Monday

Baby Wordplay in the Park

September 20, 10 am

Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Ave.

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.

Creative Babies in the Park

September 20, 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 20, 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. 

Gladwyne Toddler Storytime

September 20, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park

Bring a blanket and meet at Gladwyne Park for storytime for ages 0-4. Pre-register online.

Tuesday

Schuylkill Center Sprouts

September 21, 9:30 am

8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

Together with a favorite grown-up, Sprouts will discover and explore the wonders of nature through sensory-focused classes. This six-week series for little ones ages 2-3 years features walks, songs, and stories. Pre-register for the full series, or drop in for $30 (if space allows).

Mister John’s Music at Kith + Kin

September 21, 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 21; 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 21, 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.

Toddler Time at American Swedish Historical Museum

September 21, 10:30 am

1900 Pattison Avenue

Come for a specially designed program for children ages 18 months to 4 years old, with interactive stories, engaging hands-on activities, and social interaction. Learn about the Dala horse that started as a children’s toy and has become a beloved symbol of Sweden, read A Ride on the Red Mare’s Back by Ursula K. Le Guin, go on a Dala horse hunt through the galleries, and play games to build counting and language skills. To celebrate the return of Toddler Time there will be pony rides provided by A&P Petting Zoo. Pre-register online.

Storytime in Lovett Park

September 21, 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.

Imagine More: Story Adventures with Thembi Palmer

September 21, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park

Children ages 3-5 will be immersed in “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” through expressive movements with instruments, actions, and songs. Space is limited to 15 children. Only one caregiver per child. Registration required.

Outdoor Storytime at Belmont Hills Library

September 21, 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.

Little Yogis

September 21, 11 am

Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue

Take a fun and playful yoga journey led by Sarah of Surya Moon Yoga. Learn individual and partner poses through songs and storytelling, all while building confidence, creativity, and strong, healthy bodies. Children and parents will practice how to center themselves through breathing and relaxation. This class is designed for families with kiddos aged 2 to 5 years old, but anyone is welcome. Bring your own yoga mats and/or beach towels to practice on. This program will take place outside, at the library. Physical distancing and masks are required.

Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library

September 21, 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 21, 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.

Riverfront North’s Free Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Onward’

September 21, 7 pm

Pleasant Hill Park, 8900 N. Delaware Ave.

Bring your own blankets, chairs, and food for a free movie night by the river. Rain dates will be announced on the day of the event.

Park After Dark: Stargazing at Chamounix Fields

September 21, 7:30 pm

3976 Chamounix Drive, Fairmount Park

Join stargazers of all ages and learn about the astronomical wonders of the night sky. Novice and experienced astronomers alike will be given insights and tips by experienced instructor Buddy Muhler. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own telescopes or high-powered binoculars. Limited telescopes will be available to view from with sanitation protocol in place. Pay what you can.

Wednesday

Baby Wordplay in the Park

September 22, 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.

Stories and Songs for Pre-Walkers  in the Park

September 22, 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.

Music and Movement with Free Library of Philadelphia

September 22, 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 22, 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 22, 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.

Virtual Developmental Playtime Workshop

September 22, 2 pm

In class, you and your baby will learn ways to enjoy tummy time and infant massage. Best for babies 0-6 months. Pre-register online with Kith + Kin, and join via Zoom.

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

September 22, 3:45 pm

1001 N. Second Street

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.

Virtual Books & Cooks: Talking About Tomatoes

September 22, 4 pm

Parkway Central Children’s Department and the Culinary Literacy Center’s Nourishing Literacy team will share some favorite tomato recipes and share stories and activities around the theme of tomatoes and cooking. 

BalletX Performance at Dilworth Park

September 22, 6 pm

1 S. 15th St.

Bring your blankets and chairs for this free outdoor performance! BalletX will showcase their signature repertoire and new choreography, which was curated by the dancers themselves. 

Goat Walk at West Laurel Hill Cemetery

September 22, 6 pm

225 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd

Meet the goats at the Funeral Home to walk them and learn about sustainability. Free, masks are required. No registration necessary.

Thursday

Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement

September 23, 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.

Preschool Stories in the Park

September 23, 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 23, 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 23, 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 23, 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.

Preschool Storytime in Malcolm X Park

September 23, 11 am

5100 Pine St.

Stories, songs, and fun for ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Siblings are welcome. Please follow current masking guidelines. 

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

September 23, 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 Drag Storytime at Mister John’s Music

September 23, 3:30 pm
904 S. Ninth St.

Maria TopCatt is back at Mister John’s Music for stories, lipsyncing dance parties, catwalk time, and togetherness, in a special outdoor event! Tickets available online.

Manayunk Stroll the Street

September 23, 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.

Northern Liberties Night Market

September 23, 5–10 pm

N. Second St., Nothern Liberties

Nearly two dozen food trucks, mobile vendors, restaurants, and shopping vendors will take over several blocks on N. 2nd Street between Fairmount and Poplar streets. The event will feature live music, entertainment, street performers, lawn games, family fun, and other surprises – plus ample room to spread out.

Friday

Outdoor Storytime at Dickinson Square Park

September 24, 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 24, 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 24, 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 24, 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. 

Latin American Book Fair

September 24, noon-4 pm

City Hall Courtyard, 1401 JFK Blvd.

This free event will gather readers of all ages, authors, writers, illustrators, designers, and the Philadelphia community to celebrate Latin American heritage, language, and culture. The LABF will feature storytelling, book releases, music, and artistic performances.

Virtual Family Style Pizza Party

September 24, 4 pm

Join members of the Nourishing Literacy team to make pizza from scratch. Plus, movement and art activities to keep bodies and minds simmering while the pizza is cooking! An ingredient list will be shared a few days before the event. For more information, email kitchen@freelibrary.org.

Kids’ Pinata Making at Primp and Play

September 24, 4:30 pm

1520 Locust Street, Second Floor

In this class, kids will make their very own piñata while moms enjoy a complimentary margarita and can receive 10% off spa services (book spa services in advance). Pre-register online.

Live at Sister Cities Park

September 24, 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.

Film in the Forest: ‘A Bug’s Life’

September 24, 7 pm

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

Visit insect-themed craft and activity tables before the movie starts, and then settle in for this animated favorite. The movie will start once the sun has gone down around 7:30 pm. Bring your own blankets. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

SALT Performing Arts presents ‘Shrek: The Musical’

September 24, 7 pm

645 Art School Road, Chester Springs

Weekend Events

Delaware River Festival

September 24-October 3

Every year, the Philly and Camden sides of the Delaware River come together for a “coast to coast” festival, usually taking place in one grand day. This year, the festival will be both in-person and online, taking place in various locations over the week. Whether it’s live streams and lessons from field experts, or small in-person and physically distant events throughout Camden and Philadelphia, there’s something for everyone this year. 

Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest

September 24–October 30

Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier always brings a full month of special events, fall food and drinks, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving (pick a pumpkin for $5 to $10 and carve it!), fall decor, seasonal treats, and local brews. Reservations are recommended for table service; walk-ins are welcome for all bar areas.

Scarecrow Weekend at Elmwood Park Zoo

September 25 and 26

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Build your very own scarecrow; a ticket gets you a frame, clothing, and stuffing to make whatever scarecrow you can imagine! Registration is required.

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

Weekends through November 7

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Come in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun! The park will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven and guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows, participating in an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats!

Pumpkinland 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.

Dog Days at Chaddsford Winery

September 25, noon – 7 pm; September 26, noon – 6 pm

632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

Spend a day at the Winery with your best four-legged friend! Chaddsford is welcoming dog owners and wine lovers alike to take in a weekend of tail-waggin’ treats

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.

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.