30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: February 10--16

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: February 10–16

Need plans? We've got something great, every day!

February 6, 2020

Need plans? We’ve got something great, every day.

Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND

All Week

Philadelphia Auto Show

February 8–17

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

The Philadelphia Auto Show is back at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with dazzling cars, from exotic to classic and everything in between. And since kids 6 and under get in free, it’s all the more reason to bring them along and make some memories. No matter what your age, there’s so much to see, with 750,000 square feet of hundreds of cars from dozens of automotive manufacturers, including pre-production models and even Hollywood-inspired cars.

Getaway at the Greenhouse

Through February 16

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive

The Horticulture Center has been transformed into an oasis with lounge areas, a beach, and family-friendly activities. For kids, there will be a giant sandbox, face-painting, lawn games, dance parties, and more! New for this year, “GAIA,” a touring art installation of a 10-foot suspended planet Earth will be featured as well. Free, but tickets are required. Children 5 and under do not require a ticket.

‘XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness’

February 8–May 10

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

This new exhibit at Please Touch Museum will give visitors the opportunity to think about and explore feelings through a variety of activities designed to help them understand, appreciate, and express their emotions.

My General Tubman

Through March 1

Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second Street

A world premiere by acclaimed Philadelphia author Lorene Cary, My General Tubman is a beautiful and exciting new play about the complex journey of Harriet Tubman and the impact she continues to have today.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Through March 8

101 S. Columbus Blvd.

Come to skate, come to party in the cabins, come for the fun and food. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason!

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden

Through February 23

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Skate outside City Hall, warm up with food and drink in the Cabin, and run through the beautifully manicured Wintergarden Maze.

‘The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience’

Through April 19

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Based on the internationally best-selling survival handbook, that was created in Philadelphia, “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience” makes its world premiere at the Franklin Institute, bringing hands-on, immersive challenges that show visitors how to survive unexpected but possible “worst-case scenarios” in fun and thought-provoking ways. See our preview here!

Candytopia

Open through March 15

Ninth and Market streets

Candytopia brings its wildly popular experiential installation art to Philly. Favorites—like the marshmallow pit filled with over 250,000 foam marshmallows, and the rainbow-filled room with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions—are joined by Philly-specific elements. It’s Instagram heaven, and you even get to eat candy throughout the experience! Tickets are available online, where you can reserve your timeslot. Kids age 3 and under get in free! Read our review and tips here.

Shen Yun

February 12–March 1

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

Featuring classical Chinese dance, patented scenographical eﬀects, and original orchestral works, this production is colorful, dramatic, and spectacular.

Monday

Cooking Around the World

February 10, 9:30–10:30 am

Lilypad, 1234 S. Broad St.

Each week, the Geography Lady will lead the class in creating something delicious from a different country around the world, tell stories, and more. Each student will be given a passport, a special one of a kind apron, a copy of the day’s recipe, and a share of what was made in class to eat together or take home. This week, it’s Kenya! This program is geared towards children between the ages of 2 to 5 and requires a participating adult. Pre-registration is required online.

Philadelphia Orchestra’s Sound All Around: Brass

February 10, 10 am and 11:15 am

Academy of Music Ballroom, 240 S. Broad St.

Sound All Around is a great introduction to classical music for youngsters (ages 3-5) and features members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Philadelphia Orchestra musician Matt Vaughn will guide the audience through the brass family.

Music Monkey Jungle at Liberty Place

February 10, 10:30–11 am
The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut St.

Come sing, dance, laugh and play with Music Monkey Jungle in this free concert!

Read and Romp at National Liberty Museum

February 10, 10:30–11 am
321 Chestnut St.

Ages 2-6 with a caregiver will enjoy storytelling, interactive games, and creative crafts centered around The Dot including watercolor dot artwork afterward.

Rhythm Babies

February 10, noon–1 pm
Beehive at Bok, Suite B03, 1901 S. Ninth Street

Music appreciation begins early with Rhythm Babies! Weekly classes aimed at ages 4 months and up incorporate singing, rhythm, storytelling, and creative movement activities.

Black History Month 3-D Art Display Project Series

February 10, 4 pm

Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook Ave.

Join artist and staff member Ethel Funches to create a new 3-D art display for Wynnefield Library in commemoration of Black History Month. Refreshments will be served.

Afternoon Yoga with Miss Kate

February 10, 4:30 pm

Beehive at Bok, Suite B03, 1901 S. Ninth Street

A fun 30-minute yoga session for kids ages 2-4.

Free Admission at Franklin Institute Community Night

February 10, 5—8 pm

222 North 20th Street

Come experience the museum for free, and take part in some fun hands-on activities too!

Mr. Malcolm’s Science Show

February 10, 6:30 pm

Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Boulevard

Join Mr. Malcolm to explore science. Recommended for K-6th grade. Ages 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult caregiver

Tuesday

Music Exploration with Mr. Ryan

February 11, 9—9:45 am

Beehive at Bok, Suite B03, 1901 S. Ninth Street

Sing, move and meaningfully connect with your child during this music class designed to foster positive aural experiences for the whole family! Young musicians and their caregivers will participate in a variety of musical activities to promote vocal exploration, steady beat, gross motor movement, and positive social interactions.

Music Monkey Jungle Free Session at Reading Terminal Market

February 11, 10 — 10:30 am

51 N. 12th St.

Sing, dance, move, and have a rockin’ good time with Music Monkey Jungle. Admission is free and open to the public.

Mister John’s Music at the Greenhouse

February 11, 11 am and noon

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive

Offering two of their award-winning interactive 45-minute classes, Mister John’s teachers will guide young children and their caregivers through a hands-on musical experience centered around this year’s theme of “Earth.” Expect stories, songs, surprises, and a giant Earth beach ball!

Valentine’s Party at South Philadelphia Library

February 11, 11 am

1700 S. Broad St.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with storytime, crafts, and activities. This event is for toddlers and Pre-K children and their families.

French Storytime

February 11, 4 pm
Walnut Street West, 201 S. 40th St.

All storybooks are read in French by local parents and volunteers.

Storytime and Activity: Celebrating Mae Jemison

February 11, 4 pm

Oak Lane Library, 6614 N. 12th St.

Storytime about the first Black woman to travel in space: Mae Jemison! Afterwards, do a fun, educational activity about space. This program is for school-aged children.

Breaking into Baking for Teens

February 11, 4:30 pm

Overbrook Park Library, 7422 Haverford Ave.

Join Aunt Orphia’s Pound Cake Company’s CEO as she shares how to start and maintain a cake company. Have fun decorating a pound cake slice, playing a game, and meeting Aunt Orphia’s mascot, Butter Bear.

‘Parker Looks Up’ Storytime and Activity

February 11, 5 pm

Lillian Marrero Library, 601 West Lehigh Avenue

After reading Parker Looks Up, explore the importance of representation and the art of the Michelle and Barack Obama portraits. Then, kids will make their own inspirational portraits.

Teen Book Discussion: ‘If I Ever Get Out of Here’

February 11, 5 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

Readers ages 10-14 are invited to join this free discussion of the 2020 One Book, One Philadelphia companion selection, If I Ever Get Out of Here by Eric Gansworth. Limited copies of the novel will be available on-site for participants to take home.

Sensory Storytime

February 11, 6 pm

Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library, 1935 Shunk St.

Sensory Storytime is designed for children ages 10 and under who are on the autism spectrum. Read stories, sing songs, and do other interactive exercises to promote engagement and learning. Space is limited to 10 children, so call ahead to reserve your spot.

Family Zumba at DiSilvestro

February 11, 6:30 pm

1701 S. 15th Street

Join a free family Zumba class (donations accepted) every Tuesday night. This program is open to all ages and individuals.

Wednesday

Valentine’s Pop-Up with Nimble Craft

February 12, 10 am–noon

Kith + Kin, 3060 W. Jefferson St.

Join Nimble Craft for a special Valentine’s pop-up– make Valentine’s Day trophies for your favorite humans! Plus, a sensory experience making “fizzy potions” will be offered along with a discussion of the importance of self-appreciation and a collaborative mural. Pre-registration is required online.

Bartram’s Garden Homeschooler Day

February 12, 10 am–noon or 1–3 pm
5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

Homeschoolers ages 5-12 will explore the historic and modern greenhouses at Bartram’s Garden, and plan this year’s Children’s Garden. Pre-register online to select your desired timeslot.

Rhythm Babies at Splash Lab Arts

February 12, 10 am

3510 Scotts Lane

The popular music readiness class for babies and toddlers (ages 6 months to 3 years) comes to East Falls! Stay afterward for open play during Splash & Play hours until 2 pm.

Black History Month Storytime

February 12, 10:30 am

Queen Memorial Library, 1201 S. 23rd St.

Preschool-aged kids will read, sing, dance, and learn about history and diversity. A playtime will follow storytime.

Storytime and Design with Design Philly

February 12, 11 am–12:30 pm

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive

Explore the world of architecture and design with little ones. There will be a reading of a creative tale or two, and exploring the building blocks of architecture, design, and our city. Then dive into the design process through fun activities and projects that little ones and their caretakers can take home. Register online for free tickets to Getaway at the Greenhouse.

Teen Book Discussion: ‘If I Ever Get Out of Here’

February 12, 4 pm

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave.

Black History Month Inventors Showcase

February 12, 4 pm

Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 South 52nd Street

School-age children will learn about African-American inventors and their inventions.

One Book, One Philadelphia Storytime and Craft

February 12, 4 pm

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway

In celebration of the importance and beauty of self-expression, a read-aloud of When We Were Alone, the One Book, One Philadelphia children’s selection, will be followed by a mixed-media activity encouraging children to create collages that represent parts of who they are.

Healthy Foods Workshop

February 12, 4 pm

Frankford Library, 4634 Frankford Ave.

Children ages 8 and up can learn about nutrition and healthy food from a registered dietician, and create a healthy snack.

African American Poets Series for Children

February 12, 5 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

Children will explore poetry by Langston Hughes, Eloise Greenfield, and Maya Angelou, and respond by writing their own poetry. This program is especially for children in grades 2-6.

Evening Science Club

February 12, 6:30 pm

Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Boulevard

Kids ages 7 and up will complete science experiments while having (messy) fun!

Thursday

Homeschool Workshop at the Franklin Institute

February 13, 10:30 am–2:30 pm
Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Homeschoolers will learn all about the brain. They’ll test their powers of recall, challenge their multi-tasking skills and have an opportunity to touch a real, dissected sheep’s brain. The Franklin Institute’s Homeschool Workshops are for students ages 7-14. All ages will be in the same classroom. Each workshop is followed by free time to explore the museum as a family. Call 215.448.1200 (Option 5) to reserve your space.

Stroller Tour at the Barnes Foundation

February 13, 10:30—11:15 am

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

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.

Art Explorers

February 13, 10:30 am

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Join Ms. Kate for sensory arts and crafts for children 5 and under. Sculpt, paint, splatter, spray, squish, and mold! This program is intended to help children explore a variety of media and color.

Drag Queen Storytime at Getaway at the Greenhouse

February 13, 11 am

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive

Hear stories about love, diversity, anti-bullying, and friendship with Philly’s Drag Queen Brittany Lynn!

Drop-in Play and Storytime at Philly Art Center

February 13, 10:30—11:45 am

2333 Fairmount Avenue and 514 Bainbridge Street

For babies ages 0-2. Walkers enjoy sensory stations, while floor-bound babies enjoy age-appropriate play. Storytime is at 11 am. No need to sign up, just drop-in for $5 at the door.

Teen Jewelry Making Workshop

February 13, 3:30 pm

Teen Center at Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Teens (ages 12-18) are welcome to learn jewelry making and can create a piece of wearable art to keep. Materials provided.

Teen Wellness: Social Media

February 13, 4 pm

McPherson Square Library, 601 E. Indiana Ave.

In this Social Media workshop, students will learn the importance of being mindful of their online activity and the responsibility they hold in aligning who they are offline with who they are online. Additionally, they’ll learn how to repurpose their use of social media for their own personal growth and overall benefit.

Valentine Craft Day at Richmond Library

February 13, 4 pm

2987 Almond St.

Valentine’s Day stories, crafts, and fun for children and families.

Multimedia Book Talk for Teens: ‘She Came to Slay: The Life and Time of Harriet Tubman’

February 13, 4:30 pm

Lillian Marrero Library, 601 West Lehigh Ave.

More than a book talk, this program incorporates passages from a book, as well as historical and contemporary insights, audio and video clips, and more for a richer understanding of She Came to Slay.

Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids

February 13, 4:45 pm
Andorra Library, 705 East Cathedral Road

Kids in grades K-12 can come every week for a free yoga and mindfulness session at Andorra Library. Plan to wear comfortable, flexible clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one. Kids only!

African American Artists Series for Children

February 13, 5 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Avenue

Each week will explore the works of a different African-American artist, and then kids can and create artworks of our own inspired by them. Artists to be discussed are Horace Pippin, Clementine Hunter, and Faith Ringgold.

Friday

Valentine’s Day Party with Rhythm Babies

February 14, 10 am

Beehive at Bok, Suite B03, 1901 S. Ninth Street

Valentine’s Day party featuring a Rhythm Babies class (Valentine’s edition), goodie bags, Valentine’s Day crafts, and open play! Spots are limited and must be reserved in advance, online.

Open Play Unplugged at InMovement

February 14, 10 am and 11 am

610 S. Percy St.

Led by local singer and songwriter Avi Wisnia, you and your little one will enjoy dancing and playing to some of the best love ballads. Come check out a gym full of fun, music, and love celebration! Pre-register online.

Baby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art

February 14, 10:15 am
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Play at the museum with your little ones and enjoy circle time, art making, and gallery walks. For toddlers and their grownups.

A Relaxation Valentine for Mama

February 14, 11 am

Dock Street Brewery, 2118 Washington Avenue

Show yourself a little love this Valentine’s Day with a short relaxation workshop with Anna Demetriou of This Mother Can – totally doable with kiddos in tow.

Valentine’s Day Activities and Sensory Play

February 14, 3–5 pm

PlayArts, 1241 N. Front Street

Create your own Valentines, explore holiday-themed sensory bins, mold your own heart sculpture with playdough (made in-house at PlayArts), and play! Regular drop-in rates apply for playspace; $5 extra for crafts activities.

Friday Fun Day Open Play (Grades 3-12)

February 14, 3-5:30 pm

Phield House, 814 Spring Garden

A great opportunity for students in Grades 3-12 to come to Phield House to participate in pick-up games and activities on the turf or court! Sign up online.

Hands On at Charles Santore Library

February 14, 3:30 pm

932 S. Seventh St.

Learn how to do some old school crafts such as finger knitting, potholder making, and origami. This program is intended for young school-aged children. Parents and siblings are welcome.

S.A.G.A. Club

February 14, 3:30 pm

Teen Center at Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

S.A.G.A, short for Sexuality and Gender Acceptance, will meet at the Field Teen Center at the Parkway Central Library. Program is for teens ages 12-18. Snacks will be provided.

Cupid’s Arrow Archery

February 14, 4—6 pm

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.

Families are welcome (with kids ages 8 and up) to stop by the free pop-up archery range to learn how to shoot—no experience, equipment, or registration required.

Crafty Hour at Beehive at Bok

February 14, 4—6 pm

Suite B03, 1901 S. Ninth Street

Artist Steph Kimmel will lead a BYOB art workshop for kids and adults to end the week. Pre-registration is required, online.

Lilypad Family Happy Hour Playgroup

February 14, 4:30—6 pm

1234 S. Broad St.

Hang out with other parents and let the kids play—this playgroup is BYOB!

Date Night Drop-Off at Philadelphia Zoo (members only)

February 14, 5 — 10 pm (can pick up earlier)

3400 W Girard Ave.

Have a kid-free Valentine’s date while your kids explore the zoo! Kids ages 4-12 will have a fun-filled night including a pizza dinner, thematic crafts, and exclusive tours with keeper staff. There will also be a live animal show and a movie to top off the evening. Pre-register online.

Date Night Drop-Off at Kids at Play

February 14, 5 — 8:30 pm

3502 Scotts Lane

While you enjoy your Valentine’s date night, the qualified staff of Kids at Play will lead games and activities for your little ones (ages 3-10), and give them pizza dinner and snacks. Pre-registration is required; no drop-ins will be accepted on the day of the event.

Trolls Sweetheart Skate

February 14, 5–9 pm
Rolling Thunder Skating, 7017 Roosevelt Blvd.

Go skating with Poppy and Branch!

Sweetheart Social + BYOB at Cub Social

February 14, 5–8 pm

2532 S. 13th St.

Enjoy pizza, music, a special Valentine’s Day-themed Spanish storytime, dance, and cookie decorating craft. Book online.

Spread the Love with Teens Inc.

February 14, 6–10 pm

Kismet Cowork, 12 W. Willow Grove Ave.

Teens can spend Valentine’s night writing letters to death row inmates, making meatball hoagies, and doing karaoke!

Valentine’s Day Parents’ Night Out at Skate the Foundry

February 14, 6–10 pm

894 N. 40th St.

Your kids will have a fun night of skating and pizza while you go on a date! Pre-registration is required.

Kids Night Out: Valentine’s Day Edition at InMovement

February 14, 6:30–9 pm

Mini InMovement Bella Vista, 610 S. Percy St.

While you wine and dine, allow your little one to run, jump, and climb. Kids will get some gymnastics fun with pizza, crafts, and open play. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot online in advance.