Have some fun with our roundup of this week’s in-person and virtual activities!

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All Week

Don’t miss out on Reopening Guides for Philly and the Main Line to see what is happening in real life! Plus:

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

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.

Chestnut Hill Night of Lights

October 9-25, 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.

‘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!

KIDZ BOP Online Daily Dance Break

Daily at 3 pm

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

Monday

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.

Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga

October 12, 10 am

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

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus

October 12, 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.

10th Annual Philadelphia Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

October 12, noon–4 pm

Streaming online from Bartram’s Garden, this annual celebration of Indigeneity includes dance, music, and more.

Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Cornmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

October 12, 2 pm

Kids will work together, from their own homes, to create a treat from scratch, step-by-step with Chef Instructors. Pre-registration required.

Tuesday

Spanish Storytime

October 13, 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 13, 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 Ariel

October 13, 10 am

Sign up for a 30-minute virtual playdate with Ariel including storytime, music, and movement for little ones.

In Person: Parkway Pals Story Art at Sister Cities Park

October 13, 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.

Drag Queen Story Time

October 13, 11 am

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

October 13, 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!

Action Karate Family Zoom Class

October 13, 11 am

Belmont Hills and Action Karate offer a free family class over Zoom! Be sure to pre-register so that the Zoom code and password can be emailed to you the day before.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

October 13, 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.

Basic Compass Skills with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

October 13, 1 pm

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge leads free live nature programs on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. This week, find your way to this basic compass program and learn how to navigate your surrounding the old school way.

Civics 101 for Girls Webinar

October 13, 4:30 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.

Virtual Kids’ Cooking Class: Taco Tuesday

October 13, 5:30 pm

Kids will learn to make homemade flour tortillas and lime crema. Pre-register online.

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.

Free Virtual Pinocchio Halloween Storytime

October 13, 6:45 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.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

October 13, 7 pm

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

Virtual Pumpkin Carving with Rapunzel

October 13, 7 pm

Wednesday

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

October 14, 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.

Descendants Dance Class: Chillin’ Like a Villain

October 14, 1 pm

In this 30-minute beginner level online dance class students will learn cardio, technique, and a small section of a dance inspired by Disney’s Descendants. Pre-register online.

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

October 14, 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 14, 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

October 14, 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 14, 4 pm

199 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore

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

Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar

October 14, 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.

Kids’ Circus Class

October 14, 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

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.

In Person: Philly AIDS Thrift Drive-In: Beetlejuice

October 14, 7 pm

PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard

Celebrate Philly AIDS Thrift’s 15 Year Anniversary with a drive-in screening of the spooky Tim Burton classic Beetlejuice. Advanced tickets are required; tickets will not be sold on site.

Thursday

Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘I Got the Rhythm’

October 15, 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.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

October 15, 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.

Monster Mash Dance Party

October 15, 3:30 pm

Throw on your costume and sing and dance along to your favorite Halloween tunes in Ridley Township Library’s Zoom party for ages 3 and up.  Children who register can also pick up a treat bag filled with goodies to enjoy during the dance party! Pre-register in the link at the title.

Virtual Thursday Crafternoon

October 15, 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.

Virtual Ofrenda Workshop

October 15, 5 pm

An altar, or ofrenda, is a ritual display placed during Día de los Muertos, honoring the deceased. Join the Penn Museum and Mexican artist Cesar Viveros to learn about the history of altars and their diverse, colorful elements in this all-ages workshop. Free to registered guests; pre-register online.

Free Virtual Storytime with the Addams Family

October 15, 7 pm

Join a couple of members of this spooky family for a fun Halloween storytime on Facebook Live.

Toddler Behavior Virtual Class

October 15, 7:30 pm

Join Miss Catherine, a child development specialist in discussing what is age-appropriate during toddler years and positive ways to foster these behaviors. Pre-registration required online via Kith + Kin.

Friday

In Person: Boo at the Zoo

Weekends from October 16—November 1, 9:30 am—5 pm

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

Put on your favorite costume and enjoy a (modified) Boo at the Zoo. Unlike previous years where kids trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, this year kids will receive a free candy bag upon exiting the zoo to minimize touchpoints. There are also festive displays throughout the zoo that make for great photo ops, and the annual “extinction graveyard.” Fall food and drink special offerings from zoo vendors will include hot apple cider, sweets and treats. To limit capacity and ensure social distancing, all visitors must purchase advance timed-tickets—tickets will not be sold on site. Masks are required for guests ages 2 and up.

Virtual Art Museum Playdate: Face to Face

October 16, 10:30 am

In this live virtual program, engage in playful discussions, sketching challenges, and other fun activities. For ages 4–7 and their grown-ups. This month, explore portraits and make some of your own. Free; pre-registration required.

Tots Circus Class

October 16, 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

October 16, 11 am

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

Kids’ Circus Class

October 16, 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.

Community Organizing for Girls (Ages 12-17)

October 16, 4 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.

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!

Boo at the Zoo

Weekends from October 16—November 1, 9:30 am—5 pm

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

Put on your favorite costume and enjoy a (modified) Boo at the Zoo. Unlike previous years where kids trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, this year kids will receive a free candy bag upon exiting the zoo to minimize touchpoints. There are also festive displays throughout the zoo that make for great photo ops, and the annual “extinction graveyard.” Fall food and drink special offerings from zoo vendors will include hot apple cider, sweets and treats. To limit capacity and ensure social distancing, all visitors must purchase advance timed-tickets—tickets will not be sold on site. Masks are required for guests ages 2 and up.

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.

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.

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.

 Parks on Tap: WaterWorks and FDR Park

Through November 1

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 added another location: FDR Park! Enjoy this family-friendly beer garden before it leaves on November 1.

 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 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.

Riverbend’s ShiverQuest Scavenger Hunt

October 17–31

1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne

Instead of their annual Shiverfest celebration, Riverbend came up with a family-friendly way to enjoy the fun of their signature Halloween event in your own home and safely at the environmental center this year.  Purchase a ShiverQuest Investigator Kit (on sale now), filled with games, activities, and cool tools that can be used at home and in your own backyard. The kits also contain instructions on how to download an app and participate in a self-guided scavenger hunt at Riverbend that starts on October 17–look for clues, and beat challenges as a family to solve the mystery. Participants of the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a week of Riverbend Summer Camp for the 2021 summer season.

Saturday

 Cricket BOO!

October 17, 9:30 am–12:30 pm

Cricket Avenue, Ardmore

Join Lulu’s Casita and pucciManuli for their annual Halloween bash on Cricket Avenue! Cricket BOO! will look a little different this year and will be a lot smaller than previous years–tickets are extremely limited, so get yours early! Kids of all ages will enjoy a morning full of spooky fun including pumpkin hunting, photo booth, spooky storytime, live music by Roots with Ruark, unlimited play at Lulu’s Casita, and even visits from Elsa, Anna, and Elmo!

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

October 17, 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.

 Zombies 2 Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville

October 17, 10:30 am

Sweet & Sassy, 250 Plaza Dr., Collegeville

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

 Parkway Pals Story Art: Halloween Edition

October 17, 11 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Kids are invited to participate in a fun and festive scavenger hunt through the park, ending with a trick-or-treat bag of goodies. The Free Library of Philadelphia will host Story Art at noon, complete with Halloween-themed stories and take-away crafts. Costumes are encouraged, and masks are required.

 Saturday Youth Art Class at Cherry Street Pier

October 17, 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.

Ardent Fall Fest

October 17, 12 pm

516 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

Ardent Credit Union hosts a drive-thru seasonal celebration for the entire family! Stay in your car and wear your mask– the Ardent team will bring the fun, food, and giveaways to you. Meet Phang, the Philadelphia Union mascot, and enter to win a soccer ball signed by the Philadelphia Union players and other great prizes!

Intergalactic Day at Elmwood Park Zoo

October 17, noon-3 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Come for Boo at the Zoo, and meet some Star Wars characters who will be hanging around!

 Stem Prep Academy’s Science Saturday for Preschoolers

October 17, 12:45 pm or 2 pm

Every third Saturday, kids ages 2-5 will get together for a fun experiment that teaches real world problem solving, engaged learning, teamwork, and STEM concepts. Parents can stay or drop off. This month’s theme is Candy Corn Disintegration! Pre-register online.

Virtual: ‘Doing Democracy’ Poster Workshop

October 17, 1 pm

Sunday

Literacy Fest at Smith Memorial Playground

October 18, 10 am-2 pm

3500 Reservoir Dr.

Join Northeast Treatment Centers at Smith for a fun day of literacy inspired giveaways, games, and resources for families.

Virtual Cooking Class: Game Day Snacks: Loaded Potato Skins

October 18, 11 am

Pre-register online for this family cooking class that will teach you how to make some tasty gameday snacks together.

Superhero Day at Elmwood Park Zoo

October 18, noon-3 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Come for Boo at the Zoo, and meet some caped crusaders (both heroes and villains!) who will be hanging around for photo ops.

Virtual Baking Class: Pumpkin Pie

October 18, 1 pm

Get into the fall spirit and get ready for holiday baking with this online family baking class. Pre-register online.

Virtual: Once Upon a Garden Storytime with Chanticleer

October 18, 2 pm

Join Radnor Memorial Library for a virtual storytime at Chanticleer: A Pleasure Garden. Best for ages 2-5. No registration required.

Virtual Fairest of the Fall Fashion Show

October 18, 6:30 pm

Strut your stuff and show off your fabulous Halloween costume in this virtual fashion show with Snow White, her prince, and the Evil Queen! Pre-register online.

Photograph by Laura Swartz.