30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (August 17-23)
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)
- Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest: 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!
Snapology Online Camp: Superheroes
Kids ages 5-12 will spend the week in virtual camp building superhero-themed LEGO projects. Pre-register online for the whole week or by the day; choose from morning or afternoon.
Snapology Online: Movie Favorites
Monday-Friday, 5 pm
Every day, a one-hour session for kids ages 4-14 will tackle a different kids’ movie with LEGO projects. Sign up 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!
Summer Reading
Stay busy (and beat summer slide) with virtual summer reading programs in Philly and on the Main Line.
Monday
In Person: Parkway Pals Concert at Sister Cities Park
August 17, 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.
Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga
August 17, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
Music Play Patrol
August 17, 10:30 am
Music Play Patrol will livestream free classes via Zoom with Bala Cynwyd Library. Pre-registration required online.
Storytime with Lolly
August 17, 10:30 am
Join Lolly for a free musical storytime for kids. Pre-register online.
Virtual Princess Storytime: Rapunzel
August 17, 11 am
Free Facebook Live storytime event with Rapunzel!
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
August 17, 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: Trolls
August 17, 5 pm
Kids ages 4-12 will use LEGO bricks, creativity, and their Trolls knowledge, to build their own troll tribe. Pre-register online.
Tuesday
Kids Yoga Adventures with Jitterbugs (Ages 2-12)
August 18, 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 18, 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 18, 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 18, 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 Storytime with Snow White
August 18, 11:30 am
Join Snow White for a free storytime and singalong on Facebook Live.
Parent and Child Preschool Snapology Class: Dinosaurs
August 18, noon
Parents and kids ages 3-5 will learn about animals and build some using LEGO or DUPLO blocks. Pre-register online.
Virtual Live Storytime with Tinker Bell
August 18, noon
Join Tink for singing, engaging storytelling, and character interaction ob Facebook Live.
Bilingual Virtual Neighborhood Plant Walk
August 18, 1 pm
Join Ranger Sean at John Heinz NWR for a Facebook Live program. Look at how some plants have changed since the last program in spring and observe some new ones, too! Look at plants you will see in backyards and neighborhood parks, and see if you can spot them in your area.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
August 18, 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 Art with The Clay Studio
August 18, 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.
Family Food and Wellness: Cooking
August 18, 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: Hamilton
August 18, 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 Hamilton. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Virtual Program: Is It Real Life Or Is It Fanta-Sea?
August 18, 3 pm
Join Adventure Aquarium for a special online program. Participants will have the chance to explore the roots of folklore, legends, and myths about different animals. Where did the inspiration for unicorns and dragons come from? How do stories and rumors spread over time to become such universal tales? Explore these questions and meet some of the animals behind the myth! Registration is required; email walkerj@freelibrary.org or call Paschalville Library at 215-685-2662.
Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain
August 18, 4:10 pm
In this 30-minute beginner level dance class students will learn cardio, technique, and a small section of a dance inspired by Disney’s Descendants.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
August 18, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Free Virtual Spider-Man Storytime
August 18, 7 pm
Join your friendly neighborhood hero for a free virtual storytime on Facebook.
Wednesday
In Person: Roots with Ruark Outdoor Jam with Kith + Kin
August 19, 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.
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
August 19, 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 ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ Kids Yoga
August 19, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
NLM @ Home: Crafting Freedom
August 19, 10 am
Join Educator Maureen Murray to explore the many facets of the First Amendment. This week, investigate the importance of freedom of expression through the story of the NLM’s “Jellybean People” sculpture.
Bartram’s Garden Little Explorers on Instagram Live
August 19, 10 am
Walk through Bartram’s Garden, visit the pond, and do a water-based craft in this virtual session.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Kamp Keeper
August 19, 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.
Penn Museum World Wonders
August 19, 11 am
Explore how, why, and what gifts were given to the Greek gods, then create your own “votive” expressing your thanks and wishes for the future. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Performance: Yasu Ishida
August 19, 11 am
Join an adventure of Dreamer’s Carnival, a virtual storytelling magic show filled with stories, magic, Kamishibai (Japanese picture board storytelling), and origami.
PHS Kids: DIY Seed Packet
August 19, 1 pm
PHS Kids is a play-based series for families and young gardeners. This week, save Your own seeds to use for future seasons and make your own seed packets to store them in. Free; register online.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
August 19, 1 pm
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.
Free Ocean Themed Kids’ Yoga Class
August 19, 2 pm
Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices for ages 6-10. Free; pre-register online.
Tots Circus Class
August 19, 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.
Kids’ Circus Class
August 19, 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
Virtual Museum Adventures at The Rosenbach
August 20, 10 am
Preschoolers are invited to read stories together and then embark on a virtual treasure hunt through the Rosenbach. Craft activity instructions will be sent to participating families following the program so that kids can continue learning and creating. Pre-register online.
Free Online ‘Dear Zoo’ Kids’ Yoga Class
August 20, 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 20, 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 Doodle Session with Illustrator Gene Barretta
August 20, 11:30 am
Get your paper and pencils ready for a Facebook Live event on the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s page to doodle with award-winning author and illustrator Gene Barretta.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
August 20, 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.
Trailblazing Women for Kids with Anika Aldamuy Denise
August 20, 2 pm
Meet trailblazing Author Anika Aldamuy Denise and explore her two newest books about trailblazing women Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré and Actress Rita Moreno. Anika’s recent works highlight the amazing stories of Puerto Rican women, which often go untold. Learn about Anika’s process and get special insights into her latest book A Girl Named Rosita that will be released this fall.
Family Food and Wellness: Wellness
August 20, 2 pm
Tune in to the Culinary Literacy Center’s Facebook Live for ways to have fun and get moving as a family.
Ezra Jack Keats Story and Craft
August 20, 3:30 pm
Join Brooklyn Public Library for a reading of A Letter to Amy and a craft activity for ages 2-7.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
August 20, 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.
#ConcertsForKids: Mwenso & the Shakes
August 20, 4 pm
For family audiences, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is teaming up with kids’ music artists who will bring world-class performances and diverse musical perspectives. Vocalist and bandleader Michael Mwenso and pianist and composer Mathis Picard lead a musical journey through the sounds and history of Harlem. With an emphasis on the Harlem Renaissance and the great musicians who embodied that movement, the duo offer an inspired lecture-demonstration at once illuminating and delightful.
In Person: Community Patterns: A Night of Music, Artmaking and Socially-Distant Togetherness
August 20, 5-8 pm
Main Line Art Center, 746 Panmure Road, Haverford
In an effort to promote group healing and understanding, Oluwafemi, Philly-based DJ and artist, will provide the music while Megan Mitts, local art therapist and community art facilitator, leads attendees in a community art project that responds to the music and encourages safe collaboration. $40 required pre-registration includes one parking spot (max of 4 individuals in each car) and all art supplies. Individuals are encouraged to bring food and beverages for their own consumption.
Snapology Online: The Lion King
August 20, 5 pm
Create LEGO versions of Lion King characters and build a background for them to live in. For ages 4-12. Pre-register online.
Pajama Storytime
August 20, 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.
Friday
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 4-7)
August 21, 9:30 am
Dance to a different musical theme each week. This week, it’s “Dancing Kweens!” Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Virtual Animal Encounter with Briar Bush Nature Center
August 14, 10 am
Learn about five different animals who live at the Briar Bush Nature Center in this virtual program hosted by Falls of Schuylkill Library. This 40-minute program is best for children under 12 years old, but animal lovers of all ages are welcome. Registration is required to receive program link. To save your spot, email Ms. Meredith at mcgovernm@freelibrary.org.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 8-12)
August 21, 11 am
Dance to a different musical theme each week! This week, it’s “Dancing Kweens!” Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
August 21, 11 am
WonderSpark—a New York based mobile children’s theater—will be livestreaming one of their favorite puppet shows on Facebook!
At-Home Anthro: Weaving
August 21, 1 pm
Join Penn Museum educators to learn more about weaving techniques from around the world and then try some paper weaving on your own.
Live Chat with Mulan
August 21, 2 pm
Join Mulan for a magical one-on-one live chat via Zoom. Pre-register online.
Snapology Online: Create Your Own Pokemon
August 21, 2 pm
Everyone has a favorite Pokémon, but have you ever thought about creating a brand new one? In this class, kids ages 5-14 will create their own! Pre-registration required online.
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
August 21, 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
Fantasy Fridays: Under the Sea Science with the Little Mermaid
August 21, 3:30 pm
Explore Under the Sea Science with Ariel in this virtual magical event featuring Sew Classy Princess Parties and hosted by Delaware Museum of Natural History. Pre-registration required online.
Weekend Events
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!
Saturday
In Person: Folk Tales in the Garden
Wednesday through Saturday 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.
Storybook STEM With LEGOs: ‘Iggy Peck Architect’
August 22, 10 am
In this Storybook STEM class kids ages 6-10 will participate in a read-aloud of the featured story and complete a coordinating STEM activity. The class will be broken up into two parts focusing on both English Language Arts (ELA) and Science/STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math). Pre-register online.
Virtual Youth Saturday Art Class
August 22, 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.
Music Theatre Philly’s Satur-SLAY Family Dance: Disney Jams
August 22, 11 am
The whole family will learn choreography from a live, guided class, taught by an amazing MTP Teaching Artist over Zoom. For this final week, it’s Disney Jams! For kids ages 6 and up and their families. Pre-register online.
Virtual Teen Artist Workshop
August 22, 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 22, 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.
Acrylic Pour Art Class
August 22, 3—4 pm
Kids ages 7-10 will get messy in this one-time art class that will teach the dirty pour technique of acrylic pour! Pre-register online.
Bedtime Stories with Ariel
August 22, 6 pm
Join the Little Mermaid on Facebook Live for a free storytime before bed.
Bedtime Stories with Beauty
August 22, 6 pm
After Ariel, join Belle on Facebook Live for a free storytime before bed.
Sunday
Trolls Storytime and Jazz Dance Class
August 23, 10 am
In this one-time class for ages 4-6, learners will be read the story Poppy’s Party and learn a short, fun, and easy dance to “Trolls Just Wanna Have Fun!” Pre-register online.
Summer Craft Sundays with the Free Library
August 23, 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.
In Person: Sunday Fun Days at Awbury Arboretum
August 23, 2 pm
One Awbury Road, Philadelphia
The Farm is always free and open to walk and explore – but now on Sunday afternoons they have the goats ready to greet you, and Awbury staff on hand to answer your questions.
Free Kids’ Sunday Bedtime Yoga
August 23, 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 courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
Pingback:The Philly Family Community's 2020 LOVE Award Winners and Family Favorites - Philadelphia Family Magazine August 19, 2020