30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week...Virtually! (September 28-October 4)

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (September 28-October 4)

Plus some in-person stuff too! Yay!

September 27, 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!

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!

‘The Presidents’ at the Franklin Institute

Through January 3, 2021

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20^th 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.

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: DIY Hummus and Crispy Pita Chips

September 28, 10 am

In this class, kids ages 2-4 and their caregivers will work together in the kitchen to create healthy snacks. Pre-register online.

Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga

September 28, 10 am

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

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus

September 28, 10:30 am

Each Monday PlayArts will introduce the theme of the week through song, dance and play. So grab your musical instruments and materials (listed in event) to join! Register to get access to the class.

Virtual Messy Monday

September 28, 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.

Teen Cooking Class: Caesar Salad

September 28, 5:30 pm

In this class, teens will make homemade croutons, their own caesar dressing, and then assemble it all together for a delicious salad. Pre-register online.

Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain

September 28, 7 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.

Tuesday

Spanish Storytime

September 29, 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 29, 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 29, 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!

Virtual Watershed Lesson

September 29, 11 am

As part of the Delaware River Festival, this free, family-friendly demonstration with Let’s Go Outdoors will have you sharing and caring about our local rivers.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

September 29, 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 29, 3 pm

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

POSTPONED In Person: Kids’ Art Workshop with Primp & Play at Frankford Hall

September 29, 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 Recycle and Upcycle! Advanced tickets are required, and are available online.

Fleisher Art Teen Lounge

September 29, 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.

Civics 101 for Girls Webinar

September 29, 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.

Community Organizing for Girls (Ages 12-17)

September 29, 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.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

September 29, 7 pm

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

Parenting in a Pandemic Virtual Seminar

September 29, 7:30 pm

Join Certified Parent Educator Florence Sturm for an informative and encouraging virtual parenting seminar in which she’ll explore strategies for managing our new normal. Parents will have the opportunity to submit questions during registration or in real time after her presentation. This program is primarily geared toward children between the ages of 4-10. Pre-register online.

In Person: Kids’ Movie Night at McShea’s: Toy Story

September 29, 7:30 pm

242 Haverford Ave., Narberth

Reservations are strongly encouraged for dinner and Toy Story at McShea’s.

Wednesday

In Person: Roots with Ruark Outdoor Jam with Kith + Kin

September 30, 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.

Delaware River Festival Online Storytime

September 30, 1 pm

Join a Let’s Go Outdoors Educator for a fun, interactive time as she reads a story, asks questions, and uses songs or quick games to teach about how water gets to our homes

Creating Space: A Feeding and Parenting Support Group for Black, Indigenous, People of Color

September 30, 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.

PhillyZoo@2: Curator Tour of Water is Life

September 30, 2 pm

Host Dani will take a Facebook Live tour with one of the zoo’s curators through theWater is Life exhibit, which features Otter Falls and Red Panda Pass!

Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog

September 30, 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 30, 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 30, 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 30, 4 pm

199 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore

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

Fleisher Art Teen Lounge

September 30, 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 30, 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.

Thursday

Virtual Kids’ by Ants on a Log

October 1, 10 am

Ants on a Log performs music for children and other childlike people, songfully advocating for positivity, social justice, and silliness. Free concert as part of the Delaware River Festival.

Free Online ‘Dear Zoo’ Kids’ Yoga Class

October 1, 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.

Terrapin Craft

October 1, noon

Join the Center for Aquatic Sciences as they shell-abrate turtles. An educator will provide step-by-step directions for how to make your own turtl-y awesome craft.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

October 1, 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.

Virtual Thursday Crafternoon

October 1, 4 pm

Miss Mary will post a video every Thursday on the library’s Instagram (@freelibraryccd) for Thursday Crafternoons! She’ll share a story and then talk about a craft that relates.

Friday

Virtual Art Museum Playdate

October 2, 10:30 am

In this live virtual program, engage in playful discussions, sketching challenges, and other fun activities. This week, kids will learn all about portraiture. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Teen Program: Jewelry Making

October 2, 11 am

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

Live Puppet Show with WonderSpark Puppets

October 2, 11 am

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

In Person: Bilingual Drag Queen Storytime

October 2, 4 pm

Bok, Ninth and Mifflin streets

Philly’s first bilingual Drag Queen Storytime in both English and Spanish! Hosted by Brittany Lynn and featuring special guests! Right on the Bok Bar Stoop at Ninth and Mifflin.

Virtual Cooking Class: Copycat Momofuku Milk Bar Corn Cookies

October 2, 4 pm

Kids will learn how to measure, mix, and create their own Corn Cookies inspired by the recipe made famous by Chef Christina Tosi. 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!

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.

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 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

October 3 and 4

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

In Person: Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

October 3, 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.

Virtual Nature Tots with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

October 3, 10 am

Join John Heinz NWR on Facebook Live for a storytime followed by nature explorations and a craft that you can make at home!

Slime-ence from Home

October 3, 10 am

Join Academy of Natural Sciences educators to make your own slime and learn about slimy animals! Download the instructions sheet below to learn what supplies you’ll need for the workshop, then join on Facebook Live.

In Person: Family Field Studies at Awbury Arboretum

October 3, 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.

Bilingual Read-Aloud for Kids

October 3, 11 am

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with award-winning children’s book author Raquel Ortiz and four-time Latin Grammy nominee and musician, William Cepeda, who will perform a bilingual reading of her book, When Julia Danced Bomba with his drums and other instruments. Best for ages 3-5.

In Person: Saturday Youth Art Class at Cherry Street Pier

October 3, 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: Grow Up Green at Sister Cities Park

October 3, noon

210 N. 18th St.

Young explorers will learn about nature and outdoor play with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2.

Animal Antics with Academy of Natural Sciences

October 3, 1 pm

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to care for the Academy’s live animals each day? Hang out with animal keepers, hear their favorite stories of animal antics, and ask them questions. Museum members can join on Zoom (free, but pre-registration is required); and the event will also be streamed free on Facebook Live.

Virtual Musical Instrument Petting Zoo

October 3, 1 pm

Join Keep Music Alive as they present an online Musical Instrument Petting Zoo for Kids’ Music Day. Kids will watch a musical show and tell demonstrating guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, flutes, clarinets, violins, viola, and dozens of different percussion instruments; plus some fun sing-alongs. Watch free on Facebook Live.

In Person: Pop-Up Park Concert at Palmer Park

October 3, 2 pm

Frankford Ave. and E. Palmer St.

Get outside, listen to some live music, and meet the excellent musicians of New Groove. This concert is free and open to the public. Please bring a blanket or chair, wear your mask, and social distance from others.

Dream Like a Teen: Young Entrepreneur Round Table

October 3, 4 pm

Whole Kids Foundation is teaming up with business sensation Mikaila Ulmer, 16-year-old founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade, as she moderates a panel of some of the brightest young entrepreneurs to they share wins, insights and learnings to help other youth start or grow a business of their own! This virtual event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Bedtime Stories with Beauty and Beast

October 3, 7 pm

Join Belle and her prince for a free relaxing storytime on Facebook Live.

Star Wars Family Trivia Night Live

October 3, 7 pm

Join Ludington Library on Facebook Live for Family Trivia Nights every Saturday night in October! This week, it’s Star Wars–costumes encouraged!

Sunday

Simple Seasonal Superfood Smoothies

October 4, 10 am

Get inspired to eat the rainbow and invest in yourself with Raw Monje’s virtual class. Pre-register online.

Grocery Store Botany

October 4, 10 am

Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Why aren’t strawberries true berries? Join the Academy of Natural Sciences to learn about the botany of your local produce section and the plants that provide some of your favorite (or least favorite) foods. Academy members can register online and join on Zoom; the event will also be streaming on Facebook Live.

Fringe Festival Online Circus Midway

October 4, 11 am-4 pm

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. Learn the art of juggling, clowning, dance, acrobatics, hula hoop, and circus games via Zoom using everyday items found around the house. Then, at 3 pm, tune in for a free circus performance streamed online. Free with RSVP (pre-register online).

Bartram’s Garden Online Family Art Workshop

October 4, noon

Discover and be inspired by the artistry of hidden patterns in nature. Join Bartram’s Garden free on Facebook Live for this free art workshop.

In Person: Stem Prep Academy Soft Opening and STEM Activities

October 4, 1 pm

604 E. Girard Ave.

Come for ribbon cutting and refreshments, learn about Stem Prep Academy programs, and enjoy fall-themed STEM enrichment activities. Free; pre-register online.