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Home / Community  / Things To Do This Week  / 30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week (October 26-November 1)

30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week (October 26-November 1)

It's Halloweek!! Go nuts!

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

Go straight to: Monday      Tuesday      Wednesday       Thursday      Friday       WEEKEND

All Week

Get Ready for Election Day in Philly with these Activities

We probably don’t need to remind you, but Election Day is November 3. Whether you’re mailing your ballot in, voting early at City Hall or other satellite office, or voting in person, be sure to make a plan to make your voice heard! Once that’s taken care of, you may be looking for ways to discuss this crucial election with your kids, put it in perspective, or just have some relatively light-hearted fun as you count down the days. From art to history to cookies, we’ve got you covered.

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.

‘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!

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!

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.

Penn Wynne Spot-A-Truck Scavenger Hunt

Through October 31

 

Buy a scavenger hunt form online (and be entered to win prizes), then complete the Spot-a-Truck Scavenger Hunt to find toy trucks hidden around the Penn Wynne community! All donations and entry fees will be used to support the annual programs and collections of Penn Wynne Library.

(Virtual) Da Vinci Fest Live

October 22-29

 

Showcasing the innovation, diversity, and artistry that makes Philadelphia so vibrant, Da Vinci Fest goes virtual this year, and brings you art and science programs you can experience at home. Join PlayArts to make a parachute for toys, create a derby car with everyday items alongside FunScienceDemos, and more!


Monday

Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga

October 26, 10 am

 

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

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus

October 26, 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.

Halloween Trivia

October 26, 6:30 pm

 

Join Lower Merion Libraries for a Zoom and Kahoot trivia all about Halloween. It will be designed for families, so all ages can participate. Pre-register online for the Zoom link.

Our City, Your Orchestra: Franklin Institute

October 26, 7 pm

 

Our City, Your Orchestra is a series of free online concerts performed by small ensembles, recorded without audiences at iconic cultural locations throughout the region. This week’s free virtual performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra streams online from the Franklin Institute. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.


Tuesday

Spanish Storytime

October 27, 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 27, 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 Belle

October 27, 10 am

 

Join Princess Belle on Zoom for songs, interactive dances, and storytime. Pre-register online.

Halloween Themed Music with Ms. Jill

October 27, 10:15 am

 

Music with Miss Jill is an interactive music program for toddlers through kindergarten. Weekly activities consist of themed songs, fingerplays, props, musical games, and puppets. This week is spooky! Free; pre-register online.

In Person: Halloween Storytimes at Pennypack Environmental Center

October 27 and 29; 11 am and 4 pm

8600 Verree Rd.

 

Join Pete as he shares spooky stories in the campfire area. Afterwards, grab the family and head out for a self guided scavenger hunt to look for creatures of the forest. Due to social distancing requirements, space is extremely limited and walk-ups will not be available. Register in advance for your desired timeslot. All programs will be held outdoors (bathrooms won’t be open), and all participants must wear a mask.

Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout

October 27, 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 First Notes

October 27, 11 am

 

The Ardmore Music Training Center is back at Belmont Hills Library with First Notes! First Steps in singing, rhythm, movement, and small instruments. This fun baby and toddler music class will be hosted on Zoom. Pre-register to be sent the link.

At-Home Anthro: Dia de los Muertos

October 27, 1 pm

 

Learn about one of Mexico’s best-known traditions: “The Day of the Dead.” See how the riches of the country’s geography connect to the deep meaning of this holiday’s traditional altars, while discovering the symbolism of each element. This workshop concludes with a craft activity, related to the festival, and a reading of poetry in Nahuatl, the language of the powerful Aztecs. Free; pre-register online.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

October 27, 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.

Virtual PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog

October 27, 3 pm

 

Join the Free Library and our Friends at PAWS for People to read to a therapy dog on a live video conference! Reading to a dog helps children develop confidence and skills for reading aloud. 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.

Harry Potter Trivia Night

October 27,  6:30 pm

 

Join the Helen Kate Furness Free Library for a free, live Harry Potter trivia game on Kahoot! For families with children ages 13 and under. Once you register oneline, you will receive an email with the Zoom link.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

October 27, 7 pm

 

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


Wednesday

In PersonRoots with Ruark Outdoor Jam with Kith + Kin

October 28, 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 28, 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 28, 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.

In Person: Yoga for Kids at Linwood Park

October 28, 4 pm

199 E. Athens Ave., Ardmore

 

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

In Person: Trick-or-Treating at King of Prussia Town Center

October 28, 4-7 pm

155 Village Drive, King of Prussia

 

Local kids and families are encouraged to dress up and visit participating tenants for individually wrapped candies and other tenant specials. Additional festivities on the green space include a live DJ and a photobooth.

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.

Virtual Descendants Party with Mal

October 28, 6:30 pm

 

Mal hosts a Zoom meeting with all of her friends from Ridley Township Public Library. Join Mal for songs, stories, games, Q & A, and more. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Under the Sea Trick-or-Treat Party

October 28, 7 pm

 

Join the Little Mermaid and her underwater friends for a virtual trick-or-treat adventure. Children will first learn a few virtual ways to swim under the sea, and then be led on a trick-or-treating quest. Kids will knock on ten different doors with Ariel and meet an additional ten fun and interactive surprise characters who will celebrate with the kids at a virtual Halloween party with songs, dances, and games! Tickets available online.

Thursday

Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Frankencrayon’

October 29, 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.

In Person: Halloween Storytimes at Pennypack Environmental Center

October 27 and 29; 11 am and 4 pm

8600 Verree Rd.

 

Join Pete as he shares spooky stories in the campfire area. Afterwards, grab the family and head out for a self guided scavenger hunt to look for creatures of the forest. Due to social distancing requirements, space is extremely limited and walk-ups will not be available. Register in advance for your desired timeslot. All programs will be held outdoors (bathrooms won’t be open), and all participants must wear a mask.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

October 29, 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.

In Person: Costume Parade at Parkway Central Library

October 29, 3:30 pm

1901 Vine St.

 

Meet on the sidewalk outside the front door of the library for a socially-distanced outdoor parade. Collect goodie bags from library departments with no-touch pick-up. Masks required for all kids and adults age 2 and up.

Virtual Thursday Crafternoon

October 29, 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.

Civics 101 for Girls Webinar

October 29, 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.

In Person: Trick or Treat Night at Elmwood Park Zoo

October 29, 5:30-8:30 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

This socially distanced event will provide families with a safe space to trick-or-treat around the zoo. Adults and children are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes. Don’t forget your trick-or-treat bag and your flashlight! Guests can also enjoy one free carousel ride included with their ticket and animal meet and greets. Tickets available online.


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.

Casey Cooks with Kids: Halloween Edition

October 30, 10 am

 

Join Miss Casey for a special Halloween Edition of Casey Cooks with Kids. Just in time for Halloween, she is making Spooky Salty Apple Pops. You will need apples, sprinkles, caramel or chocolate syrup, candies or marshmallows, popsicles sticks, pretzels, and a knife used with parental guidance. Free; join on Ludington Library’s Facebook.

Virtual Teen Program: Jewelry Making

October 30, 11 am

 

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

Virtual Halloween Storytime with Calico Jack at Independence Seaport Museum

October 30, noon

 

Join Independence Seaport Museum and pirate in residence Calico Jack for some scary good fun! Calico Jack will be hosting a virtual storytime for kids on four different dates. Tickets available online.

In Person: Outdoor Costume Parade at Ardmore Library

October 30, 1:30 pm

108 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore

 

Wear your mask and your costume, and join in a socially distanced costume parade outside the library! Call to pre-register.

Virtual Halloween Drag Queen Story Hour: Monsters!

October 30, 2 pm

 

Join Paradise and the New York Public Library for a monster-themed virtual DQSH program to celebrate Halloween, including stories, music, and a paper bag puppet craft.

In Person: Halloween Kids and Family at The Land on Callowhill

October 30, 4-6 pm

1823 Callowhill St.

 

Music, Halloween movies, pumpkin painting, a COVID-friendly candy handout, and games all at a social distance. Watch their Instagram for ticket release.

Virtual Halloween with the Art Museum

October 30, 4 pm

 

In this virtual experience, artworks come to life as you trick-or-treat through the museum’s galleries. Meet friendly costumed characters who challenge you with riddles, close-looking activities, and other “treats.” Have a pencil and paper handy for some spooky sketching. Then get ideas for ghostly artworks to create at home.​ Free; pre-registration required.

Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar

October 30, 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.

In Person: Halloween Happy Hour at the Barn at Historic RittenhouseTown

October 30, 5 pm

Historic Rittenhouse Town, 211 Lincoln Drive

 

Outdoor family-friendly Halloween Happy Hour at the Barn at Historic RittenhouseTown. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets and food and enjoy live music and kids’ activities for a pre-Halloween celebration! Costumes encouraged for a pumpkin scavenger hunt and Trick or TREEing! Personal protective gear and social distancing required. Pre-register online.

Virtual Royal Trick-or-Treat and Party

October 30, 7 pm

 

Kids will knock on ten different doors with Anna and Elsa and meet an additional ten fun and interactive surprise characters. Then, all characters will join the kids for a virtual Halloween party with songs, dances, and games! Tickets available online; join over Zoom.

Halloween Celebration Family Concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra

October 30, 8 pm

 

Put on your favorite Halloween costumes and join The Philadelphia Orchestra as they explore the spooky and the silly in this orchestral adventure, an annual audience favorite! Tickets available online. Digital Stage concerts begin with a performance premiere, followed by on-demand access for 72 hours.


Weekend Events

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.

A Revolutionary Halloweekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

October 30-November 1

101 S. Third St.

 

Hear spooky stories from the Revolutionary War and learn how early Americans carved turnips — not pumpkins — to ward away evil spirits. Pick up custom pumpkin-carving templates inspired by the museum’s collection in a special Halloween-themed take-and-make bag. Kids who come in costume receive $3 off admission.

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.

Franklin Fright Weekend

October 31 and November 1, 10 am–6 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

 

Spooky science, scary live shows, and other frightfully fun, family-friendly festivities take over the museum on Halloweekend. Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat indoors, through iconic exhibits with surprises behind each of the festive doors! Plus, spooky eye and heart dissections at the Heart Bar, a festive outdoor atmosphere in Science Park, creepy crawlers visiting from the Philadlephia Insectarium, and a take-home activity: mini 3D printed pumpkins to decorate with LED lights. Included with general museum admission. Masks are required (costume masks are not a substitute!), as well as social distancing and temperature checks. Read more about the Franklin Institute’s reopening safety procedures in our post.

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.

Halloween Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences

October 30-November 1

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Dress in your best (family-friendly) costume and visit with dinosaurs, dioramas, and more! All visitors will receive a treat bag while supplies last.

 


Saturday

Trick or Treating for Foodies

October 31, 10 am-4 pm

121 N. Narberth Ave, Narberth

 

To kick-off the restart of in-person shopping on Saturdays, Pinwheel Provisions is hosting a Halloween event! They’ll be offering pre-packaged samples (in compostable containers) for visitors to take home and heat up at their convenience all day long.

Halloween in Manayunk

October 31, 10 am—4 pm

4300 Silverwood St.

 

Halloween in Manayunk offers a fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween. Though trick-or-treating on Main Street is canceled this year, the Pretzel Park Farmers Market will host spooky vendors and a costume parade at 10 am. Then, stop by the Manayunk.com booth for kids’ activities and treats. Masks and social distancing is required.

Hocus Pocus Halloween Fun at Little City Activity Center

October 31; 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm

Fifth and Master streets

 

Little City hosts a free Halloween event with family activities like ghost bowling, “make your mask,” dancing, and more. Space is limited to maintain social distancing, so be sure to pre-register for your desired timeslot. Masks are required for adults and children two years and older to the best of their ability.

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

October 31, 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.

Lil’ Monstars Halloween Bash at Hard Rock Cafe

October 31, 10 am

1113 Market St.

 

Hard Rock Cafe is hosting a screening of Monsters Inc., plus costume contest, snacks, individual cookie decorating, and goodie bags (upon departure). Menu will be available for purchase at tables. Tickets available online.

Virtual Cooking Class: Brunch Classics: Pumpkins Pancakes & Pajamas

October 31, 10 am

 

Celebrate fall and the weekend with seasonal brunch! Pre-register online.

Halloween on East Passyunk Avenue

October 31, 11 am-1 pm

East Passyunk

 

On Halloween, families can come in costume and grab pre-packaged trick or treat bags at two locations on East Passyunk Avenue (Society Hill Dance Academy and the driveway of the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center). These individually wrapped goodie bags will include candy, toys, and items from local businesses. 1,000 bags will be available on a first-come first serve basis. Elsewhere along the Avenue, Halloween lovers of all ages are encouraged to take part in a socially distanced digital scavenger hunt that can be filled out on mobile devices from October 24-31.

Virtual: Halloween Story Time and Craft with Belmont Hills Library

October 31, 11 am

 

All ages welcome! The program will premiere on the library’s Facebook page on Halloween morning, but be sure to register in advance to receive a take-home project kit that will be available that week.

Sunset Social Halloween Fun

October 31, noon-3 pm

Cira Green, 129 S. 30th Street (12 floors up)

 

This park atop University City will host a free event with activities such as pumpkin painting, costume contests, movies on the big screen, food, drinks, candy, prizes, and more!

Trick Or Treat at Philly Rock Gym

October 31, noon-8 pm

At PRG East Falls, Oaks, Fishtown, and Wyncote locations

 

Climb in costume at the PRG and stop by the Halloween photobooth to enter a Virtual Halloween Costume Contest for even more fun! Reservations are required in advance for your desired timeslot.

School of Rock Philly Halloween Fundraiser Show for Greensgrow

October 31, 1-3 pm

Greensgrow, 2501 E. Cumberland Street

 

School of Rock Philadelphia’s House Band will be performing live, playing rock, pop, and soul classics. All ticket sales will go directly to benefit Greensgrow and the amazing services this urban farm provides to the community. Come in costume, rock out, shop the farmer’s market, and grab some candy! Tickets available online.

Dance Day on the Lawn at People’s Light

October 31, 1:30 pm

39 Conestoga Road, Malvern

 

Dancer/choreographer and Teaching Artist Daniella Brown will welcome kids ages 2-5 to a socially-distanced outdoor movement exploration. A minimum of one adult plus one child, and a maximum of 5 per party, will have their own ground cloth marking out a private “dance zone” on the People’s Light lawn. Each session will include group stretching and warm-up, guided movement activities, and a sample dance in a different style each week. This session, learn dances to “Monster Mash,” “Thriller,” and more! Pre-registration is required to hold your spot.

Trick or Treat Story Stroll at Kingsessing Library

October 31, 2 pm

1201 S. 51st St.

 

Come for an outdoor storytime stroll; then at the end of the story you’ll find your very own copy of Last Stop on Market Street and some additional treats while supplies last.

Halloween Candy Hunt

October 31, 2 pm

César Andreu Iglesias Community Garden, 427 Arlington St.

 

Come search for candy amidst flowers, herbs, friends, spirits, and a haunted tent! Costumes encouraged, masks required!

Virtual Drag Queen Spooky Hour

October 31, 2 pm

 

Pickle, Cholula Lemon, and Felicia Minor will read books fit for the season as well as lip-sync performances and sing-alongs to children’s songs! Kids and families are encouraged to dress up in their own fabulous costumes for our costume party. Tickets available online.

KCFC’s Halloween Backyard Smash

October 31, 3 pm

2670 Coral St.

 

Come for a free, socially distant Halloween hangout in the parking lot! Enjoy photos, costume awards, candy, and more.

Rutabaga Halloween Parade

October 31, 3:30 pm

3539 Vaux St.

 

Join Rutabaga Toy Library on Halloween for a socially distanced Halloween parade and event. The parade begins at Nou Vaux Market, will continue through East Falls, and ends at Rutabaga Toy Library. The Costume Contest will take place at the end of the parade.

Virtual Halloween Family Trivia Night with Ludington Library

October 31, 7 pm

 

Join Miss Jackie and Miss Casey to test your knowledge as a family. Costumes encouraged! Join on Facebook Live.

Virtual: Bedtime Stories with the Ice Sisters

October 31, 7 pm

 

Join Elsa and Anna on Facebook Live free for a very special storytime on this spooktacular holiday!


Sunday

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

November 1, 10 am-5 pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

It’s the first Sunday of the month, so families can get free admission to the Barnes Foundation! Online registration is required for free admission to the Barnes Foundation; tickets are not available on-site. Masks are required for all visitors over age 2.

 

If you can’t make it in person, the Barnes is also offering virtual PECO Free First Sunday Family Day performances and activities on their Twitch channel beginning at 10 am. No registration is necessary for the virtual activities.

Thanksgiving Clay Platter Workshop

November 1, 10 am

Glen Foerd On the Delaware, 5001 Grant Avenue

 

Make a one-of-a-kind platter for your holiday table in this workshop by the Clay Studio. Go on a short nature walk on the grounds of Glen Foerd to learn about and collect native foliage. You will then bring what you found inside to use to press into your clay plate. Tickets available online.

Virtual Cooking Class: Pigs in a Pretzel

November 1, 11 am

 

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

Virtual Day of the Dead ‘Frozen’  Fiesta

November 1, 1 pm

 

Join Anna, Elsa, and special guest Elena of Avalor for an online fiesta with crafts and more.

Virtual Sundays on Stage: Story SELebration with Queen Nur

November 1, 2 pm

 

Using folktales and original stories from around the world, enjoy stories that teach self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. This show will be shared live on Free Library of Philadelphia’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/).

 

 

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.

Contributing Writer

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