30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week...Virtually! (June 29-July 5)

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (June 29-July 5)

Coronavirus cabin fever? We're here to help.

June 29, 2020

Have some fun at home with our roundup of this week’s virtual activities! Stay safe (and cool) indoors!

Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND

All Week

Summer Reading

Stay busy (and beat summer slide) with virtual summer reading programs in Philly and on the Main Line.

Wawa Welcome America

This year, Philly’s July 4th festival goes virtual. See our guide for all the events, and read below for scheduled kids’ events as well!

Independence Blue Cross #mindPHL Wellness Corner

June 28—July 3, 8:30 am

Start your day off with programming focused on stress reduction, connection, and mental health. This six-part series can be found at the Wellness Corner of the festival’s website daily. Topics include exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, and more.

Wawa Welcome America Museum Days

Daily, beginning at 9 am

Every day of the festival, enjoy virtual tours, access to exhibits, educational discussions, and activities from top museums and attractions in the city.

Sunday, June 28: American Swedish Historical Museum, Christ Church Burial Ground, Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, One Liberty Observation Deck
Monday, June 29: Museum of the American Revolution, The Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Tuesday, June 30: Association of Public Art, Eastern State Penitentiary, Fireman’s Hall Museum, Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department, The Rosenbach
Wednesday, July 1: National Constitution Center
Thursday, July 2: Penn Museum
Friday, July 3: African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Barnes Foundation, National Liberty Museum
Saturday, July 4: National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia Museum of Art

Wawa Welcome America: Music Play Patrol

June 29—July 3, 11 am

Rock out to the sounds of pots and pans, buckets, drinking straws, and more. There will be a different activity every day, all of which can be done with what you have lying around the house!

Monday, June 29: Bucket Drumming
Tuesday, June 30: Making Shakers
Wednesday, July 1: Playing Pots & Pans
Thursday, July 2: Musical Storytelling
Friday, July 3: Making Wind Instruments

Snapology Online Camp: Ninja Week

Monday-Friday, 1:15 pm

Design a new dojo for Snapology made from LEGO bricks and train your men to battle with the best. Go through ninja training and earn your black belt, Snapology-style. For ages 4-14. Pre-register online for the whole week, or for individual days.

Philly Zoo at 2

Weekdays at 2 pm

Explore the zoo, go behind the scenes, talk with experts, and meet some of the zoo’s most amazing creatures every day on Facebook. They’re even gearing up to introduce new babies that haven’t been introduced yet to the public as the series goes on!

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Live From The Playroom

Weekdays at 3 pm

Rock out with free musical livestreams from the New York branch of the Rock and Roll Playhouse concerts you’ve come to love in Ardmore!

Mac’s Book Club Show with Author Mac Barnett

Weekdays at 3 pm

Book reading and discussion every day on the author’s Instagram at 3 pm.

Nightly Met Opera Streams

Daily at 7:30 pm

Stream a different opera on the Metropolitan Opera’s website each night!

Monday

Welcome America: Sing Some History

June 29, 10 am

Join Ms. Natalie from the Oak Lane Branch who will share some classic folk songs that were written in Philadelphia. Travel with her to the spots where they were created. This program will appear on the Oak Lane Branch’s Facebook page.

PlayMusic Family

June 29, 10:30 am

PlayArts takes it online with Ms. Maria! Join a musical adventure right in your own living room for ages 4 and under. Through fun and familiar songs, sing, move, and play using simple materials you might have lying around your home. Click “Join Class” on their website when it’s time for class.

Standby Book Club with Greg Pizzoli

Mondays at 11 am

Author/illustrator Greg Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed, Goodnight Owl) brings you readings, drawing sessions, and more on his Instagram.

Merge Dance on Facebook

June 29, 1 pm

Ms. Christa joins Gladwyne Library with stories and dance for kids.

Virtual Messy Monday

June 29, 1 pm

The Free Library will post pictures and instructions for fun sensory play with common household items.

Kensington Library Minecraft Club

June 29, 3–5:30 pm

For ages 8 and up. Up to eight players can play together on Kensington Library’s Minecraft Realm. For login details and Realm access contact the Kensington Neighborhood Library at underhilla@freelibrary.org

Franklin Institute @ Home: Live COVID-19 Q&A

June 29, 3 pm

Dr. Das delivers the latest developments surrounding COVID-19 to audiences live on Facebook—tune in for a current topic each time with room for Q&A.

Yes Please! Healthy Sexuality Workshop for Youth

June 29, 4 pm

Yes Please! Healthy Sexuality workshops will be led by Von Eaton of the Mazzoni Center. At home during their own time, teens can view pre-recorded videos presented by Von, and then engage with him during a Q&A and discussion.

Swedish Museum Fairytales Zoom Program

June 29, 4 pm

Explore the art of storytelling with the American Swedish Historical Museum! Children in grades 1-6 will learn about story structure and common themes through Scandinavian folklore and fairytales such as The Ice Queen, Stone Soup, and Knos the Giant. Then, create new characters and plot to act out a fairytale! Pre-registration is required online, and is limited to 20 participants. The Zoom code will be emailed the day before.

Kidville’s Art With a Heart

June 29, 4:15 pm

Grow your compassion and heart through community art projects in Art with a Heart! Explore themes rooted in a weekly Do More Good Challenge that promotes kindness, connection, and community through story and hands-on art projects to spread love in your neighborhood. Free; pre-register online.

Ask a Naturalist

June 29, 5 pm

Tune in via Zoom to hear fun facts based on your questions to Schuylkill Center naturalists.

Songs and Bedtime Stories with Elsa

June 29, 6 pm

Join Queen Elsa free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!

PJ Party with the Little Mermaid

June 29, 7 pm

Grab your PJs for a fun party and storytime with Ariel. Tickets available online via Bowfish Studios.

Women’s Center of Montgomery County Presents: Healthy vs. Unhealthy Teen Relationships

June 29, 7 pm

The Women’s Center of Montgomery County will present a program that will help teens define healthy vs. unhealthy relationship behaviors in an interactive live presentation. Virtual activities and videos will illustrate important concepts, and the presentation will end with time for discussion and questions. Free; pre-registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.

The United States Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ Concert

June 29, 7 pm

Another tradition from Welcome America, Pershing’s Own will bring a spirited, patriotic 10th Anniversary virtual performance they are calling “United We Stand: Music to Connect Us.” The concert will include popular music, vocal arrangements, and as always “The 1812 Overture” to close things out.

Tuesday

Spanish Storytime

June 30, 9:30 am

Learn some Spanish with your little one in this interactive, immersion-style Spanish storytime. Sing songs, dance, play games, and read a book.

PECO Go 4th & Learn: Fitness and Fun with Penn Athletics

June 30, 10 am

Coaches and staff from Penn Athletics will host interactive fitness and sports activities for both kids and adults to get moving.

Brickmasters Animation Club

June 30, 10 am

Join the library on their YouTube channel each Tuesday for a new video. Learn how to make stop-motion animations!

Settlement Kids: Live

June 30, 10:30 am

Keep your kids entertained, engaged, and connected with free music and dance shows brought right to your home by Settlement Music School. Their Playshop, Workshop, and Creative Movement teachers will get you dancing, singing, and smiling on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Virtual Storytime with Parkway Central Library

June 30, 10:30 am

Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, music, movement, and lots of fun for children ages 2-7 and their caregivers. Storytime with a yoga and mindfulness twist! Storytime will be posted on the library’s Instagram (@freelibraryccd).

Free Craft Time with Princess Anna

June 30, 11:30 am

Join Anna for free virtual storytime, sing-along, and drawing lesson on Facebook Live.

Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Animals

June 30, noon

Parents and kids ages 3-5 will learn about animals and build some using LEGO or DUPLO blocks. Pre-register online.

Drag Queen Storytime with Lili St. Queer

June 30, noon

Join drag queen Lili St. Queer for a special Pride Month storytime! Listen to stories teaching us kindness, inclusivity, and self-love. This program is for children of all ages and their families.

Recycled Crafting

June 30, noon

Learn how to make something new from recyclables! Step-by-step instructions will be posted to Walnut Street West Library’s Facebook.

Bilingual Firefly Storytime and Craft

June 30, 1 pm

Join Ranger Sean of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for a free storytime in Spanish and English on Facebook Live. Learn about fireflies by reading the story La Luz de Lucía by Margarita del Mazo. Then use a flashlight to create a firefly craft.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

June 30, 1 pm

Kith + Kin’s new parent support groups are facilitated by trained doulas who help guide the transition into the new role of parenthood. Share stories, ask hard questions, and more. Pay what you can; join on Zoom via Kith + Kin’s website.

Virtual Bilingual Storytime

June 30, 2 pm

Join Mr. Pagan from the Durham branch of Free Library of Philadelphia on Facebook Live for bilingual storytime with stories in Spanish and English.

Home Safari Facebook Live with the Cincinnati Zoo

June 30, 3 pm

Every afternoon, the Cincinnati Zoo will highlight one of their animals and include an activity you can do from home on Facebook Live.

Ask the Scientists: Earth and the Environment

June 30, 3 pm

Join Academy scientists and educators for a brand new virtual Zoom program where kids lead the conversation. This week, learn how the pandemic is affecting biodiversity around the world and what you can do to help protect the environment. Free; pre-registration required online.

Superhero Pretend Adventure Class

June 30, 4:15 pm

Little Heroes in Training, or “HIT Squad” will unlock a new themed adventure and develop their super skills and strength using only their imaginations and their bodies! Meanwhile, the class will guide big kids through skill-building challenges that would make any hero proud. This class is action-packed fun for all, and perfect for fighting the afternoon sillies in costume! Pre-register online.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

June 30, 7 pm

Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.

Wednesday

“History Has its Eyes on Us” with Dr. Joanne Freeman and Paul Oakley Stovall

July 1, 10 am

In anticipation of the release of Hamilton on Disney+, tune into the Museum of the American Revolution’s Facebook page for a conversation with Yale University historian and Hamilton expert Dr. Joanne Freeman, and Chicago-based actor and playwright Paul Oakley Stovall, who portrays George Washington in the national tour of Hamilton: An American Musical, with Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson. The wide-ranging conversation will cover everything from how they fell in love with Hamilton to their thoughts on the power of history and theater, and the role of monuments in historical memory.

Read to Lead

July 1, 10 am

Grab the entire family and go on a literacy journey with Sergeant Major Erica Russo of The United States Army Field Band, and Telemundo62 Chief Meteorologist, Violeta Yas.

NLM @ Home: The Liberty Bell

July 1, 10 am

Uncover the real history of the bell and how it shaped the struggle for freedom. From the bell’s symbolic origins during the abolitionist movement to its use amid protests of the Vietnam War, what you find might surprise you! Explore the past, create your own symbols of freedom and ring the NLM’s exact replica of the bell, just in time for Independence Day. Free; pre-registration is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent an hour before the lesson is set to start.

PlayMusic Family

July 1, 10:30 am

Virtual Superhero Storytime: Supergirl

July 1, 11 am

Join Supergirl for a free online storytime. Join through the library’s Facebook group.

Penn Museum World Wonders

July 1, 11 am

Take a weekly trip around the world from the comfort of your own home! Discover more about the materials, symbols, and making process of coins to learn about the messages they carry. Assist a Museum educator in creating a “class coin,” and work on your own coin with a design that sends a message meant to be seen by the world. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.

Yoga@Play on Zoom

July 1, 11 am

Bond with your toddler through a yoga adventure, doing poses, mindfulness activities, and games. Free; pre-registration required online via Gladwyne Library.

Kids’ Yoga (Ages 4-6)

July 1, 11 am

Mama’s Wellness Joint moves online with Kids’ Yoga for ages 5-8. Pre-register online.

ScienceTellers Zoom Party: Return of the Ice Sorceress

July 1, 7 pm

A fun fantasy adventure with dry ice effects! Join a free video party on Zoom with a live ScienceTeller host. The host will stream through Zoom for everyone to watch together as the host interacts with the audience. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

Wawa Welcome America: The United States Army Field Band

July 1, 7 pm (pre-show at 6 pm)

“The Musical Ambassadors of the Army” present an inspiring show of patriotic favorites and spectacular performances. At 6 pm there will be a pre-show Facebook Live party celebrating the 80th birthday of Philadelphia’s own Jerry Blavat.

Bedtime Butterflies Free Virtual Storytime

July 1, 7:30 pm

Join Monarch Butterfly Princesses for a free online storytime, and learn some fun facts about butterflies, too!

Not A Peep Sleep Workshop

July 1, 8 pm

During this one-hour workshop, sleep expert Maria Lopez of Not a Peep will teach you about the science of children’s sleep, why problems occur, how to prevent them and how to troubleshoot your current issues. topics include children’s sleep, ideal routines for each age, common sleep problems: regressions, night wakings, and short naps. Pre-register online, and bring all your questions!

Thursday

Food Science with Wawa

July 2, 10 am

Take a virtual tour of the Wawa Dairy in Wawa, PA and get an insider’s peek at the Wawa Test Kitchen, where you can experience a virtual cooking demonstration of your favorite foods with nutrition, sensory, and food safety tips.

National Liberty Museum’s Read and Romp

July 2, 10 am

This week, read You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kangand and do fun activities in this free Facebook Live event.

PlayArts Movement Lab (ages 4 and under)

July 2, 10:30 am

Join Ms. Margot on an exploration of basic movement and dance concepts. You’ll need some space to move around, and lots of energy. Join the free class on the PlayArts website.

At-Home Anthro with the Penn Museum

July 2, 11 am

Bring your natural curiosity and craftiness into free live learning sessions by Penn Museum educators, on Facebook. Join these 30-minute sessions—perfect for elementary to middle school kids—to dig deeper into world cultures, archaeology, or anthropology with demonstrations of hands-on projects you can try at home!

Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Dinosaurs

July 2, noon

Parents and kids ages 3-5 will learn about dinosaurs and build some using LEGO or DUPLO blocks. Pre-register online.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife of the Week: Bald Eagle

July 2, 1 pm

John Heinz NWR will be highlighting our nation’s bird this week on Facebook Live.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

July 2, 1 pm

Kith + Kin moves their group online so you can continue on your journey while you’re self-isolated! Facilitated by an international board-certified lactation consultant who can help answer your questions and provide tips for success, the group meets on Zoom (call-in info in the link in title); pay what you can over Venmo.

Tween Cooking Show and Tell

July 2, 4 pm

For people entering grades 4 and up. Tweens will make their favorite pasta, rice, or grains and show them off! Pre-registration is required online via Media-Upper Providence Free Library.

Beyond Your Backyard: Explore African Culture

July 2, 4:15 pm

Each week, join Ms. Vasthy to explore different African cultures and learn how African influences have shaped the culture of that week’s city or country. Free; pre-register online.

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

July 2, 4:30 pm

Be Well With Beth’s classes give parents a full-body strength and flexibility workout using body weight, bands (or whatever you have laying around), and even your little one as resistance. Come for a great work out, stay for the play, social time, and conversation with other parents and kids! Plus, stay online at the end for an additional 15 minutes to discuss nutrition and meal planning with Beth, who is also a registered dietitian nutritionist!

Online Baking Workshop: Fourth of July Cake Pops

July 2, 5 pm

Decorated with patriotic sprinkles and red, white, and blue drizzle, these cake pops are perfect for Independence Day celebrations. Kids will learn to make Fourth of July cake pops using store-bought pound cake or homemade cake. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

Pajama Storytime

July 2, 6:30 pm

Listen to fun sleepytime stories in your pajamas, and don’t forget your favorite stuffed friend! Join via Lovett Memorial Library’s Facebook page.

Wawa Welcome America: Philadelphia Orchestra

July 2, 7 pm

The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform “Let Freedom Ring,” a musical celebration featuring patriotic pieces, including a special rendition of Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom,” Sousa’s “The Liberty Bell March,” and a special video tribute to Philadelphia.

Franklin Institute’s Night Skies at Home

July 2, 7:45 pm

The Franklin Institute’s Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts invites stargazers of all ages to step outside and join him for the first in a series of night sky tours from home– no telescopes needed!

Friday

Wawa Welcome America: Historic Philadelphia

July 3, 10 am

Travel back in time with stories of history and adventure with some of Philadelphia’s most historical figures from Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin to Betsy Ross. Eavesdrop on Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams as they debate the Declaration of Independence outside their favorite watering hole, City Tavern. And, over at the Betsy Ross House, the first lady of the Stars and Stripes prepares for Independence Day and shares the history of her flag-making skills!

PlayMusic Family

July 3, 10:30 am

Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets

July 3, 11 am

WonderSpark—a New York based mobile children’s theater—will be livestreaming one of their favorite puppet shows on Facebook!

Independence Day Treats

July 3, 11 am

Celebrate Independence day by making red, white, and blue fruit kebobs. Join free on Logan Library’s Facebook.

Free Virtual Storytime with Wonder Woman

July 3, noon

Wonder Woman will read, sing and answer questions on a free Facebook Live storytime.

Trolls Dance Party

July 3, 1:30 pm

In this one-day class, kids ages 6-10 will learn jazz dances and techniques all to the fun songs from Trolls World Tour! Pre-register online.

Kensington Library Minecraft Club

July 3, 3–5:30 pm

POPS on Independence

July 3, 7 pm

For this uniquely American celebration, the POPS takes a musical look at tradition and patriotism in a brand new show. This virtual concert stream will also include a newly commissioned piece, “Fanfare for the Essential Workers,” dedicated to healthcare workers who were first responders to the COVID-19 crisis.

Weekend Events

Saturday

Happy July 4th, from home!

Go 4th and Learn: Independence National Historical Park

July 4, 10 am

Join a special tour with National Park Service experts sharing the stories of the founding of our nation and some of Philadelphia’s most historic landmarks. Get an exclusive look at the “rooms where it happened” with behind-the-scenes visits and stories.

Hamilton Dance Class

July 4, 10 am

In this virtual dance class for ages 8-13, students will learn the dance for “The Room Where it Happens.” Pre-registration required online.

Virtual Schuylkill Saturday

July 4, 10:30 am

Dive into a new topic each week with one of the Schuylkill Center’s environmental educators on Facebook Live. At the end, you’ll have an activity to continue your nature exploration at home as well!

PlayArts’ Family ArtLab

July 4, 10:30 am

Children will explore process-based art-making techniques using basic art supplies, recycled materials, and items on hand at home with Ms. Amanda. This class will emphasize the process of creating art together and learning through fun and easy lessons that are adaptable for all ages. Join class via PlayArts’ website.

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Pre-Show

July 4, noon—7 pm

Celebrate all day with entertainment on NBC 10. At noon, “Red, White & Q102” will kick things off with a mix show featuring local DJs. Then at 3 pm visit the Groove Stage featuring regional multicultural and multigenerational artists. Finally, at 5 pm the Chill Moody Stage lineup features Lester London, LiMM, DioMara, Great Time, and a special performance from Chill Moody & Hank McCoy and many more.

Descendants Trilogy Sing-Along and Trivia

July 4, noon

Students will sing-along to various songs from Disney’s Descendants. They’ll also discuss characters as the sing-along progresses, and play an interactive game where they get to guess their favorite Descendants characters and answer other trivia questions. Pre-register online.

Hamilton Movie Release Viewing Party and Trivia Battle

July 4, 2:30 pm

Compete in a trivia battle to celebrate and watch the Disney+ Hamilton movie together. For ages 9-14. Pre-registration required online to hold your spot.

Seashell Coloring with Mermaid Princess

July 4, 3 pm

Print out a provided coloring page and join a mermaid for a free Facebook live coloring session.

Sound of Liberty July 4th Livestream Concert presented by Marian Anderson Historical Society

July 4, 4 pm

Celebrate America’s birthday with a Tribute to the Patriotic and American Songbook in Concert with a backdrop of the National Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society, plus a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence. Join free on Facebook Live.

Bedtime Stories with Mermaid Princess

July 4, 7 pm

If your little ones love mermaids (and who doesn’t?) join this free storytime over Facebook live before bed.

Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert

July 4, 8 pm

Broadcast live on NBC10 from the historic The Met Philadelphia, this concert features Jason Derulo, as well as Cynthia Erivo alongside the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia.

Sunday

The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Live From The Playroom

July 5, 11 am

Rock out with free musical livestream from the New York branch of the Rock and Roll Playhouse concerts you’ve come to love in Ardmore!

Hamilton Dance Class

July 5, noon

In this virtual dance class for ages 8-13, students will learn the dance for “The Room Where it Happens.” Pre-registration required online.

Barbie and American Doll Clothes Sewing

July 5, noon

This once-a-week sewing camp is for all the doll fans that want to make some new clothes, accessories and depending on how many weeks your child comes, furniture and home decor. Drop in or sign up for the whole session.

South Street Seaport Museum Chantey Sing

July 5, 2 pm

Listen in, lead, or request a song, and belt out the choruses for your neighbors to hear during a Virtual Chantey Sing. July 5 will feature The Star-Spangled Banner, which was inspired by the large U.S. flag above Fort McHenry during the U.S. victory during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Pre-register online for the Zoom link and instructions.