30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week...Virtually! (September 7-13)

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (September 7-13)

Plus some in-person stuff too! Yay!

September 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

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:

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!
Hit up a family-friendly beer garden!
‘Tarzan’ at Elmwood Park Zoo

Through September 27

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

This unique live theater performance, hosted outdoors at Elmwood Park Zoo, features music Disney’s epic animated film. Guests have the option to purchase either traditional seating (BYO chair) that will be arranged to maintain safe social distancing or vehicle seating that will allow you to watch the show from the comfort of your own car! Advance tickets required.
Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Dinosaur Adventure

Through September 20

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
Over in the Garden Storybook Trail

Through September 13

Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.

Stop by the center to enjoy a self-guided storybook walk with your family. The trail will be left for you to enjoy for the week. The Storybook trail begins at the trail to the right of the environmental center (right next to the picnic area), and loops to the right through the meadow. No registration required.

KIDZ BOP Daily Dance Break

Daily at 3 pm

Move and stay active together with a different KIDZ BOP Dance-Along video every day.

Snapology Online: Jedi Masters

Tuesday-Friday, 7 pm

In this online LEGO-based camp, kids ages 4-14 will do Star Wars themed activities using LEGO bricks and other interactive learning tools, build scenes from the movie, build ships, lightsabers, and more. Pre-register online for the full week or by the day.

Nightly Met Opera Streams: French Week

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

September 7, 10 am

Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.

Roy Lichtenstein Inspired Pop Art Cat

September 7, 10 am

Kids ages 8-12 will learn about Roy Lichtenstein and go through a guided drawing lesson in his style. Pre-register online.

Virtual Messy Monday

September 7, 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.

Virtual Storytime with the Ice Sisters

September 7, 7 pm

Anna and Elsa want to send kids off to school with a special virtual bedtime storytime on the eve of their big day. There will be time for Q & A, and a bedtime lullaby. Free on Facebook Live.

Tuesday

Drag Queen Storytime: Back to School Edition

September 8, 11 am

Our favorite Philly drag queen Miss Brittany Lynn is teaming up with National Liberty Museum to bring you some stories, arts and crafts, and sing-alongs to help make back-to-school a little easier (and fun!). Free; pre-register online.

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

September 8, 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 Rapunzel

September 8, 11:30 am

Join Rapunzel for a free sing-along and craft on Facebook Live.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

September 8, 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.

Snapology Online: Science of Superpowers: Iron Man’s Suit

September 8, 2 pm

In Snapology’s Science of Superpowers program, students will learn about the science behind their favorite heroes’ powers. Students will review the engineering design process and use that method of design to create a superhero suit inspired by the technology of Iron Man’s very famous suit. Class takes place on Zoom and is for ages 5-12. Pre-register and pay online; space is limited.

Family Food and Wellness: Cooking

September 8, 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.

Teens + Textiles

September 8, 3 pm

Join Free Library of Philadelphia on Instagram Live and use different textiles to create unique art.

Snapology Online: City Roads and Bridges

September 8, 4 pm

The mayor has approved of the construction of a new highway lane to be built in LEGO City, but it must be built in an unusual spot. Can you design the roadway the city needs? For ages 5-14; pre-register online.

Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar

September 8, 6 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.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

September 8, 7 pm

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

Wednesday

Free Online ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ Kids Yoga

September 9, 10 am

Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.

Free Ocean Themed Kids’ Yoga Class

September 9, 2 pm

Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices for ages 6-10. Free; pre-register online.

Snapology presents Science of Superpowers: Transform the Hulk

September 9, 2 pm

Snapology hosts an online class for ages 5-12 via Zoom. In Snapology’s “Science of Superpowers” program, students will learn about the science behind their favorite heroes’ powers with LEGOs at home. 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 – and potentially work to save it! Pre-register and pay online; space is limited.

Tots Circus Class

September 9, 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.

In Person: Yoga for Kids at Linwood Park

September 9, 4 pm

199 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore

Shake off screen time, and find connection in the body and nature.

Civics 101 for Girls Webinar

September 9, 4 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.

Snapology Online: Fun with Helicopters

September 9, 4 pm

Ages 5-14 will learn how and build their own version of a helicopter with LEGOs. Pre-register online.

Kids’ Circus Class

September 9, 4:15 pm

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

Community Organizing for Girls (Ages 12-17)

September 9, 6:30 pm

Teen girls will learn about community organizing and how it can be used as an effective tool for change. Students learn how to craft messaging that has impact, build a base of support, develop leadership teams, form coalitions with community partners, and plan events. Pre-registration required online.

Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain

September 9, 8:10 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.

Thursday

In Person: Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

September 10 and 11, noon-7 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

Support a variety of local small businesses by browsing and buying handmade crafts, confections, artwork, and more. Rotating vendors will pop up every week, allowing guests to explore unique offerings throughout the season.

Free Online ‘Dear Zoo’ Kids’ Yoga Class

September 10, 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.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

September 10, 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: What Makes Us Super

September 10, 2 pm

In Snapology’s Science of Superpowers program, children ages 5-12 will learn about the science behind their favorite heroes’ powers. Pre-register online.

Family Food and Wellness: Wellness

September 10, 2 pm

Tune in to the Culinary Literacy Center’s Facebook Live for ways to have fun and get moving as a family.

Smith Playground’s Play Jam: Virtual, Interactive Children’s Concert

September 10, 4 pm

This free online event features family-friendly performances by Grammy Award-winning Lucy Kalantari and Los Angeles based “kindie rocker” Mista Cookie Jar. View on Facebook Live.

Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar

September 10, 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.

Youth Art: Otters

September 10, 4:30 pm

Ages 6-12 will learn how to draw otters step-by-step! This program will be held online through Zoom, and you must register in order to receive an emailed link.

Exploring Careers in Politics for Girls

September 10, 6 pm

Exploring Careers in Politics for Girls Webinar introduces girls ages 12-17 to a range of professional opportunities available in the political sector. Students also learn about ways to gain invaluable experience in the political arena through internships, page programs, and volunteering. The class culminates with a 20 minute Q & A with a female guest speaker working in the political sector. Pre-register online.

Pajama Storytime

September 10, 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.

In Person: Outdoor Dinner and a Movie at The Logan: Clueless

September 10, 6:30 pm (movie starts at 7:30 pm)

1 Logan Sq.

It may not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty, but due to social distancing rules, you’d better pre-register for this three-course meal plus outdoor screening of the 90s classic, Clueless.

Friday

In Person: Made in Philadelphia Fall Market

September 10 and 11, noon-7 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

Virtual Music & Movement with Parkway Central Library

September 11, 9:30 am

Join Ms. Naomi Fridays on Facebook live (ParkwayCentralChildrens) for Music and Movement! Enjoy songs, dancing, and fun exploring rhythm and movement. Best for ages 2-7.

Tots Circus Class

September 11, 10:30 am

Kids ages 3-5 can get moving with a class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.

Virtual First Notes

September 11, 10:30 am

The Ardmore Music Training Center is back at Gladwyne Library with First Notes! First Steps in singing, rhythm, movement, and small instruments. This fun baby and toddler music class will be hosted on Zoom. Pre-register to be sent the link.

Virtual Teen Program: Jewelry Making

September 11, 11 am

Watch live on Instagram to explore various techniques in jewelry making.

Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets

September 11, 11 am

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

Kids’ Circus Class

September 11, 11:15 am

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

Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain

September 11, 6:50 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.

Storytime and Painting Snowflakes with Elsa

September 11, 7 pm

Use salt to create snowflake art in this free storytime and craft with the Ice Queen on Facebook Live.

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!

Apple Picking

This weekend begins Fall Fests at local farms! Check out our roundup to find out where to go for those fall feels, and how to stay safe!

2020 Fringe Festival

September 10-October 4

This annual citywide celebration of contemporary art and performance will be predominantly virtual, featuring over 120 works across genres and platforms. While many performances are more for adults, there is something for everyone! Family-friendly picks include the streaming Baby Whale and the Plastic Ocean, requesting personalized music for your pets, weekly tap dance shows, and nightly performances by Kangaroo Zulu Dancers.

Fun and interactive Ants on a Log virtual concerts will be on Facebook Live on September 12 (10:30 am), September 13 (3 pm), and October 3 (10:30 am). And, looking forward, the festival closes out with the fantastic (and free!) Circus Midway on October 4, when you can join the circus from the comfort of your home with free live classes and workshops hosted by teachers and performers from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.

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!

In Person: Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Dinosaur Adventure

Through September 20

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

The larger-than-life touring dinosaur exhibit has been transformed into an interactive drive-thru experience for the social distancing age, featuring more than 70 lifelike dinosaurs, all from the comfort of your car. Tickets are available online (plus some add-on goodies), and must be purchased in advance.

In Person: ‘Tarzan’ at Elmwood Park Zoo

Through September 27

This unique live theater performance, hosted outdoors at Elmwood Park Zoo, features music Disney’s epic animated film. Guests have the option to purchase either traditional seating (BYO chair) that will be arranged to maintain safe social distancing or vehicle seating that will allow you to watch the show from the comfort of your own car! Advance tickets required.

In Person: Parks on Tap: WaterWorks and FDR Park

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. Plus, they just added another location: FDR Park! Enjoy this family-friendly beer garden and beautiful views of the river while you soak up the last days of summer.

Saturday

Virtual Camp Congress for Girls

September 12, 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.

CNN and Sesame Street Town Hall: The ABCs of Back to School

September 12, 10 am

Airing and streaming for free on CNN platforms, this the 60-minute special will provide tools and information for families dealing with unique circumstances of school in the era of coronavirus with some furry familiar faces. Parents can send in their questions online in advance (link in title).

Make a Galaxy Jar

September 12, 10 am

This art project gives kids a chance to bottle up their own galaxy and it is also a perfect sensory bottle or calm-down craft. For ages 7-11. Pre-register online.

PJ Masks Super Hero Yoga

September 12, 10 am

Kids ages 3-5 will bend, stretch, and train like Cat Boy, Gecko, and Owlette in this fun and energetic yoga class. Pre-register online.

In Person: Moana Luau at Sweet & Sassy

September 12, 10:30 am

250 Plaza Drive, Collegeville

Kids can get an island-themed makeover and meet Moana for singing and dancing. Pre-registration required online.

In Person: Laughter Yoga at Sister Cities Park

September 12, noon

210 N. 18th St.

Get out your giggles with Laughter Yoga! Children will have a ball learning how to relax with laughter in this free, socially distanced class at Sister Cities.

Dance Disney Workshop: Zombies

September 12, 1 pm

Kids ages 8-12 will learn dances to songs from Disney Channel’s Zombies. Pre-register online.

Virtual Cooking Class: Baked Soft Pretzels

September 12, 2 pm

In this class, your child will make their own pretzel dough, learn how to roll it out to perfection, and twist it into classic pretzel shapes. Make sweet, savory, or both! Pre-register online.

Virtual Author Event: ‘Robobaby’ with David Wiesner

September 12, 4 pm

David Wiesner, triple Caldecott winner, will be sharing his newest book Robobaby with Children’s Book World. He will also be personalizing copies of his book for everyone who orders online before September 12 (link in title).

In Person: Artists at Work in Northern Liberties

September 12, 5-7 pm

Take an art crawl to see local artists demonstrating their craft from a safe socially-distanced six feet apart in the storefronts and windows of Northern Liberties. The Artists at Work Exhibition will start this Saturday with the kick-off and continue with artwork in the storefronts and windows through September 30.

‘Scottie on the Space Station’ Virtual Book Signing

September 12, 5 pm

Authors Kaela and Shannon Green are going to share their new book virtually, and talk about why they created this story and the importance of inclusion. Join free on Zoom.

Disney Trivia Night

September 12, 6:30 pm

Ariel will be hosting a Disney Trivia Night through Zoom! Get your family together, pre-register your team, and answer questions for the chance to win a prize.

Sunday

Center City Restaurant Week Begins

September 13-25

Participating restaurants are offering multi-course prix-fixe menus for dining in (or, more likely, al fresco, though some limited indoor seating is available). And this year, for the first time, some restaurants are also offering the option to take advantage of the deals with takeout! See our guide for our top picks!

Cooking Class: Homemade Pop Tarts

September 13, 11 am

In this class, your child will make their own pastry dough, roll it out, and fill it with their favorite fillings to make no-toaster-required “pop tarts!” Pre-register online.

Virtual Family Day: Old Hollywood

September 13, 1–6 pm

The Cottrell Digital Studio at the Northeast Georgia History Center presents a free fun and educational livestream event about Old Hollywood for all ages. Schedule includes a kids’ craft hour, dancing, and more. Join on Facebook Live.

In Person: Sunday Fun Days at Awbury Arboretum

September 13, 2 pm

One Awbury Road

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.

Butterfly Life Cycle with LEGOs

September 13, 3 pm

After reading a book about the life cycle of butterflies, kids ages 5-7 will create the life cycle using LEGOs. Pre-register online.

Take it Away Dance presents ‘A Month of Sundays’

September 13, 4 pm

As part of this year’s (mainly virtual) Fringe Festival, Take it Away Dance is bringing a tap dance and jazz music concert livestreamed to you, every Sunday afternoon. Tickets to the livestream are available online. Each week will be a different show, so be sure to come back again and again throughout Fringe!