30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): March 22-28
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.
Spring in Franklin Square
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.
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.
Final Week: 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.
Family Scavenger Hunt at Penn Wynne Library
March 22–25
Pickup at Penn Wynne Library, 130 Overbrook Parkway, Wynnewood
Stop by the library to complete a family fun scavenger hunt anytime Monday-Thursday. Any submissions after hours should go in the book drop to be gathered the next day. The library will randomly select a winning family for a small prize.
Virtual: ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’: A Winter Sort of Thing by Yes! And…Collaborative Arts
Streaming March 20-27
For 14 seasons, Yes! And…Collaborative Arts has produced a live original musical as part of their “Winter Sort of Thing” program with a group of young people ages 10-18. This year, it takes the form of a multi-medium musical movie created by the cast and a team of visual and film artists of all ages! Tickets are available online for a 24-hour streaming window this week only.
Monday
In Person: Nest Family Music
March 22, 9 am
Rittenhouse Square
With the weather warming up, Nest classes are going outside! Drop in ($20 per family) for a fun music and movement class for ages 6 months to 5 years in Rittenhouse Square.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 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. 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’ Baking Class: Carrot Cake Squares
March 22, 4 pm
In this class, your child will work step-by-step with a chef instructor to bake up this delicious treat. Pre-register online. A portion of the class proceeds will be donated to No Kid Hungry.
Our City, Your Orchestra: NextFab
March 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 North Philly’s NextFab. Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.
Virtual Parenting Workshop: Attachment From The Start
March 22, 7 pm
Best for expecting parents through age 6 months, this workshop will discuss what attachment means to children, why they need it, and how to achieve it from birth. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin.
Tuesday
In Person: Nest Family Music
March 23, 9 am
Rittenhouse Square
With the weather warming up, Nest classes are going outside! Drop in ($20 per family) for a fun music and movement class for ages 6 months to 5 years in Rittenhouse Square.
In Person Tuesday Education Pop-Up at Bartram’s Garden
March 23, 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 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.
Music with Miss Jill
March 23, 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.
In Person: Storytime in the Wintergarden
March 23, 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.
Animal Dance Party
March 23, 11 am
Join Springfield Township Library for a virtual animal-themed dance party! Free; pre-register online for the Zoom link. If you’re in the area, you can also stop by the library to get your picture taken with the Animal Train and pickup a goody bag through April 10.
At-Home Anthro: Think Like an Archaeologist!
March 23, 1 pm
Step into the role of an archaeologist to unpack the interesting information that artifacts can tell us just by using your eyes. Learn to decode secrets about artifacts by closely observing, questioning, and talking about them. Bring along a pencil and paper to track your field notes. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Get Crafty with Crayola
March 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
March 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.
In Person Kids’ Movie-Inspired Cooking at Hudson’s Table: Coco
March 23, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 4-7 will make Mexican food 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.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
March 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.
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
March 23, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
Penn Museum from Home: South Asia
March 24; lessons at 10 am and 12:30 pm
Designed for students and families learning at home, this special day of activities includes two 30-minute live virtual sessions scheduled at 10 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. Look closely at artifacts to learn more about people living in South Asia throughout history. Get hands-on as you learn to make coil pottery, create a miniature Mughal painting, explore Mehndi art, and more. A museum educator will also share how performance masks are used across South Asia to inspire your own creations. Pre-register online.
In Person: Nest Family Music
March 24, 10 am
Rittenhouse Square
With the weather warming up, Nest classes are going outside! Drop in ($20 per family) for a fun music and movement class for ages 6 months to 5 years in Rittenhouse Square.
Virtual Music & Movement with Parkway Central Library
March 24, 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 24, 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 24, 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: Stranger Things
March 24, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 8-14 will make cuisine inspired by Stranger Things. 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 (Eleven’s waffles, obviously), and take the food home. Class is drop off. See more details and pre-register online.
Ruby’s Birds
March 24, 4 pm
Join the Delaware Museum of Natural History to get to know the nature around you. You’ll meet some local animal friends and play a game to find something new in your own backyard. Best for kids ages 5 and up but all are welcome. Free; pre-register online.
GOALS Martial Arts Free Class for Kids
March 24, 4 pm
Join Mr. Bob from GOALS Martial Arts as he demonstrates martial arts moves and techniques. For ages 4 and up. Free; pre-register online. An email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program.
In Person Live Music in the Wintergarden
March 24, 6 pm
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
This spring, free live entertainment will be provided every week in Dilworth Park’s beautiful Wintergarden. Be sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing as you enjoy the free concert!
Delaware Museum of Natural History: Awesome Animal Adaptations
March 24, 6:30 pm
Meet live animal ambassadors online and learn how they evolved and adapted to live comfortably and survive in their native habitats. This program is best for kids ages 3 and older. Free; pre-register online to get the Zoom link sent.
Free Livestream with Rapunzel
March 24, 7 pm
Join Princess Rapunzel for a free Facebook Live and painting time before bedtime.
Thursday
Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Last Stop on Market Street’
March 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
March 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.
College 101
March 25, 4 pm
Three current college students will be on hand to answer questions about the college application process, college choice, campus life, scholarships, work-study, what college is like during COVID, and more. This program is designed for middle school and high school students. To save a spot and get a link to participate, contact Ms. Catherine by email at martinca@freelibrary.org.
Kids’ Baking Class: Gluten Free Naan
March 25, 4 pm
Kids will work step-by-step in each class to prepare the recipe from scratch. This recipe was submitted by Allergy Mom With A Mission – Michelle Isban. Michelle is the mom of two children with food allergies and also has allergies herself. Her mission is to bring awareness to food allergies. A portion of the class proceeds will be donated to the charity, Food Equality Initiative, where Michelle is currently volunteering. Pre-register online.
Play ‘Among Us’ with Kensington Library
March 25, 4 pm
Kensington Library will be running their own private Among Us room with a Zoom chat for ages 9-12. Email Arrick Underhill at underhilla@freelibrary.org for more details.
Delaware Museum of Natural History: Animal Teamwork
March 25, 5 pm
Meet live animal ambassadors online and learn how animals work together in groups to survive. This program is best for kids ages 3 and up. Free; pre-register online.
PlayArts’ PlayMusic Plus: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
March 26, 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.
Virtual Hip Hop Dance Clinic
March 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.
Virtual Easter Bunny Storytime
March 26, 6 pm
Join the Easter Bunny and Assistant via Zoom for a fun Easter themed storytime with interactive songs. Tickets available online.
Disney Themed Family Trivia Night
March 26, 6:30 pm
Join Middletown Free Library online for a fun Disney trivia night! Pre-register online for the Zoom link.
Free Livestream with Snow White
March 26, 7 pm
Join Snow White free on Facebook Live for storytime before bed.
Weekend Events
Hayrides to the Easter Bunny at Highland Orchards
March 27 and 28
1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester
Take a ride on a socially distanced hay wagon to visit the Easter Bunny in his burrow! You’ll hear a special story and get an egg that you can redeem at the Farm Market for a special treat. Rides leave every half hour; reserve tickets online.
Elmo’s Eggstravaganza
Select dates from March 27 – April 18
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Guests can safely visit Sesame Place for a hoppin’ good time with rides, shows, surprise mini parades, and special Easter fun with everyone’s favorite furry friends. Get physically distant photos with the Easter Bunny in his Picture Patch, go on an Easter Egg scavenger hunt, and shake your bunny tail at the Furry Friends Bunny Hop Dance Party! You can also reserve a meal with Elmo, Abby, and the Easter Bunny for even more fun. Book tickets in advance, as capacity is still limited at Sesame Place.
Linvilla Orchards’ Hayrides to Bunnyland
March 27-April 4, 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.
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.
Shady Brook Farm’s Easter Eggstravaganza
March 27 and 28, April 1–3
931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Take a wagon ride to the “Hunting Grounds” where kids will find 6 candy-filled eggs, get a prize, and meet the Easter Bunny. There will also be go-karts, an obstacle course, inflatables, sports zone, and more in the Festival Field. Tickets available online.
West Chester Railroad’s Easter Bunny Express
March 27 and 28, April 3 and 4
230 E. Market St., West Chester
Hop on board the West Chester Railroad and take a 90 minute round trip along the beautiful Chester Creek from West Chester to the historic Glen Mills village. The Easter Bunny will be on board the decorated train handing out treats to all passengers. 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.
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.
Spring in Franklin Square
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.
Virtual Matzoh Baking Class for Kids
March 27, noon; and March 28, 2 pm
Kids will learn how to make homemade matzoh dough, roll it out and bake it to perfection for the holidays! Tickets available online.
Saturday
Free Easter Bunny Photos and Petting Zoo
March 27, 10 am–2 pm
Smithbridge Gardens, 508 Smithbridge Rd. Glen Mills
Enjoy a free petting zoo, and take free (outdoor and socially distanced) pictures with the Easter Bunny! Spring flowers will be on sale as well.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
March 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 All Around This World Music
March 27, 10 am
Join Gladwyne Library on Zoom and sing songs from several continents as you and your kids bounce and jump, groove and hop, spin, and soar! Free; pre-register online.
Easter Scavenger Hunt in Dilworth Park
March 27, 11 am
1 S. 15th St.
Children are invited to participate in an Easter-themed scavenger hunt, featuring an appearance by the Bunny! Be sure to mask up and follow Dilworth Park’s safety guidelines.
Easter Egg Roll at Dare to Imagine Church
March 27, 11 am
6610 Anderson St.
Kids ages 12 and under are invited to have fun, play some games, and of course find eggs!
Virtual Passover Story Time and Take-Home Craft
March 27, 11 am
Celebrate the journey to freedom with an origami frog craft. Join free on Belmont Library’s Facebook page. And you can even register online to receive a take-home project kit bag (limited to 20) at the library.
Smith Playground’s Play-a-Palooza
March 27, noon–4 pm
3500 Reservoir Drive
Fairmount Park’s 6.5-acre playground’s grand opening party will include lots of exciting (and socially distanced) activities, giveaways, and more! In addition to a full afternoon of outdoor play and adventure, families may also drop off musical instruments and book donations to be distributed city-wide by nonprofits Musicopia and Tree House Books. Tickets are $10 per child, and free for Smith members and ACCESS cardholders. Advance ticket purchases are highly encouraged. Walk-ups to this event may be subject to long wait times or denied entry to keep total capacity within CDC and state guidelines for safety.
Sisterly Love Citywide Food Fair
March 27, noon–4 pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
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, they host their largest event ever with a special extended pop-up at Cherry Street Pier. Enjoy socially-distanced covered shopping, scenic waterfront views, artwork on display, and the grand opening weekend of Lokal Artisan Foods and French Toast Bites who will begin their Cherry Street Pier residency in delicious fashion with specials like French Toast Bites Milkshakes!
Children’s Chocolate Easter Workshops at Kilwins
March 27, 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.
Goat Walk
March 27, 1–3 pm
Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh Street
Take a socially distanced goat walk through Awbury’s Farm and Arboretum! The walk is about a mile in total, with time to wash hands and take turns walking the goats between groups. Plus, plenty of time for goat selfies! This is a free event, however donations are encouraged at the end.
Sunday
Virtual Folkshul’s Zoom Passover Seder
March 28, 10:30 am
The Folkshul community will gather on Zoom to retell the story of Passover and celebrate. The virtual seder is an inclusive program, and all are invited. Pre-register online.
Women’s History Month Storytelling Sundays at the Betsy Ross House
March 28, 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 Frances Harper– an abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, and public speaker, who was one of the first African American women to be published in the United States.
Virtual Kids’ Parkour
March 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
March 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 Passover Dance Party with Music Monkey Jungle
March 28, 2 pm
Music Monkey Jungle is bringing their original Kinderlach Rock songs, dances, jokes and games to you at home! Celebrate Passover with a free, fun dance party broadcast on their YouTube channel.
Virtual Sundays on Stage: Bollywood Dance
March 28, 2 pm
Come celebrate the festival of colors, Holi, and take a cultural journey across India! In this highly interactive session, participants experience the music and rhythms of India, learn fun Bollywood dance moves to upbeat music, and explore the diversity and richness of India’s culture. This show will be shared live on Free Library of Philadelphia’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/) and will be available for one week.
Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Coconut Macaroons
March 28, 3 pm
In this class, kids will measure, mix and bake these delicious Passover-friendly cookies from scratch, step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Tickets available online.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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