30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week in Philly (and Online): April 12-18
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
Northern Liberties Restaurant Week
April 9-18
Just in time for perfect outdoor dining weather, Northern Liberties is debuting its first-ever Restaurant Week! See our preview for our top picks for families to enjoy.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday
In Person: Nest Family Music
April 12, 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.
Story and Craft Time: ‘It’s Ramadan, Curious George’
April 12, 10:30 am
Celebrate the beginning of Ramadan and learn all about the celebration through It’s Ramadan, Curious George. After the story, today, Miss Mel and Christina Bunny will show you how to make a Good Deeds Tree that you can print out straight from home. Join free on Marple Public Library’s Facebook Page.
Spanish Storytime
April 12, 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
Forgotten Friend Reptile Show
Kids Cook: Lemon Bars
April 12, 4:30 pm
Join Penn Wynne Library free online for a step-by-step baking class. Pre-register online to reserve your spot and get the ingredients list.
Tuesday
In Person: Nest Family Music
April 13, 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 PlayArts Movement Lab
April 13, 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 13, 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 13, 10 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.
Story and Craft Time: ‘Goodnight Moon’
April 13, 10:30 am
Kids ages 2 and up are invited to join for the reading of this classic storybook and a printable craft afterward. Join free on Marple Public Library’s Facebook Page.
In Person: Storytime in the Wintergarden
April 13, 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 Drag Queen Story Time: The Power of One
April 13, 11 am
Join the National Liberty Museum and Philly Drag Queen Miss Brittany Lynn for stories about how small actions — such as standing up for your friends in the book One by Kathryn Otoshi — can make a big difference. You’ll learn how little things, like what you eat or what you say, can make the world a better place. Lastly, you’ll Zoom into the museum to see the Flame of Liberty and learn how many little acts come together as a movement for liberty. Free; pre-register online.
At-Home Anthro: Greca Escalonada Symbols
April 13, 1 pm
Learn to draw your own version of one of the most important graphic symbols in Mesoamerica. This 30-minute session is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Get Crafty with Crayola
April 13, 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 13, 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: Soul
April 13, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 4-7 will make food inspired by the Pixar movie Soul. 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 Songwriting
April 13, 4 pm
This virtual assembly features a solo, interactive hip-hop performance and multimedia presentations by teaching artist Bomani, focusing on the writing process and power of writing. Join free on Lillian Marrero Branch Library’s Facebook page.
In Person: Mini Musicians Outdoor Class with Miss Minor
April 13, 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 13, 7 pm
Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.
Virtual Potty Training 101 with Miss Catherine
April 13, 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.
Wednesday
In Person: Bartram’s Garden Homeschooler Days: Mysteries of Navigation
April 14, 10 am
5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Explore how we can navigate the world without our phones and what knowledge helped create that technology. The lesson is held outdoors, socially-distanced for homeschoolers ages 5 to 11 and their adults. Pre-register online for your preferred date, as space is very limited.
In Person: Nest Family Music
April 14, 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 14, 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 14, 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.
Story and Craft Time: ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’
April 14, 10:30 am
Kids ages 2 and up are invited to join for the reading of this classic storybook and a printable craft afterward. Join free on Marple Public Library’s Facebook Page.
Woof and Meow Café: Read to a Dog or Cat!
April 14, 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 14, 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: Harry Potter
April 14, 3:45 pm
1001 N. Second Street
Kids ages 4-7 will make a meal inspired by Harry Potter. 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.
GOALS Martial Arts Free Class for Kids
April 14, 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.
Kids’ Cooking Class: Savory Herb Crepes
April 14, 4:30 pm
Kids will learn all about herbs and how to use them to make savory crepes with a chef instructor in this Zoom class. Pre-register online for link and ingredients list.
Youth Stretch & Strength
April 14, 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 14, 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!
Storytime with The Snow Queen
Thursday
In Person PlayArts Movement Lab
April 15, 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: ‘The Duckling gets a Cookie!?’
April 15, 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.
In Person: ‘Hey Black Child’ Story Walk
April 15, noon
Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library, 1935 Shunk Street
Join a story-walk and read-aloud of the One Book, One Philadelphia 2021 children’s selection, Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins. Meet in the garden at Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Library. Masks and social distancing will be required.
In Person Tree House Tots at Wissahickon Environmental Center
April 15, 1 pm
300 West Northwestern Avenue
Bring your little one (ages 3-5) for an hour of discovery at the Tree House. Be sure to pre-register online for the afternoon timeslot (morning is already sold out).
In Person: ‘Hey Black Child’ Read-Aloud
April 15, 3:30 pm
Haddington Library, 446 N. 65th St.
Children and their loved ones are invited to join a read-aloud of the One Book, One Philadelphia 2021 children’s selection, Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, outside on the steps in front of Haddington Library. Masks and social distancing will be required.
Ramadan Storytime
April 15, 3:30 pm
Join Northeast Regional Library on Facebook for a reading of My First Ramadan and a craft. This storytime is intended for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers.
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Virtual Support Group
April 15, 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.
Play ‘Among Us’ with Kensington Library
April 15, 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.
Friday
In Person: Please Touch Museum Reopens!
April 16-18
4231 Avenue of the Republic
If you’re a PTM member, it’s your time to shine, because you get early access to the museum’s reopening, including two new permanent exhibit spaces! Be sure to make reservations because space is limited. Details in our preview.
‘Hey Black Child’ Virtual Read-Aloud
April 16, 11 am
Children and their loved ones are invited to join a virtual read-aloud of the One Book, One Philadelphia 2021 children’s selection, Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins. Join the live-stream storytime on Queen Memorial Library’s Facebook page.
Teen Cooking Class
April 16, 4:30 pm
Teens will learn how to make homemade ricotta and crostini in this step-by-step class. Tickets available online.
In Person: Art of Resiliency
April 16, 5:30 pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Celebrate the strength of the human spirit through music, dance, and poetry at Cherry Street Pier. Performers include T-VOCE, a cross-city youth choir, and the Esperanza Academy Dance Ensemble, part of the Esperanza Academy Charter School; as well as the city’s premiere experimental cabaret troupe, The Bearded Ladies. While you’re there, enjoy bites from local vendors (including our personal favorite, French Toast Bites!).
In Person: Live Music at King of Prussia Town Center
April 16, 6 pm
155 Village Drive, King of Prussia
Fridays from 6-8 pm, King of Prussia Town Center will host free outdoor concerts by local artists. This week, it’s the music of Amanda & Teddy. Wear a mask and maintain social distancing.
Free Livestream with Pink Power Ranger
April 16, 7 pm
Join the Pink Power Ranger free on Facebook Live for a storytime before bed.
Weekend Events
Please Touch Museum Reopens!
April 16-18
4231 Avenue of the Republic
If you’re a PTM member, it’s your time to shine, because you get early access to the museum’s reopening, including two new permanent exhibit spaces! Be sure to make reservations because space is limited. Details in our preview.
Elmo’s Eggstravaganza
April 17 and 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.
Virtual Run for Clean Air
April 17-25
This is one of the region’s longest-running charity races and its largest Earth Day event. For a second year, the Run for Clean Air will be a virtual race, giving runners the freedom and flexibility to run their race when and where they like. All virtual runners and walkers will receive a race shirt and finisher medal–just register online and join thousands of people putting their best foot forward and supporting the environment!
Saturday
Haverford Earth Day Service and Fun
April 17, 9 am — 1 pm
Haverford CREC, 9000 Parkview Drive, Haverford
Plant trees, participate in stream bank restoration, and have fun learning about owls. Pre-register online for your desired timeslot (choose from 9-10:15 am or 10:45 am-noon). Both timeslots are followed by a live birds of prey presentation.
Riverbend Spring Saunter
April 17, 10 am
1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne
This family-friendly walk will be hosted by our Riverbend’s Habitat and Volunteer Manager, Lorna Atkinson. Lorna will guide participants around the preserve exploring their habitat restoration projects and other highlights of the property. Lorna will then lead walkers to visit neighboring Woodmont, a National Historic Landmark. A member of the Palace Mission will join up with the group and provide a special look at the history and beauty of this interesting local site. Free; pre-register online. Masks are required; strollers cannot be accomodated.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
April 17, 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.
Dilworth Park Family Saturday: Chalk Art
April 17, 11 am
1 S. 15th St.
Free, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided in the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn to close out the series. This week, young artists can help decorate the space by participating in a fun chalk art pop-up. Representatives from the Philadelphia Union will join in on the fun with an interactive soccer activity! There will also be a caricature artist, as well as a chalk artist who will create an impressive piece for all to admire.
Virtual Birthday Party for Museum of the American Revolution
April 17, 11:30 am– 12:30 pm
Celebrate the museum’s fourth birthday and learn about their most famous object: George Washington’s Headquarters Tent. Kids ages 7-11 will take a trip back in time with a virtual tour, and learn all about what it was like to live in a tent as General of the Continental Army. You’ll meet some of the other people who spent time around the tent, like William Lee, and see if you have what it takes to protect the Commander himself. Tickets available online.
Family Fun Day for CHOP
April 17, 1–4 pm
King of Prussia Mall N. Outer Ring Parking Lot, 1001 King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia
Free and open to the public (with a suggested per person donation to CHOP of $5 per person), enjoy games, live performances from Sadie Gustafson (as seen on American Idol) and Roots with Ruark, balloon twisting from former CHOP patient Ben’s Balloon Animals, entertainment donated by Poly the Magician and carnival treats from Sweet Thangs Nut & Candy Truck.
Double Book Launch Drive-Thru Party
April 17, 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.
Sunday
National Historic Landmarks ‘Reopen House’ Day
April 18
Over 20 participating historic sites will offer tours for visitors, virtual programs, special events, discounts and prizes, and much more! See the link for schedules and participating locations.
Virtual Earth Day Virtual Zero Waste Upcycling Make-In
April 18, 10– 11:30 am
During this free online event, adults and children are welcome to join artist and art teacher Mindy Flexer to create projects with upcycled materials. Free; pre-register online for the Zoom link.
Family Art Workshop: Creative Nature Journaling
April 18, 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.
Virtual Kids’ Parkour
April 18, 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 18, 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.
Outdoor Dance with Koresh
April 18, 4 pm
Capitolo Playground, 900 Federal St.
Learn some new moves, play some games, and make your own dances with Koresh Kids Dance teaching artists. This free, 45 minute class is aimed for dancers in grades K-5, but all ages are welcome and no dance experience is required! Spaces are limited to allow for distancing. Pre-register online to save your spot.
Photograph by Laura Swartz
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