30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week (January 4-10)
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
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Through March 7
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Come to skate, ride the Ferris wheel, enjoy the lights, play boardwalk games, and more. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason. Timed reservations required for skating.
Winter in Franklin Square
Through January 10
Showtimes: Every half-hour from 5—9 pm (Sunday—Thursday), 5—10 pm (Friday—Saturday)
200 N. Sixth St.
More than 100,000 lights illuminate Franklin Square’s updated fountain show, timed to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS. There are two alternating shows every 30 minutes beginning at 5 pm daily, so if you stay a while for the square’s holiday activities, you can catch them both. And you’ll definitely want to because this year in addition to the carousel, Franklin Square is debuting Chilly Philly Mini Golf, a holiday spin on their beloved golf course complete with lights, holiday music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends! Masks and social distancing are required.
Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Through February 28
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Right outside City Hall, go skating on the Rothman Rink and running through the beautiful Wintergarden. Stop by the Cabin for snacks and drinks.
Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show
November 21—January 10
931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley
More than 3 million lights illuminate the farm with fantastic displays. You can drive through in the comfort of your own car, or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. After the show, take a stroll through musical, dancing lights of Candy Cane Lane. And be sure to visit the farmer’s market for treats, too! Tickets available online.
A Longwood Christmas
November 20—January 10
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Stroll among a winter wonderland of half-a-million lights, and see Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden illuminated for the season. Plus, enjoy live holiday music on select dates, and visit the whimsical Garden Railway for some added magic throughout the season. Timed admission tickets are required.
Virtual Zoo Motel
Through January 30
Best for ages 8 and up, this interactive and immersive virtual theatrical event has gained a worldwide audience with virtual motel guests “checking in” from around the world. Limited to only 21 audience participants nightly, who check into virtual “rooms”, this wildly inventive exploration of the possibilities of live theater and the magic of cinema explores what connects us and is broadcast live and online from a small room in a village in South America. Tickets available online. Due to its highly visual and playful aesthetic, Zoo Motel has been very popular with families and youth audiences ages 8 and up and will be presenting 2 pm matinees all weekends in January.
Monday
Music with Miss Jill
January 4, 10 am
Music with Miss Jill is a lively interactive music program for toddlers through kindergarten. Activities consist of songs, fingerplays, props, musical games, and puppets.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
January 4, 10:30 am
Build your child’s fine and large motor skills, sensory skills, vocabulary, and musical foundations in this virtual, play-based music class using Beatles songs to explore weekly themes. Register to get access to the class.
Casey Cooks with Kids
January 4, noon
Come make a wonderful food creation with Ludington Library’s Miss Casey on Facebook Live.
Trolls Dance Class
January 4, 5 pm
In this 45-minute beginning level dance class students ages 5-10 will learn cardio, technique, and a small section of “Just Sing” from Trolls World Tour. Pre-register online.
Tuesday
Music with Miss Jill
January 5, 9:45 am
Music with Miss Jill is a lively interactive music program for toddlers through kindergarten. Activities consist of songs, fingerplays, props, musical games, and puppets.
Creative Writing: Minecraft Edition
January 5, 11 am
Students ages 8-10 will learn five elements of writing a narrative, complete a graphic organizer, and begin drafting their Minecraft-themed masterpiece. Pre-register online.
Penn Museum Global Voyagers: Destination China
January 5, 11 am
Encounter history through thrilling artwork and monuments without leaving your home. These virtual tours are highly interactive, with built-in polls and quizzes to keep you guessing till the very end. Free; pre-register online.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
January 5, 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.
Tinker Tuesday: DIY Science with the Franklin Institute
January 5, 2 pm
Watch on Facebook Live as Frankin Institute science educators demonstrate how to add a sparkle of science to your holiday-themed projects this season.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
January 5, 5 pm
This beginner hip hop class is designed to introduce kids ages 7-12 to the field of dance in a fun and exciting way. Coach Helen will lead athletes step-by-step through fun choreography creating a full dance routine virtually. Enroll in the whole session, or drop in for $15.
Newborn Basics
January 5, 6 pm
Taught by a Newborn and Postpartum Nurse, this two-hour class covers typical traits and behaviors of newborns in their first eight weeks of life. Discuss feeding, diapering, bathing, dressing, safety, pediatrician visits, understanding crying and how best to comfort your baby. This course is designed for parents expecting their first baby, parents who would like a refresher before bringing a new baby home, grandparents and caregivers. Pre-register online.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
January 5, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Toddler Behavior Virtual Class
January 5, 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.
Wednesday
Dance the Nutcracker Ballet for Young Children
January 6, noon and 1 pm
In this one-time class, kids ages 4-9 will discover the music and story of The Nutcracker, learn basic ballet steps and movements, listen to the music, and learn some pantomime. No dance experience necessary. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.
Frozen Fun: Live Ice Sculpting and Artist Q&A
January 6, 2 pm
World-renowned ice sculptor Peter Slavin of Ice Sculpture Philly visits The Franklin Institute to sculpt a frosty creation and answer your questions about the science of the sculpt. Join free on Facebook Live.
Free Princess Party with Belle
January 6, 6:30 pm
Join Ridley Township Public Library and Belle for songs, stories, games, Q & A, and more. Pre-registration is required. An email with the Zoom link and craft will be sent the day before the program.
Fit4Baby
January 6, 6:30 pm
This virtual class will help you strengthen your body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. Classes are interval based, combining elements of strength training and cardiovascular exercises, along with stretching and balancing exercises. Pre-register online.
Read Along, Draw Along with Nina Mata: ‘I Promise’
January 6, 7 pm
Celebrate the New Year with a read along all about keeping promises to yourself, being confident, and striving to be your best with the illustrator of LeBron James’s I Promise, Nina Mata. After reading, Nina will guide kids through a draw-along session, talk about goal setting, and give tips on ways to draw characters that help us understand how they are feeling. Join free on Facebook Live.
Not A Peep Sleep Workshop
January 6, 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
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
January 7, 1 pm
Kith + Kin moves their group online so you can continue on your journey while you’re home. Facilitated by an international board-certified lactation consultant who can help answer your questions and provide tips for success, the group meets on Zoom (call-in info in the link in title); pay what you can over Venmo.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
January 7, 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.
DIY Sushi Night: Veggie Rolls and Dipping Sauce
January 7, 4:30 pm
In this class, kids will learn safe and skilled ways to cut veggies for the perfect custom sushi rolls filled with their favorites. They will also learn a few different sushi presentation styles from traditional maki rolls to temaki-style hand rolls. In addition, they will learn how to create their very own delicious dipping sauce to serve alongside their rolls. Tickets available online.
Infant Care Basics
January 7, 6 pm
This workshop is ideal for expecting parents. Class topics include physical characteristics of newborns, what to expect in the first few hours and days after birth, basics of newborn behavior and physiology, and more. This virtual class is interactive and discussion-based, and handouts are provided. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin.
Superhero Fitness Plus
January 7, 7 pm
In this action-packed class, Coach Eurico leads kids ages 3-7 through a series of fun, interactive workouts to build coordination, strength, and agility by doing moves inspired by some favorite superheroes! Pre-register online.
Discover Owls
January 7, 7 pm
As part of Bucks County Audubon Society’s social-distancing friendly Owl Prowl, learn all about these elusive raptors from the safety of your own home. The program is free, but donations are welcome. Zoom link will be emailed to you upon registration.
Franklin Institute’s Night Skies at Home
January 7, 7:45 pm
The Franklin Institute’s Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts invites stargazers of all ages to step outside and join him for a night sky tour from home– no telescopes needed!
Stroller Barre is a unique blend of ballet, Pilates, barre, yoga, and stroller-based exercises designed to help moms build strength and muscle tone and improve posture. Created by a mom who was formerly a professional ballerina, these classes yield amazing results within an exciting, fun format that also allows moms to exercise with their children. Pre-register online for the Zoom link.
Art Museum Virtual Playdate: All that Jazz
January 8, 10:30 am
In this live virtual program, discover jazz music, instruments, and musicians through works in the museum’s collection. For ages 4–7 and their grown-ups. Free; pre-register online. Registration ends at noon the day before the event. A link to this virtual program will be sent to all registered participants prior to the program.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
January 8, 10:30 am
Build your child’s fine and large motor skills, sensory skills, vocabulary, and musical foundations in this virtual, play-based music class using Beatles songs to explore weekly themes. Register to get access to the class.
STEM with Miss Ashley
January 8, noon
Join Ludington Library’s Miss Ashley on Facebook Live for a fun STEM activity.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
January 8, 3:30 pm
This beginner hip hop class is designed to introduce kids ages 7 and up to the field of dance in a fun and exciting way. Coach Helen will lead athletes step-by-step through fun choreography creating a full dance routine virtually. Enroll in the whole session, or drop in for $15.
DIY Pizza Night: Stuffed Crust Pizza
January 8, 4:30 pm
Close out the week with a fun family dinner you make yourself via Zoom cooking class! Learn how to make homemade pizza dough from scratch and top it with favorite sauce, cheese, and creative toppings to create your own custom pizza. Tickets available online.
January 8, 5 pm
This class is great for both beginners and intermediate drawers who want to practice a new style. Each food character will be drawn step by step by the teacher using a second camera, so learners will be able to follow along and draw in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Best for ages 7-12. Pre-register online.
Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners
Weekend Events
Museums Reopen in Philly!
It’s a new year, and while the pandemic is still very much happening, we are looking forward to new experiences and the reopening of some of our favorite spots, like the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and more. Here’s what’s planned as restrictions in Philly lift this week, and what to expect.
Treecycling
There are many options for disposing of your Christmas tree in an eco-friendly way this weekend. You can even feed it to goats!! Just make sure you take all the lights and decorations off first. And, as with everything, be sure to mask up and maintain your distance to keep everyone safe.
Winter in Franklin Square
Through January 10
Showtimes: Every half-hour from 5—9 pm (Sunday—Thursday), 5—10 pm (Friday—Saturday)
200 N. Sixth St.
More than 100,000 lights illuminate Franklin Square’s updated fountain show, timed to a soundtrack of holiday classics, some of which are performed by The Philly POPS. There are two alternating shows every 30 minutes beginning at 5 pm daily, so if you stay a while for the square’s holiday activities, you can catch them both. And you’ll definitely want to because this year in addition to the carousel, Franklin Square is debuting Chilly Philly Mini Golf, a holiday spin on their beloved golf course complete with lights, holiday music, and larger-than-life wintertime friends! Masks and social distancing are required.
Winter at Dilworth Park
Through February 2021
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Dilworth gets activated with the Rothman Ice Rink and Cabin, and the picturesque Wintergarden. 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.
A Longwood Christmas
Through January 10
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Stroll among a winter wonderland of half-a-million lights, and see Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden illuminated for the season. Plus, enjoy live holiday music on select dates, and visit the whimsical Garden Railway for some added magic throughout the season. Timed admission tickets are required.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Through March 7
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Come to skate, ride the Ferris wheel, enjoy the lights, play boardwalk games, and more. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason. Timed reservations required for skating.
Shady Brook Farm’s Holiday Light Show
November 21—January 10
931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley
More than 3 million lights illuminate the farm with fantastic displays. You can drive through in the comfort of your own car, or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. After the show, take a stroll through musical, dancing lights of Candy Cane Lane. And be sure to visit the farmer’s market for treats, too! Tickets available online.
Virtual Zoo Motel
Through January 30
Best for ages 8 and up, this interactive and immersive virtual theatrical event has gained a worldwide audience with virtual motel guests “checking in” from around the world. Limited to only 21 audience participants nightly, who check into virtual “rooms”, this wildly inventive exploration of the possibilities of live theater and the magic of cinema explores what connects us and is broadcast live and online from a small room in a village in South America. Tickets available online. Due to its highly visual and playful aesthetic, Zoo Motel has been very popular with families and youth audiences ages 8 and up and will be presenting 2 pm matinees all weekends in January.
Pre-Twinkle Classes provide opportunities for very young children (aged 3-5) to develop basic musicianship and readiness skills for success in the Suzuki approach. Music from different Suzuki instruments will be featured helping to transition students into the more formal environment of lessons as well as introducing parents to the Suzuki philosophy. Register for a free intro class with Temple Music Prep.
Treecycling with Philly Goat Project
January 9, 10 am–1 pm
The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh Street
Contribute $20 and your Christmas tree towards charity in support of the Philly Goat Project. Your tree will be eaten by the goats and/or turned into woodchips that help line the trails around Awbury Arboretum, the goats’ paddocks, or in parks around the city. Your donation will go towards the Philly Goat Project’s mission of using “Goats for the Greater Good” and providing free programming to our community. For more Christmas tree recycling events and sites, read our guide!
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
January 9, 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 All Around This World Music
January 9, 10 am
In All Around This World concerts and interactive events, kids and their grown-ups sing, dance, and play together while experiencing different languages, cultures, and traditions. Gladwyne Library hosts over Zoom. Free; pre-register online.
Brunch with the Snow Queen at Germantown Garden
January 9, 11 am
1029 Germantown Ave.
Families are invited to get Frozen at this special open-air dining experience perfect for kids of all ages that love Elsa! This socially-distanced positive and magical dining experience will include 90 minutes at a private, exclusive, and heated igloo just for you and your immediate family members, plus a safe and socially-distanced photo opportunity and visit with the queen, songs, and souvenirs. Reservations are required online for your desired seating. Read more about the event here!
Virtual Winterfest Storytime presented by Music Play Patrol
January 9, 11 am
Normally, we love the RiverRink’s Storytime in the Lodge, but this year they’ve reimagined their Philly famous Wintertime story hour. So join Mr. Frank and friends every Saturday through January at 11 am via the Winterfest Facebook page for music, song, and dance, and marvelous tales from the safety and comfort of your home. Cozy up with cocoa, a cookie, and a toasty blanket, and get ready for a fun time online.
Virtual Baking Class: Churro Muffins
January 9, 11 am
Kids ages 5-15 will work step-by-step with a chef instructor to measure, mix and bake up Churro Muffins over Zoom. Pre-register online (free to new students).
Virtual Breakdancing for Kids Free Intro Class
January 9, 11 am
Temple Music Prep hosts a free intro class for ages 6 and up. Pre-register to reserve your spot.
Fire & Frost Fun in Peddler’s Village
January 9, noon–8 pm
2400 Street Rd., New Hope
Enjoy bonfires, family activities, outdoor food and drinks, and a Village-wide display of more than 20 ice sculptures. This is also the last weekend of the holiday light display! Plus, Find Jack Frost, a family-friendly, Village-wide scavenger hunt where children can win prizes.
Virtual Pizzeria Vetri Little Chefs Live
January 9, noon
Let your little chef get hands-on at home at a virtual pizza class by Pizzeria Vetri. Kids will create their own mini pizzas (while also enjoying “make your own pizza” coloring pages). Each ticket includes one pizza kit that must be picked up prior to the class, and live instruction on Zoom. Tickets available online.
Virtual Beyond Guitar Hero! Beginning Guitar for Kids Free Intro
January 9, 2:30 pm
This class offers children (ages 8-15) an opportunity to learn the guitar fundamentals of music in a group setting through synchronous online lessons. Classes will address learning how to accompany songs, how to read musical notation, and how to play music in a wide variety of styles. Pre-register online for Saturday’s free intro class.
Virtual Tea Party with Alice in Wonderland
January 9, 4 pm
A very merry unbirthday to you! Bring your teacups, snacks, and party hats for this fun meet and greet with Alice. Tickets available online.
Virtual Storytime with Belle
January 9, 6 pm
Beauty reads a story and interacts with your little one, free on Facebook Live.
Sunday
Virtual Knife Skills: Fancy Fruit Cookies
January 10, 11 am
Prepping fruits for Fancy Fruit Cookies is a fun way to practice knife skills and learn decorative fruit cuts. In this class, kids will work step-by-step with a chef instructor to prep tiny fruit tart-inspired cookies from pie crust, learn how to prepare a cream cheese frosting, and practice techniques for slicing, dicing, and creating fancy fruit cuts for decorating their cookies. For ages 8-15. Pre-register online. Free for new students.
Virtual Why Won’t My Child Sleep?
January 10, 1 pm
Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant Erica Desper leads a 1.5-hour class exploring the most common causes of child sleep issues and their solutions. Pre-register online with Main Line Family Education.
Virtual Pasta 101: Cheese Tortellini
January 10, 1 pm
In this class, kids (ages 5-15) will learn how to make pasta dough from scratch and a simple cheese filling to stuff them with. They will learn tips and tricks for hand-rolling and hand-cutting their pasta, no fancy tools needed! The teacher will also walk them step-by-step through the cooking process and give them tips for plating their tortellini up like a pro. Pre-register online.
Virtual Music Monkey Jungle’s January Birthday Jam
January 10, 2 pm
Join the party to sing and dance along with Music Monkey Jungle at this free virtual jam session!
Virtual Baking with Rapunzel
January 10, 7 pm
Join Rapunzel virtually to make no-bake cookies! Tickets available online.
Virtual Winter Princess Storytime with Gladwyne Library
January 10, 7 pm
Gladwyne Library hosts a special princess storytime on Zoom. All ages welcome. Free; pre-register online.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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