30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week: August 23-29

At home and in person, plan your week!

August 23, 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.

Main Line Today Restaurant Week

August 23—September 5

Main Line Today Restaurant Week is coming up August 23—September 5, offering special three-course prix fixe menus for lunch $24.95) and dinner ($36.95). Options include indoor dining, outdoor dining, and even take-out, so you can participate at any level of comfort and contact. Check out our guide over at Main Line Parent.

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

Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library

August 23, 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 23, 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 23, 2 pm

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!

Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’

August 23, 7 pm

Eagleview Town Center, Wellington Square, Exton

Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Raya. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and whatever makes you comfortable. Lawn seating will be first-come, first-served.

Tuesday

PlayArts Movement Lab

August 24, 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 24, 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.

Stories at Malcolm X Park

August 24, 11 am

5100 Pine St.

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

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

August 24, 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 24, 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: Mapping the World Around Me

August 24, 1 pm

Investigate key features that help you read most maps and discover elements that make each map unique. Then practice your hand as a cartographer by designing a map of your own that celebrates your community or favorite place. This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Back to School Outdoor Event

August 24, 4 pm

Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave.

Gather outside Bustleton Library for a fruit bowl station, games, crafts, and prize giveaways, including books.

Woofstock Summer Concert

August 24, 5:30 pm

Seger Park, 1020 Lombard St.

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

Movies By The River: ‘War With Grandpa’

August 24, 8 pm

Bridesburg Rec Center, 4601 Richmond St.

Northeast Philadelphia’s biggest outdoor movie series, presented by Riverfront North Partnership, is kicking off this week at Bridesburg Rec.

Wednesday

Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita

August 25, 10:30 am

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

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

CantiCuentos: Spanish Songs and Stories for Kids

August 25, 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.

Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

August 25, 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.

Kids’ Yoga in Linwood Park

August 25, 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: Temple University Jazz Ensemble

August 25, 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 week, the Temple University Jazz Ensemble performs a wide array of jazz styles.

Virtual History Alive: Unpacking the Stories of Percy Jackson

August 25, 6 pm

Explore the real history behind the popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series with the Penn Museum! This month, discuss The Sea of Monsters and Percy’s quest to save Camp Half-Blood for the demigods. Tickets available online.

Movies in the Park: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’

August 25, sundown

Palmer Park, Frankford Ave. and East Palmer Street

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 26, 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 at Cranaleith

August 26, 10 am

Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Rd.

Enjoy nature, stories, and songs on the grounds of Cranaleith Spiritual Center. For children 6 and under and their families. Participants are asked to wear a mask. Free; pre-registration recommended.

Chinese Storytime at Rose Tree Park

August 26, 10:15 am

1671 N. Providence Rd., Media

Play games, sing songs, read stories, do a craft, and learn a few words in Mandarin! Best for ages 3-6, but siblings are always welcome. Meet under the big flag at Rose Tree Park. Families should bring their own blanket to sit on. Masks are encouraged for anyone unvaccinated, ages 2 and up. Free; pre-registration is required online.

Storytime on Locust Walk

August 26, 10:30 am

Locust Walk (behind the fruit stand)

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 26, 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.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

August 26, 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.

Sisterly Love Street Festival

August 26, 1–7 pm

South Broad Street/ Avenue of the Arts

For three days (August 27-29), arts, culture, and other organizations across Greater Philadelphia will celebrate women’s equality. It kicks off Thursday, August 26, with a Toast to Tenacity and speakers at noon, followed by a street festival with live music and activities.

Outdoor Storytime: Dinosaurs

August 26, 1 pm

Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St., Essington

This week’s outdoor storytime is all about dinosaurs, including hatching your own frozen dinosaur egg! Free; pre-register online. Bring your own blankets.

Manayunk Stroll the Street

August 26, 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.

Pizza Farm

August 26, 5–8 pm

The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh St.

Weavers Way Executive Chef Bonnie Shuman will prepare grilled pizzas highlighting seasonal ingredients, including produce grown at Weavers Way Farm at Awbury. Enjoy a generous pizza tasting menu and tour the Farm at Awbury Arboretum. Tickets available online.

Live at Sister Cities Park

August 26, 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.

An Evening of Vocal Fireworks

August 26, 7 pm (Family Fun Zone at 5:30 pm)

The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue

Pack a picnic and enjoy a thrilling concert of live opera followed by a colorful fireworks display. Tickets start at $25, and parking is free. Plus, enjoy arts and crafts activities in the outdoor Family Fun Zone before the concert. Use promo code MLPARENT to get $10 off tickets.

Veterinarian Night at the Park

August 26, 6:30 pm

Merwood Park, 2498 Linden Dr., Havertown

Hear from Drs. Katie and Lew Springer, veterinarians, and owners of the new Havertown Animal Hospital. They will talk about things to think about if you are considering pet ownership and to do once you get a pet. There will also be a pet-themed storytime with Ms. Rachee along with a craft. The library will be collecting much-needed items for Providence Animal Shelter. To find out what items they need go to: https://providenceac.org/support-us/wishlist/.

Outdoor Movie in Dilworth Park: ‘Jurassic Park’

August 26, 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.

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

August 26, sundown

Matthias Baldwin Park, 423 N. 19th St.

Friday

Sand Jam Music and Movement

August 27, 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.

Sistahs Laying Down Hands Collective

August 27, 10 am

Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave.

Celebrate the end of summer with music, storytelling, and giveaways outside in Lovett Park.

Outdoor Storytime at Veterans Memorial Park

August 27, 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 27, 3:30 pm

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.

Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo

August 27, 1–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Friday Night Dinos & Bites at Philadelphia Zoo

August 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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 27, 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.

Summer Movie Night at Oakbourn Park: ‘Up’

August 27, 8 pm

Oakbourne Park, 1014 S. Concord Road, West Chester

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy Pixar’s Up under the stars at Oakbourne Park. Free popcorn and glowsticks will be provided.

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.

‘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 28 and 29, 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

Sunflower Festival at Cherry Crest Farm

August 28, 10 am

150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks

Visit the farm and see the sunflower fields in full bloom; plus live bands, kids’ entertainment, local craft vendors, mini photo sessions, and much more for the entire family to enjoy. Free with admission.

Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families

August 28, 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.

Book & Cookie Storytime

August 28, 10:30 am

Helen Kate Furness Free Library, 100 N. Providence Rd., Wallingford

Listen to fun and interesting stories on the library’s front lawn, and eat some cookies! Bring a blanket to relax on, and you can even dress in “schoolbus yellow” to celebrate the back-to-school theme. This storytime is geared toward preschool and early elementary school students. Free; pre-register online.

Teddy Bear Clinic

August 28, 11 am—2 pm

Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Children can bring their stuffed animals for “check-ups” with EPZ’s staff. The zoo’s donkey duo will also receive a public check-up at noon. This event is free to attend with zoo admission.

Cartoon Picnic at Sunset Social

August 28, noon–3 pm

Cira Green, 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 28, 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.

Griot Tale Saturday: Storytelling by Keepers of the Culture

August 28, 1 pm

Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets

The African American Museum in Philadelphia brings traditional African storytelling to the park.

Roller Skating at Wells Fargo Center

August 28, 3 pm–9 pm (in one-hour timeslots)

3601 S. Broad St.

Roller Skate under the lights of the Wells Fargo Center, with music from DJ Beezy! Local roller-skating organization Great on Skates will also join the party and be on-site to lead skating lessons and roller dance lessons. General admission tickets are sold in one-hour sessions; book in advance online and add on skate rentals and classes. Masks are required for all guests and staff.

East Goshen Township Community Day and Fireworks

August 28, 4 pm (fireworks around 8:15 pm)

Township Park, 1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester

Food trucks, live music, games, moon bounce, and more! Fireworks start around 8:15 pm.

Germantown Plays Pericles

August 28; pre-show fair at 5:30 pm, performance at 7 pm

Vernon Park, 5800 Germantown Ave.

Journey through an all-ages fair with interactive art installations, games, music, mutual aid and resources, followed by an iteractive, all ages performance based on Shakespeare’s story of Pericles. Free admission; some seating available, feel free to bring your own blanket or chair.

Laurel Hill’s Cinema in the Cemetery: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’

August 28, at sundown

3822 Ridge Avenue

Laurel Hill Cemetery is showing spooky stories on its historic grounds. This screening of The Phantom of the Opera will have live musical accompaniment from Not-So-Silent Cinema. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids, and free for kids age 5 and under. Gates open one hour before showtime.

Sunday

Vax Up Philly Parade

August 29, 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.

School of Rock Summer Season Shows at Craft Hall

August 29, noon—5 pm

901 N. Delaware Ave.

School of Rock Philly students ages 9-18 perform jam band classics, old school and modern disco hits, and all things Dave Grohl in this festival-style concert featuring three School of Rock Philadelphia shows. The show opens with a special performance by the Rock 101 beginner student band, “The Vegetables.” Plus, kids can play in the indoor playground, and furry friends can visit the new puppy porch and dog park.

Sunday Fun Day at Awbury Arboretum

August 29, 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.

Pop-up Lab: Parks on Tap at Fairmount Water Works

August 29, 1–4 pm

40 Waterworks Drive

Stop by the Academy of Natural Sciences Pop-up Lab at family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap, and learn fun ways to explore science and learn something new about our world.

Jazz on the Parkway

August 29, 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.

Photograph by Laura Swartz.