30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week: August 30-September 5
At home and in person, plan your week!
Have some fun with our roundup of this week’s in-person and virtual activities!
Go straight to: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday WEEKEND
All Week
Havertown Backyard Burners
Through September 4
Various locations in Havertown
A week of safe, participatory, all-ages art throughout Havertown. Collaborate and share your creativity with an outdoor gallery, reflect in the contemplative “Stream of Consciousness,” and more.
Sesame Place Back to School Bash
August 30—September 3
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Soak up a week of fun before it’s time to head back to school, including character dining with Sesame Street friends (reservations required).
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 September 30
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.
Dragonbutter
September 2-October 3
JUNK, 200 Spring Garden St.
Dragonbutter is a thrilling and immersive performance that puts you deep inside a sci-fi adventure. Throughout the experience, visitors will explore a multitude of experimental themed rooms, which include live dance performances, mazes, and puzzles, all leading up to the grand finale, a final fight against the “Boss.” For ages 13 and up. Tickets available 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
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.
Monday
Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library
August 30, 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.
Outdoor Family Storytime
August 30, 10:30 am
Rachel Kohl Community Library, 687 Smithbridge Rd., Glen Mills
An outdoor storytime for the whole family with stories, songs, and more.
Baby Music & Movement at Malcolm X Park
August 30, 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.
Virtual Music Play Patrol: Tails & Tales
August 30, 11 am
Join Mr. Frank and his talented team on this musical adventure with stories about princesses, giants, heroes, and more! Live on Zoom, for ages 3 and up. Free; pre-register online for the Zoom link.
Carpool Cinema: ‘Sing’ Outdoor Movie at Tinicum Library
August 30, 8 pm
620 Seneca St., Essington
End the summer with an awesome outdoor movie night for the whole family. The movie will be shown outside the library, on the back lawn. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the event.
Tuesday
PlayArts Movement Lab
August 31, 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 at Belmont Hills Library
August 31, 10:30 am
120 Mary Waters Ford Rd., Bala Cynwyd
Bring your blanket and join the Belmont Hills Library for a special outdoor storytime on the lawn.
Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library
August 31, 11 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 at Malcolm X Park
August 31, 11 am
5100 Pine St.
Outdoor stories, songs, and fun for ages 2-4.
Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports
August 31, 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 31, 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: Incantation Bowls
August 31, 1 pm
Join Museum educators to learn how they were used, then create your own incantation bowl to bring you good luck and keep bad things away. This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Virtual New Parent Virtual Support Group
August 31, 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.
Woofstock Summer Concert
August 31, 5:30 pm
Seger Park, 1020 Lombard St.
The last concert of the summer at Seger Dog Park. Stay and play at the playground!
Wednesday
Bartram’s Garden Little Explorers: Bees
September 1, 10–11:30 am
5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-4. Join Bartram’s Garden for exploration, a garden walk, and stories. Plus, games and crafts from the upcoming Honey Festival. Tickets available online.
Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita
September 1, 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
September 1, 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
September 1, 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
September 1, 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.
Outdoor Movie at Bartram’s Garden: ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
September 1, 6 pm (movie starts at 7:45 pm)
5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Close out summer with an outdoor movie at in the garden! Enjoy everything Bartram’s Garden has to offer before the event. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Bring your own blanket or towel to sit on.
Virtual Not A Peep Sleep Workshop
September 1, 8 pm
During this virtual workshop, sleep expert Maria Lopez of Not a Peep will teach you about the science of children’s sleep, why problems occur, how to prevent them and how to troubleshoot your current issues. topics include children’s sleep, ideal routines for each age, common sleep problems: regressions, night wakings, and short naps. Pre-register online, and bring all your questions!
Thursday
Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement
September 2, 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.
Outdoor Storytime in West Philly
September 2, 10:30 am
40th and Locust streets
Join Ms. Echo and Mr. Bruce for outdoor storytime on Locust Walk! Masks (for kids over 2) and social distancing required. Ages 0-5. Bring Your Own Blanket.
Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports
September 2, 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.
Outdoor Movie Night at Sunset Social: ‘The Wiz’
September 2, 6 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.
Book & Cookie Storytime
September 2, 6:30 pm
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.
Summer Concert Series at Wilson Farm Park: Tim Williams Band
September 2, 7 pm
Shire Pavillion, Wilson Farm Park, 500 Lee Road, Wayne
Outdoor concerts are free to the public and are held at the Shire Pavilion with a start time of 7 pm. Kona Ice will be available to enjoy before the show.
Outdoor Movie in Dilworth Park: ‘The Lion King’
September 2, 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
Outdoor Storytime at Dickinson Square Park
September 3, 9:30 am
1600 E. Moyamensing Ave.
Join Whitman Librarian Ms. Rachel for an outdoor storytime at Dickinson Square Park in South Philly. Bring your own blanket andmeet in the shady area north of the playground.
Sand Jam Music and Movement
September 3, 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.
‘Doctor Li and the Crown-Wearing Virus’ Story Stroll
Opens September 3, noon
Kingsessing Library, 1201 S. 51st St.
18 months on from when COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic many families are still struggling to make sense of what happened. Doctor Li and the Crown-wearing Virus by Francesca Cavallo is a story about the first hero of the pandemic and what children can learn from his story and their own pandemic experiences. For the month of September you can read this story outside the Kingsessing Library and around the park and Recreation Center. The story stroll starts on 51st Street outside the library by the bike racks.
Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo
September 3, 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.
First Friday at Cherry Street Pier
September 3, 4–9 pm
121 N. Columbus Ave.
Enjoy the river views, see the Pier’s resident artists at work in their studios, shop the artisan market, and treat yourself to some on-site concessions.
Narberth First Fridays
September 3, 5 – 9 pm
Downtown Narberth
Head to downtown Narberth for their First Friday events that include beer tastings and live music, and shop the stores that stay open late.
Friday Night unWINEd
September 3, 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.
Turtle Dance Music at Crum Creek Park
September 3, 6 pm
Swarthmore and Cresson avenues,
Join Mr. Matt for an inclusive, interactive, and educational concert! Free; pre-register online.
Movies in the Park: ‘Dolittle’
September 3, sundown
Cliveden Park, 6415 Musgrave St.
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.
First Friday Movies Under the Stars and Stripes: ‘Evil Brain from Outer Space’
September 3, sundown
Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St.
Enjoy $7 admission, a tour of the Betsy Ross House, and a 1950’s campy sci fi movie in the courtyard! Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited, and you may bring food and a bottle of wine to watch the movie. Buy tickets online.
Weekend Events
Labor Day Weekend at Delaware River Waterfront
September 3–6
Delaware River Waterfront
From skating, games, and rides at the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, to food and relaxing at Spruce Street Harbor Park, to art and artisan markets at Cherry Street Pier, the Waterfront has a weekend full of events to soak up the last days of summer. Timed tickets required for skating; other activities are open to the public pay-as-you-go.
Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair
September 4—6
1326 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore
A Labor Day Weekend tradition, this iconic Chester County country fair has a midway full of fun for the kids, a wide array of vendors selling everything from antiques to handmade jewelry and of course equestrian events all weekend long.
Labor Day Weekend and Free Kids’ Admission at Museum of the American Revolution
September 4—6
101 S. Third St.
Join the Museum for the closing weekend of our Flags and Founding Documents, 1776-Today summer exhibit, the final weekend of the True Colours Flag Project display, family-friendly crafts and activities, and more. Children 12 years old and younger will receive free Museum admission throughout the holiday weekend (available for in-Museum purchase only).
Labor Day Weekend at Sesame Place
September 4—5
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Celebrate the end of summer with a Labor Day Celebration at Sesame Place, including special meet-and-greets with Elmo. On Sunday, be sure to stick around for an impressive display of fireworks after the parade.
Chaddsford Winery Labor Day 90s Festival
September 4—6
632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford
Hellerick’s Family Farm Sunflower Festival
Through September 6
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.
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.
Dragonbutter
September 2-October 3
JUNK, 200 Spring Garden St.
Dragonbutter is a thrilling and immersive performance that puts you deep inside a sci-fi adventure. Throughout the experience, visitors will explore a multitude of experimental themed rooms, which include live dance performances, mazes, and puzzles, all leading up to the grand finale, a final fight against the “Boss.” For ages 13 and up. Tickets available online.
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.
‘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.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Zoo Revue Concerts
September 4-6, 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
September 4, 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.
Princess Party with SALT Performing Arts
September 4, 10 am and 1:30 pm
Ludwig’s Corner Show Grounds, 1325 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore
Songs, dances, autographs, photo opportunities, and fun for all ages! Part of the weekend’s Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show, spend some time with princesses from SALT Performing Arts. Tickets available online.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
September 4, 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.
Big Ideas for Litte Learners featuring ‘Malala’s Magic Pencil’
September 4, 11 am and 1 pm
National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
Read Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and learn what it means to have perseverance in difficult times. Children and families are invited to participate in a workshop to make and use magic pencils of their own and explore how to shape a better world for themselves and others. Attending families can also bring home Take & Do bags to continue learning all month long. Included with museum admission. Pre-register online.
Cartoon Picnic at Sunset Social
September 4, 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.
Rivers Casino Labor Day Festival and Fireworks
September 4; party at 4 pm, fireworks at 8:30 pm
1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Enjoy a free community event featuring live entertainment by Uptown Funk, a Bruno Mars tribute band. Come out for food trucks, family fun, and awesome views of Philly’s fireworks, all with free parking.
Sunday
Barnes Foundation Free First Sunday Family Day
September 5, 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! Join a special “I Spy” adventure that will have the whole family looking for seasonal treasures hidden in the collection galleries, and earn a prize when you finish your search. 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
End of Summer Luau at Sweet & Sassy
September 5, 11:45 am
250 Plaza Drive Providence Town Center, Collegeville
Bid summer a fond farewell with luau-themed makeover, craft, dancing, and snack to take home. Book online.
Celebrate Freddie Mercury at Hard Rock Cafe
September 5, 12:45 pm
1113 Market St.
Celebrate what would be iconic rock star Freddie Mercury’s 75th birthday with cake and costume, and pay tribute to his inspirational life message. Book reservations online.
Brazilian Day Philadelphia
September 5, 1–5 pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
This day-long festival shares Brazilian arts and culture with the Greater Philadelphia region while fostering intercultural exchange and uniting the Brazilian community. Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, the free afternoon event will be filled with live capoeira, samba dance, and batucada performances.
Sunday Fun Day at Awbury Arboretum
September 5, 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.
Jazz on the Parkway
September 5, 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.
Fireworks & Fountains at Longwood Gardens
September 5, 8:15 pm
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Celebrate Labor Day with a dazzling show set to music inspired by weather. Bring your own chairs; blankets not permitted. Tickets required for this event.
Photograph by J. Fusco.
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