Monday

In the Park with Mister John’s Music

August 9, 10 am

Lemon Hill Park

Philadelphia’s favorite early childhood music class is taking it outside! Through music, rhythm, and movement, infants and toddlers learn about self-expression, teamwork, sharing, and empathy while rocking out to some favorite songs. BYO blanket and instruments. Tickets available online.

Creative Babies in the Park

August 9, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Share bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music. Meet at the Youth Services entrance and walk to the park together. Bring your own blanket. Free; pre-register online.

Nest Outdoor Family Yoga 

August 9, 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 2-5 welcome. Pre-registration required.

Grow Up Green

August 9, 10:30–11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will take kids on an imaginative journey that emphasizes the importance of outdoor play with nature-inspired lessons and hands-on activities.

PlayMusic Family at Penn Treaty Park 

August 9, 10:30 am

Palmer Park, Frankford Ave. and E. Palmer 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.

Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library

August 9, 10:30 am

Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine St.

Join Miss Mary Mondays at 10:30 am at Shakespeare Park (across the street from the library on Vine St) for Baby Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and fun! This program is intended for kids ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Weather-permitting. Please check CCD’s social media for cancellations day-of.

Baby Music & Movement at Malcolm X Park

August 9, 11 am

5100 Pine St.

Enjoy interactive songs, instruments, and much more! This free program is intended for ages 2 and under and their caregivers.

Outside Musical Performance by Lolly

August 9, 11 am

Rachel Kohl Community Library, 687 Smithbridge Rd., Glen Mills

Come dance and sing with a free outdoor musical performance by Lolly from the children’s group Lolly & Yoyo!

Virtual Baltimore National Aquarium Shark Week Program

August 9, 11 am

This virtual Sharks program includes a presentation with National Aquarium Educators, a visit to their Shark Alley exhibit to see live sharks, and time for questions and answers. Best for ages 5 and up. Live via Zoom; pre-register online for the link.

Crafts with Fabric Workshop and Museum at Sister Cities Park

August 9, 11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Join The Fabric Workshop and Museum to explore themes in their current exhibit, Hard/Cover. Kids will have the opportunity to create river prints, moon viewers, playful patterns, secret seed sculptures, and objects for a community table.

Virtual Kids Cupcake Decorating Class with Chef Dad’s Table

August 9, 1 pm

Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join Chef Dad’s Table for a free Cupcake Decorating Crash Course! Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and supply list.

Kids’ Outdoor Concert: The Foxy Doxies

August 9, 2 pm

Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway

Enjoy this outdoor concert, followed by a tongue twister activity, snacks, and a take-home craft. The Foxy Doxies create family-friendly educational music for children of all ages. Their most recent project, Foxy Doxies in Fox in Sockies, is a musical version of the Dr. Seuss classic.

Virtual Bug Picasso

August 9, 3 pm

Get ready for this weekend’s Bug Fest with the Academy of Natural Sciences online. Grab your sketchbook and get creative with nature artist Stephenie Koniers as she gets inspired by another special guest: live bugs! Get some helpful tips for drawing or painting your favorite species, and then show off your art. Pre-register online for the Zoom link.

Monday Funday in the Park

August 9, 4 pm

Meet at Springfield Township Library, 70 Powell Rd., Springfield

Kids entering grades 3-5 are invited to meet at the library and walk over to the park for a fun activity. Free; pre-registration required.

Tuesday

What Happens Next? Sponge Printing

August 10, 10 am–noon

FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave.

Young children and their families will explore new textures, colors, and sensations with the help of professional teaching artists from Fleisher Art Memorial. Participants will also receive art kits with materials and recipes to bring the creativity home! All events and materials are free; no registration required.

PlayArts Movement Lab

August 10, 10 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.

Outdoor Storytime in Gladwyne

August 10, 10 am

Gladwyne Park, 921 Youngs Ford Rd., Gladwyne

Bring your blanket and join the Gladwyne Library for a special outdoor storytime. Pre-register online to be contacted in case of cancellation due to inclement weather.

Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library

August 10, 10 am

1935 Shunk St.

Join Miss Sunita for Storytime in the Donatucci Garden every Tuesday. Masks (for kids over 2) and social distancing required. Space is limited; first-come first-served. Ages 0-5. Bring Your Own Blanket. Weather permitting.

Toddler Time in the Park

August 10, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Stories, finger plays, puppets, rhymes, dancing, and music liven the atmosphere as concepts such as colors, numbers, and letters are introduced. The program is about 20 minutes long. Free; pre-register online.

Stories on the Porch

August 10, 10 am and 11 am

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Children ages 0-5 are invited to join the library to sing, listen to stories, do movement activities and watch puppets on the covered porch. Free; pre-register online, as space is limited.

Virtual Kids’ Yoga Adventure

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.

Sippy Cup and Paint

August 10, 10:30 am

Walnut Street West Library (201 S. 40th St.) and Wynnefield Library (5325 Overbrook Ave.)

Join the Free Library of Philadelphia at two different locations for free outdoor craft time.

Story Art at Sister Cities Park

August 10, 10:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

The Free Library of Philadelphia will bring their popular storytime program outdoors for a morning full of movement, songs, and imagination. 

Nature in the Park: Investigation Station

August 10, 11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and go wild with fun games, experiments, and unique activities! Learn how animals, bugs, and dinosaurs are affected by climate change.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

August 10, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

Sandcastle Fun Co.’s “Fun-Structors” will guide kids ages 3-5 through all kinds of age-appropriate sports games. Drop-in passes available online.

Games in the Park

August 10, 1–3:30 pm

Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St.

Meet Kensington Library in the Northeast corner of the park every Tuesday for games, books, and activities. Best for ages 8 and up.

Virtual At-Home Anthro: Preparing for Eternity: False Doors

August 10, 1 pm

Virtual New Parent Virtual Support Group

August 10, 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.

Bird Lover’s Club for Kids

August 10, 4 pm

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.

Children ages 3 and up will meet outside the library to learn about bird behavior through hands-on activities, stories, and crafts.

Woofstock Summer Concert

August 10, 5:30 pm

Seger Park, 1020 Lombard St.

Enjoy weekly live music at Seger Dog Park. Stay and play at the playground!

Virtual Tricky Dog Comedy Show

August 10, 6:30 pm

Join Radnor Memorial Library on Facebook Live for a hilarious circus-style comedy dog act.

Outdoor Movie at Veterans Memorial Park: ‘Finding Nemo’

August 10, 7 pm

354 Lawrence Road, Broomall

Enjoy an outdoor showing of Finding Nemo and a Kona Ice truck treat. The movie will start around 7:30 pm. Bring your own blanket, towels, or chairs to sit in. Picnics are encouraged!

Virtual Magical Events Storytime

August 10, 7 pm

Bala Cynwyd Library hosts a free virtual storytime with a Unicorn Princess! Pre-register online for the link.

Wednesday

Upper Darby Summer Stage: ‘Yo, Vikings!’

August 11, 10:30 am and 7 pm

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill

Based on Judith Byron Schachner’s acclaimed book and the true story that inspired it, Yo, Vikings! is the story of Emma Katz, a spunky little girl with a limitless imagination. After being assigned Erik the Red for her World Discovery Day report, she begins to channel her inner Viking, setting off on a fantastic adventure of self-discovery. Tickets available online.

Creative Movement with Pennsylvania Ballet

August 11, 10:30–11:30 am

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St.

Instructors from the Pennsylvania Ballet will teach young children how to express themselves through the art of dance! These outdoor movement classes will include African dance and ballet movement.

Music and Movement with Free Library of Philadelphia

August 11, 10:30 am

Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine Street

Join Ms. Naomi at Shakespeare Park (across the street from the library on Vine Street) for songs, dance, and fun explorations of rhythm and movement! This program is intended for ages 6 and under and their caregivers. Adults and children over 2 must wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of social distance, and stay home if they are unwell.

Free Outdoor Fun with the Barnes Foundation at Mifflin Square Park

August 11, 11 am

Sixth and Ritner streets

A teaching artist will perform original plays inspired by some popular kids’ books, and will have art activities and art kits to hand out to kids! Ideal for kids ages 2-5 years old with their families. Free and open to all.

 CantiCuentos: Spanish Songs and Stories for Kids

August 11, 11 am

420 S. Perth St.

Babies and toddlers (ages 0-5) will learn Spanish songs and stories at this weekly outdoor playgroup. Bring your own blanket! $10 per family.

Meet the Author: Julie Fortenberry

August 11

11 am: Roxborough Library, 6245 Ridge Ave.

1 pm: Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

Bring your favorite stuffed animal along to hear local author/illustrator Julie Fortenberry read her new book, Darcy’s First Sleepover, along with Sadie, Ori, and Nuggles Go to Camp by Jamie Korngold. See Julie’s favorite stuffy and find out what inspired her to write about Darcy, what it’s like to be an author and illustrator, and more! 

Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

August 11, 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.

Fairies, Gnomes & Trolls: Garden Kingdom House Building Workshop

August 11, 4 pm

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.

Kids will design and build fantastical fairy houses in this free art workshop. Space and supplies are limited, and pre-registration is required.

Kids’ Yoga in Linwood Park

August 11, 4 pm

Linwood Park, Ardmore

Join Andi and Aparna, two of Hummingbird’s wonderful teachers, for kids’ yoga and stories at the park. Free; donations accepted.

Arts on Center Stage at Dilworth Park

August 11, 5:30 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.

Philadelphia’s robust network of arts and culture organizations, large and small, will be celebrated every week as they hold free performances at Dilworth Park this summer. This week features the Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, one of the country’s premier contemporary Asian-American dance companies.

Summer Outdoor Movie by Paoli Fire Company

August 11, 7 – 9 pm

Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 S. Valley Road, Paoli

Gather outside for a fun superhero-themed movie night– costumes welcome!

Thursday

Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement

August 12, 9:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

From shakers to tambourines and drums, choose your favorite musical instrument to join the band and rock out with Sandcastle Fun Co. as they take kids ages 1-5 on a rock and roll journey. Drop-in passes available online.

Manatee Stories and a Craft

August 12, 10 am

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Kids ages 3.5 to 8 are invited for storytime and crafts on the porch. Free; pre-register online.

Upper Darby Summer Stage: ‘Yo, Vikings!’

August 12, 10:30 am and 7 pm

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill

Based on Judith Byron Schachner’s acclaimed book and the true story that inspired it, Yo, Vikings! is the story of Emma Katz, a spunky little girl with a limitless imagination. After being assigned Erik the Red for her World Discovery Day report, she begins to channel her inner Viking, setting off on a fantastic adventure of self-discovery. Tickets available online.

Storytime on Locust Walk

August 12, 10:30 am

Locust Walk, University of Pennsylvania

Join Ms. Echo and Mr. Bruce for outdoor storytime on Locust Walk! Masks (for kids over 2) and social distancing required. Space is limited; first-come first-served. Ages 0-5. Bring Your Own Blanket.

Storytime Fun in Shakespeare Park

August 12, 10:30 am

1901 Vine St.

Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to join the Free Library of Philadelphia in Shakespeare Park every Thursday during Summer of Wonder for a fun and exciting in-person, socially distanced storytime activity.

Art Museum Playdate in the Garden

August 12, 10:30 am and 1 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Discover art in the Sculpture Garden, engage in looking activities, and make art outdoors. Best for ages 4–8. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Summer of Wonder: STEMusic Concert

August 12, 11 am

Tune in for a high-energy concert full of songs and lessons all about STEM! Watch live experiments, practice solving math problems, and learn STEM vocabulary all while being entertained with incredible music from Roy Moye III, also known as “The Singing Engineer.” This program will take place on Facebook Live via the Youth Services and Programs page  (https://www.facebook.com/FLPYouthServices) and the video will be available for two weeks. 

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

August 12, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

Sandcastle Fun Co.’s “Fun-Structors” will guide kids ages 3-5 through all kinds of age-appropriate sports games. Drop-in passes available online.

Join Mr. Bob from GOALS Martial Arts as he demonstrates martial arts moves and techniques. For ages 3 and up. Free; pre-register online. An email with the Zoom link will be sent the morning of the program.

Hip Hop Fundamentals

August 12, 1:30 pm

McPherson Square Park, 601 E. Indiana Ave.

Join Hip Hop Fundamentals outside in McPherson Square Park and learn to dance hip hop in a free, six-week series. Feel free to bring a mat, but it is not required. In case of inclement weather the workshop will be moved indoors to the library.

Tween/Teen Crafts on the Porch

August 12, 4 pm

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Free craft time with polymer clay. All materials provided. Best for people ages 9 and up. Pre-register online.

Tie Dye Beach Towels

August 12, 4:30 pm

Greentree Park, 18 Grubb Rd., Malvern

Kids entering grades 6-12 are invited for a free tie dye tutorial and to make their own towels. Pre-registration required online.

Manayunk Stroll the Street

August 12, 5–8 pm

Main Street, Manayunk

Manayunk will host vendors, live music, live art, and more as visitors and residents walk, shop, and eat. Restaurants and businesses on the street will also have special deals for the night.

Live at Sister Cities Park

August 12, 5–8 pm

210 N. 18th St.

Live at Sister Cities Park brings local singer-songwriters together for a season-long party on the Parkway! A variety of snacks will be available for purchase at Sister Cities Café, including beer and wine (Please note, this program is not BYOB). Everyone is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Kids are free to frolic in the Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat Pond, which will stay open late.

Nature Nights: Bat & Moth Night

August 12, 6–9 pm

The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Avenue

Explore The Woodlands after dark – look for the bats and moths who live there and learn to be a citizen scientist. Bring a picnic and your flashlights to explore– you’ll start at the Hamilton Mansion and walk as a group through the cemetery. The Popalong Truck will be serving up popsicles and ice cream sandwiches throughout the evening. This event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required online.

Music at Marshall: Dirk Quinn Band

August 12, 6:30 pm

Marshall Square Park Gazebo, 200 Marshall Street, West Chester

Marshall’s last concert of the season features Dirk Quinn and his band for some high energy funk and jazz. Birl Girl Designs will be on site for face painting, too!

Conshohocken Summer Concert Series: Mango Men

August 12, 7 pm

Mary Wood Park, Conshohocken

Bring lawn chairs and blankets into the park to set up a spot on the grass for a free night of music.

Concert at Rose Tree Park: Makin’ Music

August 12, 7 pm

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media

Bring your own blanket for folk and pop family music that parents will enjoy as much as the kids.

Schuylkill Banks Movie: ‘The Princess Bride’

August 12, 7:45 pm
Grays Ferry Crescent – east side of the Schuylkill River just south of the Grays Ferry Avenue Bridge

Bring your kids, blanket, and picnic basket for a great time watching The Princess Bride riverside!

Movies in the Park: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

August 12, sundown

Fotterall Square

Thanks to grants from Fairmount Park Conservancy, neighborhood parks around the city will be transformed into outdoor movie theaters on summer nights. Movies are BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket) and begin at dusk. In case of rain, movies will be rescheduled by one week.

Outdoor Movie in Dilworth Park: ‘Black Panther’

August 12, 8:15 pm

1 S. 15th St.

Outdoor movie nights on the big screen return to Dilworth Park this summer during Pictures in the Park! Showtime begins at 8:30 pm, and virtual movie trivia will be offered at 8:15 pm. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Movie theater snacks will be available for purchase at the Air Grille, including freshly popped popcorn, candy boxes, and soft drinks.

Friday

Bug Fest

August 13-15

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

It’s the Academy of Natural Sciences’ annual celebration of insects! There will be creepy-crawly insect displays, live science auditorium shows, and even the Roach Races Grand Prix! Plus, check online all week leading up to Bug Fest for virtual activities.

Sand Jam Music and Movement

August 13, 9:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

In this Jamboree style class, kids ages 1-4 will explore engaging movement activities through a dynamic musical lens with Sandcastle Fun Co. Drop-in passes available online.

Stories on the Porch

August 13, 10 am and 11 am

Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media

Children ages 0-5 are invited to join the library to sing, listen to stories, do movement activities and watch puppets on the covered porch. Free; pre-register online, as space is limited.

Outdoor Storytime at Veterans Memorial Park

August 13, 10 am

354 Lawrence Road, Broomall

Weekly outdoor storytime in the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park on Lawrence Road. Stories, songs, rhymes, wiggles, and fun! Recommended for kids ages 5 and under, but all are welcome.

Virtual: Art Playdate at Home: Passion for Fashion

August 13, 10:30 am

In this live virtual program for ages 4-7, engage in playful discussions, sketching challenges, and other fun activities. This month, discover glamorous gowns, quirky accessories, and fierce looks from the collection. Then sketch your own designs and prepare for a runway moment at home. Free; pre-register online. Registration ends at noon the day before the program; a link will be sent to registrants prior to the program. 

Virtual Tails and Tales with Adventure Aquarium

August 13, 11 am

“Dive in” with Adventure Aquarium to learn some of the ways different animals use their tails! Live animals will be featured throughout the program. All ages welcome. Pre-register online for the Zoom link.

Outdoor Games at Richmond Library

August 13, 1 pm

2987 Almond St.

Meet outside the library for giant board games and other outdoor fun! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

 Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

August 13, 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.

Teen Summer of Wonder Closing Ceremonies

August 13, 2 pm

Shakespeare Park across the street from the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Teens are invited to gather at Shakespeare Park to close out the summer, win prizes, and more.

Smith Playground’s Kidchella

August 13, 5–7:30 pm
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Drive

Enjoy kid-friendly music all evening long at Smith Playground! Plus, food trucks, giveaways, pre-show performances, and fun on the Playground before the main concert at 6 pm. Bring a blanket and bring dinner or buy it from on-site foodtrucks. Tickets available online.

Friday Night Dinos & Bites at Philadelphia Zoo

August 13, 5–8 pm

3400 W. Girard Ave.

To make our summer even more dino-riffic, the zoo has extended Friday night hours with the dino-themed food and fun of Big Time! Tickets available online.

Franklin Square Summer Splash

August 13, 5–9:30 pm

200 N. Sixth St.

To celebrate summer, Franklin Square is hosting a variety of local acoustic artists to entertain guests every weekend! Plus, the Franklin Square Fountain show runs every half hour with choreographed lights and music.

Kids’ Night at Philly Rock Gym

August 13, 5:30–7:30 pm

All PRG locations

Kids’ Night offers two hours of unlimited Top Rope climbing hosted by PRG’s belay staff for kids ages 6-15 every Friday night. Plus, it’s drop-off, so you can go grab an adults-only dinner! Pre-register online.

Friday Night unWINEd

August 13, 5:30 pm (music starts at 6:30 pm)

Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

Enjoy live music in the Festival Field every Friday evening this summer at Shady Brook Farm. Bring the whole family for kids’ activities, lawn games, food, drinks, and fun. Kids under age 2 are free. Tickets available online.

ZooSnooze

August 13, 6 pm—August 14, 9:30 am

Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Bring the family along for an exciting and educational overnight trip to the zoo for ages 6 and up. The experience includes dinner and breakfast, a flashlight tour of the zoo, campfire activities, an educational show the next morning, and zoo admission the next day. Pre-register online.

Park Play: Peril’s Island

August 13-15, 5:45 pm

Harrowgate Park, 3455 Kensington Ave.

The group behind Shakespeare in the Park introduces the first of their Park Plays — Peril’s Island — co-created and co-starring the people of North Philadelphia! This original, immersive dance theatre performance features pirates, scooters, jokes, and chosen family. Tickets are free, but must be reserved online as timeslots are limited. 

Julian Abele Park Summer Concert Series

August 13, 6–8 pm

Julian Abele Park, 22nd and Carpenter streets

Friends of Julian Abele Park will host free music and entertainment throughout the summer that’s fun for the whole family. Pack a picnic, including your beverage(s) of choice, for the music of Jeff Pettit.

Concert at Rose Tree Park: Barefoot Bobby and the Breakers

August 13, 7 pm

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media

Bring your own blanket for rock, country, Motown and beach music, family-friendly fun.

Freaky Friday: The Musical

August 13, 7 pm

Media Theatre, 104 E. State Street, Media

An adaptation of the classic novel and beloved films, Freaky Friday follows teenager Ellie Blake and her mother, Katherine, on the freakiest day of their lives when they swap bodies and come to understand each other’s lives. Tickets available online.

Lansdale Movie in the Park: ‘Scoob!’

August 13, 8 pm
White’s Road Park, 400 White’s Road, Lansdale

Bring your own blanket for an outdoor screening of the newest Scooby-Doo movie.

Movies in Clark Park: ‘A League of Their Own’

August 13, sundown
4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.

The park will transform into an outdoor amphitheater to showcase a great lineup of films projected on a giant screen. Audiences are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and to make advance reservations for each screening. Reservation links will be provided one week before the film, and a limited number of walk-up spaces will also be reserved.

Weekend Events

Bug Fest

August 13-15

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

It’s the Academy of Natural Sciences’ annual celebration of insects! There will be creepy-crawly insect displays, live science auditorium shows, and even the Roach Races Grand Prix! Plus, check online all week leading up to Bug Fest for virtual activities.

Shadybrook Farm Sunflower Festival

August 14 and 15

931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley

Stroll through the beautiful sunflower fields, pick your own flowers and peaches, take wagon rides, play in the playground, and more family fun on the farm! Tickets available online.

Park Play: Peril’s Island

August 13-15, 5:45 pm

Harrowgate Park, 3455 Kensington Ave.

The group behind Shakespeare in the Park introduces the first of their Park Plays — Peril’s Island — co-created and co-starring the people of North Philadelphia! This original, immersive dance theatre performance features pirates, scooters, jokes, and chosen family. Tickets are free, but must be reserved online as timeslots are limited. 

‘The Pigeon Comes to Philadelphia! A Mo Willems Exhibit’ at the Please Touch Museum

Through September 12

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

Your favorite books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, the Elephant and Piggie series, and more will come alive in a new interactive exhibit that will give children the opportunity to make art that is inspired by these beloved books and to learn about the social and emotional lives of the author’s popular characters. Capacity will be limited, and online reservations are required for your desired “session.” The museum is open Thursdays – Sundays with morning sessions (9 am – noon) and afternoon sessions (1:30 – 4:30 pm) with a midday closure for cleaning and sanitizing. 

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park

Through September 26

Delaware River Waterfront

After a shortened season turning the roller rink into a socially-distanced “beach” last year, the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is open for 2021 in all its former glory. Enjoy skating, rides, food, games, and more! Plus, SSHP is now open for the season with food, games, and hammocks! Timed tickets required for skating; other activities are open to the public pay-as-you-go. Details in our preview!

Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition at the Franklin Institute

Through November 28

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.\

Photograph by Laura Swartz.