30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: January 27--February 2

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: January 27–February 2

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

January 23, 2020

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

Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND

All Week

Final Week: ‘We Can Be Heroes: A Bowie Inspired Art Exhibition’

January 3—February 3

National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St.

This pop-up art exhibit explores the influence that Bowie has had and continues to have on contemporary art, showcasing mixed-media artworks with figurative and abstract representations of the larger-than-life musician. From fine art to fan art, you’ll find a mixture of neon and glass sculpture, as well as paintings and digital artwork from both local and international artists.

Frozen Festival at The Pop Shop

January 27–30

729 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ

Frozen trivia, a fashion show with Princess Anna, dinner with Olaf, and more! The Pop Shop has special Frozen events all week. Reservations strongly suggested for all events.

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

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 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

Cooking Around the World

January 27, 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 Mexico! This program is geared towards children between the ages of 2 to 5 and requires a participating adult. Pre-registration is required online.

Music Monkey Jungle at Liberty Place

January 27, 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

January 27, 10:30-11:30 am

321 Chestnut St.

Ages 2-6 with a caregiver will enjoy storytelling, interactive games, and creative crafts centered around You Are (Not) Small. Kids will partner up and create medals for each other, writing and drawing something that they like about their partner. They will also create paper chains and crowns to wear home.

Monday Drop-in Music Classes

January 27; 3:30 pm (Toddler Tunes) and 4:30 pm (Rock-a-Bye Babies)

1714 S. Second St.

Come try out a baby or toddler music class with Ms. Katy at YCCAon2. Every Monday in January, join a 45-minute music class full of singing, dancing, and instrument playing. Drop in for $20 per family.

Bubble Wrap Party

January 27, 4–5 pm

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St.

It’s National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day! Come pop some bubbles, create art, and dance with bubble wrap.

Tuesday

Music Exploration with Mr. Ryan

January 28, 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 28, 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.

Storytime and Crafting for ‘One Book, One Philadelphia’

January 28, 10:30 am

Fishtown Community Library, 1217 E. Montgomery Ave.

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.

Minecraft Day

January 28, 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 28, 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.

French Storytime

January 28, 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 28, 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 28, 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 28, 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

Geography Lady at Baby Wordplay

January 29, 10—11 am

1942 Brandywine St.

Explore Mexico from around the world through stories, sensory, movement, crafts, and more.

Rhythm Babies at Splash Lab Arts

January 29, 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.

Teen Self-Care Social

January 29, 3:30 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Teen (ages 12-18) will explore efforts and crafts to help meet their physical, emotional, and mental health needs.

Music Club for Children

January 29, 4 pm

Walnut Street West, 201 S. 40th St.

Whether your kid plays an instrument, wants to learn more about music, or wants to put on a musical of their own, they can join for instruction and discussion.

Nutritional Cooking

January 29, 4 pm

Cecil B. Moore Library, 2320 Cecil B. Moore Ave.

Pre-teens and teens will use healthy, flavorful, easy-to-find ingredients and add them to simple bases to create stress-free, filling meals.

Thursday

The Geography Lady at Cub Social

January 30, 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.

Drop-in Play and Storytime at Philly Art Center

January 30, 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.

Mandarin Chinese Storytime

January 30, 10:30 am

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Enjoy stories, songs, music, movements and lots of fun in Mandarin Chinese with Ms. Han from the Philadelphia Chinese Academy for children birth to 5 years old with their caregivers.

World Traveling Trunks

January 30, 11 am (preschool and toddler) and 3:30 pm (school age)

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

Explore West Africa without leaving the library! Storytime and play for little ones in the morning, then a school-age lesson after school (see above for links).

Mommy, Me and Nature: Winter Wonders

January 30, 1-2:30 pm
Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.

Kids ages 2-5 will discover where all of the animals have gone for winter and when some of them will be waking up! Prepare for Groundhog Day with a story and craft. Registration required.

Teen Karaoke

January 30, 3:30 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Teens (ages 12-18) can come sing after school in the library’s Teen Center.

Skateboarding 101

January 30, 4 pm

Cecil B. Moore Library, 2320 Cecil B. Moore Ave.

School age kids and teens can learn the basics of skateboarding safety and execution. Skateboards will be provided.

Teen Wellness: Self-Advocacy

January 30, 4 pm

McPherson Square Library, 601 E. Indiana Ave.

Students will learn skills, strategies, and concepts that will empower them to advocate for themselves when necessary. Additionally, they’ll understand how developing self -advocacy connects to ensuring their own personal success.

Butterfly Effect Program

January 30, 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 30, 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

Baby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art

January 31, 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.

Friday Fun Day Open Play (Grades 3-12)

January 31, 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 31, 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.

Crafty Hour at Beehive at Bok

January 31, 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

January 31, 4:30—6 pm

1234 S. Broad St.

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

Kith + Kin January Happy Hour

January 31, 5—7 pm

3060 W. Jefferson St.

BYOB (with snacks provided) playtime to end the week! Plus, Mister John will be there to perform at 6 pm—he’ll be bringing his classes to Kith + Kin in March! Reserve your spot online.

Frozen Skate Party at Rolling Thunder Skating

January 31, 5–9:30 pm
7017 Roosevelt Blvd.

Go rollerskating with characters from Frozen!

Camp-In at the Franklin Institute

January 31, 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.

Chestnut Hill on Ice

January 31 and February 1

Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill is transformed into a winter wonderland during this two-day festival featuring unique ice-themed attractions and cozy comforts including live ice sculpting and ice sculptures throughout Germantown Avenue, a yurt village for winter “glamping,” photo spots, chili specials, and even an iceless ice skating rink (that one’s just on Saturday)!