30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (August 24-30)
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!
- 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: Escape Snapology (Ages 7-12)
Monday-Friday, 10 am-noon
Kids ages 7-12 will spend the week playing various escape games using their budding STEAM skills. They’ll discover clues, solve puzzles, answer riddles, and manipulate contraptions in order to complete an assigned tasks to ultimately unlock the door to escape Snapology! Pre-register online for the whole week or by the day.
Snapology Online Camp: Brick City
Monday-Friday, 1-3 pm
This program is the perfect space for your young architect or city planner to sharpen their design and building skills! In this workshop, students ages 4-14 will learn all about the importance of collaboration, careful planning, and skillful execution of their building plans. Pre-register online for the whole week or by the day.
Snapology Online: Minecraft
Monday-Friday, 2-3 pm
Every day, a one-hour session for kids ages 4-14 will engage them in different Mincraft-themed LEGO projects. Sign up for the whole week or by the day.
Snapology Online: Ninjas
Monday-Friday, 5-6 pm
Every day, a one-hour session for kids ages 4-14 will engage them in different Ninja-themed 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!
Monday
Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga
August 24, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
Music Play Patrol
August 24, 10:30 am
Music Play Patrol will livestream free classes via Zoom with Bala Cynwyd Library. Pre-registration required online.
Storytime with Lolly
August 24, 10:30 am
Join Lolly for a free musical storytime for kids. Pre-register online.
Virtual Messy Monday
August 24, 1 pm
Pictures and instructions for fun sensory play with common household items, geared at children of all ages. The Free Library of Philadelphia will post on its social media platforms at 1 pm.
Kensington Library Minecraft Club
August 24, 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
Tuesday
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
August 25, 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.
Civics 101 for Girls Webinar
August 25, 9 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 25, 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 25, 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.
Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout
August 25, 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!
Music for Little People Live Virtual Concert
August 25, 11 am
Positive, inspiring songs and interactive performances with a message of kindness, respect and social-emotional awareness for children Pre-K to third grade.
Free Craft with Snow Queen
August 25, 11:30 am
Join Elsa for a free sing-along and craft on Facebook Live.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
August 25, 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 25, 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.
Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain
August 25, 1:30 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.
Family Food and Wellness: Cooking
August 25, 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.
Children’s Zumba Class
August 25, 2 pm
Join Brooklyn Public Library for a high-energy dance party packed with kid-friendly routines. Join via Zoom.
Broadway Dance Teen Tuesdays: Jagged Little Pill
August 25, 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 Jagged Little Pill. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
August 25, 3 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.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
August 25, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
Living History @ Home: Quansheba’s World
August 26, 10 am
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the world of Quansheba, a free woman of color who helped run a tavern in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. Learn about her life and the lives of other Black women by exploring a recreated tavern, investigating the archaeological collection at the Museum, and looking closely at artifacts that Quansheba may have actually used. Free; pre-register online.
Spool Knitting Animal Finger Puppets
August 26, 10 am
The Handwork Studio hosts a 90-minute class for kids ages 8-10. Students will learn to make their own knitting spool, knit, and create an animal finger puppet. Pre-register online.
Free Online ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ Kids Yoga
August 26, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
NLM @ Home: Philadelphia Reimagined
August 26, 10 am
Join NLM Educator Lyssa again as she discusses the concept of artistic expression and the 1st Amendment. View curated art pieces from the National Liberty Museum’s Forbidden Freedom exhibition as well as other important art from around Philadelphia. To close, you will be challenged to use your freedom of expression to reimagine Philly’s own Liberty Bell. Submit your reimagined piece, for a chance to be featured in the upcoming Philly’s Freedom exhibit. Free; pre-register online.
Get Up and Go with Yoyo
August 26, 10:30 am
Jump around with kids’ fitness expert Yoyo during a supercharged fitness fun and yoga adventure for ages 1 and up! Free; pre-register online. You’ll need a paper plate and a stuffed animal.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Kamp Keeper
August 26, 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 26, 11 am
In this workshop, a performer from the Sattriya Dance Company takes you on a journey through a 600-year-old dance tradition from northeast India. Students are exposed to stories from Hindu mythology through the dance as well. Best for school-aged children and their families. Free; pre-register online.
Design and Build an Arcade: Make Your Own Pinball Machine
August 26, 1 pm
In this two-hour class with The Handwork Studio, students ages 8-10 will learn about engineering and game concepts, then apply their imagination to build their own cardboard game creations. Pre-register online.
Free Ocean Themed Kids’ Yoga Class
August 26, 2 pm
Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices for ages 6-10. Free; pre-register online.
Tots Circus Class
August 26, 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.
Mindful Wednesdays with Ms. Becky
August 26, 4 pm
Join Parkway Central Library’s Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories for a children’s mindfulness activity with Ms. Becky. Activities will include mindful writing prompts, read-alouds, music and movement, and more.
Kids’ Circus Class
August 26, 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.
Trivia with Tinker Bell
August 26, 6:15 pm
Join @beverlyhillsprincess on Instagram live for a game of Disney Trivia with Tinker Bell!
In Person: PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard: ‘Kung Fu Panda’
August 26, 8:15
Navy Yard
Enjoy a classic kids’ movie in an old-timey Drive-In setting! Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children age 12 and under. All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Bring your own snacks (but no glass bottles are allowed).
Thursday
In Person: Parkway Pals Concert at Sister Cities Park
August 27, 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.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
August 27, 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.
Free Online ‘Dear Zoo’ Kids’ Yoga Class
August 27, 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 27, 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.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
August 27, 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 27, 2 pm
Tune in to the Culinary Literacy Center’s Facebook Live for ways to have fun and get moving as a family.
Princess Storytime with Rapunzel
August 27, 2 pm
Dress up as your favorite princess and join an enchanting storytime with Rapunzel free on Facebook live.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
August 27, 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.
Pajama Storytime
August 27, 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.
Skinnamarink Virtual Concert with Sharon and Randi
August 27, 7 pm
A Sharon and Randi show is a sing-along concert for the entire family, featuring such well-loved Sharon, Lois and Bram favorites like “One Elephant”, “Tingalayo”, and, of course, “Skinnamarink” as well as exciting new songs released this past year. Tickets available online.
Baby-Led Feeding Basics Q & A
August 27, 7:30 pm
Join BLF expert, Tegan Bernstein for this informal session to get your questions answered. Size of class is kept intentionally small to accommodate individual questions and situations. Pre-register online at Kith + Kin’s website to reserve your spot, and join over Zoom.
Friday
In Person: Griot Tale Friday: Stories for Little Ones
August 28, 11 am
Franklin Square
The African American Museum in Philadelphia partners with Historic Philadelphia and Keepers of the Culture to offer Griot Tale Friday. A Griot is an African oral historian that passes on their culture through the practice of storytelling. Free, and perfect for children ages 5 – 12.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 4-7)
August 28, 9:30 am
Dance to “My Shot” from Hamilton and “Love is an Open Door” from Frozen. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Spool Knitting Animal Finger Puppets
August 28, 10 am
The Handwork Studio hosts a 90-minute class for kids ages 8-10. Students will learn to make their own knitting spool, knit, and create an animal finger puppet. Pre-register online.
Princess Party with Anna
August 28, 10 am
Princess Anna from Frozen is so excited to host a Zoom meeting with all of her friends of Ridley Township Public Library. Join the Ice Princess for songs, stories, games, Q & A, and more. Free, but registration is required in advance. Zoom link will be emailed to attendees.
Broadway Dance with Music Theatre Philly (Ages 8-12)
August 28, 11 am
Dance to “Schuyler Sisters” fromHamilton and “Dancing Through Life” from Wicked. Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
August 28, 11 am
WonderSpark—a New York based mobile children’s theater—will be livestreaming one of their favorite puppet shows on Facebook!
Creative Writing: An Introduction to Character Archetypes
August 28, 12 pm
In this one-time course, aspiring writers ages 10-13 will learn about the character archetypes and use those elements to create an original character of their own. Pre-register online.
Design and Build an Arcade: Make Your Own Pinball Machine
August 28, 1 pm
In this two-hour class with The Handwork Studio, students ages 8-10 will learn about engineering and game concepts, then apply their imagination to build their own cardboard game creations. Pre-register online.
Live Chat with Snow White
August 28, 2 pm
Join Snow White for a magical one-on-one live chat via Zoom. Pre-register online.
Fortnite Fractions: Fractions Introduction
August 28, 2 pm
In this one-time fractions course, students age 8-11 will be introduced to the basics of fractions using Fortnite objects and characters! Pre-register online.
Virtual Frozen Slumber Party and Charades
August 28, 7 pm
Join Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff on Zoom for a fun night of slumber party fun, including a game of charades! Children will be able to interact with characters and fully participate in the night’s activities, so make sure they wear their favorite PJs and bring their favorite stuffy friend! 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!
Parks on Tap: WaterWorks
Through September 7
The Fairmount Park location may be closed for the season, but Parks on Tap’s socially distanced second location by the Art Museum is going strong through September 7. Enjoy this family-friendly beer garden and beautiful views of the river while you soak up the last days of summer.
Saturday
Camp Congress for Girls
August 29, 8 am
Virtual Camp Congress for Girls is a live, interactive online camp that introduces girls ages 8 to 16 to politics. Hosted by the Girls in Politics Initiative, this half-day camp will take students through campaign, election, how to introduce a bill, debate the merits of the bill, lobby fellow legislators, collaborate with the Executive branch, and finally vote on the proposed bill. Pre-register online.
Vegan Baking: One-Bowl Blueberry Muffins
August 29, 10 am
In this 60-minute class, students age 10-15 will learn a simple but delicious vegan recipe. While following the instructor’s guide, students will have the opportunity to ask any questions that they have, as well as interact with other students. Pre-register online.
Disney Junior Themed Dance and Play
August 29, 10 am
Students ages 3-7 will become their favorite Disney Junior characters as they move and groove along to popular theme songs and other hit songs from shows such as Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Puppy Dog Pals, The Lion Guard, Fancy Nancy, and more. Pre-register online.
Dance Disney Workshop: Zombies
August 29, 10 am
And while the little ones are dancing to Disney Junior (see above), kids ages 8-12 can tackle the songs from Disney Channel’s Zombies. Pre-register online.
Virtual Youth Saturday Art Class
August 29, 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. Pre-register online.
1,000 Cranes of Healing Virtual Folding Session
August 29, 11 am
Join origami practitioner Sophia Kim for a free virtual folding lesson by video or phone. Once your crane is complete, you will be able to submit a photo of your crane and share what your crane means to you. Your crane will be included in the count to 1,000 cranes and be featured on social media for Penn Medicine’s #PennCranes project for cancer awareness and community healing.
Virtual Teen Artist Workshop
August 29, 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.
Virtual Kitten Saturday: Clear the Shelters!
August 29, 1 pm
Le Cat Cafe may be closed, but they are showcasing their kittens (along with some guest appearances from resident cafe cats) who are eligible for adoption. Visit their site to be pre-approved for adoption so you can take your new friend home as soon as possible.
Snow White and Aurora
August 29, 2 pm
This pay-what-you-wish virtual event features crafts, storytime with Snow White and Aurora, games, princess lessons, and more. Pre-register online.
Bedtime Stories with Snow White
August 29, 6 pm
Who’s the fairest of them all? Join Snow White on Facebook Live for a free storytime before bed.
Bedtime Stories with Merida
August 29, 7 pm
Join Merida from Brave for a free adventurous storytime on Facebook Live.
Sunday
Summer Craft Sundays with the Free Library
August 30, 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 30, 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.
Decorate Dog-Themed Cupcakes
August 30, 3 pm
Aspiring bakers ages 12-15 will learn to decorate cupcakes to look like puppies using frosting and fondant! Pre-register online.
Hand Sew Your Own Mask
August 30, 6 pm
In this small virtual class, students ages 8-13 will learn how to hand sew their own personalized masks to stay safe (and stylish). Pre-register online.
Sunday Scaries for Teens
August 30, 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 30, 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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