshop is open to all anglers, so come on down to the river and learn how to fish or brush up on your skills. Rods, reels, and bait will be available on site, so you do not need your own gear to ... Read MoreLive at Sister Cities Park
Live at Sister Cities Park brings local singer-songwriters together for a season-long party on the Parkway! A variety of snacks will be available for purchase at Sister Cities Café, including beer and wine. Kids are free to frolic in the Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat ... Read MoreManayunk Stroll the Street: Superhero Movie Night
Manayunk will host local food trucks, vendors, and live music as visitors and residents walk, shop, and eat. This week, it's Superhero Night, with "Black Panther" screening at 8 pm, plus a comic drawing lesson, games, and more. Read MoreFamily Zumba at DiSilvestro
Join a free family Zumba class (donations accepted) every Thursday night. Read MoreCirque De La Symphonie
Breathtaking acrobatics fly above the Philadelphia Orchestra, accompanied by stunning symphonic repertoire. The program features aerialists, contortionists, dancers, strongmen, and special surprises. Tickets online. Read MoreNight Skies in the Observatory
Build your own experience from any combination of planetarium shows, a live science talk on astronomy or space science, hands-on astronomy activities, and continuous telescopic observing all evening (weather permitting). The program is staffed with knowledgeable observers, and free star maps are provided. Buy tickets ... Read MoreFriday
Flag Day at the Betsy Ross House
Throughout that day, visitors will enjoy free admission to the Betsy Ross House, and will have the unique opportunity to meet artisans from the Defense Logistics Agency who hand-embroider the U.S. flags, and see how they do their detailed work. Read MoreNutrition Workshop at PlayArts
Join Aura Carlson to learn how dietary choices influence a child's development, function, and behavior. Become educated on introducing solids for your first-time foodie or tips for your specific eater. Tickets available online. Read MoreNimble Crafters at Kith + Kin
Weekly take-home projects are inspired by nature, cultures, and art appreciation. Experimenting with different materials in a controlled environment allows your child to gain confidence but most importantly have fun! Come any time between the two-hour open studio time and stay as long as you ... Read MoreFlag Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution
Throughout this weekend, add a stitch to a reproduction of a Revolutionary flag, design your own flag, and try cutting a six-pointed star like the one on the Washington Standard. You can also compete in an interactive “capture the flag” challenge in the museum’s galleries and ... Read MoreBaby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Play at the museum with your little ones and enjoy music, art making, and gallery walks. For toddlers and their grownups. Read MoreStripes and Stars Festival at the National Constitution Center and Independence National Park
Celebrating the birthday of both the American flag as well as the U.S. Army, this festival includes events to honor the flag, as well as military elements. The events take place at Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center all day. Read MoreStorytime Expeditions: Jingle Dancer
Jenna loves the tradition of jingle dancing that has been shared by generations of women in her family, and she hopes to dance at the next powwow. Follow Jenna as she seeks support from her family and community to give her dance a voice. Read MoreMake Organic Bath Bombs (Teens and Adults)
Join Nyambi Royster of The Artisan of Nyambi Naturals for this hands-on workshop and create relaxing, detoxifying, immune boosting and skin soothing bath bombs. Read MoreLGBTQ Teen Cafe
Teens (ages 12-19) celebrate Pride Month and play games, meet friends, eat snacks, and more. Read MoreArtist in Residence Workshop with Bariq Cobbs
In celebration of "America to Zanzibar," join Please Touch Museum’s Artist in Residence Bariq Cobbs to look at art, listen to stories, and create an original work of art to take home or hang in the Mobile Gallery! For ages 4 and up with a ... Read MoreKidchella at Smith Memorial Playground
Moona Luna kicks it off with kid-friendly Latin Rock, followed by our favorite funk band Johnny Shortcake! In addition to the main stage in the playground, there will be a Youth Arts Zone beginning at 4 pm on Smith’s front lawn, featuring creative stations, as well as ... Read MoreLilypad Family Happy Hour Playgroup
Hang out with other parents and let the kids play—this playgroup is BYOB! Read MoreFishtown Playschool Homebrew Fundraiser at PlayArts
For a $20 donation per adult, you can come join FPS at PlayArts and try some locally made homebrews, eat some snacks, get your face painted, and enjoy adult company while the kids play! Drop-in playspace rates apply for non-members, but the first 20 kids ... Read MoreMusic & Mist Summer Concert Series
Jay Epstein Quartet performs a free concert at the park. Read MoreFamily Friday at BalletX
Taught by Chanel Holland, Pay-What-You-Wish Family Fridays’ street dance class celebrates cultural rhythms and grooves as families learn popular and unique dance styles and pay homage to throwback dances together! Parents, caregivers, and children are all invited to share in this one-of-a-kind class. Read MoreCedar Park Jazz Series
Weez the People Collective performs a free concert in Cedar Park. Read MoreMeet the Neighbors with Fishtown Neighbors Association
Kick off summer with food, drinks, games, music, and more. Read MoreDave & Busters Movie Night: Captain Marvel
Head to Dave & Busters for a screening of Captain Marvel. Pre-register to save your spot and snacks (or add on a pre-movie dinner buffet). Read MoreCirque De La Symphonie
Breathtaking acrobatics fly above the Philadelphia Orchestra, accompanied by stunning symphonic repertoire. The program features aerialists, contortionists, dancers, strongmen, and special surprises. Tickets online. Read MoreFamily Outdoor Movie Night: 'Bumblebee'
Movie starts at 8:30 pm. Meet on the Ginkgo Lawn after sundown for a free screening of 'Bumblebee' with free refreshments (or pack your own picnic). An all-ages bike fleet will be available one hour prior to the screening to explore the Bartram’s Mile trail; ... Read MoreDiSilvestro Outdoor Movie Night: 'Trolls'
Bring a blanket for a free outdoor screening of "Trolls!" Read MoreWeekend Events
Check out our High Five weekend planner!
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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