30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): February 1-7
At home and in person, plan your week!
Have some fun with our roundup of this week’s in-person and virtual activities! Be sure to check with the venue in case of weather closures! Enjoy the snow!!!
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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.
Parks on Tap Pop-Up at the Greenhouse in Fairmount Park
Wednesdays–Sundays
100 N. Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park
The popular family-friendly beer garden benefiting Philly parks moves indoors! The 30,000 square foot indoor greenhouse space will provide ample opportunity for social distancing, and a space to enjoy fresh food, beers on tap, wine, and hot beverages. Reservations are strongly recommended, and masks are required. Read more in our preview.
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
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.
Longwood Winter Wonder
Now through March 21
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Longwood reimagines winter with spacious outdoor tranquility, an indoor oasis, and guided storytime along the way that honors and celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story. Timed admission tickets are required.
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 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.
Monday
Once Upon A True Story Series: Kamala Harris
February 1, 10:30 am
Join Marple Public Library on Facebook Live for a reading of Superheroes Are Everywhere by Kamala Harris. Learn about Kamala Harris’s life and, when she was a little girl, how she recognized all the superheroes in her life that were everywhere around her. This joyful book empowers us to find the many superheroes in our lives and how they make the world such a better place for all of us.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
February 1, 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.
Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners
Virtual Teen Reading Lounge
Teen Reading Lounge is an award-winning, nontraditional book club for teens ages 12-18 brought to you by Free Library of Philadelphia. Teens help to create the reading list for the program and, working with trained facilitators, design creative and civic engagement projects that bring big ideas to life. Youth ages 12-18 must register for this program. Contact TeenCenter@freelibrary.org to sign up.
World Wonders: China and Beyond
February 1, 4 pm
Join Penn Museum educators online as they share childhood memories of their hometown in China and introduce the elementary school experience in the country. Play an interactive game addressing stereotypes and misconceptions about Chinese culture. You’ll even learn basic Mandarin greetings while observing its nuances in context with school experiences. Emerge from this virtual trip with a richer understanding of China as a country and a heightened appreciation for its diverse cultures and languages. Best for families with children ages 5–12. Pay-what-you-wish; pre-register online.
Tuesday
Groundhog Day Live from Punxsutawney
February 2, 6:30 am (Phil comes out around 7:25 am)
Wake up early with Punxsutawney Phil for a livestream from Gobbler’s Knob as Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog makes his annual prognostication. Due to Covid, the famous festival will not be in person this year, but you can still tune in for the festivities online and see Phil leave his burrow at 7:25 am to make his prediction for the remainder of winter.
Kids’ Yoga Adventure
February 2, 10 am
Join Ms. Amy from Jitterbugs Music and Movement, as she takes kids age 3 and up on a yoga storytelling adventure that 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.
Music with Miss Jill
February 2, 10:15 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. Free; pre-register online.
At-Home Anthro: Design a Mancala Board
February 2, 1 pm
Mancala is an ancient game from Africa that was originally played by digging shallow holes in the ground. Investigate mancala boards from all around the world to discover the different craftsmanship, rules, and playing pieces used on each game board. Create your own mancala board with paper and learn a simple version of the game. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
February 2, 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 Hip Hop Dance Clinic
February 2, 5 pm
This beginner 75-minute 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.
Read Along, Draw Along: Pete the Cat
February 2, 7 pm
See the world in a colorful new way with a read along of Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses with author Kimberly Dean! After reading the story with Kimberly, author/illustrator James Dean will guide everyone through a draw-along session to learn to draw Pete the Cat! Free on Facebook Live.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
February 2, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
Academy of Natural Sciences hosts Paleo Playdates
February 3, 10 am
A new six-week session begins online on February 3 for preschoolers and their families to learn about dinosaurs in fun and hands-on ways. Have some fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans for a very special science storytime. Each week will feature new stories, new activities to try at home, and room to move and explore. Everyone can chat, play, and show off their knowledge, and you’ll meet a new special guest each week. Pre-register for the new session in advance.
Story and Craft Time with Miss Mel: Happy Birthday, Elmo!
February 3, 10:30 am
Join Marple Public Library on Facebook Live, where Miss Mel and Christina Bunny will be reading one of Elmo’s favorite books, Just One You, guide you in making an Elmo craft together in honor of his birthday! Find printables here, and join along.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
February 3, 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.
Family Yoga Fun
February 3, noon
In this virtual yoga class for families with kids ages 3-8, practice yoga postures, meditation and pranayama breathing while having fun. Pre-register online.
Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners
Tots Circus Class
February 3, 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.
Books & Cooks: Peaceful Clouds
February 3, 4 pm
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Culinary Literacy Center hosts event designed for school-aged children with an open invitation to caregivers. Inspired by the theme of clouds, there will be read-alouds, mindfulness and movement activities, and art and cooking ideas to share. Free; pre-register online.
Dinner Club: Baked Burritos & Avocado Crema
February 3, 4:30 pm
Kids ages 5-15 will get to prepare their own custom burritos choosing their favorite fillings and make an avocado crema to serve it with. Class is taught by a chef instructor, and the ingredients list will be emailed along with the link when you pre-register online.
In Person Sesame Place 40th Birthday Drive-Thru
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-8 pm, through February 24
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
After the success of their holiday drive-thru this year, Sesame Place is doing it again with another illuminated drive-thru to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Drive through the bright and colorful birthday scenes, listen to energetic tracks from the popular Neighborhood Birthday Party Parade, and wave to Sesame Street friends dressed in their birthday best! Weave through birthday lights, venture through an illuminated cake of frosted fun, and wave to furry friends atop their birthday-themed floats. Timed tickets are required in advance.
Blast Off: Movement and Improv
February 3, 6:30 pm
Off Mic Comedy School and National Kids Gym host a special 90-minute experience through space and the future, featuring movement and improv exercises for kids ages 6-11. Pre-register online for access.
Free Livestream with Wonder Woman
February 3, 7 pm
Join Wonder Woman free on Facebook Live for a craft and superhero training!
Not A Peep Sleep Workshop
February 3, 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
Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘The Little Red Hen’
February 4, 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; pre-register online.
Media-Upper Providence Free Library’s Kindergarten Buddies: Lunar New Year
February 4, 11:30 am
Join the library on Zoom and for a story and fun activities for ages 4-6. Free; pre-register online.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
February 4, 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.
Make Hot Cocoa Bombs
February 4, 2:30 pm
There’s nothing better to warm up in this winter weather than some hot cocoa, and this interactive online class will teach your kids how to make trendy hot cocoa bombs! This class is specifically for learners ages 10-14. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.
‘Mae Among the Stars’ Storytime and Rocket Activity
February 4, 3:30 pm
Miss Ann from the Torresdale Library reads Mae Among the Stars, a wonderful picture book about former NASA astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. Afterwards, Miss Heather from the Welsh Road library will show you how to create a paper rocket you can launch using straws.
Franklin Institute’s Night Skies at Home
February 4, 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!
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
February 5, 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.
Mama Bird’s Intro to Baby and Toddler Sign Language
February 5, 11 am
In this one-hour workshop, you’ll learn about teaching your baby or toddler sign language, understand the most practical and effective ways to learn together as a family, and find out what signs are the most helpful as you jump start your journey by mastering your first 40 signs. After the workshop you’ll be invited to a private Facebook group where you can find extra resources and continue to practice the signs you’ve learned. Pre-registration required.
Pop Art Fun: Drawing Like Keith Haring
February 5, 1 pm
In this fun class, students will look at artwork created by Keith Haring, dissect his style, and discuss what makes his work unique. Then, students will create a drawing of their own in Keith Haring’s style using their observations of his art, with time at the end to share and discuss their drawings. For ages 8-12. Pre-register online.
DIY Japanese Ice-Cream Mochi
February 5, 1 pm
A chef instructor will demonstrate the process step-by-step while students follow along to make their own mochi ice-cream, including making the dough in the microwave. For ages 9-14. Pre-registration required, and plan ahead to freeze your ice cream filling the day before!
Valentine’s Day Craft with Belle and Cinderella
February 5, 3 pm
Join the princesses online for a fun Valentine’s party and craft using just paper, crayons, scissors. Tickets available online.
Art Museum Virtual Playdate: Say It Loud
February 5, 3:30 pm
Discover how artists use their work as a way to stand up for what’s right. Explore ideas of social justice through works from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection, learn about the “craftivism” movement, ask big questions, and sketch dreams for the future. Best for ages 4-7 and their families. Free, but pre-registration is required (and spots are limited) to receive the Zoom link.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
February 5, 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.
Weekend Events
Smith Memorial Playground presents ‘Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia’
February 6-28 (Opening Day Hooray on February 6)
3500 Reservoir Drive
Smith Memorial Playground may be closed for the winter, but it will be featuring a free, outdoor, socially-distanced exhibit that celebrates inspirational African American leaders who have made momentous, positive change in the fields of activism, arts, business, education, public service, and sports and have become a part of North Philadelphia’s history. Each display will include biographical information about the honorees as well as highlighted facts for families to “Quiz the Kids” and suggested Philadelphia landmarks, activities, and reading dedicated to or inspired by each honoree that families can explore after they leave Smith.
Plus, on February 6, Smith will celebrate the opening day of the exhibit with a ribbon-cutting and by opening the playground from noon to 3 pm!
Longwood Gardens Winter Wonder
Now through March 21
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Longwood reimagines winter with spacious outdoor tranquility, an indoor oasis, and guided storytime along the way that honors and celebrates the strength, resilience, and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story. Timed admission tickets are required.
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.
Parks on Tap Pop-Up at the Greenhouse in Fairmount Park
100 N. Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park
The popular family-friendly beer garden benefiting Philly parks moves indoors! The 30,000 square foot indoor greenhouse space will provide ample opportunity for social distancing, and a space to enjoy fresh food, beers on tap, wine, and hot beverages. Reservations are strongly recommended, and masks are required. Read more in our preview.
Indoor Mini Golf at Linvilla Orchards
Through 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.
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.
Elmo’s Rockin’ Birthday Bash
February 5 and 6, 10 am – 1 pm or 2 pm – 5 pm (must reserve timeslot in advance)
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne
Celebrate everyone’s favorite red monster, go on Elmo’s Balloon Scavenger Hunt, and enjoy the rest of Sesame Place with limited-admission weekend events. Tickets must be purchased in advance in your desired timeslot.
Saturday
Virtual Ask the Scientists: Welcoming Wildlife
February 6, 10 am
Join the Academy of Natural Sciences and John Heinz Wildlife Refuge rangers for a fun conversation to learn how animals journey through our neighborhood. Ask the experts what you need to do to build a better backyard to support local species, and get the scoop on all the best places in the city to stop and watch the wildlife go by. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Bollywood Dance Party
February 6, 10 am
Follow along with Swati Chaturvedi from the Community Bollywood Dance Project in this virtual dance class for all ages. Free; pre-register online.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
February 6, 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 PlayMusic Family: Dino Drummin’
February 6, 10:30 am
PlayArts goes virtual with their popular family music class for kids ages 5 and under. Grab your instruments, let out a rawr, and stomp on over to Teacher Sydney’s Dinosaur Drummin’ PlayMusic Family class. Move your bodies like dinosaurs, shake your dinosaur eggs, and sing some prehistoric songs. Pre-register online; sign up for the whole session, or drop in.
Storytime in the Wintergarden
February 6, 11 am
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
The Wintergarden at Dilworth Park welcomes families on Saturday mornings for a free storytime, featuring guest readers and special weekly themes. This week, local journalist and author John “Cousin John” Butler leads the storytime. Best for kids ages 2-8. Be sure to mask up and maintain social distancing.
Virtual Winterfest Storytime presented by Music Play Patrol
February 6, 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 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 Kids’ Baking Class: Breakfast Cookies
February 6, 11 am
In this class, kids will learn how to make a delicious, egg-free cookie dough batter from scratch, step-by-step, with a chef instructor, then add favorite mix-ins for healthy yet delicious breakfast cookies. Tickets available online.
Virtual African American Children’s Book Fair
February 6, 11 am—4 pm
One of the oldest and largest single-day events for African-American children’s books in the country goes virtual this year. Authors and illustrators will make presentations and promote the power and joy of reading. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Free Beginner Karate Class
February 6, 11:15 am
Join Action Karate Newtown for a free virtual beginner class from home! This class is designed for children ages 5-12 and is limited to 10 students, so be sure to pre-register to get a spot.
Smith Memorial Playground ‘Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia’ Opening Day Hooray
February 6, noon–3 pm
3500 Reservoir Drive
In honor of Black History Month, Smith Memorial Playground will be featuring a free, outdoor, socially-distanced exhibit that celebrates inspirational African American leaders who have made momentous, positive change in the fields of activism, arts, business, education, public service, and sports and have become a part of North Philadelphia’s history. Smith will celebrate the opening day of the exhibit with a ribbon-cutting and by opening the playground from noon to 3 pm!
Sunday
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation
February 7, 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.
Virtual Make Super Bowl Snacks with Family Cooking Classes
February 7, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
Join Freshmade for family cooking classes over Zoom to get ready for the big game! At 11 am, make Pigs in a Pretzel; at 1 pm, create your own crudite platter and ranch dip; and at 3 pm, it’s queso dip and baked tortilla chips! Tickets available online for each individual class.
Art Making and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum
February 7, 11 am
9201 Germantown Avenue
Introduce your preschoolers to the enjoyment of art through stories and art making. Young visitors and their grown-ups will enjoy reading picture books in the galleries, followed by an art project. Pre-register online.
Virtual Brandywine River Museum’s First Sunday for Families
February 7, 11 am and noon
Join Brandywine online for free family fun. At 11 am, exercise your creative side as you sketch imaginative animals with award-winning artist and children’s book writer and illustrator Gene Barretta on Facebook Live. At noon, be inspired by TAHIRA as she performs songs and stories focused on what it means to be free – and how we are all connected in our humanity.
Ridley Library Neighborhood Valentine Scavenger Hunt
February 7, 1 pm
Gather your team and your smartphone and earn points finding Valentine’s Day themed things in your neighborhood, with prizes for the top three teams! Register your team before the start date by emailing Ridleylibrary100@gmail.com, and you’ll be sent your scavenger hunt list and further instructions.
Virtual Briar Bush WinterFest Animal Program
February 7, 1 pm
As part of Briar Bush Nature Center’s WinterFest, join them on Zoom for a free live animal visit! Pre-register online by February 5.
Black History Month Mural Arts Walking Tour
February 7, 2 pm
Mural Arts Philadelphia is planning special tours featuring murals that represent iconic African American figures, civic heroes, and insightful social justice issues. A professional tour guide will take guests through Center City neighborhoods to view these stunning and impactful murals, hear the stories behind each work of art, learn about the artists, and the mural-making process. Advanced tickets are required, and are available online. Tour groups will be limited to 10 people or less, and masks are required.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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