30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): April 5-11
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
FIT4MOM Spring Fever Free Week
It’s getting warmer, so get out there and sign up for a free seven-class pass while it lasts!
‘Big Time’ at the Philadelphia Zoo
March 29–September 30; advance tickets required
3400 W. Girard Ave.
The Philadelphia Zoo will host 24 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in a new and exciting experience that’s sure to be a must-do for any little dino-lover in your family. Big Time: Life in an Endangerous Age will take guests through the Age of Dinosaurs through to the present day, showing the powerful changes and challenges that caused them to become extinct—and how other creatures survived. Advance tickets are required due to high demand and reduced capacity. Social distancing and masks will continue to be required for guests ages 2 and older.
Museum of the American Revolution
101 S. Third St. (and online)
Special Programming: March 26–April 12
Discover the efforts of Revolutionary-era Philadelphians who helped prepare the Continental Army’s supplies each spring during the Revolutionary War. Band together at the museum and online to learn more and recreate their efforts with in-gallery talks, take-and-make crafts and activities, and much more. Can’t make it out to the Museum or want to continue learning from home? Explore make-at-home crafts and activities, Artisan Field Trip living history interviews, first-person theatrical performances, and other online interactive features.
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.
Vacation Science Day Camp at Academy of Natural Sciences
March 29–April 9
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
If you’re looking for somewhere unique to drop off the kids for some of the break, look no further. Kids ages 6-10 can spend their break at the Academy with educators, cool exhibits, and wild science! This program features small group, socially distanced activities, from crafts to live animals to shows. New topics will be explored every day, so you can sign the kids up for one date, or sign up for them all. Pre-register online, as capacity is very limited.
National Library Week: Read & Play Give-Away Packs
April 5–9, 2–4 pm
Pickup at Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue
Monday
In Person: Nest Family Music
April 5, 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. Signing up in advance is recommended, as space is limited.
Spanish Storytime
April 5, noon
Join Ludington Library’s Miss Bella via Facebook Live for her first of a four-part Spanish Story Time Series.
Stop-Motion Animation for Beginners
Teen Cooking Class
April 5, 4:30 pm
Teens will learn to prepare homemade ricotta and crostini in this step-by-step online cooking class. Pre-register online.
Holi Celebration with Penn Museum
Our City, Your Orchestra: PAWS
April 5, 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 PAWS animal shelter, along with some canine and feline friends! Join on Facebook or the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website.
Tuesday
In Person: Nest Family Music
April 6, 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
April 6, 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.
In Person PlayArts Movement Lab
April 6, 10:30 am
Liberty Lands Park, 913 N. Third St.
Bring your own props and blanket for this class that explores basic dance concepts with lots of playful locomotion through songs, nursery rhymes, stories, and interactive games. Best for ages 2-4. Pre-register online.
Kids’ Yoga Adventure
April 6, 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
April 6, 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
April 6, 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.
At-Home Anthro: Indigenous Games
April 6, 1 pm
Using artifacts, learn about the rules and significance of Indigenous games from North, Central, and South America and how they connect to modern games still played today. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Get Crafty with Crayola
April 6, 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
April 6, 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: Mini Musicians Outdoor Class with Miss Minor
April 6, 4:30 pm
Washington Square Park
Outdoor music and movement at Washington Square for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. First drop-in class is donation-only so you can try it out!
Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library
April 6, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Wednesday
In Person: Nest Family Music
April 7, 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.
In Person PlayArts Movement Lab
April 7, 10:30 am
Wharton Park, 2300 Wharton St.
Bring your own props and blanket for this class that explores basic dance concepts with lots of playful locomotion through songs, nursery rhymes, stories, and interactive games. Best for ages 2-4. Pre-register online.
Academy of Natural Sciences hosts Paleo Playdates
April 7, 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.
Bartram’s Garden Little Explorers Livestream: Grow It!
April 7, 10 am
Little Explorers is a monthly garden adventure designed for toddlers and their caregivers, but all are welcome and encouraged to tune in. This month, discover the tiny plant inside every seed and learn how you can plant seeds from your kitchen to watch them grow! This free program streams live from the Garden on Instagram.
In Person Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo
April 7, 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.
Woof and Meow Café: Read to a Dog or Cat!
April 7, 3 pm
Young readers are invited to bring a favorite book to read to a furry guest from Main Line Animal Rescue. Each individual reader session lasts for 15 minutes. Fill out the Google form to sign up and get the Zoom link.
Tots Circus Class
April 7, 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.
Youth Stretch & Strength
April 7, 5 pm
This class is for kids ages 8-12 with a background in circus who want to practice their skills at home. The class includes stretching and strengthening exercises that will help students of all levels see faster progress in their aerial training. Pre-register online.
In Person Live Music in the Wintergarden
April 7, 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!
Free Livestream with Addison and Zed
April 7, 7 pm
Join two Zombies characters for a free Facebook Live dance party.
Not A Peep Sleep Workshop
April 7, 8 pm
During this virtual 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
In Person PlayArts Movement Lab
April 8, 10:30 am
Gold Star Park, 613 Wharton St.
Bring your own props and blanket for this class that explores basic dance concepts with lots of playful locomotion through songs, nursery rhymes, stories, and interactive games. Best for ages 2-4. Pre-register online.
Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘One’
April 8, 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: Spring
April 8, 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
April 8, 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.
Elephant and Piggie Storytime
April 8, 2 pm
Celebrate National Library Week with a very special Elephant & Piggie storytime full of stories, songs, and silliness that will get you oinking, trumpeting, and dancing on your feet. Free on Facebook Live.
Play ‘Among Us’ with Kensington Library
April 8, 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.
Free Live Virtual Activity with the Handwork Studio
April 8, 6:30 pm
During this live virtual activity, your child will have the chance to do a Design & Build project in real-time with one of The Handwork Studio’s expert instructors. This activity will give you and your child a sneak peek into summer camp and the joy of experiential learning while getting your child’s critical thinking gears moving. Pre-register online.
Toddler Behavior Virtual Class
April 8, 7:30 pm
Join Miss Catherine, a child development specialist in discussing what is age-appropriate during toddler years and positive ways to foster these behaviors. Pre-registration required online via Kith + Kin.
Friday
Penn Museum Virtual Passport: The Americas
April 9; lessons at 11 am and 1 pm
This special event series is open to all home learners, pods, K-12 students, and K-12 classrooms. Learn more about the cultural traditions of Indigenous peoples living across North and Central America. Hear from Carlos José Pérez Sámano, Global Guide at the Penn Museum, about greca escalonada, a special design found in Mesoamerican art. And get hands-on during a session about the meaning and making of wampum in North America. Registrants also gain access to a virtual classroom space full of digital activities, videos, and articles to further explore the theme throughout the day. Pre-register online.
In Person Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo
April 9, 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.
Create with Bala Cynwyd Library
April 9, 1 pm
Spring has sprung! Tune into Bala Cynwyd Library’s Facebook page learn how to make a hanging rainbow streamer to display on a sunny day. No registration required.
National Library Week Storytime
April 9, 1:30 pm
In honor of National Library Week, Kevin Madden from Delaware County Council will be reading The Not So Quiet Library by Zachariah OHora. Join on the library’s Facebook page.
Superheroes Among Us: Comic Book Workshop
April 9, 3:30 pm
Program intended for children grades K-12 and their families. For this free, one-day workshop, students will learn first about shape and color language, and how characters can be developed using basic shapes. Join free on Facebook Live.
Kids’ Cooking Class: Plant-Based Queso & Baked Tortilla Chips
April 9, 4 pm
Kids will learn to make Plant-Based Roasted Sweet Potato Queso and some homemade baked tortilla chips to serve alongside in this step-by-step class. Tickets available online.
Free Livestream with ‘Zombies’ Willa
April 9, 7 pm
Join Willa from Zombies free on Facebook Live for Wolf Training!
Weekend Events
Eagles Huddle Up for Autism Drive-Thru
April 10 and 11
Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way
Specifically designed for families with a child on the autism spectrum, this year’s Huddle Up event will be a one-of-a-kind drive-thru experience featuring a live show and culminating with your group’s picture on the field at Lincoln Financial Field. The 20-minute drive-in show features a live Eagles cheerleader performance, live zoo animal exhibit, virtual message from an Eagles player and more – all enjoyed from the safety of your vehicle! Tickets available 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.
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
April 3-25
100 N. Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park
The popular family-friendly beer garden benefiting Philly moves to the beautiful Horticulture Center grounds for peak cherry blossom viewing. Reservations are strongly recommended, and masks are required.
‘Big Time’ at the Philadelphia Zoo
March 29–September 30; advance tickets required
3400 W. Girard Ave.
The Philadelphia Zoo will host 24 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in a new and exciting experience that’s sure to be a must-do for any little dino-lover in your family. Big Time: Life in an Endangerous Age will take guests through the Age of Dinosaurs through to the present day, showing the powerful changes and challenges that caused them to become extinct—and how other creatures survived. Advance tickets are required due to high demand and reduced capacity. Social distancing and masks will continue to be required for guests ages 2 and older.
Saturday
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
April 10, 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 Shofuso Cherry Blossom Viewing: Virtual Ohanami
April 10, 10 am
Celebrate the season virtually, live from Shofuso, including a presentation of cherry blossom appreciation, cherry tree workshop and Tamagawa University taiko performance (pre-recorded in Japan) to mark the fresh start of the 2021 spring season. If you’re hoping to see the blossoms in real life, download or pick up at Shofuso aPhiladelphia Cherry Blossom Ohanami map, and plan your own Ohanami picnic (or Parks on Tap) to enjoy fresh air under the blooming cherry trees around Philadelphia.
Virtual All Around This World Music
April 10, 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.
Virtual Junior Scientist Workshop: ‘Whooo’s in the Backyard?’
April 10, 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, kids will learn how to craft outdoor spaces that welcome wildlife and make a special backyard feeder at home with easy-to-find supplies. Pre-register online for your desired timeslot.
Ardmore Business Association’s Egg Hunt
April 10, 11 am—1 pm
Meet in Schauffele Plaza, Ardmore
Join the Easter Bunny and the Ardmore Business Association for the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Ardmore. Begin at Schauffele Plaza where you pick up your map, travel throughout Ardmore hunting for Easter Eggs, and collect candy on the way. End at Schauffele Plaza for prizes and treats! Free; purchase tickets online by April 9.
Dilworth Park Family Saturday: Bootcamp
April 10, 11 am
1 S. 15th St.
Free, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided every Saturday in the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn! This week, Coach Erik from Optimal Sport 1315 Walnut will lead a Kiddie Bootcamp for young children and their families. Activities include gym class-inspired drills and interactive games.
Griot Tale Storytelling
April 10, 1 pm
Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is partnering with Franklin Square for special outdoor storytimes to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. Told by a Griot (an African oral historian), this free and engaging storytime is perfect for children ages 5-12 and their favorite adults, as well the young at heart.
Family Art Workshop: Creative Nature Journaling
April 10, 1 pm
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Enjoy Bartram’s Garden and preserve your memories with a family activity designed to promote a deeper connection with the space and each other through our senses. Create an artful nature journal as a one-of-a-kind memento from your visit. Tickets available online.
2nd Saturday in Northern Liberties
April 10, 5—7 pm
North Second Street, Northern Liberties
From street art to live music, the neighborhood comes alive with family-friendly activities and specials in restaurants, galleries, shops, and outside. Stick around for dinner, because it’s Northern Liberties Restaurant Week!
Sunday
Virtual Baby Zumbini
April 11, 9:30 am
For children ages 0-4, Zumbini uses original music and movement to promote cognitive, social, fine/gross motor skill, and emotional development all while creating the ultimate bonding experience for families. Tickets available online.
Virtual PAFA Family Art Academy
April 11, 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.
PECO Family Jams: Mosaic Medallions at Magic Gardens
April 11, noon–4 pm
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
Magic Gardens have reopened, and holding their first Family Jams event of the year! If you visit on Sunday, you’ll receive a kit to create your own Magic Gardens-inspired mini-mosaics using beads, tile, mirror, and recycled materials at home. If you’re not able to visit in person, visit PMG’s website on April 11 for a materials list and an instructional video on how to create your own mosaic medallion at home.
Virtual Kids in the Kitchen Baking Class
April 11, noon
Kids ages 8-12 can join Kitchen Wizards virtually to bake Chocolate Sugar Cookies and Butterscotch Cookies in this fun, interactive, and educational class. Pre-register online for the Zoom link and ingredients list.
Virtual Kids’ Parkour
April 11, 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
April 11, 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: Gift of Story by TAHIRA
April 11, 2 pm
Share stories of hope, triumph, and tragedy, drawn from a diverse repertoire of original works and those based on African oral tradition. This program will be shared live on Free Library of Philadelphia’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices/) and will be available for one week.
Cars and Trucks and Things that GO!
April 11, 2 pm
Merion Tribute House, 625 Hazelhurst Ave., Merion Station
Bring your kids to Merion Tribute House to check out some fun vehicles up close, incluidng an ambulance, fire truck, loader, and school bus. Free; no registration required.
Double Book Launch Drive-Thru Party
April 11, 2:30–4 pm
Belmont Hills Library Parking Lot, 120 Mary Waters Ford Road, Bala Cynwyd
Join local author Hallee Adelman for the launch of her books Way Past Sad and Way Past Jealous, part of the “Great Big Feelings Series.” This free, COVID-safe event will have everyone remain in their cars while enjoying a series of book-themed children’s activities at stops around the parking lot. Guests will meet Hallee, have their books signed, and receive free party favors while supplies last. You can pre-order copies for pick up at the event from Children’s Book World.
Photograph courtesy of Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
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