30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week: August 16-22

At home and in person, plan your week!

August 16, 2021

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

School District of Philadelphia’s Back-to-School Bus Tour

August 9–27

See schedule for locations

Buses will travel across Philly August 9 – 27, creating pop-up events where students and families can get free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), register for school, get free immunizations required to attend school, and more.

Candytopia

Through Labor Day

901 Market St.

This immersive– and highly instaworthy– pop-up devoted to all things sweet returns to Fashion District Philadelphia for a second limited run. Jump in the marshmallow pit filled with over 250,000 foam marshmallows, the rainbow-filled room with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions, and much more– plus candy in every room! Advance tickets required online.

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!

Pick-Your-Own Fruit and Fishing at Linvilla Orchards

Daily, 8 am–4 pm

137 West Knowlton Road, Media

A summertime tradition returns to the farm. This year, pre-paid tickets and containers are required to limit capacity, so book your spot online if you have your heart set on a particular timeslot.

‘Big Time’ at the Philadelphia Zoo

Through 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.

Parks on Tap

Wednesdays through Sundays

100 N. Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park; and Water Works, 640 Waterworks Drive

The popular family-friendly beer garden benefiting Philly settles at the beautiful Horticulture Center grounds and Waterworks for the season. Reservations are strongly recommended, and masks are required.

Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

Through October 11
100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia

A quarter-mile of track weaves its way through an intricate display featuring Philadelphia-area landmarks made of natural materials like bark, pinecones, and stones. Model trains and cable cars navigate the tunnels, bridges, and turns all set against the beautiful garden backdrop. The Garden Railway is one of the true highlights of the incredible Morris Arboretum, and is always a kid favorite.

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.

‘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

Monday

In the Park with Mister John’s Music

August 16, 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.

Virtual Casey Cooks with Kids

August 16, 10 am

Join Ludington Library’s Miss Casey online to make a great food creation.

Grow Up Green

August 16, 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.

Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library

August 16, 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 16, 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.

Crafts with Fabric Workshop and Museum at Sister Cities Park

August 16, 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.

Birds of a Feather

August 16, 1:30 pm

Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St., Essington

Enjoy a reading of Ruby’s Birds, then discover the diversity of birds in our region with taxidermy specimens. Examine their varied features including bodies, beaks, and feet, and investigate how these differences help them survive with a hands-on challenge. Try your hand at building a nest, create a craft to attract new feathered friends, and discover what you can do to make your home a happy place for birds! Best for ages 4 and up. Free; pre-register online.

Park Play: Peril’s Island

August 16, 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.

Tuesday

PlayArts Movement Lab

August 17, 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.

Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library

August 17, 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.

Stories on the Porch

August 17, 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

August 17, 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.

Story Art at Sister Cities Park

August 17, 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.

Stories at Malcolm X Park

August 17, 11 am

5100 Pine St.

Outdoor stories, songs, and fun for ages 2-4.

Nature in the Park: Investigation Station

August 17, 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 17, 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 17, 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: Day in a Life of a Nairobi School Girl

August 17, 1 pm

Nairobi is a cosmopolitan city in the heart of East Africa. Hear about it from someone who grew up there! Let Grace Ndicu be your guide as you see the sights—including the daily commute to school, the playground, and extracurricular activities—and meet people ranging from city dwellers to suburbanites. This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Bird Lover’s Club for Kids

August 17, 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 17, 5:30 pm

Seger Park, 1020 Lombard St.

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

Wednesday

Summer Storytime at Jenkins Arboretum

August 18, 10 am

631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon

Join Jenkins for a nature-themed summer storytime. Pre-register online to reserve your spot. Storytime will be held indoors; masks required for kids ages 2 and older.

Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita

August 18, 10:30 am

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

Join Señora Maureene for a mini fiesta and storytime at Lulu’s!

Creative Movement with Pennsylvania Ballet

August 18, 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.

CantiCuentos: Spanish Songs and Stories for Kids

August 18, 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.

Snails, Quails, and Animal Tales: Outdoor Fitness Event and Storytime

August 18, 11:30 am

Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St., Essington

Read Snails, Quails, and Animal Tales and have a rocking dance party with Housel Fun Fitness! Free; pre-register online.

Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

August 18, 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.

Friends of Wissahickon Free Ice Cream Social

August 18, 3–5 pm

Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.

Cool off with a cone at FOW’s 15th Annual Ice Cream Social, an afternoon of free ice cream from Bredenbeck’s in Chestnut Hill and activities for the whole family with FOW staff and volunteers—plus free admission to Woodmere Art Museum!

Kids’ Yoga in Linwood Park

August 18, 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.

Virtual Books & Cooks: Rice is Nice

August 18, 4 pm

This event is designed for school-aged children and intergenerational groups and will be streamed to the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Culinary Literary Center’s Facebook Live. They will share some favorite rice recipes, some that are sweet, and some that are savory! Guests are encouraged to join as viewers, or to cook along– ingredients list is available on their Facebook page.

Arts on Center Stage at Dilworth Park: Opera Philadelphia

August 18, 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 the Opera Philadelphia returns to Dilworth Park with a concert of music written and performed by women: Anything You Can Do I, I Can Do Better: A Celebration of Women in Song. 16 women from the Opera Philadelphia Chorus will perform a variety of solos, duets, and ensemble selections from opera, musical theater, and more.

Outdoor Movie Night at Sunset Social: ‘Jurassic World’

August 18, 6 pm (games start at 5 pm)

129 S. 30th St.

Ride the elevator to the top of the city, and gather on Cira Green for movie night with a view. Lawn games begin at 5 pm, and movies begin at 6 pm. Food and drink are available on site.

Virtual Princess Party with Tinker Bell

August 18, 6:30 pm

Join Ridley Township Public Library and Tinker Bell online for stories, games, Q & A, and more. Free; pre-register online for the Zoom link.

Concert at Rose Tree Park: Jimmy and the Parrots

August 18, 7 pm

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media

Bring your own blanket for a free, all-ages concert with favorite tunes of Jimmy Buffett, Beach Boys, Bob Marley, Zac Brown Band, and more.

Kahn Park Summer Concert Series

August 18, 7:30 pm

1119 Pine St.

Gather at the park for a free concert by Ensemble Novo.

Movies @ The Mann: ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’

August 18, 8 pm
Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.

The “Movies @ The Mann” series pairs an outdoor movie experience with a live orchestra performance. While you watch the film, the orchestra performs the score! This month, bring a picnic and the whole family for E.T. Tickets available online.

Movies in the Park: ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’

August 18, sundown

Mifflin Square Park, Sixth and Ritner streets

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.

Thursday

Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement

August 19, 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.

Storytime on Locust Walk

August 19, 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.

Art Museum Playdate in the Garden

August 19, 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.

Garden Storytime

August 19, 10:30 am

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.

Stories and rhymes celebrating all things summer for ages 3 and older (siblings welcome too). This program will take place in the library’s garden, weather permitting.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

August 19, 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.

Virtual Unicorns Break the Cage!

August 19, 1 pm

Join Talewise on a wild interactive online adventure about two kids who visit the city zoo and discover all sorts of incredible animals, including a horse who knows in its heart that it’s truly a unicorn! Learn about life sciences and animals while you enjoy the fun, so you won’t only be entertained — you’ll learn something, too! Free; pre-register online.

Hip Hop Fundamentals

August 19, 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.

Author Visit and StoryWalk Read-Aloud with Greg Pizzoli

August 19, 2 pm

Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Ave.

Come take a short stroll with author and illustrator Greg Pizzoli as he reads his picture book, The Watermelon Seed, installed as a StoryWalk outside Whitman Library.

Tween/Teen Crafts on the Porch

August 19, 4 pm

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

Free craft time making bead bracelets. All materials provided. Best for people ages 9 and up. Pre-register online.

Manayunk Stroll the Street

August 19, 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 19, 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.

Concert at Rose Tree Park

August 19, 7 pm

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media

Bring your own blanket for a free a capella concert.

Virtual Read Along, Draw Along: ‘The Cool Bean’ with Pete Oswald

August 19, 7 pm

Illustrator Pete Oswald reminds us that it’s cool to be kind in his book, The Cool Bean. During this free event, hear Pete read this “too cool for school” story, then draw along with him free on Facebook Live.

Outdoor Movie in Dilworth Park: ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’

August 19, 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

Sand Jam Music and Movement

August 20, 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 20, 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 20, 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 Club at Home with Philadelphia Museum of Art

August 20, 3:30 pm

In this live virtual program for ages 6-10, kids will experiment with abstract shapes and patterns found in nature to create bright colorful works of art. Free; pre-register online. Registration ends at noon the day before the program; a link will be sent to registrants prior to the program.

Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

August 20, 1–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Outdoor STEAM Fridays

August 20, 1 pm

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St.

Meet outside the library for art projects, science experiments, engineering challenges, and more! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Friday Night Dinos & Bites at Philadelphia Zoo

August 20, 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 20, 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 20, 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 20, 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.

Storytelling Campfire

August 20, 7:30 pm

Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.

Join Pennypack Environmental Center for an evening around the fire for family-friendly stories.

Movies in Clark Park: ‘The Iron Giant’

August 20, 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

Hellerick’s Family Farm Sunflower Festival

August 21—September 2

5500 N. Easton Rd., Doylestown

Walk or take a hayride to a picturesque two-acre sunflower field, then head to Adventure Farm for 45 different family-friendly activities! Reservations are required online.

Private Yankee Doodle Weekend at Fort Mifflin

August 21 and 22

Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Roads

Join the 4th Connecticut Regiment at Fort Mifflin as they demonstrate life as a soldier in the Continental Army based on the memoir of Private Joseph Plumb Martin who served at Fort Mifflin during the 1777 Siege. Explore daily life in the garrison with the 4th CT Regiment and try your hand at some of the tasks of improving the Fort’s defenses including the construction of a scale model of a chevaux de frise, underwater obstacles that were a feat of 18th-century military engineering! See original examples in the exhibit space and then observe construction under the direction of the 4th CT Regiment. Weapons demos, cannon firings, guided tours plus special outdoor activities. Tickets available online.

‘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

Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition at the Franklin Institute

Through November 28

222 N. 20th St.

Parks on Tap

Wednesdays through Sundays

100 N. Horticultural Drive, Fairmount Park; and Water Works, 640 Waterworks Drive

‘Big Time’ at the Philadelphia Zoo

Through September 30; advance tickets required

3400 W. Girard Ave.

Elmwood Park Zoo’s Zoo Revue Concerts

August 21 and 22, 11 am–3 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Every weekend throughout the summer, EPZ hosts live entertainment as various talented performers take the Zoo Revue stage! Included with admission.

Saturday

Ardmore Rock N’ Ride

August 21, 8 am–4 pm (kids’ zone and entertainment from noon–4 pm)

Races start at Ardmore Music Hall; Kids’ Zone and entertainment at Suburban Square and Schauffele Plaza; Ardmore

While the Main Line Bike Race has existed for several years, the 2021 event will feature live outdoor music on two stages (produced by Ardmore Music Hall) and a focus on highlighting Ardmore’s amazing business community. There will also be a kids’ zone at Schauffele Plaza in the afternoon featuring games, a bounce house, a pop-up skate park, and more. Family and Kids races are at 1 pm (pre-register online to race). See the full lineup and schedule online.

Colonial Gardens Butterfly Festival

August 21, 9 am–5 pm (Rain Date: August 22)

745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville

Local vendors, hayrides, and the release of 300 monarch butterflies over the course of the day! All butterflies are reserved, but all are welcome to attend to observe the releases, learn more about how to help monarchs, shop some amazing local crafters, and enjoy the beautiful gardens including an herbal labyrinth, Fairy Garden, and Wizard of Oz set.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Turns Three!

August 21, 10 am—2 pm

333 E. Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood

Bring the kids to enjoy face painting, balloon art, and the chance to win prizes like free bundtlets for a year, free cake, retail items and more!

Outdoor Family Fitness at Helen Kate Furness Free Library

August 21, 10 am

100 Providence Rd., Wallingford

Join the owner and founder of Born Well for a free, outdoor family fitness event! Get those feel-good endorphins flowing with barre, pilates, yoga, and strength/cardio moves you can do with your kids and babies. Free and open to all caregivers and children of all ages and stages; pre-registration required. Bring your own yoga mat or towel.

Kids@Play Splash Day

August 21, 10 am–noon

Gold Star Park, 625 Wharton St.

Beat the heat as Gold Star Park sets up sprinklers for the kids on the lawn!

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

August 21, 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 Kids’ Yoga Adventure

August 21, 10 am

PlayMusic Family at Penn Treaty Park

August 21, 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.

Dog Day of Summer

August 21, 11 am—4 pm

Manayunk

Manayunk celebrates our four-legged friends with a day full of pet-friendly vendors, activities, pet adoptions, food vendors, local business deals, live music, and more. Highlights include a Puppy Photo Booth in Canal View Park, Meet and Greet with PAW Patrol‘s Chase from noon–2 pm, and dog caricatures!

Cartoon Picnic at Sunset Social

August 21, noon–3 pm

129 S. 30th St.

An afternoon of cartoons on the big screen, lawn games, and food and drink specials atop the city.

‘Hansel and Gretel’ Opera at Franklin Square

August 21, 1 pm

Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets

Opera on Tap Philadelphia presents Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel on the Great Lawn of Franklin Square. The classic children’s fairy tale will be sung in English and is free to the public.

Celestial Beings Mural Festival

August 21, 1 pm

EZ Park Lot at 13th and Vine Streets

This project will feature 20 top mural artists from the area and across the country painting live in Chinatown. Guest are encouraged to bring chairs and camp out. Music will be provided by DJ Ronnie D, and a Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance will also be performed. The lead artist on the project, Alloyius McIlwaine, gathered the artists together and worked to make sure the mural would be accurate to Chinese culture and mythology: “After doing some research, we discovered that there were only a few murals in Chinatown that truly represented Asian culture, so we thought that the creation of this mural would be a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of the culture and bring everyone together.”

Freaky Friday: The Musical

August 21, 2 pm and 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.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

August 21, 7:30 pm (pig roast at 6 pm)

Kimberton Park Amphitheater, 2214 Kimberton Rd., Phoenixville

Gather at the park for the classic Shakespeare comedy full of love, fairies, and intrigue! The play starts at 7:30 pm, and tickets are available online (kids 12 and under get in free). Before the play, there will be an Elizabethan Pig Roast at the Kimberton Whole Foods rear parking lot and picnic area (separate tickets required).

Delaware County Summer Festival at Rose Tree Park: 80s Night!

August 21, 7:30 pm

Rose Tree Park, 1671 N. Providence Road, Media

Come dressed in your 80s best for a free concert of 80s classics performed by Class of ’84. Bring your own blankets and picnics.

Sunday

What Lives in the Pond?

August 22, 10 am

Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Rd., Media

Join Tyler volunteer Sue Fredrick as she takes water samples and leads you on a tour of the pond and other wet areas around Tyler to learn about many of the animals and plants that call Tyler home. For kids ages 8-12 and their families. Pre-registration required.

Sunday Funday with Free Library of Philadelphia and Folkshul

August 22, 10:30 am

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Sunday Funday is a partnership between Folkshul and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Join for a morning of stories, songs, mindfulness, meditation, and movement in celebration of Jewish culture and life. For children ages infant through 5 years old, and their caregivers.

POSTPONED UNTIL 8/29 Vax Up Philly Parade

August 22, 11 am—5 pm

Parade starts at FDR Park (1500 Pattison Ave.) and travels up Broad Street with a mid-parade stop at Dilworth Park

Join Jefferson’s Mobile Health Unit during a one-of-a-kind parade down Broad Street, with live music, education, fun giveaways, and more. The “Vax Up Philly Parade” will offer free vaccinations at three clinic stops along the way: FDR Park (11 am-1 pm), Dilworth Park (2:30-3:30 pm), and Philadelphia OIC (4-5 pm). No appointments are needed, but masks are required to be worn within the pop-up vaccination clinics located at each parade stop. Read more about the parade and planned entertainment here.

Fish Fest

August 22, noon—3 pm

Frankford Boat Launch, 5501 Tacony St.

Riverfront North Partnership invites the community to a fun and free afternoon of all things fish! Learn how to fish with all equipment provided, do fish prints, and other nature-based fun activities. Plus, free refreshments provided by Meeks Treats, and live music from The Rappin Math Teacher, Chris Bowman.

Summer-Send Off at La Cabra Brewing

August 22, 1—6 pm

642 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn

Say goodbye to summer with a day of fun and entertainment in the backlot of La Cabra Brewing. There will be food, beer, and family-friendly fun for all ages like yard games, a petting zoo, tie dye stations, and more.

Sunday Fun Day at Awbury Arboretum

August 22, 1–4 pm

The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh St.

Every Sunday is a Fun Day at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum! Free family-friendly activities every weekend: See the goats and chickens, take wellness classes, go on farm tours, and more.

Autism Play Date at Smith Playground

August 22, 2–5 pm

3500 Reservoir Drive

A fun-filled afternoon for kids (grade school to high school age) and their families to enjoy fun at Smith Playground, sensory-friendly activities, food, and information about autism resources.

CANCELED ‘Salsa Shines Through’ Paint Day

August 22, 2–6 pm

1409 N. Howard St.

Join Mural Arts Philadelphia for a free outdoor paint and dance party. Panels of the mural will be set up for all ages and skill levels to take part in the mural-making process. While you paint, enjoy free salsa lessons by Watson and Katy, and four hours of dancing with “DJ Philly Boy on 2.”

Jazz on the Parkway

August 22, 4 pm

Capriccio Café and Bar at Cret Park, 110 N. 16th St.

Local jazz ensembles will perform every Sunday afternoon this summer at Cret Park. Grab a drink or snack, or just grab some lawn seating to enjoy the music.