30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week...Virtually! (July 6-12)

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (July 6-12)

Coronavirus cabin fever? We're here to help.

July 6, 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

Open This Week

Things are starting to open back up this week, including city spraygrounds, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Franklin Square! Later in the week, the Frankin Institute and One Liberty Observation Deck are also planning to open. Be sure to check before you go for new social distancing policies and required reservations.

Summer Reading

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

Snapology Online Camp: Pokemon

Monday-Friday, 1 pm

Students will build and explore the world of Pokemon as they create their own gyms, battles, and even their very own generation of Pokemon. Children will also learn about real-world science as they learn about the habitats of the Pokemon. 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

PlayMusic Family

July 6, 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.

Music Play Patrol

July 6, 10:30 am

Music Play Patrol will livestream free classes via Zoom with Bala Cynwyd Library. Pre-registration required online.

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.

Stories with Ariel

July 6, noon

Join the Little Mermaid free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!

Merge Dance on Facebook

July 6, 1 pm

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

Kensington Library Minecraft Club

July 6, 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

July 6, 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

July 6, 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.

PHS Beginner Food Growing Workshop Series

July 6, 4 pm

PHS hosts a free Zoom webinar to teach you how to grow food from home! It’s great if you’re thinking about participating in Harvest 2020 and need to get started.

Kidville’s Art With a Heart

July 6, 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.

Kids’ Circus Class

July 6, 4:15 pm

Kids ages 5-8 can get moving with a class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.

Ask a Naturalist

July 6, 5 pm

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

Songs and Bedtime Stories with Tinker Bell

July 6, 6 pm

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

Tuesday

Spanish Storytime

July 7, 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.

Brickmasters Animation Club

July 7, 10 am

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

Free Yoga for Kids

July 7, 10 am

Join a free 45-minute class of kid-friendly yoga, breath work, relaxation techniques, music and dancing, and a special 5 – 6 minute Savasana meditation.

Settlement Kids: Live

July 7, 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.

Action Karate Family Zoom Class

July 7, 11 am

Join Action Karate for a free, fun and movement-filled family Zoom event. Registration is limited to 30 households and will close at noon on Monday, so that Zoom invitations can be sent out.

Free Storytime with Princess Belle

July 7, 11:30 am

JoinBelle for free virtual storytime and sing-along on Facebook Live.

Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Animals

July 7, noon

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

New Parent Virtual Support Group

July 7, 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.

Hamilton Dance Class

July 7, 3 pm

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

Superhero Pretend Adventure Class

July 7, 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

July 7, 7 pm

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

Engineer it with Marshall Steam Museum

July 7, 7 pm

What would it be like to design a car of the future? In this program presented by the Marshall Steam Museum, you will compare cars of the past to cars of today and read a fun book about building a dream car. Recommended for ages 3-7. Pre-register online to get the materials to follow along. The program will be streaming on Facebook.

Make Dragon Eggs

July 7, 7 pm

Join Ludington Library on Facebook Live for a fun dragon egg craft!

Wednesday

NLM @ Home: Raised Fist Symbol of Solidarity

July 8, 10 am

Join Lyssa Horvath as she looks at the history surrounding the image of the Raised Fist as it pertains to unity and solidarity. Read stories to learn about standing up and speaking out for one another, reflect on the meaning of bias, and see how the image of the Raised Fist is used as a symbol to promote liberty today. Bring markers, crayons, paint, and paper to create your own solidarity poster at the end of the lesson. Free; pre-registration is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent an hour before the lesson is set to start.

Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar

July 8, 10 am

Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar is an advocacy and fundraising webinar designed for the passionate young activist. For girls ages 13 to 17, this class begins with an introduction to the policy-making process then explores the ways to advocate and issue campaigns. The class concludes with fundraising planning. Pre-registration required online.

PlayMusic Family

July 8, 10:30 am

Elmwood Park Zoo’s Kamp Keeper

July 8, 11 am

Join EPZ educators every Wednesday on Facebook live as they share with you the ins and outs of taking care of some of the planet’s most unique animals. Topics include enrichment, exhibit design, and training wild animals.

Eliza Hamilton: A Schuyler Sister

July 8, 11 am

Students ages 12-16 will learn about the life of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

Virtual Princess Storytime: Cinderella

July 8, 11 am

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

Penn Museum World Wonders

July 8, 11 am

Take a weekly trip around the world from the comfort of your own home! Educators share childhood memories of their hometown in China and introduce the elementary school experience in the country. Through this journey, learners will understand basic Mandarin greetings and observe the similarities and differences in their own school experiences. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.

Yoga@Play on Zoom

July 8, 11 am

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

Civics 101 for Girls Webinar

July 8, 1 pm

The Girls in Politics initiative introduces girls ages 10 to 15 the structure of the United States government, the state and federal electoral systems, and the ways that girls can become civically engaged in their communities. Pre-registration required online.

Kids’ Circus Class

July 8, 4:15 pm

Kids ages 5-8 can get moving with a class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.

Thursday

National Liberty Museum’s Read and Romp

July 9, 10 am

This week, read Last Stop on Market Street and do fun activities in this free Facebook Live event.

Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar

July 9, 10 am

This Girls in Politics webinar girls ages 8-9 about the structure of the United States government at the local, state, and federal levels. Students also learn about the electoral system and the ways citizens can participate in government. Pre-registration is required online.

Settlement Kids: Live

July 9, 10:30 am

PlayArts Movement Lab (ages 4 and under)

July 9, 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.

Consent for Kids Storytime

July 9, 11 am

In this Facebook live storytime, kids will learn about consent, boundaries, identity, and bodily autonomy through storytelling.

At-Home Anthro with the Penn Museum

July 9, 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!

Trolls Dance Party

July 9, 11:30 am

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.

Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Dinosaurs

July 9, 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: Blue Heron

July 9, 1 pm

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

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

July 9, 1 pm

Kith + Kin moves their group online so you can continue on your journey while you’re home. 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 9, 4 pm

For people entering grades 4 and up. Tweens will make their favorite bread and show it off! Pre-registration is required online via Media-Upper Providence Free Library.

Virtual Thursday Crafternoon

July 9, 4 pm

The Free Library will post a video every Thursday on their social media pages for Thursday Crafternoons! Miss Mary will share a story and then talk about a craft that relates.

Beyond Your Backyard: Explore African Culture

July 9, 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 9, 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!

Hamilton: How the Musical Remixes American History

July 9, 6 pm

In this online talk, University of Maryland historian Dr. Richard Bell will explore Hamilton to reveal what it gets right and gets wrong about Alexander Hamilton, the American Revolution, and the birth of the United States– and about why all that matters. Examine some of the choices Hamilton’s creators made to simplify, dramatize, and humanize the complicated events and stories on which the show is based. Pre-registration is requested.

Pajama Storytime

July 9, 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.

Fireflies: Jewels of the Night

July 9, 7 pm

Learn about the biology and lifecycle of fireflies, and the hows and whys of firefly glows. Learn how to make your yard firefly friendly as well. Presented via Zoom by Wissahickon Trails. Pre-register online.

Friday

PlayMusic Family

July 10, 10:30 am

Tots Circus Class

July 10, 10:30 am

Kids ages 3-4 can get moving with a free class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.

Haverford Township Free Library’s Fantastical Fridays

July 10, 10:30 am

Join Ms. Danielle to make a fantastical craft via Facebook live each Friday morning. By the end of the summer, you’ll have a fairy garden!

Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets

July 10, 11 am

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

Hamilton Dance Class

July 10, 3 pm

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

Fantasy Friday: Books, Inventions, and Discoveries with Belle

July 10, 3:30 pm

Interact with a famous Beauty who loves to read while experiencing the fun in inventing and making scientific discoveries. Tickets available online via Delaware Museum of Natural History; join on Zoom.

Sushi Rolling Virtual Workshop

July 10, 5 pm

Learn to prepare sushi rice, make delicious sauces, and prep sushi ingredients. Then, learn the techniques to prepare and roll perfect sushi rolls! Pre-register online.

Drag Queen Story Hour with Angel Elektra

July 10, 5 pm

Watch live on @DQSHNYC Instagram for a free drag queen storytime with Angel Elektra!

Parkway Central Library’s Virtual Bedtime Storytime

July 10, 6:30 pm

Mx. Kate is checking in with their stuffed animal friends, reading bedtime stories and folktales, and then ending storytime singing a lullaby or two. This program is intended for ages 8 and under, but all are welcome to join on Facebook.

Free Princess Storytime

July 10, 7 pm

Join Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty free on Facebook for a fun storytime, princess lessons, and songs!

Weekend Events

IRL

It is surreal that this is even a section, but things are reopening (yay!) so don’t miss out on:

Philadelphia Zoo (advance tickets required)
Elmwood Park Zoo
Outdoor Beer Gardens in Philly that welcome your kids! (including a new Parks on Tap location at Water Works!)
Franklin Institute (read all about their new Presidents exhibit in our reopening preview)
Gardens and Arboretums on the Main Line and beyond
Franklin Square (mini golf, carousel rides, fountain shows, and more await you at the newly reopened park!)

Saturday

Virtual Camp Congress for Girls

July 11, 10 am

Girls in Politics Initiative hosts a live interactive online class that introduces girls ages 11-16 to politics, from campaigning to legislation. This intensive class lasts all morning, and tickets are available online.

Virtual Youth Saturday Art Class

July 11, 10 am

In this virtual workshop by Portside Arts Center, children will explore a variety of age-appropriate art techniques learning basic 2D and 3D art skills and create a new art project each week. Enroll in one class or a four-class pack.

Virtual Schuylkill Saturday

July 11, 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 11, 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.

Drag Queen Story Hour with Rev. Yolanda

July 11, 11 am

Stories and songs for kids ages 3-8 hosted by Drag Queen Story Hour NYC. Free; watch the livestream at @dqshnyc Instagram.

Christmas In July: Rudolph Reads ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’

July 11, 11 am

Time has no meaning anymore, so why not celebrate Christmas early? Rudolph and friends will share a special reading of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer free on Facebook Live.

Virtual Teen Artist Workshop

July 11, noon

This virtual workshop by Portside Arts Center is designed to help teens build a portfolio of work for school or personal use. The workshops will allow students to expand their artistic skill sets as well as to investigate their individuality and unique identities. They will create a new work of art each week. Pre-register online for one class or for a four-class pack.

Hamilton Dance for Beginners

July 11, 2—2:50 pm

Animal Crossing Club

July 11, 2—4 pm

Join Ms. Emily on Haverford Island and help her recreate HTFL in Animal Crossing on Saturdays from 2—4 pm. Hang out with other library friends, visit the Stop N’ Swap, and more at the virtual library. Bring items to swap with others, and share your item codes to have your art featured in the Art Corner! The day’s Dodo Code will be posted on Instagram and Facebook at 1:50 pm.

Tea Party Etiquette With Cinderella

July 11, 3 pm

Bring your teacups and napkins and get settled in for this fun, free visit with Cinderella as she teaches little ones etiquette for a proper royal tea party!