30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (July 27-August 3)
Plus some in-person stuff too! Yay!
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
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!)
- PYO Fruit farms with social distancing
- Explore Fairmount Park with a new scavenger hunt!
- Folk Tales in the Garden with People’s Light (July 29-August 22)
Summer Reading
Stay busy (and beat summer slide) with virtual summer reading programs in Philly and on the Main Line.
Snapology Online Camp: Poke-Heroes
Monday-Friday; (Camp) 9 am-noon, and (Class) 5-6 pm
In this online LEGO-based camp, kids ages 4-14 will explore the world of Pokemon as they create their own gyms, battles, and even their very own generation of Pokemon. Pre-register online for the full week or by the day.
Music Theatre Philly’s Descendants Camp
Monday-Friday, 9:30 am
Get “Rotten to the Core” learning songs and choreography from all three Disney Descendants movies! For ages 4-9. Pre-register online.
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
Civics 101 for Girls Webinar
July 27, 10 am
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.
Music Play Patrol
July 27, 10:30 am
Music Play Patrol will livestream free classes via Zoom with Bala Cynwyd Library. Pre-registration required online.
PlayMusic Family
July 27, 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.
Stories with Elsa
July 27, noon
Join the Snow Queen free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!
Snapology Online: How to Trap a Villain
July 27, 2 pm
Using LEGO bricks and your imagination, can you design a villain trap? For ages 5-14. Pre-register online.
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
July 27, 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
Virtual Read Aloud and Write
July 27, 3:30 pm
Listen to a fun read-aloud book along with suggestions and samples of writing activities kids can try at home. Videos are posted on Mondays on the Katharine Drexel Branch Library Facebook page.
Kidville’s Art With a Heart
July 27, 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
July 27, 5 pm
Tune in via Zoom to hear fun facts based on your questions to Schuylkill Center naturalists.
Bedtime Stories with Tinker Bell
July 27, 6 pm
Join Tinker Bell free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!
Heroes Need Allies: Stepping up Inclusive Dialogue with Children
July 27, 7 pm
National Liberty Museum hosts a free online workshop for parents. Join Journalist Ernest Owens and Preschool Director Veronica Alvarado-Frias in a discussion-based workshop centered on how to talk about racism and discrimination with your family. Use best practices presented to move beyond inclusive conversation and shift to be more actively antiracist. This event is free, however pre-registration is required.
Tuesday
In Person: Grow Up Green at Sister Cities Park
July 28, 11 am
18th St. and the Parkway
This Philadelphia Parks & Recreation program will feature unique activities and imaginative adventures for young children. Masks are required for adults and recommended for children over 2.
Spanish Storytime
July 28, 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.
Kids Yoga Adventures with Jitterbugs (Ages 2-12)
July 28, 10 am
Join Ms. Amy from Jitterbugs Music and Movement, as she takes you on a yoga storytelling adventure which consists of a warm-up, adventure, and relaxation. During the story, children will work on 20-25 yoga postures. Registration required online. An email with the password and Zoom link will be sent on the day before the program.
Brickmasters Animation Club
July 28, 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
July 28, 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
July 28, 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).
Virtual Planetarium Show for Kids: Spacecraft
July 28, 11:30 am
Using a planetarium simulator for the night sky, this free virtual event will give your kids some ideas about how they can make a space explorer of their own. Recommended for ages 6–10.
Free Storytime with Cinderella
July 28, 11:30 am
Join Cinderella for free virtual storytime and sing-along on Facebook Live.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
July 28, 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 Hike: A Walk in the Woods
July 28, 1 pm
Join a ranger from John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and explore neighborhood nature on Facebook Live.
Virtual Art with The Clay Studio
July 28, 1 pm
Join The Clay Studio weekly for a hands-on, virtual crafting session. Space is limited for the Zoom sessions, but the event will also be streamed live on the Youth Services and Programs Facebook page as well.
Snapology Online: Science of Superpowers
July 28, 2 pm
Students will explore the importance of DNA and how a slight change in your DNA can change everything about the way you interact with the world. Have fun creating the Hulk…and transforming him. For ages 5-12. Pre-register online.
Broadway Dance Teen Tuesdays
July 28, 2–3:15 pm
Music Theatre Philly’s teaching artist Miss Julianna will lead teens ages 13-18 in a dance number from a different musical each week. This week, it’s Dear Evan Hansen. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Superhero Pretend Adventure Class
July 28, 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.
Sing-Along with the Little Mermaid
July 28, 6:30 pm
Take a trip under the sea with Ariel for some musical fun on Facebook Live!
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
July 28, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
In Person: Parkway Pals Concert at Sister Cities Park
July 29, 11 am
18th St. and the Parkway
Guests of all ages are invited to relax on the lawn (6 feet apart, of course) as a local singer-songwriter performs. Masks are required for adults and recommended for children over 2.
NLM @ Home: Freedom Painting
July 29, 10 am
Join museum educators to learn about the everyday heroes, discuss how they have worked to secure liberty and get a sneak-peek at National Liberty Museum’s upcoming “Philadelphia’s Freedom” exhibit dedicated to highlighting our homegrown heroes. Then, create your own art that shows how you celebrate or protect not only your personal freedoms, but our communal freedom. Pre-registration is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent an hour before the lesson is set to start.
PlayMusic Family
July 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.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Kamp Keeper
July 29, 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.
Virtual Nourishing Literacy Family Cooking Class
July 29, 11 am
Join members of the Nourishing Literacy team for food and music inspired by summer fruits. Make a Watermelon-Cucumber Salad and share ideas for using the ingredients in this salad in different ways. A recipe and activity sheet will be shared online, in addition to the video. This video visit will be posted to the YSP Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/).
Virtual Storytime: Ariel
July 29, 11 am
Join the little mermaid for a free online storytime. Join through the library’s Facebook group.
Penn Museum World Wonders
July 29, 11 am
Take a weekly trip around the world from the comfort of your own home! This week, learn about hieroglyphs, tomb offerings, and false doors—ancient Egyptian passageways between the worlds of the living and the dead. Create your own false doors by drawing hieroglyphs, ancient Egyptian art motifs, and the things you’d like to take to the afterlife. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Art Tales: Transformation
July 29, 11 am
Hear Maybe Something Beautiful, and then transform simple supplies into a mini-mural. Free on Facebook live.
The Snow Sisters Storytime
July 29, noon
Elsa and Anna lead a free online storytime!
PHS Kids: Do the Rot Thing
July 29, 1 pm
PHS Kids is a play-based series for families and young gardeners. This week, get down and dirty with red wriggler worms. You’ll learn how to build a DIY worm bin for composting and how to sort kitchen and yard scraps to keep your worms happy, healthy, and most importantly … not stinky. Free; register online.
Virtual Book Discussion for Teens: ‘Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You’
July 29, 3 pm
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Free Library of Philadelphia for an online book discussion of Jason Reynolds and Ibram Kendi’s book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You. The discussion will be led by Terra Oliveira. To register for this program, email hoopese@freelibrary.org.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
July 29, 4 pm
The Introduction to Government for Girls webinar teaches 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-register online.
Kids’ Circus Class
July 29, 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
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
July 30, 11 am
18th St. and the Parkway
Story hour and individual arts and crafts with Free Library of Philadelphia. Masks are required for adults and recommended for children over 2.
Settlement Kids: Live
July 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.
PlayArts Movement Lab (ages 4 and under)
July 30, 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.
Stories and Songs with Mother Goose
July 30, 11 am
Join Mother Goose for a fun-filled morning of nursery rhymes, songs, and memorable tales on Facebook Live.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
July 30, 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.
Snapology Online: Superhero Hideouts
July 30, 2 pm
Where do superheroes go when they aren’t battling villains in the city streets? To their super high-tech superhero hideouts of course! Create an epic hideout, worthy of a superhero. LEGO class for ages 5-14. Pre-register online.
Virtual Teen Cafe
July 30, 3:30 pm
Teens are invited to hang out, watch anime and movies, and play some games all while at that safe social distance.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
July 30, 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 30, 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 30, 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!
Pajama Storytime
July 30, 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.
Bedtime Stories with The Little Mermaid
July 30, 6:30 pm
Join Ariel on Facebook Live to read along with her and relive her “fin”tastic adventures!
Christmas in July Storytime
July 30, 7 pm
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a bunch of Eeves for a free Christmas in July storytime.
Friday
Virtual Music and Movement with Parkway Central Library
July 31, 8:30 am
Join Ms. Naomi on Facebook live (ParkwayCentralChildrens) for Music and Movement! Enjoy songs, dancing, and fun exploring rhythm and movement. Can’t watch live? The program will be available on Facebook as a recorded video after the program. Intended for ages 2-7 years but all are welcome.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 4-7)
July 31, 9:30 am
Dance to a different musical each week! This week, it’s “Once Upon a Time” with selections from Cinderella and Frozen 2. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
July 31, 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 31, 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.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 8-12)
July 31, 11 am
Dance to a different musical each week! This week, it’s “Once Upon a Time” with selections from Disney princess movies. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Witches and Wizard STEM Camp
July 31, 11 am-3 pm
Join Haverford Township Free Library online for a free afternoon of wizard challenges including trivia, cursive, and more! This program is for all ages and will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
July 31, 11 am
WonderSpark—a New York based mobile children’s theater—will be livestreaming one of their favorite puppet shows on Facebook!
Free Kids Concert with Sonia De Los Santos
July 31, 11 am
Sonia’s songs (in both English and Spanish) reflect her story as an immigrant while sharing messages of love, inclusiveness, and respect for others. She will be singing her favorite songs and spreading joy to kids and parents in this free online concert.
Snapology Online: Superhero Labs
July 31, 2 pm
If you could create a superhero, what kind would you create? Build together to find out! Ages 5-14. Pre-register online.
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
July 31, 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
Parkway Central Library’s Virtual Bedtime Storytime
July 31, 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 Story and Craft with Elsa
July 31, 7 pm
Join the Ice Queen for a special free virtual story, and paint a snowflake with her!
Weekend Events
All Weekend
The Parking Lot Social
Through August 2
Navy Yard, 4747 S. Broad Street
This event combines a socially distanced drive-in setting with innovative entertainment all week. Both Saturday and Sunday from 1—3 pm, it’s Social Kids, with activities like The Big Family Trivia Contest, Boy vs. Girl and Parent vs. Kid Silent Disco, Car-A-Oke, and Bingo. The night of Sunday, July 26, stick around for a classic drive-in movie experience for all ages: Grease. That’s right, you can sing along to “Stranded at the Drive-In” at a drive-in! Tickets available online; read more about the event and its safety measures in our preview.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Lemonade Days
August 1-9
Find a nearby lemonade stand, start your own (and register it online so others can come!), or start a virtual fundraiser–all in support of childhood cancer research and helping childhood cancer heroes and families.
Saturday
In Person: Folk Tales in the Garden
Wednesdays through Saturdays at 10 am, by reservation only
People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern
Join People’s Light for Folk Tales in the Garden, a socially distanced, interactive, outdoor offering for families with children ages 2-10. In each 45-minute performance, two storytellers will lead families through a world creation story inspired by Korean and First Nations folk tales about curiosity, courage, and caring. And though the performers maintain a six-foot distance—even from each other!—audience participation is definitely still included. Tickets available online.
Virtual Youth Saturday Art Class
August 1, 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
August 1, 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!
Free Live Online Beginner Karate Class For Kids (Ages 3-12)
August 1, 10:30 am
Join Action Karate for a free beginner class. Pre-register online.
Virtual Meet-and-Greet with Elsa
August 1, 11 am
Join Elsa for a fun meet-and-greet, sing-alongs, and games in a face-to-face virtual experience. Pay what you can. Reserve tickets online.
World Music Jam with All Around This World
August 1, noon
Join Jay Sand, founder and lead teacher of All Around This World, a unique global music and world cultures educational program, online for a participatory world music jam featuring songs and rhythms from several countries and continents. Sing and drum with Jay as he takes you on a melodic and rhythmic tour of the world. Be “in the room” with Jay on Zoom, or watch on Facebook Live.
Virtual Teen Artist Workshop
August 1, 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.
Animal Crossing Club
August 1, 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.
Dance Class with Esmeralda
August 1, 3 pm
Join Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and learn how to dance along to some fun and energizing music free on Facebook Live.
Sunday
Brandywine River Museum’s Virtual First Sunday for Families: Art and Nature
August 2, 10 am
Join the Brandywine River Museum of Art for “Art and Nature Online” featuring virtual art activities led by teaching artists, downloadable craft templates, and the sights and sounds of the Brandywine River and beyond.
Summer Craft Sundays with the Free Library
August 2, 10:30 am
Check out Parkway Central Library’s social media platforms to follow step-by-step instructions on creating a fun and easy craft.
Preschool Jedi Training
August 2, 11:30 am
Children ages 3-5 will perform cool and fun fitness moves while practicing their lightsaber skills. Then, they can showcase their awesome moves in a freestyle battle! Pre-register online.
123 Andrés Concert
August 2, 5 pm
123 Andrés are Latin-Grammy winners making silly, sweet, and bilingual music and media for children and families. Watch their free online concert on their Facebook page.
Sunday Scaries for Teens
August 2, 7 pm
Join Miss Alex from Bala Cynwyd Library as she reads classic ghost stories on Facebook live. Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
Free Kids’ Sunday Bedtime Yoga
August 2, 7:30 pm
Wind the kids down for the day with a free 30-minute bedtime yoga and meditation. Spend 20 minutes practicing gentle yoga poses to yoga lullabies and other soft music, then work on deep breathing for relaxation. Recommended for ages 4 and up, but all are welcome.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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