30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (September 21-27)
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:
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!
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!
‘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.
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!
Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Dinosaur Adventure
Through September 27
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.
‘The Presidents’ at the Franklin Institute
Through January 3, 2021
Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
Get up close and personal with life-size wax figures from Madame Tussauds, including every American president (yes, all 45 of them), plus additional historical figures including Ben Franklin, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Michelle Obama!
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.
Earth and Water Science Celebration
September 21-26
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences for a brand-new round of earth and water activities and events for kids and families. Download fun and educational activities, learn from Academy scientists about how the world’s water is changing and what we can do to protect it, and more!
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
Little Chefs: Mermaid Snacks
September 21, 10 am
In this class, kids ages 2-4 and their caregivers will work together in the kitchen to create roll-up seaweed snacks. Pre-register online.
Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga
September 21, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
Virtual Messy Monday
September 21, 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.
Fleisher Art Teen Lounge
September 21, 4 pm
September workshops will include free days for independent projects for ages 13-19. No advanced registration is required. Contact Teen Lounge Coordinator Layla Ehsan at lehsan@fleisher.org for Zoom links and more information.
Teen Cooking Class: Vietnamese Style Noodle Bowls
September 21, 5:30 pm
In this class, teens will learn how to put together this fresh and delicious dish filled with noodles, fresh herbs, vegetables (and protein optional), and create a tangy dressing from scratch. Pre-register online.
Tuesday
Spanish Storytime
September 22, 9:30 am
Sing songs, play a game, and read a book in Spanish with Spanish Exploradores. Free on Facebook Live.
In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park
September 22, 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.
Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout
September 22, 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!
Shofuso Virtual Tour
September 22, 11 am
Enjoy an hour-long in-depth live tour of Shofuso, plus time for questions and answers. This tour leads you through the 17th century Japanese house museum, and weather permitting, includes a brief walk through the gardens. Virtual Group Tours are conducted over Zoom and are held twice a month on Tuesdays. Tickets available online.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
September 22, 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.
Ask a Biologist
September 22, 1 pm
Ask Garrett, Biological Technician at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, your questions about nature over Facebook Live.
Teens + Textiles
September 22, 3 pm
Join Free Library of Philadelphia on Instagram Live and use different textiles to create unique art.
Ask the Scientists: Water Heroes
September 22, 3 pm
Featuring Academy of Natural Sciences scientists, “Water Heroes” will focus on ways that we can all pitch in to save the world’s most precious resource and protect the creatures that depend on it. This program will last about 30 minutes. While kids of all ages are welcome, adult assistance is recommended to enable kids to ask questions. Free with registration.
Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain
September 22, 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: Kids’ Art Workshop with Primp & Play at Frankford Hall
September 22, 4 pm
1210 Frankford Ave.
As part of Frankford Hall’s PHLOktoberfest 2020, Primp & Play will host kids’ art classes on Tuesdays to end September in style. This week, the theme is Play with your Food! Advanced tickets are required, and are available online.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
September 22, 4 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.
Anti-Bullying Book Launch: ‘He’s Not Just Teasing’
September 22, 4 pm
Author Jennifer Licate will do a live Instagram reading of her new book He’s Not Just Teasing which explains the difference between “teasing” and bullying, and teach kids how to deal with both.
Fleisher Art Teen Lounge
September 22, 4 pm
Free workshop on explorations of character development for ages 13-19. No advanced registration is required. Contact Teen Lounge Coordinator Layla Ehsan at lehsan@fleisher.org for Zoom links and more information.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
September 22, 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
September 23, 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 23, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
Love the Earth Story Time
September 23, noon
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences and read along with early childhood educators as they share some of their favorite books that celebrate Earth and its environments. Free on Facebook Live.
Free Ocean Themed Kids’ Yoga Class
September 23, 2 pm
Yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness practices for ages 6-10. Free; pre-register online.
Creating Space: A Feeding and Parenting Support Group for Black, Indigenous, People of Color
September 23, 2 pm
A safe space to talk, be heard, listen, and find community. The focus is feeding and parenting, but all topics are welcome. Join on Zoom via Kith + Kin.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
September 23, 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.
Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog
September 23, 3 pm
Register your kid online to read to a therapy animal friend from PAWS on a live video conference. Reading to a dog helps children develop confidence and skills for reading aloud!
Tots Circus Class
September 23, 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: Parkway Pals Woven Together at Sister Cities Park
September 23, 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 23, 4 pm
199 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore
Shake off screen time, and find connection in the body and nature.
Fleisher Art Teen Lounge
September 23, 4 pm
Free workshop for ages 13-19. On Wednesdays, teens will do artwork that supports fundraising efforts for community-focused nonprofit organizations. No advanced registration is required. Contact Teen Lounge Coordinator Layla Ehsan at lehsan@fleisher.org for Zoom links and more information.
Kids’ Circus Class
September 23, 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.
Sleeping Beauty Storytime
September 23, 6:15 pm
Join Princess Aurora for a free, fun-filled Sleeping Beauty storytime!
Thursday
In Person: Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
September 24 and 25, 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 24, 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 24, 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.
Ask the Scientist: Microplastic Madness
September 24, 3 pm
Join the directors of the award-winning kids’ documentary Microplastic Madness along with Academy of Natural Sciences scientists to sort through the invisible pollution contaminating our water. This virtual, 30-minute program will open the floor for kids to ask the questions. Free with registration.
Back to School Drag Queen Story Hour
September 24, 4 pm
Join Yves Saint Croissant, Angel Elektra, and Ona Louise for a “Back To School” themed virtual story hour! Tickets available online.
Civics 101 for Girls Webinar
September 24, 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.
Cartooning with Young Rembrandts (Ages 9-13)
September 24, 4:30 pm
Join the Young Rembrandts drawing program for a cartooning lesson over Zoom.
Pajama Storytime
September 24, 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.
Virtual Potty Training 101 with Miss Catherine
September 24, 7:30 pm
This workshop will help you learn the simple tools, tips, and steps to start potty training with your little one. Pre-register online at Kith + Kin’s website, and join over Zoom.
Friday
In Person: Family Time Program: Creek Exploration
September 25, 10 am and 1 pm
Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.
Discover the aquatic insects that call the creek home and learn how they determine the health of the stream. Wear shoes and clothing that can get wet! For ages 6 and up. Registration is required in order to follow CDC Guidelines. Number of participants is extremely limited, and walkups will not be accepted. All participants must wear a mask.
In Person: Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
September 24 and 25, 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.
STEAM at the Library
September 25, 10 am
Each week the library will explore a different topic and do simple experiments online. This week learn about paper airplanes and flight!
Tots Circus Class
September 25, 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 25, 11 am
Watch live on Instagram to explore various techniques in jewelry making.
Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets
September 25, 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 25, 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.
Love the Earth Story Time
September 25, noon
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences and read along with early childhood educators as they share some of their favorite books that celebrate Earth and its environments. Free on Facebook Live.
In Person: Bilingual Drag Queen Storytime
September 25, 4 pm
Bok, Ninth and Mifflin streets
Philly’s first bilingual Drag Queen Storytime in both English and Spanish! Hosted by Brittany Lynn and featurng special guests! Right on the Bok Bar Stoop at Ninth and Mifflin.
Free Virtual Cooking with Elsa
September 25, 7 pm
Join the Ice Queen for “Let It Dough” cooking class. Free; join on Facebook. Ingredients are listed on the event page.
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!
Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest
September 23–November 1
Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier always brings a full month of special events, fall food and drinks, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving, and Halloween fun as the festival goes on (stay tuned for details). The waterfront spot will be decked out with fall decor, and seasonal treats like pumpkin bread and apple empanadas will be added to the menu; plus lots of autumn-flavored cocktails and beers (hot toddy, anyone?) will join their selection of local brews.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am-5 pm, pumpkin carving will be available–pick a pumpkin from the Morgan’s Pier Pumpkin Patch for $5 or $10 and get started on your creation! Reservations, masks, and social distancing are required due to COVID-19.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Weekends through November 1
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Come in costume and enjoy special Halloween-themed shows, trick-or-treating around the park, an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, pumpkin decorating, rides and more fun with your Sesame Street friends. Advance tickets required. Face coverings are required for guests age 2 and older while in the park.
Delaware River Festival
September 26-October 4
Every year, the Philly and Camden sides of the Delaware River come together for a “coast to coast” festival, usually taking place in one grand day. This year, the festival will be mostly online, with some on-the-river activities like family kayaking mixed in. Join online for kids’ activities, learning, yoga, performances, and much more. Plus, the morning of September 26, you can visit the Discovery Center for the Big Sit birdwatching event–due to COVID-19, registration is required and attendance is limited.
(Virtual) 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!
Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Dinosaur Adventure
Through September 27
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.
‘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.
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
September 19-October 31
745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville
Celebrate fall with hayrides, the corn maze, castle, and Halloween display of colorful cartoon characters, scarecrows, hay hutch, and over ten tons of pumpkins!
Terrain Autumn Bounty Days
September 26-27
914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills
Usher in the harvest season with a series of socially-distant seasonal events for the whole family at Terrain Glen Mills. Enjoy live music, scavenger hunts, an autumn market, and more.
Saturday
Virtual Camp Congress for Girls
September 26, 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.
Philly Fall Nature Fest
September 26, 9 am-9 pm
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge will be broadcasting live from Facebook Live all day with fun and interactive nature programs. See the full schedule in the Facebook event (10 am is Kids’ Hour!) and tune in throughout the day.
In Person: Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
September 26, 10 am
Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Pick up a nature exploration kit at the Visitor Center and then hit the trails with your family to complete the activities inside. Dive into a different theme and collect a new explorer badge each week. Explorer kits can be picked up anytime between 10 am and noon. All ages welcome. No registration or fee required. Masks are required when picking up your kit.
In Person: Family Field Studies at Awbury Arboretum
September 26, 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: animals at Awbury.
In Person: Saturday Youth Art Class at Cherry Street Pier
September 26, 11:30 am
121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Children will explore a variety of age-appropriate art techniques learning basic 2D and 3D art skills. Every Saturday, children will participate in a new art project. Advance registration is required by Friday. Masks are mandatory at Cherry Street Pier must be worn at all times.
In Person: Bubble Magic at Sister Cities Park
September 26, noon
210 N. 18th St.
George the Bubble Magician will host a fun and interactive bubble magic show! Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2.
Alice and Mad Hatter’s Wacky Tea Party
September 26, 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.
Magic Lamp Craft with Princess Jasmine
September 26, 2:30 pm
Join Princess Jasmine for a fun crafting session. Create your own magic lamp and fill it with wishes before class ends with an Aladdin storytime and sing-along. Tickets available online.
Hamilton Dance Class
September 26, 4 pm
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.
Free Bedtime Story with Ariel
September 26, 7:30 pm
The Little Mermaid will share a bedtime story, sing a song, and wish your little guppies goodnight free on Facebook Live.
Sunday
In Person: HYPE Pop-Up Dance Party at Cira Green
September 27, 9 am
80 S. 30th St.
This high-energy, socially-distanced event atop the city starts off with a dance-along for kids and parents from 9-9:45 am and then moves into a dance-cardio fitness class for teens and adults from 9:45-10:30 am. Admission costs just $10 per family and tickets can be purchased online (link in title).
In Person: Trolls World Tour Movie Matinee at Hard Rock Cafe
September 27, 11 am
1113 Market St.
Rock out with a movie at Hard Rock Cafe. Lunch will be available for purchase; ticket includes movie, popcorn, and soda. Masks and temperature checks will be required. Tickets available online.
Introduction to Government for Girls Webinar
September 27, 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.
Virtual Autism Play Date with Smith Playground
September 27, 1–3 pm
This event will feature interactive and engaging activities, informative resource-like presentations from Autism-centered organizations such as The Philadelphia Autism Project and the Kinney Center for Autism Educations at St. Joseph’s University, as well as special home-based arts and crafts activities using items easily found at home. This event is free, but pre-registration is required.
Spider-Man and Wonder Woman Virtual Event
September 27, 2 pm
This online donation-based event includes interactive storytimes, superhero lessons, a scavenger hunt, and more. Pre-register online.
Take it Away Dance presents ‘A Month of Sundays’
September 27, 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!
Princess Mad Libs with the Ice Queen
September 27, 4 pm
Help Elsa write silly princess stories and sing along to your favorite songs in this virtual party. Pre-register online.
Free Virtual Bedtime Yoga for Kids
September 27, 7:30 pm
Calm your little yogi and prepare for a new week with a 30-minute free virtual bedtime yoga session. Recommended for ages 4 and up, but all are welcome.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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