30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): March 1-7

At home and in person, plan your week!

March 1, 2021

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

Final 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.

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.

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.

Monday

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March 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. Get ready for spring and all it has to bring! Register to get access to the class.

Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners

March 1, 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.

Fun & Flips

March 1, 3:30 pm

Kids ages 3-6 will work on form, strength, flexibility, and be introduced to basic skills and terminology in this virtual class. Sign up for the whole session or drop-in by the class (pre-register online).

Tuesday

Music with Miss Jill

March 2, 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

March 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.

In Person: Storytime in the Wintergarden

March 2, 11 am

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

The rink may be closed for the season, but the Wintergarden is sticking around for family programming this spring! It starts this week with a fun storytime with the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Virtual First Notes

March 2, 11 am

The Ardmore Music Training Center is back at Gladwyne Library with First Notes! First Steps in singing, rhythm, movement, and small instruments. This fun baby and toddler music class will be hosted on Zoom. Pre-register to be sent the link.

At-Home Anthro: Making Mehendi Designs

March 2, 1 pm

Discover more about the meaning of the South Asian body art Mehendi by drawing along to make your own designs. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Get Crafty with Crayola

March 2, 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

March 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.

In Person Sesame Place 40th Birthday Drive-Thru

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-8 pm, through March 10

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.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

March 2, 3:30 pm

Join Northeast Regional Library for Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s Birthday! There will be a special reading of Green Eggs and Ham and a special visitor! Join on the library’s children’s department Facebook page.

Afterschool Snack: Greek Tzatziki Dip & DIY Spiced Pita Chips

March 2, 3:45 pm

In this class, kids will learn how to make a delicious and refreshing greek yogurt-cucumber dip, tzatziki, and how to spice up and bake their own pita chips for dipping. Recipes are taught step-by-step with a chef instructor via Zoom. Tickets available online.

Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic

March 2, 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

March 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

March 3, 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: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March 3, 10:30 am

Storybook Yoga

March 3, noon

In this virtual yoga class for families with kids ages 3-8, make a book come alive as you practice yoga postures, meditation, and pranayama breathing while having fun. Pre-register online.

DIY Bird Feeder

March 3, noon

Join Bala Cynwyd Library’s Miss Alex virtually to learn how to make a bird feeder out of an old coffee can.

Tots Circus Class

March 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.

Dinner Club: Skillet Taco Bake

March 3, 4:30 pm

In this class, kids will chop up veggies, grate cheese, and mix together some delicious ingredients. They can serve their creation with their homemade tortilla chips that they will also learn to make. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

In Person Sesame Place 40th Birthday Drive-Thru

Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-8 pm, through March 10

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Free Livestream with Queen Elsa

March 3, 7 pm

Join Queen Elsa for a free sing-along on Facebook Live before bedtime.

Not A Peep Sleep Workshop

March 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

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group

March 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.

Self Care for Kids

March 4, 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.

Kids’ Cooking Class: Breadsticks

March 4, 3:45 pm

In this class, your child will make a delicious crunchy breadstick for a quick snack or to go with dinner. They’ll make homemade dough, roll it out and then top it with the toppings of their choice. Pre-register online.

Friday

PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

March 5, 10:30 am

Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic

March 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.

In Person: First Friday at Cherry Street Pier

March 5, 4 pm

121 N. Columbus Blvd.

Celebrate local art, spring getting close, and the community at Cherry Street Pier. The evening includes a maker market, a family art class with Portside Art Center (pre-register online to reserve your spot), artists at work in their studios, French toast bites for sale, and more!

Free Livestream with Anna

March 5, 7 pm

Join Princess Anna free on Facebook Live for craft time and sing-along!

Weekend Events

Final Weekend: 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.

Women’s History Month Events in Philadelphia

March is Women’s History Month, and institutions around Philly are celebrating in so many ways. Learn about some of the amazing women that helped shape our nation and challenge our ideals, and inspire the next generation of leaders by bringing your kids to these family-friendly events.

Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition at the Franklin Institute

Through July 18

222 N. 20th St.

Big Bird’s Pajama Party at Sesame Place

March 6 and 7

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne

Grab your cozy jammies to celebrate everyone’s favorite feathered friend’s birthday at 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

Saturday

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

March 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 Art Around the World with Portside Art Center

March 6, 10 am

Students will learn all about different arts and cultures around the world during this hour-long virtual class with wonderful Portside teacher Miss Jessie! Each week will feature art project based on a different place in the world, and inspired by the art made there. Pre-register online.

Virtual Super Science Saturday

March 6, 10 am–1 pm

Super Science Saturday is an annual, half-day, non-competitive event for all ages designed to promote fun and learning in all areas of science. This year, Super Science Saturday will be an entirely virtual event – with a mix of livestreamed content and pre-recorded presentations submitted by students, scientists, and enthusiasts.

Virtual Nature Tots with John Heinz Wildlife Refuge

March 6, 10 am

Join John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and Kingsessing Library on Facebook Live for a free nature storytime.

Virtual PlayMusic Family: Singing with Sharks

March 6, 10:30 am

PlayArts goes virtual with their popular family music class for kids ages 5 and under. Dive under the sea and make a splash at this fun virtual music class. Play instruments, move your bodies, and sing about sea creatures. Pre-register online; sign up for the whole session, or drop in.

Dilworth Park Family Saturdays

March 6, 11 am

1 S. 15th St.

Free, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided every Saturday in the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn! This week, George the Bubble Magician will dazzle with larger-than-life bubbles for young visitors and the young at heart.

Descendants Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville

March 6, 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

March 6, 11 am

It’s the last Saturday of the season to catch the RiverRink’s reimagined story hour. Join via the Winterfest Facebook page for music, song, and dance, and marvelous tales from the safety and comfort of your home.

Virtual Zoom Playdate with Anna and Elsa

March 6, 11 am

Join the two Frozen sisters on Zoom for an Olaf craft and sing-along. Tickets available online.

Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair

March 6, noon–2 pm

Schauffele Plaza, 14 E. Lancaster Avenue, Downtown Ardmore

The Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair is a women-led initiative to promote Philadelphia-based and female-run hospitality businesses affected by the pandemic by way of traveling food markets, and for Women’s History Month they are expanding their footprint throughout the city and even on the Main Line. Masks and social distancing are required for all events. This month’s events kick off Saturday in Downtown Ardmore. In addition to the dozens of food vendors, Ardmore Music Hall will play music from their archives during the event.

Virtual Painting with Rapunzel

March 6, noon

Bring your paints and canvas, and join Rapunzel over Zoom for a fun art class! Tickets available online.

JoJo’s Fancy Bow Event

March 6, 12:45 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.

Animation Open House at Tacony LAB

March 6, 2:30 pm

6918 Torresdale Ave.

Learn about how stop motion animation is created and maybe even try it yourself! Klementina Budnik of KXB studios will have several stations set up throughout Tacony LAB Community Art Center so you can see how she makes animations using drawings, clay, toys, or even yarn and fabric. This event is geared toward all ages; there is no fee or registration required for this event, and you can come or go at any point.

Virtual Free Bedtime Stories with Snow White

March 6, 7:30 pm

Join Snow White for a free and relaxing storytime on Facebook Live before bed.

Sunday

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

March 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! And this month, you can see their brand new exhibit “Soutine/de Kooning,” highlighting two major 20th century artists. 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. If you can’t make it to the museum, they’re also offering free virtual activities and inspiration to enjoy at home.

Women’s History Month Storytelling Sundays at the Betsy Ross House

March 7, 11 am – 4 pm

239 Arch St.

As the only site in Philadelphia dedicated solely to telling the stories of women, the Betsy Ross House is celebrating Women’s History Month by telling the stories of unsung heroines all month long, during special Sunday storytelling sessions. On March 7 and March 14, Once Upon A Nation Storytellers will share short stories of women’s struggle to gain the vote, and other stories of women throughout history.

Art Making and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

March 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

March 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. Then at noon, get an advance look at a new picture book that celebrates family, creativity, and nature in a reading by author Beth Kephart.

Virtual Rebel Girls Fest

March 7, noon

Dance, create, and be inspired at this free virtual event hosted by Rebel Girls online.

Virtual Kids’ Parkour

March 7, 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

March 7, 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 Sundays on Stage: Arabiqa with Karim Nagi

March 7, 2 pm

Native Egyptian Karim Nagi will perform on multiple percussion and stringed instruments from around the Arab world. This show will be shared live on Free Library of Philadelphia’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/) and will be available for five days.

Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Lemon Cookies

March 7, 3 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.

Frozen Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville

March 7, 3:50 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.