30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (September 14-20)
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!
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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!
- Apple Picking: Fall feels, socially distanced! Check out our roundup to find out where to go for those fall feels, and how to stay safe!
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‘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.
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Center City Restaurant Week
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!
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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.
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.
Greenfest Philly
September 12-26
Greenfest is entirely virtual this year, and will be bringing you over 25 different programs over the next 16 days all highlighting how to be more sustainable in your daily life. From DIY tutorials to live music, and much more, there’s something for everyone to make a difference and learn about how to help our planet.
KIDZ BOP Daily Dance Break
Daily at 3 pm
Move and stay active together with a different KIDZ BOP Dance-Along video every 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
September 14, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
Virtual Music Training Center
September 14, noon
Join Music Training Center for first steps in singing, rhythm, movement, and small instruments! Ages 0-4 years welcome. Pre-registration is required to receive a zoom link.
Virtual Messy Monday
September 14, 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.
Learn to Draw with Princess Rapunzel
September 14, 6:30 pm
Free Virtual Cooking class with Michael Solomonov for Rosh Hashanah
September 14, 8 pm
In this free virtual cooking class, you can learn how to make Kale, Apple, Walnut, and Sumac-Onion Tabbouleh; Honey Glazed Chicken, and Apple Cake for Rosh Hashanah. Hosted by Jewish Federation and Michael Solomonov, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind Zahav, K’Far, Federal Donuts, and more iconic Philly restaurants. Pre-register online.
Tuesday
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
September 15, 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.
At-Home Anthro with Penn Museum
September 15, 11 am
This 30-minute session—perfect for elementary to middle school students—allows kids to dig deeper into world cultures, archaeology, or anthropology with demonstrations of hands-on projects to try at home. Join Museum educators to learn how incantation bowls were used, then create your own to bring you good luck and keep bad things away! Free to registered guests.
Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout
September 15, 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 Live Stream with Princess Anna
September 15, 11:30 am
Join the “Snow Princess” for a free virtual sing-along and storytime on Facebook Live.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
September 15, 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.
Teens + Textiles
September 15, 3 pm
Join Free Library of Philadelphia on Instagram Live and use different textiles to create unique art.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
September 15, 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.
Community Organizing for Girls (Ages 12-17)
September 15, 5:30 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.
Learn to Sing with Princess Ariel
September 15, 6:30 pm
Join Princess Ariel online on Tuesdays to advance your beautiful singing voice. Classes are perfect for children aged 4-8. Tickets available online.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
September 15, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
I Love my Baby (not the aches and pains)
September 15, 7:30 pm
Dr. Kindra Scott leads a live, interactive discussion to address some common body aches and pains experienced by mothers who have recently had children. Explore ways to adjust your home environment and lifestyle in an effort to promote better posture and body mechanics. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin.
Wednesday
In Person: Roots with Ruark Outdoor Jam with Kith + Kin
September 16, 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.
Free Online ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ Kids Yoga
September 16, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
Free Ocean Themed Kids’ Yoga Class
September 16, 2 pm
Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices for ages 6-10. Free; pre-register online.
Tots Circus Class
September 16, 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.
Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain
September 16, 3:30 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.
In Person: Parkway Pals Woven Together at Sister Cities Park
September 16, 4 pm
18th St. and the Parkway
Unwind after class with the Fabric Workshop and Museum. They will host Woven Together, a free kid-friendly arts and crafts program for school-age children, at Sister Cities Park.
In Person: Yoga for Kids at Linwood Park
September 16, 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 16, 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.
Kids’ Circus Class
September 16, 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.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
September 16, 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.
Thursday
In Person: Free Admission to National Constitution Center for Constitution Day
September 17
Reserve your tickets online for free admission to the National Constitution Center in honor of Constitution Day. If you can’t make it in person, there are also plenty of online activities all day long, including two different events with Supreme Court Justices! See below for more.
In Person: Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
September 17 and 18, 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 17, 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.
Solar System Storytime with Ms. Frizzle
September 17, 11 am
Join Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus for a space adventure storytime free on Facebook Live.
Constitution Day: Virtual Student Town Hall with Justice Neil M. Gorsuch
September 17, 11 am
As part of National Constitution Center’s Constitution Day celebration, Justice Gorsuch will speak about his career, the role of the judicial branch, and what it’s like to sit on the Supreme Court. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will moderate the discussion. Pre-register online.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
September 17, 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.
Every Kid Can Cook Free Monthly Cooking Class
September 17, 3 pm
Kids will learn how to cook healthy recipes independently, learn fun nutrition facts, and re-make their favorite recipes a little healthier. This month, make Apple Turkey Meatballs.
National Constitution Center Honors Ruth Bader Ginsberg
September 17, 6:30 pm
The National Constitution Center will award its 32nd annual Liberty Medal to the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, for her efforts to advance liberty and equality for all. The National Constitution Center will honor Justice Ginsburg through a video tribute in words and music broadcast live for Constitution Day.
Pajama Storytime
September 17, 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.
Girl Power with Queen Elsa
September 17, 6:30 pm
Penn Museum Game Night
September 17, 8 pm
The whole family can team up for this interactive evening packed with a virtual tour of the Museum’s collections plus fun chats, polls, and quizzes—with prizes! Pre-register online.
Friday
In Person: Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
September 17 and 18, 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.
Tots Circus Class
September 18, 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 Teen Program: Jewelry Making
September 18, 11 am
Watch live on Instagram to explore various techniques in jewelry making.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
September 18, 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 18, 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.
Girls in Business 101 Webinar
September 18, 3 pm
Business 101 for Girls Webinar introduces girls ages 10-16 to basic business principles including the forms and types of businesses, business strategy, marketing, and finance. The student workbook includes a template for students to create a business and a business pitch. Students will participate in a second webinar to present their business to fellow participants who will form a panel of mock investors. Pre-register 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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Colonial Gardens’ Pumpkinland Opens
September 19-October 31
745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville
No hayrides til next week, but for now you can enjoy the corn maze, castle, and Halloween display of colorful cartoon characters, scarecrows, hay hutch, and over ten tons of pumpkins!
Saturday
In Person: Family Field Studies at Awbury Arboretum
September 19, 10 am
1 Awbury Rd.
Visit AdventureWoods nature playground and learn from an on-site educator with displays, information, and hands-on activities. Each week is a different topic. This week: water cycles.
TikTok Dance Class
September 19, 10 am
The class will vote on the TikTok dance they want to learn, the dance with the most votes is the one that will be covered in class! For ages 7-12. Pre-registration required.
Why Won’t My Child Sleep?
September 19, 10 am
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant Erica Desper leads a 1.5-hour class exploring the most common causes of child sleep issues and their solutions. Ideal for parents of babies ages 12 weeks to 2 years. Pre-register online with Main Line Family Education.
Descendants Escape Room
September 19, 10:30 am
Learners will work through several challenging decoding puzzles and test their knowledge of the Descendants movies at the same time. For ages 8-9. Pre-register online.
National Dance Day 2020
September 19, 11 am
Presented in partnership with the Kennedy Center, National Dance Day celebrates the joy of dance and movement. Follow along online on the Kennedy Center’s Facebook page for a schedule of free dance classes all day long, from ballet to Beyonce!
Kids’ Cooking Class: Chocolate Chip Muffins
September 19, 11 am
In this class, kids will learn how to prepare chocolate chip muffins (or loaf) from scratch, plus homemade cinnamon butter to put on top! Pre-register online.
Hamilton Dance Class
September 19, 11 am
Kids ages 8-13 will learn the original choreography to “The Room Where it Happens” from Hamilton in this one-session online class. Pre-register online.
Facebook Live Concert with Sonia De Los Santos
September 19, 11 am
Join Sonia de Los Santos to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun, free virtual concert on Facebook. In her music, she spreads messages of love, joy, identity, and inclusiveness, while she shares her own personal story, her heritage, and her multicultural journey.
In Person: Hip-Hop Fundamentals at Sister Cities Park
September 19, noon
210 N. 18th St.
Kids are invited to learn the basics of hip-hop dancing while enjoying a fun, free, and interactive show! Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2.
Minecraft Escape Room
September 19, noon
In this one time course, students will work as a team to use critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills to race to input answers into Google Forms and escape this Minecraft-themed adventure. For ages 9-12. Pre-register online.
Virtual Camp Congress for Girls
September 19, 1 pm
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.
Alice and Mad Hatter’s Wacky Tea Party
September 19, 2 pm
Join an enchanted interactive storytime in Wonderland, including games and an UnBirthday Tea Party with manners and etiquette lessons. Pay-what-you-wish tickets available online.
Bedtime Stories with Cinderella
September 19, 7 pm
Join Cinderella for a free, relaxing storytime on Facebook Live.
Sunday
Virtual Girls in Business Camp Philadelphia 2020
September 20, 8 am
Girls ages 10-16 will get an introduction to basic business principles including strategy, marketing, and finance. Each girl will then create her own business and do everything from creating a logo to creating a pitch to investors. The class will follow up next week for student business presentations. Pre-register online.
Make Pancake Cereal
September 20, 9 am
Kids ages 9-14 don’t need any cooking experience to join this quick, easy, and fun class making pancake cereal! Pre-register online.
In Person: Autumn Harvest Social at Awbury Arboretum
September 20, 2–5 pm
1 Awbury Rd.
Come enjoy the beginning of autumn and being outdoors with live music, circus performers, and Sunday Fun Day at the Farm, featuring family photos with the goats! Registration is required for certain events to control crowd size and ensure social distancing, so be sure to check online and reserve your spot. Light refreshments will be provided by Peachtree Catering. Guests are required to wear masks.
Rock and Roll Playhouse: Live From The Playroom
September 20, 3 pm
Rock out with a free musical livestream from the New York branch of the Rock and Roll Playhouse concerts you’ve come to love in Ardmore!
Take it Away Dance presents ‘A Month of Sundays’
September 20, 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 live-streamed 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!
Virtual Cloth Diaper Workshop with The Nesting House
September 20, 5:30 pm
Join Jen, owner of The Nesting House, for this free workshop to find out why cloth diapering can be an environmentally-sound and cost-effective option for families. The workshop will include information about how to get started, the range of products that are available, how to choose and care for these products, and demonstrations. Free; pre-register online.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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