30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): March 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!
Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND
All Week
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.
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
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
Casey Cooks with Kids
March 15, 10 am
Come make a wonderful food creation with Ludington Library’s Miss Casey on Facebook Live.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 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. Get ready for spring and all it has to bring! Register to get access to the class.
Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners
Fun & Flips
Kids Cook: Cheddar Irish Soda Bread
Tuesday
In Person Tuesday Education Pop-Up at Bartram’s Garden
March 16, 10 am-noon
5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Meet Bartram Garden’s educator, Mrs. Leslie, by the ginkgo tree in Bartram’s Garden. She’ll have a fun activity for you to take home, and a range of activities and natural objects for you to explore while you’re visiting.
Music with Miss Jill
March 16, 10:15 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 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.
In Person: Storytime in the Wintergarden
March 16, 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 from the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Virtual First Notes
March 16, 11 am
The Ardmore Music Training Center is back on Zoom with free First Notes classes! 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: Mughal Miniature Painting
March 16, 1 pm
Mughal miniature painting is a style of painting developed in India and often found in book illustrations. See how this artform was formed in the 16th through 18th centuries and influenced by Persian miniatures (small illustrations of stories). Tell your own tale with miniature drawings! This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Get Crafty with Crayola
March 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
March 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 Kids’ Movie-Inspired Cooking at Hudson’s Table: Star Wars
March 16, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 4-7 will make food inspired by the movie Star Wars. They will learn how to work in the kitchen and even pick up some knife skills (with child-friendly knives) and baking basics. Kids will prepare a main dish and dessert, and take the food home. Class is drop off. See more details and pre-register online.
St. Patrick’s Day Story and Craft
March 16, 4 pm
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a story and craft courtesy of Northeast Regional Library. Join on their Facebook page.
Books and Cooks: Shining Stars
March 16, 4 pm
Inspired by the theme of stars, the Free Library of Philadelphia children’s department and Culinary Literacy Center Nourishing Literacy team will engage kids and their caregivers with read-alouds, mindfulness, movement activities, and art and cooking ideas to share. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
March 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
March 16, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Free Storytime with Rapunzel
March 16, 7 pm
Join Princess Rapunzel free on Facebook Live for a fun storytime of her classic tale and a sing-along, Mother Gothel may even show up!
Wednesday
Philadelphia Museum of Art Homeschool
March 17, 10 am (ages 8-10) and 11 am (ages 11-13)
This month, look at works of art from around the world and discover how artists have explored, described, and even included the natural world in their art. Pre-register online.
Virtual Music & Movement with Parkway Central Library
March 17, 10:30 am
Join Ms. Naomi for songs, dancing, and fun exploring rhythm and movement. Intended for ages 2-7 years but all are welcome to join in the fun on the library’s Facebook live.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 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. Get ready for spring and all it has to bring! Register to get access to the class.
Tots Circus Class
March 17, 3:30 pm
Kids ages 3-5 can get moving with a class from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts! Pre-register online and join on Zoom.
In Person Kids’ Movie-Inspired Cooking at Hudson’s Table: Coco
March 17, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 8-14 will make Mexican cuisine inspired by the movie Coco. They will learn how to work in the kitchen and even pick up some knife skills (with child-friendly knives) and baking basics. Kids will prepare a main dish and dessert, and take the food home. Class is drop off. See more details and pre-register online.
Penn Museum World Wonders: Holi, Triumph, and Colors
March 17, 4 pm
This presentation dives into the myths, stories, and rituals surrounding the popular Hindu festival celebrating life, love, vitality, and the triumph of good over evil. Participants will also learn how to make organic colors for their own Holi celebration using spices, flour, and vegetables. Best for families with children ages 5–12. Pay what you wish; pre-register online.
In Person Live Music in the Wintergarden
March 17, 6 pm
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
This spring, free live entertainment will be provided every week in Dilworth Park’s beautiful Wintergarden. Tonight’s group, Vibe-a-Delphia Jazz Quartet, will play a mix of jazz standards and original composition. Be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing as you enjoy the free concert!
Adventures of Lucky the Leprechaun
March 17, 6:30 pm
Join storyteller Mr. Don as he shares his interactive St. Patrick’s Day tale “The Adventures of Lucky the Leprechaun!” presented by Classroom Adventure Stories. Free; registration is required, and an email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program. Best for ages 3 and up.
Free Livestream with Tinker Bell
March 17, 7 pm
Join Tinker Bell for a free Facebook Live and craft before bedtime.
Thursday
Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Swatch’
March 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.
Media-Upper Providence Free Library’s Kindergarten Buddies: Weather
March 18, 11:30 am
Join the library on Zoom and for a story and themed activities for ages 4-6. Free; pre-register online.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
March 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.
Kids’ Yoga Clinic
March 18, 5:15 pm
Through yoga postures, stretches, breathwork, and relaxation techniques, students will develop positive self-care practices to establish harmony and balance of body and mind. Parents and siblings are welcome to join in! Pre-register online with Flipout Productions.
Virtual Potty Training 101 with Miss Catherine
March 18, 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.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 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. Get ready for spring and all it has to bring! Register to get access to the class.
‘Ruby’s Birds’ and Make Your Own Binoculars
March 19, 1 pm
Join Bala Cynwyd Library’s Miss Alex on Facebook Live as she reads Ruby’s Birds and learn how to make your own bird-watching binoculars.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
March 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.
Free Livestream with Tiana
March 19, 7 pm
Join Princess Tiana free on Facebook Live for storytime and sing-along!
Weekend Events
Franklin Square Reopens for Spring
Reopens March 19
200 N. Sixth St.
Franklin Square is back from its brief winter’s nap, with lots of family fun and events in store for the warm months ahead, including a newly themed Spring Mini Golf! Details in our guide.
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.
Linvilla Orchards’ Hayrides to Bunnyland
March 20 and 21, 11 am — 4 pm
Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media
Hop aboard a hayride as it carries you through the woods to visit the Easter Bunny’s house where you’ll enjoy a story and have the chance to meet Linvilla’s Easter Bunny for photos and treats. Be sure to bring your own camera and reserve tickets in advance online. Tickets will not be available in person this year, so plan ahead.
Easter Bunny Brunch and Egg Hunt at Elmwood Park Zoo
Weekends from March 20–April 4
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Choose from three weekends, including Easter Sunday. Each brunch will feature an appearance by the Easter Bunny for a photo op, as well as crafts, admission to the zoo, and a brunch buffet. Guests can also enjoy an Easter egg hunt and animal meet-and-greets. Tickets available online.
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.
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
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.
Saturday
Pop-Up Egg Hunts in Radnor
March 20
Clem Macrone Park, Radnor Nature Park, Odorisio Park, and Petrie Park
Visit four different parks in Radnor to participate in an on-your-own egg hunt. Eggs and goodies will be available as of 8 am, and will be hidden all over the parks!
Spring Flings and Easter Things on Cricket
March 20, 9:30 am (Rain date: March 27)
6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore
Lulu’s Casita is hosting its first outdoor Easter celebration! The morning will be filled with live music with Roots with Ruark, pictures with the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt, make your own fairy garden, snacks and refreshments for the kiddos, and more! Space is limited due to capacity restrictions. To purchase tickets, email info@luluscasita.com.
Academy of Natural Sciences Naturally Awesome Days: Wild Waters
March 20
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Visit the museum on Saturday and learn how water affects various animals. Then, take home a craft kit to make your own water art, and have a splashing good time with your whole family. Free with admission.
Virtual Colors: Song and Dance with Please Touch Museum
March 20, 9 am and 10 am
Celebrate all the colors of the rainbow by learning and singing “Colors,” a fun, engaging song composed by Ms. Noelia that is sure to get stuck in your head! Participants will learn the short song, plus have some fun following along with corresponding body movements for each color. Workshop is free for Please Touch Museum members; pre-registration required by Thursday at 5 pm.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
March 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 Ask a Scientist: Do Birds Still Flock Together?
March 20, 10 am
Join Academy of Natural Sciences educators, Philadelphia experts, and area community members for a conversation about the challenges facing migratory birds, how birds are adapting, and what we can do to help. This program is suitable for children ages 8-11 but all are welcome. Free; pre-register online.
Dilworth Park Family Saturday
March 20, 11 am
1 S. 15th St.
Free, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided every Saturday in the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn! This week, the space transforms into a spring wonderland, complete with fresh flowers, bright colors, and unique decor! Plus, a wandering stilt walker will interact with visitors at a distance. Masks are required for all visitors.
Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair
March 20, noon–2 pm
Bridget Foy’s, 200 South Street
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. This week, the Sisterly Love Food Fair will host a brunch takeover at Bridget Foy’s. Make brunch reservations; or just plan to shop, eat, and celebrate the first day of spring with gifts and food vendors ranging from Queen and Rook Game Cafe to Dye Hard Fan to Essen Bakery and beyond!
Virtual Zoom Playdate with Tiana and Tinker Bell
March 20, 11 am
Join the two Disney stars on Zoom for a frog craft and sing-along. Tickets available online.
Virtual Zoom Chocolate Making with Elsa
March 20, noon
Join the Ice Queen online and learn how to make chocolate at home! You’ll need your favorite flavor of meltable chocolate chips and a silicon or plastic chocolate mold. Tickets available online.
Children’s Chocolate Easter Workshops at Kilwins
March 20, various timeslots
Kilwins, Suburban Square, 85 Coulter Ave., Ardmore
Kilwins is hosting extremely limited chocolate-making sessions for kids! Limited to just four people from the same household, each child at the workshop will create 3-4 chocolate confections to take home. Masks and advance online reservations are required.
Virtual Learn How to Make ‘The Grey Stuff’ with Belle
March 20, 4 pm
Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes! Join Belle via Zoom and learn how to make one of her favorite treats. Tickets available online.
Virtual 90s Family Trivia
March 20, 7 pm
Join Ludington Library’s Miss Jackie and Miss Casey on Facebook Live for 90s Family Trivia. Play with family teams or challenge friends online.
Virtual Free Livestream with Cinderella
March 20, 7:30 pm
Join Cinderella for a free relaxing storytime on Facebook Live before bed.
Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt
March 20, 8 pm
Radnor Trail (Wayne Art Center Entrance), 413 Maplewood Avenue, Wayne
Teens (sixth grade and older) are invited to participate in a flashlight egg hunt along a portion of the Radnor Trail, and have the chance to win special prizes. Free; pre-registration required online.
Sunday
Women’s History Month Storytelling Sundays at the Betsy Ross House
March 21, 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 with historical reenactors. This week, meet Alice Paul– American Quaker, suffragist, feminist, and women’s rights activist and one of the leaders of the campaign for the 19th Amendment.
Virtual NLM @ Home’s Liberty Learning Live: Express Herself
March 21, 1 pm
As part of the National Liberty Museum’s virtual Women’s History Month celebration, express yourself in this virtual art adventure featuring the women artists in their current “Philly’s Freedom” exhibit. Join in a DIY art activity to make an identity collage that celebrates what makes you, you! This event is recommended for children ages 4-12. Pay as You Wish; pre-registration is required for the Zoom link.
Virtual Kids’ Parkour
March 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 Youth Acro
March 21, 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 Kids’ Baking Class: Carrot Cake Cookies
March 21, 3 pm
In this class, kids will measure, mix and bake these delicious sandwich cookies from scratch, step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Tickets available online.
Virtual Free Livestream with Merida
March 21, 7:30 pm
Join Brave‘s Merida for a free relaxing storytime on Facebook Live before bed.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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