30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week...Virtually! (October 5-11)

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week…Virtually! (October 5-11)

Plus some in-person stuff too! Yay!

October 5, 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:

Final Week for 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!

Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square

October 1—31, 6—9 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with fog, lights, music, and surprises! Updated with COVID-related safety standards, masks are required and social distancing is enforced. While you’re there, the Franklin Square Fountain runs shows every 30 minutes with synchronized lights and music.

Linvilla Orchards Pumpkinland and Hayrides

Through November 1 (specific events are shorter)

137 West Knowlton Road, Media

A fall trip to Linvilla’s Pumpkinland is a tradition for so many families—from giant displays of pumpkins to hayrides to corn mazes to barnyard animals, and so much more. Don’t miss the not-so-scary hayride to the friendly Witch’s House! To manage crowds and ensure social distancing, timed tickets for Autumn Moon, Harvest, and Witch’s Hayrides are required to be purchased in advance. You can also reserve a private hayride just for your family.

‘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!

Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk and Design Contest

October 3-November 1

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for the 13th year with the 2020 theme, “Fairy Tale ‘Crows.” The creative scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum, and visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners!

Academy of Natural Sciences Members’ Week Online

October 2-8

Explore behind the scenes, chat with scientists, participate in experiments and so much more! Check their schedule online, plus download activities like a nature scavenger hunt to do on your own anytime.

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

October 5, 10 am

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

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus

October 5, 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.

Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain

October 5, 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

October 6, 9:30 am

Sing songs, play a game, and read a book in Spanish with Spanish Exploradores. Free on Facebook Live.

Kids Yoga Adventures with Jitterbugs (Ages 2-12)

October 6, 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.

Virtual Toddler Time with Rapunzel

October 6, 10 am

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

October 6, 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!

Global Voyagers: Journey to Mexico and Central America

October 6, 11 am

Explore the Penn Museum’s galleries on this digital journey around Mexico and Central America. See the legacy of incredible civilizations including the Aztec and Maya today. Free; pre-registration required online.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

October 6, 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.

In Person: Sesame Place’s Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru

Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, 6-9 pm

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

The all-new Not-Too Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru is your first-ever chance to experience Halloween at Sesame Place from the comfort of your vehicle! This family-friendly, Halloween-themed experience includes a special soundtrack, festive décor, millions of lights, and everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats! As you exit the park, each child will receive a bag of treats. Pre-registration required online.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

October 6, 7 pm

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

Wednesday

In Person: Free Pop-Up Class with Philly Art Center (Ages 2-3)

October 7, 9:30 am or 10:45 am

Lemon Hill and Washington Square (pre-register for your desired location and timeslot)

In this parent and child art class for ages 2-3, explore age-appropriate media adapted for outdoor art-making. Choose your free class and be sure to sign up to save your spot!

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

October 7, 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.

Music with Miss Jill: Woodland Animals

October 7, 10:15 am

Join Media-Upper Providence Library online for a lively interactive music program for toddlers through kindergarteners. Activities consist of songs, fingerplays, props, musical games, and puppets. Pre-register online, and you’ll receive the Zoom link the morning of the program.

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

October 7, 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.

Tots Circus Class

October 7, 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: Kids’ Art Workshop with Primp & Play at Frankford Hall

October 7, 4 pm

1210 Frankford Ave.

As part of Frankford Hall’s PHLOktoberfest 2020, Primp & Play will host kids’ art classes. This week, the theme is Recycle and Upcycle! Advanced tickets are required, and are available online.

In Person: Parkway Pals Woven Together at Sister Cities Park

October 7, 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

October 7, 4 pm

199 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore

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

Kids’ Baking Class: Fall Fruit Crumble

October 7, 4 pm

This online cooking series is all about Fall Comfort Foods! This week, it’s Fall Fruit Crumble. Pre-register online and join over Zoom.

Civics 101 for Girls Webinar

October 7, 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

October 7, 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.

In Person: Sesame Place’s Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru

Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, 6-9 pm

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar

October 7, 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.

Not A Peep Sleep Workshop

October 7, 8 pm

During this one-hour workshop, sleep expert Maria Lopez of Not a Peep will teach you about the science of children’s sleep, why problems occur, how to prevent them and how to troubleshoot your current issues. topics include children’s sleep, ideal routines for each age, common sleep problems: regressions, night wakings, and short naps. Pre-register online, and bring all your questions!

Thursday

In Person: Free Pop-Up Class with Philly Art Center (Ages 2-3)

October 8, 9:30 am

Fitler Square, 23rd and Pine streets

In this parent and child art class for ages 2-3, explore age-appropriate media adapted for outdoor art-making. Space is limited to ensure social distancing, so be sure to sign up to save your spot!

Free Online ‘Dear Zoo’ Kids’ Yoga Class

October 8, 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.

Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Over and Under the Pond’

October 8, 10:30 am

Families with young children are invited to join museum staff on Zoom for a morning of fun interactive storytelling and artwork engagement. Each family will receive suggestions for connecting to the book at home with craft and sensory exploration ideas. Free; re-register online.

Learn with Elmwood Park Zoo

October 8, 11 am

This free program for grades K-3 engages young learners with interesting animal artifacts and live animals that they can see up close via Zoom. Get a chance to ask your questions to the zoo educator. Pre-register online, and a link to the presentation will be sent to you one day before the event.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

October 8, 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.

Free Virtual Poison Apple Showcase with the Evil Queen

October 8, 7 pm

Join the Evil Queen on Facebook Live as she makes some poison apples, and also showcases some lovely handmade items from artists who created their own take on the poison apple! Ingredients needed to make your poison apples will be listed in the Facebook event.

Friday

In Person: Free Pop-Up Class with Philly Art Center (Ages 2-3)

October 9, 9:30 am or 10:45 am

Lemon Hill and Washington Square (pre-register for your desired location and timeslot)

In this parent and child art class for ages 2-3, explore age-appropriate media adapted for outdoor art-making. Choose your free class and be sure to sign up to save your spot!

Virtual Teen Program: Jewelry Making

October 9, 11 am

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

Water Cycle Experiment

October 9, noon

Join Miss Ashley of Ludington Library for a free STEM experiment online. This week it is the Water Cycle Experiment. You need a sandwich bag, a sharpie, tape, and water.

In Person: Dilworth Park Harvest Weekend

October 9-11

1 S. 15th St.

Harvest Weekend will encompass the best elements of fall at Dilworth Park. Three distinct activation zones will feature unique offerings, including a family-friendly area on the lawn with pumpkin painting. A “deconstructed beer garden” will socially-distant seating and a full cocktail to-go menu, plus seasonal dishes, like bratwurst. There will also be live entertainment like music, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, circus arts, and other surprises. The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market will also be open, with local vendors offering unique items for sale.

In Person: Boo Just For You: Trick-Or-Treating for Kids with Special Needs

October 9, 4-6 pm

Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

This sneak preview of EPZ’s Boo at the Zoo event is specially geared for guests with special needs, and their families and caregivers. This is a great opportunity to experience and enjoy Boo at the Zoo in a more relaxed setting, perfect for those with sensory sensitivities. Kids can walk the zoo and participate in treat stations, animal meet-and-greets, a costume parade, and more! Advanced tickets are required. Two adults are free with the purchase of a child’s ticket.

Free Virtual Pinocchio Halloween Storytime

October 9, 7 pm

Join Pinocchio and Geppetto for a fun Halloween storytime! Join in the fun and make some fun toys with this toymaker. Supplies are listed in the Facebook event.

In Person: Opening Night of Chestnut Hill Night of Lights

October 9, 7 pm

Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill

This year’s Night of Lights will take the form of an extended public art installation activating Germantown Avenue and transforming Chestnut Hill’s familiar main street into an interactive exhibition of local history and architecture. Over two and half weeks in October, historical images and films from the Conservancy’s Archives will be projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike, while neighboring historic buildings will be illuminated with colored lights. An expanded virtual experience—accessible on-site and at home—will allow for socially distanced explorations of community history, while offering a platform for the attendees to share their own stories.

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!

Dilworth Park Harvest Weekend

October 9-11

1 S. 15th St.

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.

Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square

October 1—31, 6—9 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

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.

Final Weekend of 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!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick or Treat Weekends

Weekends, October 2 through November 1

500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

Explore LEGO Hidden Side, a spooktacular LEGO play experience using augmented reality. Let your little ghost hunter join Jack and Parker on an AR adventure to capture the ghouls hiding in their Halloween build stations, plus take photos with the holiday-themed giant LEGO builds! You can also collect free LEGO pieces to build your own Halloween LEGO creation to take home. Costumes are encouraged, and pre-registration is required to ensure social distancing. Masks are required on all guests ages 2 and up.

Boo at the Elmwood Park Zoo

Weekends, October 10 through November 1, noon — 3 pm
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Bring the little ones for a fun-filled afternoon for princesses, ghosts and superheroes of all ages. Don’t forget your trick-or-treat bag, as treat stations will be located throughout the zoo! Included with price of general admission, but reservations are required to ensure social distancing.

Day of the Dead Community Mural Painting with Cesar Viveros at Cherry Street Pier

October 10, 11, 17, and 18; 2-5 pm

121 N. Columbus Blvd.

The public is invited to help Cesar Viveros paint his upcoming ‘Day of the Dead’ mural, to be displayed on October 30. Masks must be worn at Cherry Street Pier, except when eating or drinking.

Indigenous Peoples Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution

October 10-12

101 S. Third St.

Visit the museum or explore stories online to learn more about Native Americans and the American Revolution. At the Museum, join educators for half-hour themed tours and family-friendly activities about Native American history and culture, including a wampum belt coloring sheet to take home.

Saturday

11th Annual Philadelphia Family Pride Family Matters Conference At Home

October 10, 9:30 am-4 pm

Pay-what-you-can for a day of interactive programming for LGBTQ+ parents, prospective parents, and grandparents, as well as big kids and youth ages 8-14 that addresses the moment we are living in. See schedule online for topics, virtual events, and pre-registration.

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

October 10, 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 Oktoberfest in Havertown

October 10, 11 am–6 pm

300 E. Eagle Rd., Havertown

Wear your mask and bring your own chair for live music, food, drink, crafts, and fun for the whole family. Free admission; proceeds benefit Kelly Music for Life and St. Denis Parish.

Music Theatre Philly’s Satur-SLAY Family Dance: Broadway Hits

October 10, 11 am

The whole family will learn choreography from a live, guided class, taught by an amazing MTP Teaching Artist over Zoom. For kids ages 6 and up and their families. Pre-register online.

In Person: Saturday Youth Art Class at Cherry Street Pier

October 10, 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: Silly Joe at Sister Cities Park

October 10, noon

210 N. 18th St.

Silly Joe will be in the park with fun sing-alongs and story readings. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2.

In Person: Descendants Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville

October 10, 12:15 pm

Sweet & Sassy, 250 Plaza Dr., Collegeville

Kids can get a Descendants makeover and enjoy a dance party with snacks. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

Virtual Baking Class: Create Your Own Cookie

October 10, noon

Kids will learn how to make full recipes from scratch at home, step-by-step with chef instructors. Pre-register online. Ingredient lists, substitution guide, and Zoom log-in information are sent via email before class.

Drive-Thru Book Launch Party for ‘Way Past Worried’

October 10, 1 pm (Gladwyne Elementary Parking Lot) and 3 pm (Belmont Hills Library Parking Lot)

Author Hallee Adelman will be at two book launch parties for her new children’s book Way Past Worried. This engaging story speaks to kids’ emerging emotional intelligence skills and helps them learn to manage worry. Pre-order your signed copy online.

Stories with Rapunzel

October 10, 3 pm

Join Rapunzel for a free relaxing storytime on Facebook Live.

In Person: Artists at Work in Northern Liberties

October 10, 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.

Drive-In Movie Night: ‘A League of Their Own’

October 10, 6:30 pm

IKEA Parking Lot, 2206 S. Columbus Boulevard

Join the Pennsylvania SPCA for a socially distanced drive-in movie night with the classic A League of Their Own. Tickets available online. Proceeds benefit PSPCA.

Broadway Musical Family Trivia Night Live

October 10, 7 pm

Join Ludington Library on Facebook Live for Family Trivia Nights every Saturday night in October! This week, the theme is Broadway musicals.

Sunday

Virtual Ghost Hunters Club with Scooby Doo Characters

October 11, 1o am

Join the team from Scooby Doo and have fun investigating ghost sightings, monster tales, and other mysteries! Create slime, solve mysteries, and play games. Tickets available online.

In Person: JoJo’s Fancy Bow Event

October 11, 11:30 am

Sweet & Sassy, 250 Plaza Dr., Collegeville

Kids can get a JoJo makeover and enjoy a dance party with snacks and crafts. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

Virtual Cooking Class: Game Day Snacks: Baked Wings

October 11, 11:30 am

Make sweet or spicy baked wings! Make them with chicken, or substitute cauliflower or other vegetarian option. Pre-register online.

In Person: Book Fair and Family Fun Day at American Swedish Historical Museum

October 11, noon-3:30 pm

1900 Pattison Ave.

To celebrate their newest exhibit highlighting Swedish illustrator Gustaf Tenggren, ASHM is hosting a Book Fair and Family Fun Day. This is a free outdoor event on the Museum’s terrace with plenty of space for physical distancing. Activities include craft stations and a story corner where young readers can build literacy skills by reading The Poky Little Puppy to dogs from the Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program. Each child attending will receive a free Golden Book. Vendors include local independent bookstores.

Virtual PECO Family Jams: Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls

October 11, noon

In this virtual family art workshop, Magic Gardens teaching artist Ivonne Pinto-Garcia will demonstrate how to use royal icing to decorate your own sugar skulls at home for Dia de Muertos. Then join PMG for a virtual tour of some of the Mexican folk art at the Magic Gardens.