30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week (January 11-17)

At home and in person, plan your week!

January 11, 2021

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

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All Week

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, and what to expect.

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

Extended through February 28

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’s Chilly Philly Mini Golf puts 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. 15^th 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.

A Longwood Christmas

Now through January 17

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

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!

January 11, 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.

Dinner Club: Chicken Noodle Soup

January 11, 4:30 pm

In this class, kids will learn how to make homemade noodles in addition to important knife skills and the basics of seasoning as they put their soup together, step-by-step, with a chef instructor. For ages 7-15. Pre-register online.

Trolls Dance Class

January 11, 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 12, 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.

Kids’ Yoga Adventure

January 12, 10 am

Join Ms. Amy from Jitterbugs Music and Movement, as she takes kids age 3 and up on a yoga storytelling adventure which consists of a warm-up, the adventure, and relaxation. During the story, children will work on 20-25 yoga postures. Free; pre-registration is required, and an email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program.

Drag Queen Story Time

January 12, 11 am

Our favorite Philly Drag Queen Miss Brittany Lynn will be teaming up once again with National Liberty Museum to share stories about love, diversity, and acceptance. The January program focuses on the theme of service and activism through stories about the life of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Miss Brittany will read books like The Youngest Marcher and Sometimes People March to get you and your child inspired. Free; pre-register online.

At-Home Anthro: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac

January 12, 1 pm

Based on the lunar calendar, the Chinese zodiac is a repeating 12-year cycle that uses a different animal sign to represent each year. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, a symbol of patience, balance, and hard work in some cultures. Explore the ancient folklore behind all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac—real and imaginary—and spot zodiac animals depicted on artifacts from the Penn Museum’s collection This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

New Parent Virtual Support Group

January 12, 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.

GOALS Martial Arts Free Class for Kids

January 12, 4 pm

Join Mr. Bob from GOALS Martial Arts as he demonstrates martial arts moves and techniques. For ages 4 and up. Free; pre-register online. An email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program.

COVID Q&A with Y-HEP and the Field Teen Center

January 12, 4 pm

Join Y-HEP and the Field Teen Center for a conversation about staying healthy and well during the pandemic. Y-HEP Medical Director Elaina Tully and Behavioral Health Consultant Jasper Liem will be answering your questions about the pandemic, COVID-19, the vaccine, plus connecting with friends safely, dating safely, and finding ways to manage your mental health. This live event is open to all but aimed at teens ages 12-18. Watch at the Teen Central YouTube channel.

Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic

January 12, 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.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

January 12, 7 pm

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

Wednesday

Family Yoga Fun

January 13, noon

In this free yoga class for families with kids ages 3-8, practice yoga postures, meditation and pranayama breathing while having fun. Pre-register online.

Heritage Storytime: ‘I Have a Dream’

January 13, 1 pm

Kids in grades 4 and 5 are invited for a virtual storytime hosted by Global Philadelphia Association. Hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiring “I Have a Dream” speech, read from a book with beautiful illustrations, and take a virtual tour of the Johnson House to learn all about the people who fought for racial justice in Philadelphia in this Underground Railroad Station and House Museum. Free; pre-register online.

Dance the Nutcracker Ballet for Young Children

January 13, 1:15 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.

Tots Circus Class

January 13, 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.

Music-Based Spanish Class

January 13, 3:30 pm

Chiquitos’ classes consist of a series of songs that teach kids ages 2-10 basic vocabulary, simple expressions for everyday use, and a different topic of the day for each class. Free; pre-register online.

Fit4Baby

January 13, 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.

Thursday

Academy of Natural Sciences Storytime: ‘Where’s Rodney?’

January 14, 10 am

Cozy up to the computer with your listening ears and looking eyes for a special environmental justice-themed storytelling experience with Academy educator Mariah Romaninsky and some special friends. Join Rodney on a journey as he learns about the world beyond his neighborhood. Where’s Rodney? emphasizes observation skills and inquiry using the five senses. All ages are welcome to listen along, but kids ages 4-8 may enjoy this program the most.

Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘A Day So Gray’

January 14, 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

January 14, 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.

Kids’ Cooking Class: Sweet Quesadillas

January 14, 3:30 pm

In this class, kids (ages 4-11) will learn how to prep yummy “Sweet Quesadillas” with any of their favorite ingredients like jam, ice cream, and more. Tickets available online.

Free Scratch Coding Class with KidsConnect

January 14, 4 pm

Kids ages 7 and up will design and play a crossy road game using Scratch, the super fun block-coding program. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Thursday Crafternoon

January 14, 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.

Dinner Club: Pad Thai

January 14, 4:30 pm

In this class, kids will learn how to make a delicious sauce from scratch, and customize their Pad Thai to their liking. For ages 9-15. Pre-register online.

Friday

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!

January 15, 10:30 am

Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic

January 15, 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.

Dinner Club: Baked Chicken Nuggets & Fries

January 15, 4:30 pm

Close out the week with a fun family dinner you make yourself via Zoom cooking class! In this class, kids will learn how to make a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, how to properly dredge their chicken and how to make the crispiest baked fries. Tickets available online.

Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners

January 15, 7 pm

Kids ages 9-14 will learn to create movies by making toys, figures, and LEGOs come alive with stop motion animation using their smartphone or tablet. Pre-register online.

Weekend Events

Museums Reopen in Philly!

Indoor Mini Golf at Linvilla Orchards

January 16–March 28

137 West Knowlton Rd., Media

‘Fore! The Planet’ is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences with 18 holes of golf that each explores a different topic of our natural world. Due to the pandemic, timed tickets will be required for golfing during the 2021 season.

Winter in Franklin Square

Extended through February 28

200 N. Sixth St.

In addition to the carousel and fountain display, Franklin Square’s Chilly Philly Mini Golf puts 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 17

Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

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.

Virtual MLK Weekend Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

January 16—18

The African American Museum in Philadelphia and Citizens Bank invites audiences for a full weekend of enriching, fun, inspirational, family-friendly activities celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s celebration includes MLK Morning programming for youth and family, virtual museum tours, and more. Be sure to tune in on Monday morning at 10 am for a dramatic reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” by Carlo Campbell. All MLK Weekend Celebration programs are free and open to the public.

Virtual MLK Weekend at National Liberty Museum

January 16—18

NLM hosts a full weekend of family-fun virtual programs—complete with Drag Queen Storytime, an art demonstration, and even a call to action—to honor the life, memory, and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. All activities are all free; registration is required for some activities.

MLK Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution (and Online)

January 16—18 (online performance on January 18)

101 South Third Street (and Virtual)

Join the Museum of the American Revolution in-person and online all weekend to discover the ongoing legacy of the Revolution and learn what it takes to change the world, highlighted by a performance by the Philadelphia Jazz Project on Monday, January 18. Join vocalists and musicians from the PhiladelphiaJazz Project on the Museum’s YouTube channel for a free virtual concert, featuring highlights from their previous performances at the Museum and interviews with special guests. The performance, inspired by excerpts from King’s speeches and sermons, will intermingle spoken word, gospel, jazz, and blues to pay tribute to his life’s work to advance civil rights for all.

On Saturday, January 16, the museum honors Ona Judge, a woman who was enslaved in George and Martha Washington’s household in Philadelphia and later escaped. Online, take a virtual walking tour to explore her story. At the museum, a contactless Discovery Cart will let you explore objects from her story. Continuously through the weekend, take a deeper dive into untold stories of the Revolution with the Museum’s new Finding Freedom digital interactive, which explores the stories of enslaved people of African descent who followed different paths to freedom during the Revolutionary War.

Virtual Zoo Motel

Through January 30

Saturday

Virtual Ask the Scientists: Environmental Justice Conversation for Kids

January 16, 10 am

Join Academy educators, Philadelphia experts, and area community members for a kid-led conversation about environmental justice. Let your voice be heard, or listen to what kids think and feel about their future. Find out ways to start meaningful conversations with family, friends, and public officials on the topics that mean the most to you. This program is suitable for children ages 8-11 but all are welcome. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Winterfest Storytime presented by Music Play Patrol

January 16, 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 Lunch Around the World: Onigiri & Dipping Sauce

January 16, 11 am

In this class, kids will learn how to shape onigiri and fun ways to decorate them, as well as how to make a dipping sauce. For kids ages 7-12 (with adult participation). Pre-register online.

Superhero Skate

January 16, noon—3 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Children are invited to skate with their favorite superheroes on the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. A paid skating admission ticket for children includes socially-distant character interactions on the ice, a superhero cape, and a take-away craft. Masks are required, and costumes are encouraged!

Philly Goat Project’s All Abilities Ramble

January 16, 1–3 pm

The Farm at Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh St.

A monthly, inclusive, and sensory-friendly space for those with disabilities (and their families). Visit the farm, hang out with the goats and chickens, and enjoy the great outdoors. Free; RSVP required.

Virtual Cooking Class: Baked Tater Tots

January 16, 2 pm

In this class, kids will learn how to make crispy baked tater tots from scratch step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Pre-register online.

Virtual Celebrity Family Trivia

January 16, 7 pm

Join Ludington Library’s Miss Jackie and Miss Casey on Facebook Live for Celebrity Family Trivia. Play with family teams or challenge friends online.

Virtual Bedtime Stories with Sleeping Beauty

January 16, 7 pm

Join Sleeping Beauty for a free storytime over Facebook Live before bedtime!

Sunday

See: MLK Weekend Events

Virtual Brunch Bites: Blueberry Muffins

January 17, 11 am

Work together to make a tasty brunch treat step-by-step with a chef instructor via Zoom. Pre-register online.

Virtual Martin Luther King Day of Service Cardmaking and Letter Writing Campaign Workshop

January 17, noon

Join the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey for a fun time creating cards and writing letters for those affected by COVID-19. The workshop will include guided instruction, and the cards and letters will be donated to The African American Museum in Philadelphia and other partners. Pre-register online for the Zoom link, which will be emailed prior to the start of the event.

Virtual Kids’ Parkour

January 17, 1 pm

Are your kids climbing walls and jumping off the furniture? This class will teach them how to do that safely and appropriately. This class teaches the fundamentals of parkour and free-running inside. For kids ages 8-12. Pre-register online.