30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): February 15-21
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!!!
Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND
All Week
Black History Month Activities
In February, Philadelphia institutions have special programming to celebrate and educate about the role that African-Americans have played and the innumerable contributions they have made to our nation. Despite the reality that many things have moved online, there is still so much to learn, see, and do. Check out our roundup to learn more.
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. 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
Presidents Day with the Museum of the American Revolution
February 15
101 S. Third St. (and online)
Observe Presidents Day Weekend in person and online with family-friendly tours, talks, crafts, and more exploring the nation’s first president, George Washington, and the diverse range of people he would have interacted with.
Presidents Day Weekend at National Constitution Center
February 15
525 Arch St. (and online)
The NCC will reopen just in time for Presidents Day! To celebrate, the Presidential Portrait Gallery will transform into an informational headquarters where visitors can learn about Article II of the Constitution, explore the ins and outs of the Electoral College, delve into the duties and requirements of the executive office, and take part in presidential role-play scenarios. Plus, play presidential trivia in the lobby! NCC is also offering online videos and other resources if you’d prefer to celebrate the holiday virtually.
Celebrate love and enjoy the rest of Sesame Place with limited-admission weekend events. Tickets must be purchased in advance in your desired timeslot.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
February 15, 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.
Armor and Animals
February 15, 11 am
Join the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Academy of Natural Sciences for a live broadcast combining science and art. Discover suits of armor and naturally armored critters (like an armadillo!) with experts from both museums. Free; registration required.
Kids’ Cooking Class: Homemade Focaccia
February 15, 1 pm
Tuesday
Music with Miss Jill
February 16, 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. Free; pre-register online.
Kids’ Yoga Adventure
February 16, 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.
Kids’ Cooking Class: Chocolate Fettuccine
February 16, noon
In this class, kids will learn how to make a fun twist on classic pasta dough, step-by-step with our chef instructors. For ages 5-15. Pre-register online.
At-Home Anthro: Think Like an Archaeologist
February 16, 1 pm
Learn the skills to decode secrets about artifacts by closely observing, questioning, and talking about them. Bring along a pencil and paper to track your field notes as you take an up-close look at objects from the Africa Section of the Penn Museum. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Get Crafty with Crayola
February 16, 1 pm
Join Craft Box Girls and Crayola on Facebook Live for fun and easy crafts you can make at home.
New Parent Virtual Support Group
February 16, 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.
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.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
February 16, 5 pm
This beginner 75-minute hip hop class with Flip Out Productions 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
February 16, 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 17, 10 am
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. Pay-what-you-wish; pre-register online.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
February 17, 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 17, 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 17, 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.
Penn Museum World Wonders: Day in the Life of a Nairobi School Girl
February 17, 4 pm
Let Grace Ndicu be your guide as you see the sights (the daily commute to school, time on the playground, extracurricular activities), and meet people ranging from city dwellers to suburbanites. Discover how much meaning can be found in the simplest activities of your daily life. Best for families with children ages 5–12. Pay what you wish; 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. and the future, featuring movement and improv exercises for kids ages 6-11. Pre-register online for access.
Free Livestream with Evie
February 17, 7 pm
Join Evie from Decendants for a free Facebook live chat.
Virtual Potty Training 101 with Miss Catherine
February 17, 7:30 pm
This workshop will help you learn the simple tools, tips, and steps to start potty training with your little one. Pre-register online at Kith + Kin’s website, and join over Zoom.
Thursday
Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Thank You, Omu!’
February 18, 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.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
February 18, 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.
Self Care for Kids
February 18, 3:30 pm
Best for kids in grades K-4, these programs examine self-care practices such as meditation, yoga, and more over four weeks. Join via Nicetown-Tioga Library’s Facebook page.
Frozen Slumber Party
February 18, 5:30 pm
Join Anna and Elsa virtually for games, a kid friendly ghost story, and of course dancing. Children are invited to bring along popcorn or any other favorite snack, a teddy bear or other stuffed animal, sleeping bag and pillow, and to wear their favorite pajamas to complete the experience. Tickets available online.
Friday
Art Museum Virtual Playdate: Say It Loud
February 19, 10:30 am
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.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!
February 19, 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.
Virtual Storytime on Instagram Live: Little Leaders Bold Women in Black History
February 19, 2 pm
Join McPherson Square Library on Instagram Live for a special Black History Month storytime.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
February 19, 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.
Teen Science Cafe: Exotic Clouds on Alien Worlds
February 19, 6 pm
Join the Delaware Teen Science Café and the Delaware Museum of Natural History for a virtual event with exoplanetary scientist, Sara E. Moran to learn all about the exotic clouds and hazes on exoplanets. This event is free and only for teens in grades 7-12. Pre-registration is required.
Free ‘Descendants’ Livestream with Mal and Uma
February 19, 7 pm
Join Mal and Uma from Descendants for a virual dance party free on Facebook Live.
Weekend Events
Winterfest Weekend at Elmwood Park Zoo
February 20 and 21
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
EPZ celebrates all things icy with winter-themed entertainment and fun activities, including an ice slide! Plus, catch special ice carvings throughout the zoo’s path, a fire pit with s’mores, and live entertainment featuring keeper chats with animal ambassadors. Due to capacity limitations, pre-registration is required to attend.
Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition at the Franklin Institute
Through July 18
222 N. 20th St.
A highly colorful and interactive exhibit makes its debut at the Franklin Institute. Crayola IDEAworks is an immersive experience that uses state-of-the-art technology to challenge visitors, expand creativity, and hone problem-solving skills. Even cooler, with more than 150 physical and digital inquiry-based interactive experiences and challenges, guests can track their progress on an RFID wristband and receive a customized summary of their unique creative strengths discovered on their journey! Read more details in our preview.
Let the good times roll, and enjoy Sesame Place with limited-admission weekend events. Tickets must be purchased in advance in your desired timeslot.
NLM’s Celebrating Black Voices Weekend
February 20-21
National Liberty Museum honors Black History Month with a virtual celebration of Black voices in music, words, and actions for liberty. Tune in for Drag Queen Story Time, music-making, and more. Free; pre-registration is required for some activities.
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.
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.
Saturday
Academy of Natural Sciences Naturally Awesome Days: Animal Families
February 20
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Explore the animal families depicted in the dioramas of the Academy of Natural Sciences and learn how they stick together in their early lives. Take home a craft kit to make your own family photo frame! Free with admission. See our reopening guide for safety rules and tips.
Virtual Freeze Dance with Please Touch Museum
February 20, 9 am and 10 am
This workshop will get your little ones moving! Miss Maggie and Miss Noelia will help children explore variations in dance and music through the classic game of freeze dance. All experiences and abilities are welcome. Make sure you have room to move around! Free for Please Touch Museum members; pre-registration required by Thursday at 5 pm.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
February 20, 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 20, 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.
Virtual Winterfest Storytime presented by Music Play Patrol
February 20, 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 Zoom Playdate with Mal and Evie
February 20, 11 am
Join two Descendants on Zoom for a dance party, sing-along, and slime-making. Tickets available online.
Virtual Girl Scouts: Diversity, Inclusion, and You
February 20, 1 pm
Girls in grades 6–12 are invited to join Girl Scouts, Little Brownie Bakers, and The David and Lura Lovell Foundation for an engaging chat with inspiring women, including corporate leaders and National Gold Award Girl Scouts. Panelists will discuss how they have furthered diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in their communities. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Bedtime Stories with Merida
February 20, 7 pm
Join Princess Merida from Brave on Facebook Live for a free virtual storytime before bed.
Virtual Stranger Things Family Trivia
February 20, 7 pm
Join Ludington Library’s Miss Jackie and Miss Casey on Facebook Live for Stranger Things Family Trivia. Play with family teams or challenge friends online.
Sunday
Black History Month Storytelling Sundays in Historic Philadelphia
February 21
11 am–4 pm at Betsy Ross House courtyard; and noon–4 pm at Franklin Square
Storytellers from Historic Philadelphia’s “Once Upon A Nation” program will be in Franklin Square and on the Betsy Ross House courtyard stage sharing short, interactive tales highlighting the contributions that Black colonists and early Americans of color made during our nation’s early days. Free; social distancing and masks required.
Virtual Kids’ Parkour
February 21, 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.
Virtual Beyond Wakanda: Black Superheroes from Comics to Real Life
February 21, 1 pm
In this family-friendly workshop, kids will think about the characteristics that make them super, then use templates to make their own superheroes! Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Kinderlach Rock Purim Dance Party with Music Monkey Jungle
February 21, 2 pm
Join Music Monkey Jungle for a free Purim dance party broadcast from their studio, full of original Kinderlach Rock songs, dances, jokes, and games!
Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Gingersnaps
February 21, 3 pm
In this class, kids will measure, mix and roll these delicious cookies from scratch, step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Tickets available online.
Virtual The PŪR-IMagination Live Theatre and Puppet Show
February 21, 4 pm
Ms. Eve invites you and her puppet friends to take center stage in the Purim story via Zoom! Recommended for ages 8 and under. Free; pre-register online to get the link.
Virtual Zoom Baking Class With Snow White
February 21, 4 pm
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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