30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around Philly: October 21–27
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
‘The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience’
October 19–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!
Haunted River Cruises
October 24—28, 7:30 pm
Meet at 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
This spooky 90-minute “Phantoms of the River” tour is narrated by a pirate telling spooky tales of the “haunted” Delaware River. Tickets available online.
Come From Away
October 22—November 3
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
This deeply moving Broadway musical is about 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them in the wake of 9/11. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Spooky Mini Golf
Thursdays through Sundays from October 4—31, 6—9 pm
Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.
Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with fog, lights, music, and surprises!
‘Very Eric Carle’ at Please Touch Museum
October 5—January 12, 2020
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Step into the world of Eric Carle in this new interactive exhibit. Follow the path of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, compose a night symphony with The Very Quiet Cricket, and more!
Scarecrow Walk at Morris Arboretum
October 5—31
Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Visitors can enjoy a display of creatively handmade scarecrows built around a yearly theme (this year, it’s musicians), and vote on their favorites!
Notorious RBG
Through January 12, 2020
National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall East
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first-ever museum retrospective of the Supreme Court Justice-turned-pop-culture-icon, makes its east coast debut. Based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name by Knizhnik and Irin Carmon, the visually rich and entertaining exhibition explores RBG’s legacy through archival photographs and documents, historical artifacts, contemporary art, media stations, and gallery interactives including fun memes and fan art made about the incomparable Justice.
Candytopia
Open through January 9
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 full preview and tips here.
Los Trompos
August 19–November 17
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
This free, interactive art installation features 10 three-dimensional, larger than life tops you can sit and spin on! Designed and woven by Mexican artists Esrawe + Caden, these joyful pieces on Commonwealth Plaza are meant to inspire collaboration and interaction.
Dinosaurs Around the World
Through January 20, 2020
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. Check out our preview to learn more.
‘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.
‘Hamilton’
August 27–November 17
Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.
The Broadway sensation based on our ten dollar founding father is finally coming, so do not throw away your shot! Don’t have tickets? Enter the #HAM4HAM lottery! Still don’t have tickets? We rounded up ways to stay entertained with Hamilton-related activities in Philly until you do!
The GLOW: A Jack O’Lantern Experience
Thursdays through Sundays from October 5—November 3
West Fairmount Park, 5201 Parkside Ave.
Take a stroll down Jack’s path to see elaborately carved pumpkins and displays like you’ve never seen! Tickets are available online.
Ghost Ship
October 4– November 3; Wednesdays through Sundays from 7–10 pm
Race Street Pier
This a 90-foot, three-dimensional, light and water installation on the Delaware River depicts a giant 18th-century ship apparition! The art is dynamic, affected by the weather, so you’ll get a different experience each time! To add to your spooky boat experience, access recorded reflections of local experts and artists speak to the river’s importance to Philadelphia with diverse stories from before colonization to the present day. For the duration of the installation, the creators of Parks on Tap have created the pop-up River Beer Garden at Race Street Pier. featuring Mainstay Independent Brewing Company beers and fall-themed food options; along with a festive outdoor space featuring lighting, comfortable chairs, and hammocks.
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