30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): March 8-14
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
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
St. Patrick’s Day Craft
March 8, 10 am
Join Ludington Library’s Miss Jackie on Facebook Live for a fun St. Paddy’s Day craft!
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 8, 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
Afterschool Snack: Homemade Bagels
March 8, 3:45 pm
In this class, kids will learn how to make bagels from scratch for a fun and healthy snack. Recipes are taught step-by-step with a chef instructor via Zoom. Tickets available online.
Our City, Your Orchestra: Taller Puertorriqueño
March 8, 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 Taller Puertorriqueño, Pennsylvania’s largest Latino arts organization. The all-Spanish-language program reflects on the communities and cultures in Latin America and the Latin diaspora, highlighting the unique rhythms at the core of Latin music. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.
I Love my Baby (not the aches and pains)
March 8, 7 pm
Dr. Kindra Scott leads a live, interactive discussion to address some common body aches and pains experienced by mothers who have recently had children. Explore ways to adjust your home environment and lifestyle in an effort to promote better posture and body mechanics. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin.
Tuesday
Music with Miss Jill
March 9, 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.
In Person Tuesday Education Pop-Up at Bartram’s Garden
March 9, 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.
Kids’ Yoga Adventure
March 9, 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.
Virtual Drag Queen Story Time: Yes, She Can!
March 9, 11 am
Join the National Liberty Museum and Philly Drag Queen Miss Brittany Lynn for a celebration of the women and girls who made history. Storytime includes the ABCs of amazing women with A is for Awesome, learn about brave women who never gave up in She Persisted, and more great books. As part of the program, you and Miss Brittany Lynn will Zoom into the virtual NLM for a look at their special exhibit “Philly’s Freedom,” which invites viewers on a journey to explore what freedom means and how ordinary citizens play a role in protecting our freedom and liberty, from voting to protest and beyond. Free; pre-register online.
In Person: Storytime in the Wintergarden
March 9, 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 9, 11 am
The Ardmore Music Training Center is back at Belmont Hills 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: Holi
March 9, 1 pm
The Hindu festival of Holi is a holiday that celebrates spring. While each region celebrates a bit differently, a major part of the festival is when people cover one another in colorful powders and paints. Investigate the plants used to make these vibrant powders and better understand this famous part of Holi events. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Get Crafty with Crayola
March 9, 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 9, 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: Ratatouille
March 9, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 4-7 will make food inspired by the movie Ratatouille. 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.
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.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
March 9, 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.
Teen Meditation
March 9, 6:30 pm
Join the Free Library of Philadelphia and Amy Rutledge, a certified meditation instructor, to learn how to cultivate self love, self worth, confidence, compassion, focus, anxiety relief, and help with navigating difficult emotions and change. Program will be held via Zoom. All ages are also welcomed. Email kochd@freelibrary.org to sign up.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
March 9, 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 10, 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 10, 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.
Storybook Yoga
March 10, 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.
In Person Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo
March 10, 1–4 pm
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Elmwood Park Zoo is inviting dog owners to bring their furry friends to visit the zoo on select days this spring! Pre-registration is required, and guests must complete an online waiver and submit required documents to attend this and all Dog Days events.
Tots Circus Class
March 10, 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.
In Person Kids’ Movie-Inspired Cooking at Hudson’s Table: The Princess and the Frog
March 1o, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 4-7 will make New Orleans cuisine inspired by the movie The Princess and the Frog. 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.
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.
In Person Live Music in the Wintergarden
March 10, 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, Philly Festival Brass Quintet, is an ensemble that is deeply rooted in the Philadelphia music scene. Be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing as you enjoy the free concert!
Free Livestream with Doc McStuffins
March 10, 7 pm
Join Doc McStuffins (costumed character) for a free Facebook Live before bedtime.
Thursday
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
March 11, 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 11, 3:30 pm
Best for kids in grades K-4, these programs examine self-care practices such as meditation, yoga, and more. Join via Nicetown-Tioga Library’s Facebook page.
Virtual Thursday Crafternoon
March 11, 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: Yaki Onigiri
March 11, 4:30 pm
Yaki Onigiri are Japanese rice balls with a savory filling that have been pan-fried for a crispy crust, and they’re very fun to make! Kids will learn how to make and customize them in this step-by-step class. Pre-register online.
Kids’ Yoga Clinic
March 11, 6 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.
Toads on the Road: Roxborough’s Sign of Spring
March 11, 7 pm
On the first warm rainy night of spring, an explosion of toads hops across Port Royal Avenue. Join the Schuylkill Center online to find out why, and learn about the Toad Detour program where volunteers can help these toads cross safely! Pre-register online.
Back to Work After Baby
March 11, 7:30 pm
Come learn successful ways to deal with this transition phase in your life, ask questions and get support. Register online with Kith + Kin for the Zoom link.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 12, 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.
Music Training Center Baby and Toddler Class
March 12, 11 am
Join Music Training Center for first steps in singing, rhythm, movement, and small instruments! Ages 0-5 years welcome. Free; pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
In Person Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo
March 12, 1–4 pm
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Elmwood Park Zoo is inviting dog owners to bring their furry friends to visit the zoo on select days this spring! Pre-registration is required, and guests must complete an online waiver and submit required documents to attend this and all Dog Days events.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
March 12, 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 Fancy Nancy
March 12, 7 pm
Join Fancy Nancy free on Facebook Live for a pretend tea party!
Weekend Events
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.
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
Virtual Paper Marbling with Please Touch Museum
March 13, 9 am and 10 am
This marbling technique creates fun, multi-colored swirls on paper which can be used for cards, notes, drawings, collating, and more. 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 13, 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 13, 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 an art project based on a different place in the world, and inspired by the art made there. Pre-register online.
Virtual Junior Scientist Workshop: Have You Been Living Under a Rock?
March 13, 10 am and 1 pm
In the Junior Scientist Workshop series, kids ages 8-11 can Zoom on in for exclusive lessons taught by the Academy’s scientists and educators, and meet other kids who share their passion for science and natural history. This week, learn about the invertebrates and plants that indicate if a stream is healthy and how their unique adaptations give them a chance to survive in their watery habitat. Make a splash with some hands-on water activities, right from home. Practice taking a look at the smallest species for the biggest clues, and explore real solutions to keep our waterways clean and safe. Pre-register online for your desired timeslot.
Virtual PlayMusic Family: Singing with Sharks
March 13, 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: Circus Fun
March 13, 11 am
1 S. 15th St.
Free, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided every Saturday in the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn! This week, guests can expect a unique circus-inspired performance that features juggling, magic and unicycling.
Virtual Zoom Playdate with Doc McStuffins and Fancy Nancy
March 13, 11 am
Join the two Disney Junior stars on Zoom for an Olaf craft and sing-along. Tickets available online.
Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair
March 13, noon–2 pm
Hudson Table, 1001 N. Second St.
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, head to Northern Liberties, where the fair will be held in and around Hudson Table.
Virtual Zoom Baking Class With Snow White
March 13, 4 pm
Descendants Event at Sweet & Sassy Collegeville
March 13, 4:20 pm
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.
Free Livestream with Queen Elsa
March 13, 7:30 pm
Join Queen Elsa for a free relaxing storytime on Facebook Live before bed.
Sunday
Pi Day!
March 14 is Pi Day, which is the best excuse ever to indulge in some pie all in the name of math! See our guide for our top picks.
Virtual PAFA Family Art Academy
March 14, 10:30 am
Join PAFA art educators live on Zoom, and make fun spring-themed projects with materials found mostly at home. Free; pre-register online.
Women’s History Month Storytelling Sundays at the Betsy Ross House
March 14, 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. Once Upon A Nation Storytellers will share short stories of women’s struggle to gain the vote, and other stories of women throughout history.
Harriett’s Bookshop One Year Soca Celebration
March 14, noon-6 pm
258 E. Girard Ave.
Harriett’s is turning one! Celebrate with a sidewalk sale and exciting performances, every hour on the hour, in front of the bookshop.
Virtual PECO Family Jams with Philadelphia Magic Gardens: Lasagna Mosaics
March 14, all day
The mosaics in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens were created by Isaiah Zagar using salvaged materials, so join this virtual art activity and make brightly colored mosaics using something in your kitchen cabinet: lasagna noodles!
Virtual Zoom Ballroom Dance Class with Cinderella
March 14, noon
Come join Cinderella and learn some basic ballroom dance moves complete with music. Tickets available online.
Virtual Kids’ Parkour
March 14, 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 14, 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.
Easter Family Fun Day at American Swedish Historical Museum
March 14, 2 pm
1900 Pattison Ave.
This afternoon drop-in program will feature grab-and-go Easter Craft Kits, a Family Photo Station, and an Egg Hunt (sign up at 2 pm; hunt at 2:45 pm). Easter Craft Kits are first come, first served and will be distributed one per child. This program will take place outside rain or shine. Free for members, $25 for nonmember families (up to four people, and $5 for each additional family member). Price includes museum admission, where you can catch their current exhibit “From Fairy Tale to Fantasy: The Art of Gustaf Tenggren.” Pay at the door.
Virtual Music Monkey Jungle’s March Birthday Jam
March 14, 2 pm
Join the party to sing and dance along with Music Monkey Jungle at this free virtual jam session!
Virtual Family fun with Tinker Bell
March 14, 2 pm
Learn a fairy dance and listen as Tinker Bell and her sister share a special story, free on Facebook Live.
Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Neapolitan Cookies
March 14, 3 pm
In this class, kids will measure, mix and bake these delicious chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry cookies from scratch, step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Tickets available online.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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