30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week (November 9-15)
At home and in person, plan your week!
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
Winter at Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Through February 2021
1 S. 15th St.
Dilworth gets activated with the opening of Rothman Ice Rink and Cabin, and the picturesque Wintergarden Maze. The Cabin will feature a new, open-air layout and warm heat lamps—and as always a seasonal menu including a kids’ menu for little ones and cocktails for their grownups. In response to COVID-19 restrictions, a new online reservation system and limited rink capacity will be put in place for skating. The new online reservations system will provide safe contactless purchasing opportunities with scheduled timed, 90-minute skating sessions in order to control the rink capacity for skaters.
Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens
Through November 15
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Thousands of carefully nurtured and trained chrysanthemums are on display in Longwood Gardens’ Conservatory, including the Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum—a single plant bearing more than 1,000 sunny yellow blooms on a single stem. Plus, enjoy fountain shows, the Garden Railway, and more.
Holiday Magic at Brandywine
October 31—January 10
1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford
Returning early this year with exciting new additions and features, the model Brandywine Railroad has been a holiday family favorite for generations. Slightly modified this year to provide a safe and socially distant experience, the Brandywine Railroad will still feature plenty of trains, miniature details and the engaging elements that everyone loves—including interactive components operated by hands-free foot pedals. In addition to the Brandywine Railroad, see Ann Wyeth McCoy’s dollhouse, which features six rooms filled with three-dozen dolls and hundreds of miniature objects that will delight visitors of all ages. After seeing the whimsical display, explore the rest of the museum, including expansive views of the Brandywine River and changing colors of fall. Reserved tickets are required to ensure social distancing.
Monday
Free Music Class with Miss Jill on Zoom
November 9, 10 am
Best for ages 0-5. Join preschool teacher and musician Miss Jill for music and silly fun! This free program lasts about 20 minutes. Pre-register online to get the Zoom link.
Free Online ‘From Head to Toe’ Kids Yoga
November 9, 10 am
Kula Yoga Kids hosts a free yoga class for ages 2-6. Pre-register online.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus
November 9, 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.
Casey Cooks: Cereal Bananas
November 9, 2 pm
Join Miss Casey and Ludington Library for a free kids’ cooking lesson on Facebook Live. This week is Cereal Bananas! For this recipe you will need yogurt, bananas, cereal and popsicle sticks, spoon, cups, a plastic knife and chocolate/caramel syrup.
Little Chefs: Baked Soft Pretzels
November 9, 3 pm
Kids ages 2-5 will learn to make a healthy snack (with parental help) in this online cooking class. Pre-register online.
Our City, Your Orchestra: Valley Forge National Historical Park
November 9, 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 Valley Forge. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.
Tuesday
Spanish Storytime
November 10, 9:30 am
Sing songs, play a game, and read a book in Spanish with Spanish Exploradores. Free on Facebook Live.
Drag Queen Story Time: Giving Back with Thanksgiving
November 10, 10 am
Our favorite Philly drag queen Miss Brittany Lynn is teaming up with National Liberty Museum to bring you stories, arts and crafts, and sing-alongs to help celebrate gratitude and togetherness. Free; pre-register online.
Kids Yoga Adventures with Jitterbugs (Ages 2-12)
November 10, 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 Sleeping Beauty
November 10, 10 am
Join Sleeping Beauty on Zoom for songs, interactive dances, and storytime. Pre-register online.
PlayArts’ Virtual Movement Lab: Weather
November 10, 10:30 am
Join Teacher Margot on an exploration of the weather through basic movement and dance concepts! With playful locomotion through songs, nursery rhymes, stories and interactive games, get ready to move with your little one at home! This class is adaptive for infants up through 4 year olds. Pre-register online.
Kiddo and Me Zoom Workout
November 10, 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!
At-Home Anthro: Can You Match the Tech?
November 10, 1 pm
Join Penn Museum educators to explore the tools and techniques used by ancient engineers and craftspeople to create different artifacts, and discover similarities between world cultures, past and present. This 60-minute session is perfect for elementary to middle school kids. Free; pre-register online.
Ask a Biologist
November 10, 1 pm
Join John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Facebook Live and ask all your nature questions!
New Parent Virtual Support Group
November 10, 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.
Elmwood Park Zoo Online
November 10, 4 pm
Kids in grades K-3 can engage with a zoo educator on Zoom and learn about interesting animal artifacts and live animals. Free; pre-register online.
In Person: Furry & Bright Christmas Drive-Thru at Sesame Place
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-8 pm, November 10-December 23
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
If you’re looking to kick off the holiday season as soon as possible, head to Sesame Place! From the comfort of your own car, journey through a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, holiday décor, a festive Christmas soundtrack, and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends dressed in their warm winter best. To cap off the trail, guests can wave to Santa Claus as he wishes everyone a happy holiday season! Tickets are required in advance.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
November 10, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
Veterans Day at the Museum of the American Revolution
November 11, 10 am-5 pm
101 S. Third St.
Honor America’s first veterans as well as those who have served and continue to serve our nation today, and explore their stories through onsite and virtual programming. From Veterans Day through the weekend, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families. Kids are encouraged to download, print, and color a coloring page from the Museum with a special message of gratitude for service members.
Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Patriotic Sprinkle Cookies
November 11, 12:30 pm
Celebrate Veterans Day on your day off with this patriotic baking class for ages 5-15. Pre-register online.
Creating Space: A Feeding and Parenting Support Group for Black, Indigenous, People of Color
November 11, 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.
Advocacy 101 for Teen Girls Webinar
November 11, 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.
Thursday
Center for Aquatic Sciences Virtual Visit
November 12, 11 am
Discuss mythical creatures and then meet their real life counterparts, with plenty of time for questions and interacting with the museum educator. This program is best for children 5 and up. Free; pre-register online.
All About Fall
November 12, 1 pm
Join John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge on Facebook Live for a free program exploring the trees at Elmwood Park to discover the science behind this colorful season.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
November 12, 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.
Civics 101 for Girls Webinar
November 12, 4:30 pm
The Girls in Politics initiative introduces girls ages 10 to 15 to 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.
Friday
In Person: Holiday Showcase at Reading Terminal
November 13, 10 am-2 pm
12th and Arch streets
More than 40 Market merchants will feature their special holiday dishes, seasonal produce, desserts, holiday gifts, decorations, and other offerings. The holiday specials will be available to order both at each merchant’s storefront and at a collaborative display. The Market will also offer a virtual tour of the Holiday Showcase on Facebook Live at 10 am on Friday.
Art Museum Virtual Playdate: Feast Your Eyes
November 13, 10:30 am
In this live virtual program, engage in playful discussions, sketching challenges, and other fun activities. Look at food-filled works of art, compare a historical kitchen to your own, sketch festive feasts, and create wacky surrealist recipes. For ages 4–7 and their grown-ups. Free; pre-register online.
Eyes of the Wild Virtual Animal Visit
November 13, 4:30 pm
Eyes of the Wild and Paoli Library bring three new and interesting animals to you virtually. Free; pre-register online.
Weekend Events
Winter at Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Through February 2021
1 S. 15th St.
Dilworth gets activated with the opening of Rothman Ice Rink and Cabin, and the picturesque Wintergarden Maze. The Cabin will feature a new, open-air layout and warm heat lamps—and as always a seasonal menu including a kids’ menu for little ones and cocktails for their grownups. In response to COVID-19 restrictions, a new online reservation system and limited rink capacity will be put in place for skating. The new online reservations system will provide safe contactless purchasing opportunities with scheduled timed, 90-minute skating sessions in order to control the rink capacity for skaters.
Holiday Market at Terrain
November 14 and 15
914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills
Terrain gets in the holiday spirit as their festive tree yard opens. Plus, the Glen Mills location will have a weekly Market featuring some favorite makers and artisans offering their most special wares, as well as Terrain décor and lighting. Live music will accompany the festiveness, and look out for some snow at the market too—they’ll have the snow machines running to create some winter magic!
Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens
Through November 15
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Thousands of carefully nurtured and trained chrysanthemums are on display in Longwood Gardens’ Conservatory, including the Thousand Bloom Chrysanthemum—a single plant bearing more than 1,000 sunny yellow blooms on a single stem. Plus, enjoy fountain shows, the Garden Railway, and more.
‘Siege Weekend’ at Fort Mifflin
November 14—15, 10 am—4 pm
Fort Mifflin and Hog Island Roads
Learn about Fort Mifflin’s Revolutionary War history through guided tours, living history activities and demonstrations, musket drills, weapons demonstrations, and more.
Saturday
Love Your Park Day
November 14
Love Your Park engages citizens and volunteers to revitalize Philadelphia’s public green spaces and create safe, welcoming, and fun recreation opportunities in parks across the city. See their website for volunteer opportunities across the city.
Holiday Showcase at Reading Terminal
November 14, 10 am-2 pm
12th and Arch streets
More than 40 Market merchants will feature their special holiday dishes, seasonal produce, desserts, holiday gifts, decorations, and other offerings. The holiday specials will be available to order both at each merchant’s storefront and at a collaborative display.
The Saturday Club’s Holiday Market Sidewalk Sale
November 14, 10 am—2 pm
117 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne
Kick off your holiday shopping season early by supporting locally-owned small businesses. This yearly event showcases local artisans, business owners, and entrepreneurs. For enhanced safety, this event will be held outside with social distancing protocols and mask requirements. The market will also be cashless—credit cards or Venmo are accepted.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
November 14, 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 Baking Class: Banana Bread
November 14, 10 am
Celebrate the weekend with brunch classics! Baking class is for ages 5 and up (with parental help). Pre-register online.
Virtual Ask the Scientists: How Kids Can Help the Planet?
November 14, 10 am
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences online to talk to scientists and experts about what’s next for the planet and how we can all pitch in to create a sustainable future. This program is best suited for kids ages 8-11. Free; register online.
Virtual Storytelling Workshop with ASAP Drama
November 14, 10 am
In this interactive workshop series, children and teens will focus on the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, and Why) to learn effective storytelling practices, through a range of engaging activities inspired by the dramatic arts. This program will take place on Facebook Live on the Youth Services and Programs page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices), with video available to watch afterwards. No registration necessary.
Saturday Youth Art Class at Cherry Street Pier: Kawaii
November 14, 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. This week, kids will turn old socks and mittens into colorful donut squishies, pins and magnets–no sewing required! Advance registration is required by Friday. Masks are mandatory at Cherry Street Pier must be worn at all times.
Descendants Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville
November 14, 11:45 am
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.
Philly Chalk Festival
November 14, noon to sundown
Fishtown and Kensington
The Philadelphia Chalk Festival is an annual street painting festival created to engage local artists, businesses, and organizations through a safe, socially distanced, one-day event. Works will be created and displayed in various outdoor locations throughout the Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods. Viewers can locate the temporary murals on the online festival map and enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the pieces, learn about the festival artists, and stop in to support partnering local businesses all day.
Virtual Drag Queen Story Hour
November 14, 2 pm
Griot Tale Saturdays at Franklin Square
November 14, 4 pm
200 N. Sixth St.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia and Historic Philadelphia present free outdoor, socially-distanced storytime in the African oral tradition. Perfect for kids ages 5-12.
Virtual: Dance On Philly
November 14, 6 pm
Join Philadelphia’s first-ever, city-wide, virtual dance party from your own home (while the show is broadcast live from The Fillmore Philadelphia). The event goes until midnight, but Family Time is from 6-9 pm, and features Alex Mitnick, creator of Alex & the Kaleidoscope, along with DJs Jabair and Abby Klein, and young dancers from across the city. The event is open free to anyone who wants to watch, through the Dance On Philly website. It is also free to sign up and dance in the virtual open dance floor with the general crowd. Donations are optional but encouraged, and benefit Musicopia and Dancing Classrooms Philly, which provide music and dance education and enrichment activities to thousands of Philadelphia area schoolchildren each year.
Virtual Bedtime Stories with Tinker Bell
November 14, 7 pm
Join Tinker Bell for fun fairy stories featuring her pixie perfect friends, free on Facebook Live.
Sunday
Virtual Cooking Class: Baked Tater Tots
November 15, 11 am
Pre-register online for this family cooking class that will teach you how to make gameday snacks! Each week is a different snack, so check back for your favorite.
Virtual Hamilton Dance Class: The Schuyler Sisters
November 15, 11 am
Kids ages 8-13 can learn the dance for “The Schuyler Sisters” from Hamilton in this online class. Pre-register online.
JoJo’s Fancy Bow Event
November 15, 1 pm
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.
Sunday Fun Day at Awbury Arboretum
November 15, 2 pm
One Awbury Road
The Farm is always free and open to walk and explore – but on Sunday afternoons they have the goats ready to greet you, and Awbury staff on hand to answer your questions.
Virtual Sundays on Stage: Medea, Thor & More: World Mythology
November 15, 2 pm
Experience an engaging, educational, and entertaining introduction to world mythology, accompanied by an immersive soundscape and dramatic performance. This show will be shared live on Free Library of Philadelphia’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/).
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
NO COMMENTS