Monday

Creative Babies in the Park

September 13, 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.

Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library

September 13, 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 Street) for Baby Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, and fun! This program is intended for kids ages 2 and under and their caregivers. Weather-permitting. 

Virtual Mindfulness Mondays with Free Library of Philadelphia

September 13, 5 pm

Each Monday, find a new mindfulness activity for children and families in Parkway Central Library’s Instagram and Facebook stories. Learn to self-regulate, improve emotional literacy, and manage big feelings through fun family activities. 

Tuesday

Mister John’s Music at Kith + Kin

September 14, 10 am

3060 W. Jefferson St.

Through music, rhythm and movement, infants and toddlers learn about self-expression, teamwork, sharing, and empathy. all full of surprises and set to your favorite tunes from your favorite artists! This is an all-ages, BYO instruments class. Pre-register online ($25 for drop-in).

Outdoor Storytimes in Starr Garden

September 14; 10 am (toddler and preschool) and 11 am (baby)

600 Lombard St.

Join Ms. Lindsay from Charles Santore Library for stories, songs, and movement. Toddler and preschool storytime at 10 am; baby storytime at 11 am. In case of bad weather, cancellations will be noted on the library’s Facebook page.

Toddler Time in the Park

September 14, 10 am

Outside of 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.

Storytime in Lovett Park

September 14, 10:30 am

6945 Germantown Ave.

Join Ms. Dana for stories, songs, and silliness. Recommended for ages 2 and up, and their parents and caregivers. This storytime will take place outside, weather permitting.

Outdoor Yoga Storytime

September 14, 10:30 am

Shakespeare Park, 1901 Vine St.

At Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky, children ages 2-5 and their caregivers will learn how yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing can help them manage their emotions, self-soothe, and experience a more meaningful life. The free session will incorporate yoga poses into read-alouds of favorite picture books and move along with children’s yoga music and guided meditations by Bari Koral to help build strength, flexibility, and literacy. Wear something comfy and be ready to move, play, and have fun! Mats are available, or you can bring your own. No prior yoga experience is necessary.

Outdoor Storytime at Belmont Hills Library

September 14, 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.

Virtual Brandywine River Museum Read Aloud: ‘Milo Imagines the World’

September 14, 10:30 am

Families with young children are invited to join museum staff on Zoom for a morning of fun interactive storytelling and artwork engagement. Each family will receive suggestions for connecting to the book at home with craft and sensory exploration ideas. Pre-register online.

Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library

September 14, 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. Ages 0-5. Bring Your Own Blanket. Weather permitting.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

September 14, 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.

Fun with Goats at Cruz Rec Center

September 14, 5 pm

1431 N. Sixth St.

Play and learn with the Philly Goats and celebrate getting back to school!

Wednesday

Baby Wordplay in the Park

September 15, 9:30 am

811 Bowman Avenue, Wynnewood

Story Play in the park will have you and your little one playing with sounds, catching and tossing words, reading, rhyming, and singing! Pre-register online.

Bartram’s Garden Homeschooler Days: Pollination

September 15, 10–11:30 am

5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

Learn about what pollination does for plants and which animals are great pollinators. For homeschoolers ages 5 to 11 and their adult. Tickets available online.

Stories and Songs for Pre-Walkers  in the Park

September 15, 10 am

Outside of Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

This gentle yet lively story time features bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music while young babies sit comfortably close to their caregivers. This is exclusively for pre-walkers. Free; pre-register online.

Virtual Tummy Time Class

September 15, 10 am

Join Dr. Stephanie Lint, PT, DPT, a pediatric physical therapist, for this one-hour virtual class. Parents will gain confidence and learn essential play positions as well as ways to help baby feel more comfortable spending time on their belly. Baby participation is voluntary, not required. Pre-register online.

Music and Movement with Free Library of Philadelphia

September 15, 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.

Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita

September 15, 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 15, 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.

After School Cooking at Hudson’s Table: Around the World Cooking

Begins September 15, 3:45 pm

1001 N. Second Street

In this three-week series, young chefs will be “traveling” to different countries and making and sampling their food. Kids will learn how to work in the kitchen and come out of these classes with stronger knife skills, cooking techniques, and some baking basics. Kids will prepare a meal and either eat it outside or take their food home with them.  Class is drop-off. See more details and pre-register 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.

Theatre Exile presents ‘The Ever Present’

September 15, 5:30 pm

Wharton Square, 2300 Wharton St.

The Ever Present, a fantastical, family-friendly new play written by award-winning playwright and author R. Eric Thomas, centers on a South Philly vacant lot that turns out to be more than meets the eye. Follow a cast of hilarious, Philadelphia-inspired characters for a mystery adventure that spans decades and spins a constellation of awe-inspiring stories. The play will be shown at free performances over six different dates at six different public parks. For each show, guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn seating.

Outdoor Movie Night at Sunset Social: ‘Mission: Impossible- Fallout’

September 15, 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.

Honky Tonkin’ –A Country Music Show

September 15, 7 pm

Campbell Square Park, 2535 E. Allegheny Avenue

Part of the Fringe Festival, this free lil’ ol’ shindig puts the hoot in hootenanny and the jam in jamboree with classic retro hits from Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Hank Williams and many more!

Virtual Sensory Smart Parents: Q + A with an Occupational Therapist

September 15, 7:30 pm

This is a resource class for parents and caregivers and will educate them on learning through the senses, developing skills through sensory play, when to seek a professional opinion, and ideas for play. This class will also serve as a support group for all parents involved, with time to discuss experiences and bounce ideas off of each other towards the end of the class. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin.

Thursday

Elmwood Park Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camp

September 16, 9 am–4 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

School’s Out Day Camp allows for children ages 6-13 to spend their day exploring and learning all about Elmwood Park Zoo’s animals. Camp includes hands-on educational workshops, animal observations, animal meet and greets, crafts, and more. Pre-register online.

Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement

September 16, 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

September 16, 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.

Preschool Stories in the Park

September 16, 10 am

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

Sing, dance, imagine, learn, and, of course, read stories. A different letter of the alphabet will be featured each week. The program is about 30 minutes long. Free; pre-register online.

Outdoor Storytime in West Philly

September 16, 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.

Outdoor Music Exploration with Ry

September 16, 10:30 am

Bok Stoop at Ninth and Mifflin streets

Sing, move and meaningfully connect with your child during this drop-in music class designed to foster positive aural experiences for the whole family. Young musicians and their caregivers will participate in a variety of musical activities scaffolded to promote vocal exploration, steady beat, gross motor movement, and positive social interactions.

Outdoor Read, Baby, Read Storytime

September 16, 10:30 am

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St.

Join Ms. Meghan in front of the library for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces. For babies with caregivers; siblings welcome.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

September 16, 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.

Manayunk Stroll the Street

September 16, 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.

Friday

Constitution Day

September 17, 9:30 am—5 pm

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street (and online)

Museum admission is FREE all day to celebrate the Constitution’s birthday. Pre-register online for free tickets. All day there will be special shows, discussions, and more to teach about the importance of the Constitution. See their schedule online to tune into streaming events.

Homeschool Workshop: Zoo Engineering: Exhibit Design

September 17, 9:30 am

Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd.

EPZ’s HomeSchool Workshops take children on a deep dive into a variety of STEM-based learning and discovery topics. Students will learn about the environment and the animals that live there all while having a safe and engaging experience. Each class is a 90-minute program and includes an up-close animal greet, a lesson, and a hands-on activity. Participants do not have to be a homeschool student to participate in this program; all learners ages 9-12 are welcome. Pre-register online.

Outdoor Storytime at Dickinson Square Park

September 17, 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 17, 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.

In the Park with Baby Wordplay

September 17, 10 am

Lemon Hill Park

Join Baby Wordplay for their SPark (Storyplays in the Park) series! Baby Wordplay storyplays are literacy-rich, fun opportunities to engage your little one with reading, songs, fingerplays, and puppets. Best for ages 6 weeks to 5 years but all ages are welcome. Bring your own blanket and water, and wear a mask. $20 drop-in (if space allows).

Fall Family Storytime

September 17, 10:30 am

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

Celebrate Fall coming with stories and songs for the whole family! This storytime will be outside, weather permitting; please bring blankets or chairs if you can and spread out to socially distance. 

Yoga with Miss Melissa

September 17, 10:45 am

Bok Stoop at Ninth and Mifflin streets

This playful drop-in class will encourage kids to use their bodies and breath to move, learn ways to manage emotions, and have fun. Each class contains lots of movement, yoga poses with kid-friendly language, music, games, carefully chosen books that lend themselves to yoga, and breathing practices. Parents are more than welcome to join in or sit back and watch.

Theatre Exile presents ‘The Ever Present’

September 17, 5:30 pm

Stephen Girard Park, 2101 Shunk St.

The Ever Present, a fantastical, family-friendly new play written by award-winning playwright and author R. Eric Thomas, centers on a South Philly vacant lot that turns out to be more than meets the eye. Follow a cast of hilarious, Philadelphia-inspired characters for a mystery adventure that spans decades and spins a constellation of awe-inspiring stories. The play will be shown at free performances over six different dates at six different public parks. For each show, guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn seating.

Live at Sister Cities Park

September 17, 5:30–7:30 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.

ZooSnooze

September 17, 6 pm—September 18, 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.

SALT Performing Arts presents ‘Shrek: The Musical’

September 17, 7 pm

645 Art School Road, Chester Springs

Weekend Events

Devon Fall Classic

September 15–19

23 Dorset Rd., Devon

This exciting all-jumper horse show is accompanied by a country fair featuring rides, food, games, live entertainment, and more. Tickets available online.

Pumpkinland and Arts & Craft Festival at Linvilla Orchards

September 11—November 7

137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media

Now it’s really fall, because Linvilla has brought out the piles and piles of pumpkins! Plus, enjoy entertainment, hayrides, train rides, pony rides, and more. Tickets are required for ages 1 and older. Find a huge selection of straw bales, corn shocks, toys and fall decorations of all kinds. Linvilla does not do Pick Your Own pumpkins; their pumpkins are pre-harvested. Plus, this weekend, it’s the 2021 Arts & Craft Festival!

2021 Fringe Festival

September 9-October 3

Citywide (and virtual)

This annual citywide celebration of contemporary art and performance will feature hundreds of both live and streaming performances throughout the city. While many performances are more for adults, there is something for everyone! Family-friendly picks include circus, Shakespeare, dance, and more. Streaming and virtual options include The Greatest Showman, The Frog Prince, and a scavenger hunt!

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.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Tickets available online, with in-person and streaming options.

‘Nanay’ Dance Performance

September 17–19, 7 pm

Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

Nanay (Tagalog for mother) is a site-specific interactive dance performance honoring Nanays (mothers) and Lolas (grandmothers) as integral to Filipino migration histories. Premiering during the Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2021, Nanay is an interactive storytelling performance merged with poetry, soundscape, and installation art. Tickets available online.

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.