30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (August 4-9)
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 Reopening Guides for Philly and the Main Line to see what is happening in real life! Plus:
- Explore Fairmount Park with a new scavenger hunt!
- Folk Tales in the Garden with People’s Light (July 29-August 22)
Academy of Natural Sciences Bug Fest
August 3-9
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences on Zoom, Facebook, and Instagram to celebrate all things creepy and crawly! Download new activities and watch exclusive videos; tune in to talk with real scientists; learn about insects from all over the world, and see specimens from the Academy’s behind-the-scenes collections. All digital activities are free; Zoom programs require free registration but may be limited in the number of attendees.
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.
Summer Reading
Stay busy (and beat summer slide) with virtual summer reading programs in Philly and on the Main Line.
Rock and Roll-ercoaster into Movement
Monday-Friday, 10:30 am
Join National Kids Gym online every morning for interactive 30-minute movement classes designed for grades 1-6. This week’s theme is amusement parks, so get ready to spin, jump, rock, and roll! Pre-register online for the whole week or by the day.
Snapology’s Amazing Race & STEM Survivor
Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm
Kids ages 7-14 can take a virtual trip with Snapology around the world to discover unique aspects of different cultures, including national flags, traditional cuisines, influential artists, and notable historical landmarks! Not only will your student be learning about world cultures and developing an appreciation for cultural differences, but they will be competing in fun challenges to test their building and problem-solving skills. Pre-register online for the whole week or by the day.
Nightly Met Opera Streams
Daily at 7:30 pm
Stream a different opera on the Metropolitan Opera’s website each night!
Monday
In Person: Grow Up Green at Sister Cities Park
August 3, 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.
Zoom Storytime with a Unicorn
August 3, 10 am
Join Penn Wynne Library for a unicorn story, and maybe even some unicorn songs! Registration is required ahead of time, and will close 30 minutes prior to the program.
Music Play Patrol
August 3, 10:30 am
Music Play Patrol will livestream free classes via Zoom with Bala Cynwyd Library. Pre-registration required online.
PlayMusic Family
August 3, 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 Belle
August 3, noon
Join the Princess Belle free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!
Snapology Online: Minifigure Mania
August 3, 2 pm
Fun LEGO-based class for ages 5-14. Pre-register online.
Virtual Yoga for Children with Parkway Central Library
August 3, 3 pm
Virtual yoga class on Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/) for kids, offering a safe environment to play, explore, and experience the wonderful benefits of yoga, including grounding, self-expression, balance, and flexibility.
Musical Theatre Fun with She-roes
August 3, 3:30 pm
Kids ages 3-8 are invited to celebrate their true selves and explore how we can share it with the world through song, dance, and theatrical expression. Pre-register online.
Superhero Pretend Adventure Class
August 3, 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.
Snapology Online: Design your own EcoWorld
August 3, 5 pm
Students ages 7-14 will learn ecosystems and study the traits and habits of diverse populations of living organisms as they build their very own ecosystems using LEGOs. Pre-register online.
Bedtime Stories with Rapunzel
August 3, 6 pm
Join Rapunzel free on Facebook as she reads stories, answers questions, sings songs, and more!
Tuesday
In Person: Parkway Pals Concert at Sister Cities Park
August 4, 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.
Civics 101 for Girls Webinar
August 4, 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.
Kids Yoga Adventures with Jitterbugs (Ages 2-12)
August 4, 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.
Settlement Kids: Live
August 4, 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
August 4, 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).
Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout
August 4, 11 am
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!
Free Craft with Sleeping Beauty
August 4, 11:30 am
Join Sleeping Beauty for virtual craft time on Facebook Live. Make magic wands using their printable template and supplies list.
Kitchen Concerto with Music Play Patrol
August 4, noon
Music Play Patrol will show your kids how to make their own recycled instruments and lead the best pot and pan drumline you’ve ever heard! Pre-register via the Facebook event page with Tacony Library.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
August 4, 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 Craft: Plant Pressing
August 4, 1 pm
Join John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to learn the art of plant pressing free over Facebook Live.
Virtual Art with The Clay Studio
August 4, 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: Build Your Perfect Park
August 4, 2 pm
In this lesson, students ages 5-14 will design a park that will be the perfect getaway for the LEGO city inhabitants. Pre-register online.
Family Food and Wellness: Cooking
August 4, 2 pm
Tune in to the Culinary Literacy Center’s Facebook Live and get the whole family working together in the kitchen. Ingredients and recipes will be posted to the Facebook page advance of each cooking session.
Broadway Dance Teen Tuesdays
August 4, 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 Heathers. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
August 4, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
In Person: Roots with Ruark Outdoor Jam with Kith + Kin
August 5, 10:15 am
Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Dr.
Join Roots with Ruark at Smith Memorial Playground for an outdoor music class full of energy and excitement for ages 0-5. Ruark will provide individual, sanitized prop bags consisting of egg shakers, a scarf, a streamer, and a few kiddie instruments, but feel free to bring your own. Pre-registration is required online.
NLM @ Home: Crafting Freedom
August 5, 10 am
Learn how freedom of expression is represented inside of the National Liberty Museum. Investigate the importance of freedom of expression through the story of Latchezar Boyadjiev. Explore how different artists have interpreted freedom in their work and even make your own piece of art! Everyone will be invited to submit their artwork for a chance to be included in a part of the NLM’s newest exhibition, Philly’s Freedom! Free, but pre-registration is required. A Zoom link and password will be sent an hour before the lesson is set to start.
PlayMusic Family
August 5, 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.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
August 5, 10 am
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.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Kamp Keeper
August 5, 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.
Spider-Man Virtual Storytime
August 5, 11 am
Join a free storytime on Facebook Live with your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Virtual Performance: Mario the Maker Magician
August 5, 11 am
Facebook Live show of original magic + handmade robotics + new school slapstick. It’s magic through the lens of the Maker Movement! This show will take place live on the library’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/).
Penn Museum World Wonders
August 5, 11 am
Take a weekly trip around the world from the comfort of your own home! This week, explore what “home” looked like for ancient peoples, based on clay models that reflect the architecture of the time. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.
PHS Kids: Seed Surprises
August 5, 1 pm
PHS Kids is a play-based series for families and young gardeners. This week, learn a no-cook snack recipe using seeds. Free; register online.
Tots Circus Class
August 5, 3:30 pm
Kids ages 3-5 can get moving with a class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
WORK IT Themed Dance Class
August 5, 4 pm
Join BOLD Arts for a free hip hop class for ages 11-14 to celebrate the upcoming premiere of Netflix’s WORK IT. This high energy class gives dancers the opportunity to create and move to their own beat as well as learn choreography to music the soundtrack. Pre-register online.
Kids’ Circus Class
August 5, 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.
Not A Peep Sleep Workshop
August 5, 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
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
August 6, 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.
Free Online ‘Dear Zoo’ Kids’ Yoga Class
August 6, 10 am
Inspired by the classic book Dear Zoo, go on a virtual yoga adventure to the zoo while practicing asana, breathing, and mindfulness. This class is most appropriate for kids 2-5 years old. Free; pre-register online.
Settlement Kids: Live
August 6, 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)
August 6, 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 Mary Poppins
August 6, 11 am
Join everyone’s favorite nanny Mary Poppins for a morning of spit-spot fun and a spoonful of sugar free on Facebook Live.
Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Animals
August 6, noon
Parents and kids ages 3-5 will learn about animals and build some using LEGO or DUPLO blocks. Pre-register online.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
August 6, 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.
Family Food and Wellness: Wellness
August 6, 2 pm
Tune in to the Culinary Literacy Center’s Facebook Live for ways to have fun and get moving as a family.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
August 6, 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.
Snapology Online: Find Your Family Crest
August 6, 5 pm
Inspired by the traditions of medieval knighthood, you will work with your family to identify the most important aspects of your lineage, unique traditions, and individual characteristics to design a crest that is unique to your family. Pre-register online.
Pajama Storytime
August 6, 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.
Franklin Institute’s Night Skies at Home
August 6, 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
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 4-7)
August 7, 9:30 am
Dance to a different musical each week! This week, it’s 90s jams like “Mmbop.” Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
PlayMusic Family
August 7, 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)
August 7, 11 am
Dance to a different musical each week! This week, it’s 90s jams like “Who Let the Dogs Out?” and “All Star.” Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
August 7, 11 am
WonderSpark—a New York based mobile children’s theater—will be livestreaming one of their favorite puppet shows on Facebook!
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
August 7, 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
Snapology Online: Design Challenge
August 7, 5 pm
Students ages 7-12 will be challenged to consider how architects and engineers can use the landscape in a certain area without destroying it. They will be challenged to design an environment and then build a sound structure around that environment with LEGOs. Pre-register online.
Free Story and Cooking with Elsa
August 7, 7 pm
Join the Ice Queen for a special free virtual story, and make a no-bake treat with her (ingredients listed in the Facebook Event).
Not A Peep Sleep Workshop
August 7, 8 pm
During this 1.5-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!
Weekend Events
All Weekend
Virtual: Academy of Natural Sciences Bug Fest
August 3-9
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences on Zoom, Facebook, and Instagram to celebrate all things creepy and crawly! Download new activities and watch exclusive videos; tune in to talk with real scientists; learn about insects from all over the world, and see specimens from the Academy’s behind-the-scenes collections. All digital activities are free; Zoom programs require free registration but may be limited in the number of attendees.
Philly Family Reopening Guide
If you’re looking to get out there, make reservations (where needed), grab your mask, and check out our guide to see what’s open!
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Saturdays and Sundays, noon-11 pm
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
This year, instead of skating, the RiverRink is a giant sandbox called the “beach!” Plus, rides, mini-golf, games, food, and more by the river!
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.
Through the Lens of a Child Series: Understanding Racism
August 8, 10 am
This small group for kids ages 5-10 will discuss racism, social justice, and being kind to others. Pre-register online.
Virtual Youth Saturday Art Class
August 8, 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 8, 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!
Music Theatre Philly’s Satur-SLAY Family Dance: Grease
August 8, 11 am
The whole family will learn choreography from a live, guided class, taught by an amazing MTP Teaching Artist over Zoom. This week, it’s Grease! For kids ages 6 and up and their families. Pre-register online.
Harry Potter’s Magical Messenger
August 8, 11 am
Students age 7-10 will visit the Owlery and create their own washcloth owls, along with a secret invisible ink message for their owl to carry to their wizard friends. Pre-register online.
At-Home Cello PlayIN with the Philadelphia Orchestra
August 8, 11 am
Join Assistant Principal Cello Yumi Kendall and Assistant Principal Second Violin Dara Morales (on piano) for a free, live, virtual side-by-side Suzuki PlayIN … from the comfort of your living room! A variety of songs will be played from the Suzuki method books, and players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Pre-register online.
Drag Queen Story Time
August 8, noon
Our favorite Philly drag queen Miss Brittany Lynn leads a free half-hour of storytelling, arts and crafts, a sing-along, and fun snack times! Grab the family and listen to stories about love, diversity, and acceptance online.
Virtual Teen Artist Workshop
August 8, 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.
Haiku Workshop (Ages 8-14)
August 8, 1 pm
“Haiku and You” will be presented by Stephanie Cawley from Murphy Writing of Stockton University. This free workshop is aimed for youth ages 8-14 but all are welcomed to join in.
Animal Crossing Club
August 8, 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.
Comedy for Kids with Michelle Tomko
August 8, 2 pm
The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is bringing their festival online, including some laughs and good times for kids. Join free over Zoom.
Memory Doll Making Workshop
August 8, 5 pm
In this artist-led workshop, create Memory Dolls to hold your memories of the pandemic. Find objects that are special to you now…something that helps you tell the story of your experience. Then join the workshop over Zoom.
Bedtime Stories with Sleeping Beauty
August 8, 6 pm
Join Aurora on Facebook Live for a free storytime before bed.
Free Virtual Storytime with Princess Jasmine
August 8, 7 pm
Journey to a whole new world and join Princess Jasmine free on Facebook Live for storytime.
Sunday
Watercolor Painting
August 9, 10 am
Artist Stephanie Segal Miller leads a free watercolor painting demonstration—paint with your own watercolor supplies or use whatever you have on hand!
Summer Craft Sundays with the Free Library
August 9, 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.
Cooking Class: Churros
August 9, 2 pm
Kids ages 11-15 will follow a teacher’s instructions as she demonstrates how to make churros step-by-step. No experience needed. Pre-registration required.
123 Andrés Concert
August 9, 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.
Free Beauty and the Beast Virtual Storytime
August 9, 7 pm
Join Belle, the Beast, Gaston, and friends for a tale as old as time free on Facebook Live.
Free Kids’ Sunday Bedtime Yoga
August 9, 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.
NO COMMENTS