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Home / Uncategorized  / 30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly: September 10–16

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly: September 10–16

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All Week

‘Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation’

Through December 31

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia

 

Walk in Alexander Hamilton’s shoes and learn more about the Founding Father whose life has fascinated Americans for centuries. 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 (that one was a bit more personal). It’s included with museum admission.

‘Xtreme Bugs’ at Academy of Natural Sciences

Through January 21

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Nearly 20 towering animatronic bugs will come alive in this new creepy crawly exhibit! Get a bug’s-eye view of the world and learn about their intricacies and behaviors. See our preview here.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

11 am — 11 pm Monday — Thursday; 11 am — 1 am Friday and Saturday

301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

This waterfront spot has food, drink, games, and is a great place to relax!

Fringe Festival presents ‘Drawn Out’

September 7–14

2030 Sansom St., Philadelphia

 

A fast-paced movement-based comedy extravaganza creatively combining non-spoken performance, music, dance, and media. The Back Pack movement troupe employs a unique type of storytelling featuring line drawings on large pads of paper strapped to performers, coupled with movement and dance. Tickets available online, as well as performance times.

Parks on Tap: Fairmount Water Works

September 12–16

640 Waterworks Dr.

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to this historic Fairmount site, with beautiful views of the river and the Art Museum.

Monday

Free Baby Music Demo Class at Enchanted Music Together

September 10, 12:45 pm

701 S. 9th St.

 

Even wee babies are alert to musical sounds and respond to melody and rhythm. In this free demo class, you’ll learn musical ways to interact and bond with your baby, support their brain development, and nurture their inner musician. Pre-registration is required online.

Minecraft Monday

September 10, 4 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Use the Free Library’s iPads to build, play and create your own world in Minecraft!  Also make your own Minecraft-themed crafts!

Free Intro Rhythm Kids Class at Enchanted Music Together (Ages 4-5)

September 10, 4:15 pm

701 S. 9th St., Philadelphia

 

Kids age 4-5 and their caregivers will drum, sing, dance, play rhythm instruments, and play music-based games. Pre-registration is required online.

Free Open House Youth Hip Hop Classes

September 10, 3:30—4:15 (ages 8-10); 4:30—5:30 (ages 14-18)

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, 1316 S. Ninth St.

 

Check out KYL/D and try out hip hop dance classes. The first class is for kids age 8-10; the later class is for teens ages 14-18. Register online.

Read to a PAWS Therapy Dog

September 10, 6 pm

Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Ave.

 

Bella the French Bulldog—a PAWS trained therapy dog—will be at Whitman Library for one-on-one reading sessions that allow children to open up and feel comfortable about reading aloud. This program is geared toward ages 6-12, but other children, such as younger siblings, are encouraged to participate as well. Registration is required for this special program. Please call 215-685-1754 or visit the library to reserve your spot.

Tuesday

Music Monkey Jungle Free Session at Reading Terminal Market

September 11, 10 — 10:30 am

51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia

 

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

The Lara and Joe Show

September 11, 10—10:45 am

Center City Pediatrics, 1740 South Street, Suite 200

 

Babies and toddlers can rock out to tunes from “Wheels on the Bus” to “Yellow Submarine”—the Lara and Joe Show bring their guitars, drums, and shakers and cover it all.

The Geography Lady at Momo’s Treehouse

September 11, 10 am

205 Arch Street

 

Preschoolers and toddlers will enjoy music, games, crafts, and more as they explore the world with Geography Lady.

Battle of Brandywine Anniversary

September 11, 10 am—5 pm

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South Third Street

 

Join museum educators to learn about the knapsack that Sergeant John Hawkins lost at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, and explore how the museum recreated its contents. Then, try it on for yourself near the Battle of Brandywine Theater!

Live at LOVE: Same Picture Different Poses

September 11, 1—2 pm

Love Park, 16th Street and JFK Boulevard

 

Part of the Fringe Festival, Same Picture Different Poses brings together a unique fusion of circus, dance, and theater for this site-specific work exploring relationships and love.

Night Skies in the Observatory 

September 11, 7–10 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

 

Join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts for planetarium shows, a live presentation on astronomy or space science, hands-on astronomy activities, and continuous telescopic observing all evening (weather permitting). There’s also a cash bar for the grownups!

Wednesday

AdventureWoods Free Public Hours

September 12, 9 am—3 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia

 

This innovative, sustainable natural playground engages children in creative, imaginative, and active discovery. Kids are free to have fun and learn, experiment and discover, all while exercising and enjoying the outdoors.

Homeschool Archaeological Adventures: Myths Around the World

September 12, 10 am—1 pm

Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

 

Homeschoolers will discover tales about gods and mythical creatures from across the globe, explore artifacts, and take part in interactive workshops that investigate the ritual of votive offerings or the tradition of storytelling. Advance reservations are required; call 215.746.6774 for more information.

Bird Anatomy for Artists of All Ages (Best for Ages 5-13)

September 12, 10 am–noon or 1–3 pm

Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Get ready for migration season by learning all about the structure of birds with artist Ms. Heather. Pre-registration is required online, and two time slots are available.

Jams! in the Park @ Dickinson Square

September 12, 10 am

Dickinson Square Park, 4th and Tasker Streets

 

Meet in the park for stories, music, and a sensory activity.

Stroller Tour at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

September 12, 11 am—noon

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Introduce your baby to the world of art (or just enjoy a museum visit while your baby sleeps in the stroller, either way!) during this monthly family-friendly tour.

Free Youth Dance Open House

September 12, 4—6 pm

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, 1316 S. Ninth St.

 

Check out KYL/D and try out some dance! At 4 pm, kids ages 5-7 can take a free ballet class. At 5 pm, kids ages 11-13 can try modern and jazz dance. Register online.

Foam Sculptures: Star Wars and Animals

September 12, 3:30—5:30 pm

Sue’s Art Class, 2119 Spruce St.

 

Build and paint your own foam creations, whether it’s the “Starship Enterprise” or a cute little pup or…..just build anything! Register online.

Life-Sized Clue

September 12, 4 pm

Fumo Family Library, 2437 S. Broad St.

 

Play this classic “whodunnit” game on a whole new scale!

Gaming Garage

September 12, 4 pm

South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad Street

 

Come and get hands on with the Nintendo Switch. Students of all ages can join games of Mario Kart, get on their feet with Just Dance 2018, or construct cool toys with Nintendo Labo kits. Drop in, and no registration required.

Thursday

Stroller Tour at the Barnes Foundation

September 13, 10:30—11:15 am

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

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.

Philly Community Baby Music Class

September 13, 10:30—11:15 am

Little Moon + Arrow, 729 S. Fourth St.

 

This drop-in class is a safe and open environment for little ones up to 24 months to explore the wonders of music.

Kisses for Kyle Charity Fashion Show

September 13, 6–9 pm

Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way

 

This charity kids’ fashion show supports families affected by childhood cancer, and will include a visit from the Phillie Phanatic.

Manayunk Stroll the Street: Last Call

September 13, 5–9:30 pm

Main Street, Manayunk

 

For the last time this season, Manayunk will host local food trucks, vendors, and live music as visitors and residents walk, shop, and eat. Restaurants and businesses on the street will also have special deals for the night.

Critter Crafternoon with Snapology at PHS Pop-Up (uCity)

September 13, 5:30—7 pm

36th and Filbert Streets

 

Create butterflies, insects, flowers, root systems and more with K’nex and LEGO bricks, then let your inner child’s imagination go wild with free building. Pre-register online.

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll

September 13, 5:30—8:30 pm

Baltimore Avenue between 43rd and 52nd Streets

 

University City’s Baltimore Avenue showcases its businesses with $1 bargains from neighborhood favorites, including plenty of great food. Live music, family entertainment, and more accompany the deals, making this a great event for people of all ages.

Friday

Keystone Comic Con Begins

September 14—16

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

This weekend of comic book and pop culture begins Friday. From cosplay to celebrities, there’s fun for all ages. Caroll Spinney (the legend behind Big Bird and Oscar on Sesame Street) and Steve Whitmire, another Sesame Street and Muppets personality (Kermit, Ernie), will be signing autographs that day as well. Kids age 6-12 can get a 3-day pass for $25 (these sell out fast).

Merge Dance Studio at Roxborough Library

September 14, 10:30 am

6245 Ridge Ave.

 

Merge Dance Studio will engage children with music and dancing for all ages.

Free 30-Minute Jumps at Sky Zone

September 14, noon—9 pm

9490 Blue Grass Road

Sky Zone Philadelphia is turning 14, so to celebrate they’re giving away free 30-minute Freestyle Jump sessions. Walk-in only.

Celebrate Batman at Tacony Library

September 14, 3:30 pm

6742 Torresdale Ave.

 

Drop by after school for Batman-themed activities!

Wildlife Under the Stars

September 14, 6:30—10 pm

John Heinz at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Join the refuge, Philadelphia Zoo, and Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers for a very special night of guided nocturnal animal walk and star gazing with telescopes. Free and kid-friendly!

Woodmere Art Museum Straw Maze Opening Reception

September 14, 6—8 pm

9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia

 

Join Woodmere as they officially unveil their incredible Straw Maze for the season with a free opening reception.

Members Only Night at Smith Memorial Playground 

September 14, 6–8 pm

3500 Reservoir Drive

 

Current Smith members are invited to enjoy a monthly, Members Only Night where you will have exclusive access to the playground! Smith will provide pizza (while it lasts), or feel free to bring a picnic dinner.

Halloween Night at the Phillies Game

September 14, 7:05 pm

Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way

 

Kids and adults alike are encouraged to dress in their best Halloween costumes and celebrate early when the Phillies host the Miami Marlins.

Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Incredibles 2’

September 14, 7—10 pm

Fox Chase Recreation Center, 7901 Ridgeway St.

 

Movie starting approximately 15 minutes after sunset. In case of inclement weather, movie night’s rain date will be the following night unless otherwise noted on the website.

Movie Night at Coxe Park: ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

September 14, 7:30 pm

2134 Cherry St.

 

Outdoor movie season will be wrapping up soon, so catch one while you still can! Movie begins at dusk. In case of rain, movie will be postponed by one week.

Weekend Events

Get all our weekend picks in the High Five, here!

Want more? Click here for Main Line weekend events.

 

Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.

 

 

Contributing Writer

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