30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): February 22-28

At home and in person, plan your week!

February 22, 2021

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

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.

Craft and Learn: ‘Rent Party Jazz’ and Helping as a Community

February 22–26

Pickup at Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway

From February 22 -26, free craft kits to support the book Rent Party Jazz will be available on the steps of the Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library (from 10 am to 4 pm). Watch a reading of the book with Viola Davis from Storyline Online, then enjoy making your own trumpet! The kit also includes resources and discussion questions about how communities help each other today, including information about local mutual aid groups. Geared towards children ages 5 and up.

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.

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. 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.

Monday

Read-Along with Misty Copeland

February 22, 10 am

Watch prima ballerina Misty Copeland read Firebird on YouTube, and then engage in Zoom chat with a librarian at Fishtown Community Library about this tale of Misty’s Firebird performance and what it takes to get there. To register for this event and get the Zoom link, email the librarian at DAmbruosoA@freelibrary.org

ABC Yoga Story Time

February 22, 10:30 am

Join Miss Mel from Marple Public Library to hear a story and learn some yoga poses over Facebook Live. Best for ages 5 and up.

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!

February 22, 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

February 22, 3 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.

Teen Cooking Class: Pasta

February 22, 5 pm

In this class, teens will work step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom to make homemade pasta and sauce. Pre-register online.

Our City, Your Orchestra: AR Workshop Chestnut Hill

February 22, 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 AR Workshop, and features family favorites Hansel and Gretel and The Bremen Town Musicians. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.

Tuesday

Music with Miss Jill

February 23, 9:45 am

Music with Miss Jill is a free, lively interactive music program for toddlers through kindergarten. Activities consist of songs, fingerplays, props, musical games, and puppets.

Kids’ Yoga Adventure

February 23, 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.

At-Home Anthro: Kanga: Message Carriers of East Africa

February 23, 1 pm

Learn more about these vibrant East African textiles as you create your own kanga design that includes a Swahili proverb that speaks to you. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Get Crafty with Crayola

February 23, 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 23, 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.

Exploring Music and Food: Turkish Edition

February 23, 2 pm

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia online for a family-friendly cooking class. Tune in to learn about Turkish street foods, music, and culture. The program will be presented on the Culinary Literacy Center’s Facebook Live.

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 23, 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.

Pre-Purim Zoom Ventriloquist Show

February 23, 5 pm

Assisted by renowned ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner, these meshugeneh puppets will perform their highly acclaimed Purim show, “Megillah Mishegas!” for all ages. Tickets available online.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

February 23, 7 pm

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

Sensory Smart Parents: Q + A with an Occupational Therapist

February 23, 7:30 pm

This is a resource class for parents and caregivers and will educate them on learning through the senses, developing skills through sensory play, when to seek a professional opinion, and ideas for play. This class will also serve as a support group for all parents involved, with time to discuss experiences and bounce ideas off of each other towards the end of the class. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin.

Wednesday

Academy of Natural Sciences hosts Paleo Playdates

February 24, 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.

Penn Museum from Home: All Around Africa

February 24; lessons at 10 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm

Designed for students and families learning at home, this special day of activities includes three 30-minute live virtual sessions scheduled at 10 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm, along with digital activities that can be completed at any time. Recommended for kids in elementary to middle school, but all ages are welcome. Get to know some of the incredible ancient kingdoms spanning the continent of Africa. Hear stories about strong rulers and talented artisans of the past. Complete hands-on activities that guide you through creating a mancala game, constructing a timeline, designing an Adinkra stamp, and more. You will also hear from an international educator about what daily life is like for young students living in Kenya today. Pre-register online.

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!

February 24, 10:30 am

Family Yoga Fun

February 24, 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.

Tots Circus Class

February 24, 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.

Dinner Club: Sweet Potato Tortillas

February 24, 4:30 pm

In this class, kids will learn how to make soft and fluffy sweet potato tortillas and how to create a fun toppings bar at home for a delicious family dinner. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

In Person Sesame Place 40th Birthday Drive-Thru

February 24, 5-8 pm,

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Pirate Party

February 24, 6:30 pm

Meet a pirate and enjoy a story, games, ask him questions, and more! Free; registration is required, and an email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program. For ages 3 and up.

Free Livestream with Belle

February 24, 7 pm

Join Princess Belle for a free storytime and sing-along on Facebook Live.

Thursday

Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘How to be a Bigger Bunny’

February 25, 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 25, 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 25, 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.

Virtual Thursday Crafternoon

February 25, 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.

Kids’ Cooking Class: Sushi Roll Bowls

February 25, 4:30 pm

Serve up your favorite sushi roll in a bowl! In this class, kids ages 8-15 will learn safe and skilled ways to cut veggies for the perfect custom bowls filled with their favorite ingredients. Pre-register online.

Ask a Bird Scientist

February 25, 6 pm

Join the Oak Lane Library for a live interview and Q&A with local bird expert Keith Russell. This program is intended for children in third grade and up. Children will have the opportunity to ask Mr. Russell questions about birds, what he does as a real-life scientist, and what it’s like to be a Black birder in Philadelphia. Free; pre-register online.

Friday

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: Beatlemania!

February 26, 10:30 am

Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic

February 26, 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.

Permian Monsters Virtual Flashlight Tour

February 26, 7 pm

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences from home to journey through the dark with Eddie the T. rex! Eddie will be taking viewers through the Academy’s new exhibit, Permian Monsters, to give you a special look at the animals that ruled the land and sea before the dinosaurs. Tickets available online: free for members, $5 for non-members.

Free Livestream with Cinderella

February 26, 7 pm

Join Cinderella free on Facebook Live for craft time!

Video Game Story Writing for Teens

February 26, 7 pm

Teens can learn the basics of video game story writing with guest teacher Kat Mahoney. Explore character design, questing, character relationships, and the impact of story-altering decisions. Free; pre-register online. Open to high school students only.

Weekend Events

Final Weekend: Rothman Rink at Dilworth Park

Through February 28

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. After this weekend, the Wintergarden will remain, but the rink and cabin will be gone.

Final Weekend: Winter in Franklin Square

Through February 28

200 N. Sixth St.

Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition at the Franklin Institute

Through July 18

222 N. 20th St.

Mardi Gras at Sesame Place

February 27 and 28

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

Let the good times roll, and enjoy Sesame Place with limited-admission weekend events. Tickets must be purchased in advance in your desired timeslot.

Longwood Gardens Winter Wonder

Now through March 21

Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square

Parks on Tap Pop-Up at the Greenhouse in Fairmount Park

100 N. Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park

Indoor Mini Golf at Linvilla Orchards

Through March 28

137 West Knowlton Rd., Media

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

Virtual Ukuti Song and Game with Please Touch Museum

February 27, 9 am and 10 am

In this workshop, children will learn how to play “Ukuti,” a Swahili circle game played in Kenya and Tanzania that is similar to “Ring around the Rosie.” Children will learn to sing a short song and have fun dancing along with the accompanying movements with their family. Free for Please Touch Museum members; pre-registration required by Thursday at 5 pm.

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

February 27, 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 27, 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.

Descendants Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville

February 27, 11 am

Sweet & Sassy, 250 Plaza Dr., Collegeville

Kids can get a Descendants makeover and enjoy a dance party with snacks (to go). Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

Virtual Winterfest Storytime presented by Music Play Patrol

February 27, 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 Art of Storytelling: Fry Bread

February 27, 11 am

Kevin Noble Maillard reads his award-winning debut book for youth, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, and demonstrates his cooking skills by making some fry bread free on Facebook Live.

Virtual Cooking Class: Pancake Muffins

February 27, 11 am

In this class, kids will learn how to make their own pancake muffins and to customize them with any of their favorite mix-ins and/or toppings, including homemade whipped cream. Tickets available online.

Virtual Zoom Playdate with Cinderella and Belle

February 27, 11 am

Join two princesses on Zoom for a craft, story, and sing-along. Tickets available online.

Virtual History Explorers: Who Was Ona Judge?

February 27, 11:30 am

In this online event. the Museum of the American Revolution explores the story of Ona Judge, a woman who escaped enslavement from the home of President George Washington. Learn how she escaped, where she went, and discover what object in the museum might have been a part of her first steps to freedom. History Explorers Club playdates are best enjoyed by ages 7-11 but fun for all kids. Tickets available online.

Virtual Free Intro to Martial Arts Class

February 27, noon

Join Action Karate South Philly for a free virtual beginner class from home! This class is designed for children ages 4 and up, and is limited to 10 students, so be sure to pre-register to get a spot.

Goat Walk and Maple Tapping Talk

February 27, 1–3 pm

6336 Ardleigh Street

Take a socially distanced hearty goat walk through Awbury’s Farm and Arboretum, plus learn about tapping maple trees to collect sap and make into maple syrup at the Arboretum.

JoJo’s Fancy Bow Event

February 27, 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.

Virtual Tea Party Etiquette With Cinderella

February 27, 4 pm

Bring your teacups and napkins and get settled in for this fun Zoom visit with Cinderella as she teaches little ones etiquette for a proper royal tea party! Tickets available online.

Sunday

Virtual Purim with Folkshul

February 28, 10:30 am

Join Folkshul for a free morning full of Purim shpeils, music, juggling, and fun. Pre-register online.

Black History Month Storytelling Sundays in Historic Philadelphia

February 28

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.

Read Across America Day at Elmwood Park Zoo

February 28, 11 am–2 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Celebrate the joys of reading with a book fair, an animal greet, a keeper chat, PAW Patrol character meet-and-greet, and a chat with a local author. All events are free to attend with regular zoo admission.

Frozen Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville

February 28, noon and 1:45 pm

Sweet and Sassy, 250 Plaza Drive Providence Town Center, Collegeville

Enjoy a Frozen girls’ day out with Anna and Elsa! Includes a Frozen-themed makeover, coronation, craft, and more. Pre-register online as space is very limited.

Virtual Kids’ Parkour

February 28, 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 Youth Acro

February 28, 1:30 pm

This half-hour virtual class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts will have kids ages 6-10 jumping, rolling, and cartwheeling. Activities include warm-up games, dancing, basic acrobatics, and doorway climbing! Pre-register online.

Virtual Family Cook Along with American Swedish Historical Museum

February 28, 2 pm

Join nutritionist and cookbook author Amy von Sydow Green for a special recipe designed for kids in the kitchen! Families will be making delicious “semla”-inspired cupcakes together, a fun and easy family baking project. The cupcakes have cardamom in them to give that special Swedish touch with whipped cream frosting. Space is limited; tickets available online.

Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

February 28, 3:30 pm

In this class, kids will measure, mix and bake these delicious cookies from scratch, step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Tickets available online.

Virtual Family Cooking Class: Thai Classics

February 28, 4 pm

Join a Hudson’s Table Chef Instructor for a live virtual cooking class over Zoom. Classes are best for ages 7 and up, but all kids are welcome, with adult supervision. Pre-register online.