Monday

In Person: Nest Family Music

April 26, 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.

In Person: Nest Outdoor Yoga Adventures

April 26, 10:15 am

Rittenhouse Square

Nest Yoga Adventures uses creative storytelling along with an engaging flow of movement to support families looking to get in touch with their bodies and spirits. Kids ages 3-6 welcome. Pre-registration required.

Longwood Gardens Community Reads Event

April 26, 10:15 am

Join Miss Mel on Facebook Live for a reading of the Longwood Garden Community Read Book selection Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson. Explore varieties of birds on each and every page of this story, and learn to make your very own birdhouse out of recycled materials with a post-story craft. During the storytime, add a comment about what you like about birds, or what your favorite bird is, and you will be automatically be entered into a raffle for free Longwood Garden tickets!

Spanish Storytime

April 26, 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

The Supermoon Show

April 26, 5 pm

In this free, virtual program, streamed on Liberty Science Center’s Facebook page, you’ll join their planetarium presenter for a preview of the supermoon on Monday night and get all the details on what to look for!

Babysitter’s Club Trivia

April 26, 6:30 pm

Join Ms. Lindsay for a Babysitter’s Club trivia based on the graphic novels. Free; pre-registration is required via Eventkeeeper in order to receive the Zoom link.

Free Livestream with Tiana and Rapunzel

April 26, 7 pm

Join princesses Tiana and Rapunzel free on Facebook Live for storytime and sing-along before bed.

Tuesday

In Person: Nest Family Music

April 27, 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: Outdoor Storytime at Gladwyne Park

April 27, 10 am

921 Youngs Ford Rd., Gladwyne

Gladwyne Library is excited to offer an outdoor story time at Gladwyne Park. Sing songs, read books, and enjoy being outside and together! Meet at the tree next to the tennis courts. Free; pre-registration required.

In Person PlayArts Movement Lab

April 27, 10:30 am and 11:15 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.

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, 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 27, 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.

At-Home Anthro: Create Your Own Tapa Cloth

April 27, 1 pm

New Parent Virtual Support Group

April 27, 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: Harry Potter

April 27, 3:45 pm

1001 N. Second Street

Kids ages 4-7 will make food 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 Butterbeer Cookies, and take the food home. Class is drop off. See more details and pre-register online.

In Person: Mini Musicians Outdoor Class with Miss Minor

April 27, 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!

Virtual Author Visit with Lexie Bean

April 27, 6 pm

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia for a virtual author visit and book talk with Lexie Bean, author of the middle grade epistolary novel, The Ship We Built, about a 10-year-old grappling with sexuality and gender identity. This free event welcomes children of all genders and sexualities, their parents, LGTBTQIA+ adults, and allies. Pre-register online for Zoom access.

In Person: Full Moon Astronomy Night

April 27, 7–9 pm

Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave.

Laurel Hill welcome visitors for telescope viewing and astronomy activities with local astronomers and educators under the full moon! Guests are welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Pajama Storytime with Haverford Township Free Library

April 27, 7 pm

Grab your jammies and a special friend and get ready for some stories before bed! Join free on Facebook.

Wednesday

Paleo Playdate

April 28, 10 am

Kids ages 3-6 and their grownups can have some fun with Academy of Natural Sciences experts and other young natural history fans for a science storytime. Admission is pay-what-you-wish; pre-register online.

In Person: Nest Family Music

April 28, 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 28, 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.

Woof and Meow Café: Read to a Dog or Cat!

April 28, 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.

Thursday

In Person PlayArts Movement Lab

April 29, 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: ‘Alma and How She Got Her Name’

April 29, 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

April 29, 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.

Will Grammy Remember Me?

April 29, 4 pm

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia for a family-friendly virtual program presented by local author, J Elizabeth, and educators from The Penn Memory Center. Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia through interactive activities, discussion, and read alouds. In preparation for the program, pick up a packet that will have information provided by the Penn Memory Center, and engaging activities at select Free Libary branches. Free; pre-register online.

Spark Change: Plant a Pollinator Garden

April 29, 4 pm

Whether you tend to a patio garden of container plants or plan to grow a meadow, you can help pollinators by providing the right plants to feed and protect these important animals. Join Academy of Natural Sciences scientists and local experts to learn more. Pre-register and commit to planting for pollinators this spring and the Academy will send you a free packet of Showy Northeast Native Wildflower and Grass Mix from Ernst Seeds.

Play ‘Among Us’ with Kensington Library

April 29, 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.

Kids’ Cooking Class: Blueberry Pierogi

April 29, 4:30 pm

Kids ages 5-15 will learn how to make these delicious dumplings step-by-step with a chef instructor. Tickets available online.

Friday

City Nature Challenge

April 30–May 3

Between April 30 and May 3, Philadelphia and its adjacent counties will be competing against other cities in the world to see who can find the most species in their regions. Cities are ranked by the total number of observations, the number of species as well as the number of people making observations. Besides being a fun challenge, this is also a great way to engage in citizen science and help document the biodiversity of our urban areas. If you are interested in contributing and helping Philly win, download the iNaturalist app (or visit the website) and start documenting the wildlife in your area. You can also join a local in-person event this weekend to join in the fun!

Rothman Roller Rink Debuts at Dilworth Park

April 30, noon

1 S. 15th St.

In place of the ice rink, Dilworth is debuting a new feature this spring: roller skating! Enjoy the retro-inspired design and pop-up grille and beer garden (with snacks for the kids), too! Hour-long sessions should be reserved online. Limited in-person sales may be offered, but sellouts are likely due to reduced capacity, so preorder to save your spot. You can rent skates and reserve lockers on site. 

Kith + Kin & Mister John’s Music: Celebrate Spring!

April 30, 5 pm

Mister John’s Music comes to Kith + Kin to welcome the sun, and flowers, warmth, and friends! Although the in-person concert is sold out, you can join virtually and reserve an at-home activity box! Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

In Person: Live Music at King of Prussia Town Center

April 30, 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. Wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

In Person: Twilight Pond Walk

April 30, 6:30 pm

Wissahickon Environmental Center, 300 W. Northwestern Avenue

Part of the City Nature Challenge, join Wissahickon Environmental Center to explore and record the tadpoles, toads, and more found at the pond. Free; pre-registration required.

In Person and Virtual: SALT Performing Arts presents ‘Annie’

April 30, 7 pm

1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs (or virtual)

One of the world’s best-loved musicals takes center stage in SALT’s first show back in 2021! Join in-person or via livestream, just pick your tickets. Performers will be wearing transparent face shields while performing, and in-person audience members must wear masks and practice social distancing. More information (and ticket links) on SALT’s website.

In The Moment

Access between April 30, 7 pm—May 2, 7 pm (pre-recorded)

Also created by Yes! And…Collaborative Arts, this piece skews older and displays what life like for our teenagers at this unique and isolating moment in time. See the pandemic through the eyes of some teens for their take on the issues that are affecting them: anxiety over all the unknowns of their future, the overwhelm of information, the loneliness and isolation in quarantine; mourning the loss of major milestones in their lives….all while experiencing “normal” parts of being a teenager. This piece originally aired as a five-part series and is returning for two-day access. Pay what you can; register online for your ticket and link to view the recording.

THICKETT / Quest 2

April 30, 8:30 pm

Dive into a digital adventure with live actors, hidden mysteries, fantasy, and more! THICKETT is an live event that will take your family on an interactive and immersive quest of corporate espionage and fairy tales. Pay what you can; click “Buy Tickets” to reserve your desired timeslot and get a link to access the performance.

Weekend Events

City Nature Challenge

April 30–May 3

Between April 30 and May 3, Philadelphia and its adjacent counties will be competing against other cities in the world to see who can find the most species in their regions. Cities are ranked by the total number of observations, the number of species as well as the number of people making observations. Besides being a fun challenge, this is also a great way to engage in citizen science and help document the biodiversity of our urban areas. If you are interested in contributing and helping Philly win, download the iNaturalist app (or visit the website) and start documenting the wildlife in your area. You can also join a local in-person event this weekend to join in the fun!

Rothman Roller Rink Debuts at Dilworth Park

April 30–June 27

1 S. 15th St.

In place of the ice rink, Dilworth is debuting a new feature this spring: roller skating! Enjoy the retro-inspired design and pop-up grille and beer garden (with snacks for the kids), too! Hour-long sessions should be reserved online. Limited in-person sales may be offered, but sellouts are likely due to reduced capacity, so preorder to save your spot. You can rent skates and reserve lockers on site. 

Free Admission at Please Touch Museum 

May 1 and 2

4231 Avenue of the Republic

The Please Touch Museum is reopening, including two new permanent exhibit spaces, and you can get in for free this weekend! Be sure to make reservations because space is limited. Details in our preview.

Shofuso Children’s Days

May 1–16

Lansdowne and Horticultural drives, Fairmount Park

Children’s Day is a national holiday in Japan celebrating children’s health, happiness, and family unity. In honor of the holiday, Shofuso celebrates Children’s Day every year with festive on-site displays of Japanese Samurai Armors (Kabuto) and carp streamers (Koinobori). Come to Shofuso with your family and friends to see this seasonal decoration, feed carps in the pond, and enjoy the view of the Japanese garden with blooming Azaleas. Enhance your visit with their free online collection of Children’s Day educational materials.

In Person and Virtual: SALT Performing Arts presents ‘Annie’

April 30–May 16

1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs (or virtual)

One of the world’s best-loved musicals takes center stage in SALT’s first show back in 2021! Join in-person or via livestream, just pick your tickets. Performers will be wearing transparent face shields while performing, and in-person audience members must wear masks and practice social distancing. More information (and ticket links) on SALT’s website.

Virtual: Philly Theatre Week

April 22–May 2

After over a year of theaters across the country going dark, Philly Theatre Week is planning its triumphant (and largely virtual) return from April 22 to May 2. Over the 11-day festival, performances from around the region can be viewed mostly online, with something for everyone. Check out our preview to see all the kid-friendly picks, and get your tickets!

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.

The popular family-friendly beer garden benefiting Philly moves to the beautiful Horticulture Center grounds for peak cherry blossom viewing. And this week, Waterworks was added as a second location! Reservations are strongly recommended, and masks are required.

Saturday

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

May 1, 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.

Family Fishing Day

May 1, 10 am

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. 

Refuge volunteers and staff will help you and your family get a start on fishing. Limited rods and bait will be available or bring your own. No license or registration needed.

Mommy & Me Make-Up

May 1, 10 am

Primp and Play, 1520 Locust St.

Enjoy a fun makeup class where you can create memories and do one another’s makeup, sip mimosas and juice, enjoy a hand mask and create a photo frame to cherish a photo from your special day together. Tickets available online.

CCHC Spring Festival

May 1, 10 am–4 pm

Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High Street, West Chester

Join CCHC for a free day of fun and rebirth with live floral workshops, local vendors, and educational programs for kids. 

Virtual: Small Actions for Kids: Plant for Pollinators

May 1, 10 am

Join Academy of Natural Sciences educators for a storytime to learn about local pollinators and find out what you can plant to help protect them. Free; pre-register and commit to planting for pollinators this spring and the Academy will send you a free packet of Showy Northeast Native Wildflower and Grass Mix from Ernst Seeds. 

Virtual Nature Tots with John Heinz Wildlife Refuge

May 1, 10 am

Join John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and Kingsessing Library on Facebook Live for a free nature storytime.

PlayMusic Family at Penn Treaty Park 

May 1, 10:30 am

Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach St.

PlayArts takes their popular family music class for kids ages 5 and under to the park! Little ones will play instruments, move their bodies, and learn musical foundations along the way. Pre-register online.

Mother’s Day Card Workshop with Artist Dori Desautel Broudy

May 1, noon–2 pm

Boyds Ardmore, Suburban Square, 117 Coulter Ave.

Bring the kids to Boyds Ardmore to create personalized Mother’s Day cards with local artist Dori Desautel Broudy. All are welcome and cards are complimentary.

Derby Day at Harrah’s

May 1, 1–7 pm

777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester

Held at Harrah’s Philadelphia’s expansive racetrack, grandstand, and outdoor patio, this event will feature plenty of family fun with live music entertainment, food and drink specials, strolling entertainers, and much more as you watch the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. This is an all-ages event. Social distancing and other health and safety measures will be in place.

Virtual THICKETT / Quest 2

May 1, 2:30 pm

Dive into a digital adventure with live actors, hidden mysteries, fantasy, and more! THICKETT is a live event that will take your family on an interactive and immersive quest of corporate espionage and fairy tales. Pay what you can; click “Buy Tickets” to reserve your desired timeslot and get a link to access the performance.

Virtual Llama Llama Storytime and Playtime

May 1, 4 pm

Join The Little Gym live on Facebook to celebrate Llama Llama’s birthday! Children will have an opportunity to exercise their bodies and minds after the storytime.

Virtual ComedySportz Live Improv

May 1, 7:30 pm

In ComedySportz two teams of improvisers battle each other for points and laughs; and through the interactive chat, you’re involved in the fun at home—you get to make suggestions, award points, and choose the winner! This improv show is always different and always high-energy. Click “Buy Tickets” to make a reservation and pick your timeslot.

Sunday

Barnes Foundation Free First Sunday Family Day

May 2, 10 am-5 pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

It’s the first Sunday of the month, so families can get free admission to the Barnes Foundation! And this month, you can see their temporary exhibit “Soutine/de Kooning,” highlighting two major 20th century artists. Online registration is required for free admission to the Barnes Foundation; tickets are not available on-site. Masks are required for all visitors over age 2. If you can’t make it to the museum, they’re also offering free virtual activities and inspiration to enjoy at home.

Virtual PAFA Family Art Academy

May 2, 10:30 am

Join PAFA art educators live on Zoom, and make art inspired by magical alebrijes. Free; pre-register online.

Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Stroll

May 2, 11 am— 5 pm

7600 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue

In addition to the over 150 home and garden vendors lining the avenue, you’ll find lots of delicious food, live music, and a Kids and Family Zone (located at Jenks Elementary) including crafts, train rides, and more.

Art Making and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

May 2, 11 am

9201 Germantown Avenue

Introduce your preschoolers to the enjoyment of art through stories and art making. Young visitors and their grown-ups will enjoy reading picture books in the galleries, followed by an art project. Pre-register online.

Virtual Brandywine River Museum’s First Sunday for Families

May 2, 11 am and noon

Join Brandywine online for free family fun. At 11 am, exercise your creative side as you sketch imaginative animals with award-winning artist and children’s book writer and illustrator Gene Barretta on Facebook Live. Then at noon, meet author Libby Piper and illustrator  Renée Fox as they share poetry and illustrations from their book, Honeysuckle Hugs, followed by child-friendly guided mediation and movement inspired by nature. And anytime that day, enjoy at-home projects like potato printing and making a birdfeeder, with instructional materials posted online.

Spring Arts Pop Up

May 2, noon–5 pm

Location 215, 990 Spring Garden Street

Location 215 is hosting a unique pop-up shopping experience and designer showcase at their modern indoor and outdoor space. In addition to local vendors, the event will also include an all day, outdoor skate exhibition featuring Skate the Foundry! 

Virtual Kids’ Parkour

May 2, 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

May 2, 1:30 pm

This half-hour virtual class from Philadelphia School of Circus Arts will have kids ages 6-10 jumping, rolling, and cartwheeling. Activities include warm-up games, dancing, basic acrobatics, and doorway climbing! Pre-register online.

Virtual Kids’ Baking Class: Mexican Wedding Cookies

May 2, 3 pm

In this class, kids will measure, mix and bake these delicious cookies from scratch, step-by-step with a chef instructor over Zoom. Tickets available online.

Virtual Meet and Greet with Ariel

May 2, 6 pm

 Join Miss Jolie Music for a special playdate with the Little Mermaid. Meet Ariel on Zoom, sing songs, and maybe even do some ocean yoga! Tickets available online.

Photograph by Olivia Phan.