30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: January 20–26
Need plans? We've got something great, every day!
Need plans? We’ve got something great, every day.
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All Week
Center City Restaurant Week
January 12-24
Center City Restaurant Week runs from January 12-24, offering diners three-course dinner for $35, and (at some places) three-course lunch for $20 at dozens of great restaurants around town. Check out our top picks for going with kids in tow!
Riverdance
January 21–26
Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
A stirring re-invention of this beloved favorite, see Irish dance with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, staging and costume design, and an all-new finale number! Tickets available online.
The Snow Queen
Through January 26
Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.
Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen transports audiences on a journey through the four seasons, and celebrates the magical power of friendship.
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
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th 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 February 17
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.
Monday
Service and Celebration: Where to Spend MLK Day in Philly
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy with volunteer work and more. If you’d like to seize the opportunity this year to help your kids understand King’s ideas — and the broader concept of helping others in his memory — here are some family-friendly options.
MLK Day-Off Camps in Philly
If your kids have off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day but you have work or an adults-only service project, you’re in luck: lots of places around town are offering one-day break camps sure to entertain kids of all ages and interests!
Final Day: Dinosaurs Around the World
January 20
Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
With over a dozen life-size animatronic dinosaurs, “Dinosaurs Around the World” invites visitors to prehistoric Earth to see how they lived and adapted to their times.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service at the National Constitution Center
January 20, 9:30 am—3 pm
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
The National Constitution Center has a full day of community service projects, special performances, and fun for the whole family; along with special $5 admission to the museum. Special storytimes will take place in the Grand Hall Lobby, along with an all-day craft center where kids can create “I Have a Dream” mobiles. There will also be a number of live performances, including a passionate reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech performed by local actors and students. In the spirit of service, the museum is organizing the donation of books and school supplies for Philadelphia school students.
Cooking Around the World
January 20, 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 Hawaii! This program is geared towards children between the ages of 2 to 5 and requires a participating adult. Pre-registration is required online.
MLK Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
January 20, 10 am–5 pm
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
Celebrate with a scavenger hunt, a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, a concert, a re-enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Carlo Campbell, and more. The museum’s admission will be reduced to $2 for all guests during MLK Weekend Celebration.
Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary
January 20, 10 am–4 pm
Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave.
Eastern State Penitentiary commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail with special readings and opportunities to connect with the text. Children (ages 7-12) and their families can create art in response to themes found in the letter. Activities are free and open to the public.
MLK Family Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History
January 20, 10 am — 3 pm
101 South Independence Mall East
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day filled with family-friendly performances and arts and crafts activities, spotlight talks about social justice, and more.
MLK: Dreams for Different Futures at Philadelphia Museum of Art
January 20, 10 am –3 pm
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The art museum is usually closed on Mondays, but on MLK Day it’s not just open but is offering Pay What You Wish admission for the day. Take part in conversations, gallery tours, teach-ins, and an all-ages drop-in making activity with Tiny WPA on this Martin Luther King Day of Service.
MLK Day of Service at the Schuylkill Center
January 20, 10 am—noon
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Community members, as well as Nature Preschool families past and present, are invited to work on service projects aimed at protecting the health of our forests, fields, and meadows. There will be both child-centered and adult service projects available. Registration appreciated.
MLK Craft at National Liberty Museum
January 20, 11 am–3 pm
321 Chestnut St.
Celebrate MLK Day by giving back to others! Create a fun craft in support of Enchanted Makeovers, an organization that nurtures women and children living in homeless shelters through various projects, programs, and makeovers that help improve their outlook for the future. Make “hero capes” for children in these shelters to let them know they can be their own superhero. You’ll create a cape from start to finish with the help of Museum Educators. Admission on MLK Day is “Pay What You Wish.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Family Festival
January 20, noon — 4 pm
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
Listen to stories of Civil Rights and the never-before-told narrative about Dr. King’s legendary “I Have a Dream” speech with artist Jerry Pinkney’s newest publication, A Place to Land: Martin Luther King, Jr. and a Speech that Changed a Nation. The author will be present to join the festivities. At 2:30 pm, Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble celebrates the legacy of Dr. King and others with a concert and sing-along of songs sung during the Civil Rights Movement, such as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Down by the Riverside,” “We Shall Overcome,” and more.
Superhero Skate
January 20, 12:30–2:30 pm
Flyers Skate Zone, 10990 Decatur Road
Kids 12 and under will receive free admission if they wear their favorite superhero costume to this public skating session!
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert
January 20, 4 pm
Girard College Chapel, 2101 S. College Ave.
This free 90-minute concert combines the traditions of African-American culture and Western classical music. The program includes Samuel Barber’s classic “Adagio for Strings” performed to excerpts from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by speaker Charlotte Blake Alston, as well as other uplifting pieces. Free tickets are live on the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website, so don’t miss out! If you can’t make the show, you can listen to the live radio broadcast on WRTI (90.1 FM or wrti.org).
Tuesday
Music Exploration with Mr. Ryan
January 21, 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
January 21, 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.
Toddler Time at American Swedish Historical Museum
January 21, 10:30—11:30 am
1900 Pattison Avenue
Come for a specially designed program for children ages 18 months to 4 years old, with interactive stories, engaging hands-on activities, and social interaction.
Minecraft Day
January 21, 3-5:30 pm
Kensington Library, 104 W. Dauphin St.
The library hosts a Minecraft session in the computer lab, complete with their own Minecraft Realm, a persistent server which allows the group to play in the same world and saves their progress each session. Kids can work alone or with up to eight other participants. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.
Geography Lady at the Beehive
January 21, 3:30—4:30 pm
Beehive at the Bok, Suite B03, 1901 S. Ninth Street
Learn about different countries through stories, sensory, movement, and more! These programs are geared towards children ages 3 and up. Drop-in for $13.
Yoga Fun
January 21, 4 pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Yoga stories, yoga songs, yoga games, and yoga adventures with Ms. Becky! Stretch, relax, and build strength with fun activities for children ages 11 and under.
Kids Can Cook
January 21, 4 pm
Queen Memorial Library, 1201 S. 23rd St.
Healthy Cooking class for school-aged kids and teens, taught by serv-safe certified cooking instructor Keisha Prosser. Learn about food safety, prepare a full meal, and then help eat what you’ve created.
French Storytime
January 21, 4 pm
Walnut Street West, 201 S. 40th St.
All storybooks are read in French by local parents and volunteers. For toddlers and preschoolers.
Free Play with Wii and Switch
January 21, 4 pm
South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St.
Kids and teens can come out to the library after school to play with Nintendo Wii and Switches for free! Kids can play Mario Kart, Labo, Dance Dance Revolution, and more.
Sensory Storytime
January 21, 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
January 21, 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.
Dinner and a Movie: ‘Labyrinth’
January 21, 8 pm
The Lounge at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street
Philly Loves Bowie Week may be over, but World Café Live is keeping the party going with a screening of the cult classic Jim Henson film starring David Bowie as the Goblin King! Restaurant and bar open at 5 pm, and the movie starts at 8 pm. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. WCL recommends making reservations in advance to secure a table.
Wednesday
Rhythm Babies at Splash Lab Arts
January 22, 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.
Developmental Playtime
January 22, 1—2:30 pm
Kith + Kin, 3060 W. Jefferson St.
In class, you and your baby will learn ways to enjoy tummytime with instructor Nikki Lee. Best for babies 0-6 months. Pre-registration required online.
Spanish Storytime
January 22, 2:30 pm
Walnut Street West Library, 201 S. 40th St.
Bilingual storytime with stories and songs in Spanish and English.
Thursday
Homeschool Workshop: Winter Owls and Wildlife
January 23, 10 am—noon
Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.
Get a close up look at owl wings, feathers, talons and get a chance to dissect an owl pellet. This workshop is geared toward school-age homeschoolers (and a caregiver). Pre-registration is required; call 215-685-0470 or email pec@phila.gov for a registration form.
The Geography Lady at Cub Social
January 23, 10—11 am
2532 S. 13th St.
Learn about different countries through stories, sensory, movement, and much more! Program will be 45 minutes of enriching fun and best for children between the ages of 18 months to four years old. Drop-in for $13; members are free.
Dance me a Story
January 23, 10:30 am
South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St.
Listen, move, and learn at this special storytime with the School of the Pennsylvania Ballet. This program is limited to children ages 3 and older.
Art Explorers
January 23, 10:30 am
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Explore the wide world of art through a wide variety of materials with Ms. Kate! This program is intended for children 6 and under with their caregivers.
Drop-in Play and Storytime at Philly Art Center
January 23, 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.
Thursday Tots: Story Book Hike
November 15, 1—2 pm
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House), 300 West Northwestern Avenue
Nature exploration and learning for kids age 3-5 and a caregiver. Pre-register online.
Teen Jewelry Making Workshop
January 23, 3:30 pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Intro to jewelry making, wire wrapping, and beading! Teens ages 12-18 are welcome to come create a piece of wearable art to keep.
Zombie Preparedness
January 23, 4 pm
Frankford Library, 4634 Frankford Ave.
Ages 8-15. Participants who attend all five sessions will create and keep their own Emergency Preparedness Kit.
Butterfly Effect Program
January 23, 4:15 pm
Widener Library, 2808 W. Lehigh Ave.
Participants will craft butterflies to acknowledge the 76,000 children being retained at the Mexican Border.
Yoga and Mindfulness for Kids
January 23, 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!
Friday
Wonderspaces Opening Day
January 24, noon–10 pm
27 N. 11th St.
A new interactive installation is coming to Philly, with the latest in technology and experiential art. Yes, it is fun and Instaworthy, but it will take you beyond accumulating some photos on your phone and ask bigger questions about what it means to interpret, collaborate, and view art. We’ll have a full review later this week, but for now, tickets are available online!
Baby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art
January 24, 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.
Explore and Make Sensory Class Demo
January 24, 10:30—11:30 am
Kith + Kin, 3060 W. Jefferson St.
A child-led playgroup that will allow the youngest artists, scientists, and explorers to play in an environment of diverse sensory experiences. Little ones (ages 18 months to 5 years) will enjoy free range of the studio space as they engage their senses and explore a variety of open-ended, process-based materials. Free demo class; book online.
Indoor Snowball Fight
January 24, 1 – 9 pm
Rolling Thunder Skating Center, 7017 East Roosevelt Boulevard
Come for a night of skating and Philly’s largest snowball fight!
Teen Goat Walk
January 24, 2 pm
Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.
Teens and tweens will learn about goats and take them for a stroll outside the library. Philly Goat Project’s goats are well behaved and friendly! Dress for the weather.
Friday Fun Day Open Play (Grades 3-12)
January 24, 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
January 24, 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.
Dinos After Dark
January 24, 4—8 pm
Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and the Dino Drafts Beer Garden in Dinosaur Hall.
Lilypad Family Happy Hour Playgroup
January 24, 4:30—6 pm
1234 S. Broad St.
Hang out with other parents and let the kids play—this playgroup is BYOB!
40 Winks at the Penn Museum
January 24, 5:30 pm-9 am
3260 South St.
Explorers ages 6-12 and their families or chaperones experience Penn Museum in a new way with hands-on games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and a flashlight expedition through the galleries– all before a one-of-a-kind sleepover! Pre-register online.
Hogwarts Winter Fest with Harry Potter
January 24, 6—8 pm
The Pop Shop, 729 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ
The evening includes photo time and magic wand lessons with Harry Potter himself! Plus Butterbeer shakes, Hogwarts-inspired dinner and magical dessert, Hogwarts trivia, bingo, prizes and more! Wear your Potter best! Tickets available online.
Camp-In at the Franklin Institute
January 24, 6:15 pm—January 25, noon
222 N. 20th St.
Kids ages 6-13 (and chaperones) will have a unique sleepover experience in the museum, plus access to the “Worst-Case Scenario” special exhibit! Campers must clear out by 9:30 am on Saturday, but can stay and explore the museum until noon! Pre-register online.
Weekend Events
Check out all our weekend picks in the High Five!
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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