Monday

Baby Wordplay in the Park

October 4, 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

October 4, 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.

Little Art Kids

October 4, 10:30 am

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Toddlers and their grown-ups get to know the museum through art-making and creative play. Free after museum admission; registration required.

Baby Storytime with Parkway Central Library

October 4, 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

October 4, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park

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

Fire Safety Storytime (Grades K-5)

October 4, 4:30 pm

Radnor Memorial Library back lawn, 114 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne

Following a reading of Firefighters to the Rescue, kids will have an interactive discussion regarding fire safety and learn some valuable fire safety tips! All attendees will receive a copy of the book to keep and other goodies. Free; pre-register online.

Tuesday

Schuylkill Center Sprouts

October 5, 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

October 5, 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).

Toddler Time in the Park

October 5, 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

October 5, 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

October 5, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park, 921 Youngs Ford Rd., Gladwyne

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.

Fire Prevention Week Storytime

October 5, 10:30 am

Belmont Hills Library, 120 Mary Waters Ford Rd., Bala Cynwyd

Join Miss Gwen for a special fire prevention story time and get a project kit bag to take home. Geared towards toddlers but all ages welcome.

Little Yogis

October 5, 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

October 5, 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

October 5, 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.

Join Museum educators to explore the history of this artform and learn how to make your own ancient Roman-style mosaic at home. This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Riverfront North’s Free Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Space Jam’

October 5, 6:30 pm

Pennypack on the Delaware Park, 7801 State Road

Head to Pennypack on the Delaware and relive your childhood with a free outdoor screening of the original Space Jam! All movies will start at sundown. Bring your own blankets, chairs, and food.

Wednesday

Baby Wordplay in the Park

October 6, 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

October 6, 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.

Outdoor Preschool Storytime at Richmond Library

October 6, 10:30 am

2987 Almond St.

Join Ms. Meghan in front of the library for stories, songs, and fun. Recommended for ages 4 and under with caregivers.

Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita

October 6, 10:30 am

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

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

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.

First Wednesday at Please Touch Museum

October 6, 4–7 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic

On select first Wednesdays of the month, the Museum offers extended hours and special programming after hours. Members can enjoy extended hours for free; admission for non-members is $2 after 4 pm. Advanced reservations are required.

Sesame Place’s Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru

Wednesdays in October, 5:30-7:30 pm

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Coming back from last year’s pivot, the Not-Too Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru is another way to experience Halloween at Sesame Place: from the comfort of your vehicle! Wind your way through ten not-too-spooky zones of Halloween fun, including Abby’s Magical Pumpkin Patch, Bert & Ernie’s Halloween Hoedown, and Cookie Monster’s Treat Fleet. The whole event culminates in a Monster Mash Bash down the iconic Sesame Street Neighborhood, where Sesame friends will be out in their costumes for a Halloween celebration. Guests will also be able to trick-or-treat their way through the experience and take advantage of special photo opportunities from inside their cars. Plus, before entering the Drive-Thru zones, guests will pass through an exclusive Halloween market where yummy treats and flashing glow products will be available for purchase. Pre-registration required online.

Virtual Not A Peep Sleep Workshop

October 6, 8 pm

During this one-hour 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

October 7, 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 Yoga at Kith + Kin

October 7, 10 am

3060 W. Jefferson Street

Best for ages 2-4, kids’ yoga combines traditional yoga poses with reading, singing, mindfulness, and breathing techniques. Props and music are used with movement to help build strength, flexibility, and coordination as well as providing children with strategies to manage emotions and “big feelings.” Pre-register online for the four-week series, or drop in for $15. Bring your own yoga mat.

Mandie’s Nature Nook

October 7, 10 am

Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore

Join Youth, Family, and Diversity Programs Coordinator Mandie Curtis Banks and Mari, her special caterpillar friend, for mornings full of stories, singing, dancing, and playing as they dig into nature. This in-person series is a free program for babies through PreK aged children and their caregivers. All classes will be held outdoors if weather permits. In case of severe weather, a virtual option will be offered through Zoom. The class is free, but registration is required and limited.

Preschool Stories in the Park

October 7, 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 at Franklin Square

October 7, 10:30 am

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

Children under 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Independence Library’s Ms. Betsy at the Franklin Square Park in the pavilion (west of the mini golf course) for storytime.

Outdoor Read, Baby, Read Storytime

October 7, 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.

Virtual Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Luna Loves Art’

October 7, 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.

Outdoor Preschool Storytime in West Philly

October 7, 11 am

Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street

Stories, songs, and fun for ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

October 7, 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.

Pumpkin Painting at West Oak Lane Library

October 7, 4 pm

2000 E. Washington Lane

Celebrate Halloween a little early with some free pumpkin painting! This program will take place inside the library and space is very limited.

Friday

Homeschool Workshop: Extraordinary Animals: Adaptations

October 8, 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 homeschool students to participate in this program; all learners ages 5-8 are welcome. Pre-register online.

Sand Jam Music and Movement

October 8, 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

October 8, 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).

Books and Blankets

October 8, 10:30 am

Penn Wynne Park, 1214 E. Manoa Road, Wynnewood

Join Ms. Danielle for outdoor storytime. Bring a blanket and be ready for stories, songs, and silliness.

Read, Baby, Read Outdoor Storytime at Malcolm X Park

October 8, 11 am

Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine St.

Babies and their caregivers are invited to enjoy lap time with stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces.

Dilworth Park Harvest Weekend

October 8, noon– 8 pm (and throughout the weekend)

1 S. 15th St.

Harvest Weekend will encompass the best elements of fall at Dilworth Park. Live entertainment will be provided all weekend long, including local bands and DJs, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, apple cider making, roaming circus performers, and of course the return of the hay maze! Plus, celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian pretzels. The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market will also be open, with local vendors offering unique items for sale.

‘Hocus Pocus’ Friday Movie Night at The Bourse

October 8, 6:30 pm

The Bourse, 111 South Independence Mall East

The Bourse invites witches, ghouls, and spooky season lovers alike to the patio on three Fridays in October to watch Hocus Pocus on a 16-foot projector while enjoying themed treats from select The Bourse Food Hall vendors. Tickets are available for $20 per table (tables seat up to four guests). Seating is limited, so pre-register online. The movie will start promptly at 7 pm, but ticketholders are invited to arrive as early as 6 pm to enjoy a themed snack and beverage prior to the showing.

Movies in the Park: ‘The Secret Life of Pets’

October 8, dusk

Northwood Park, 4701 Castor Ave.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket) and settle in for a fun outdoor movie at dusk. In case of rain, movie will be rescheduled by one week.

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’

October 8, 7 pm

The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore

Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Tickets available online.

Opening Night of Chestnut Hill Night of Lights

October 8, 7–9 pm

Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill

For ten nights in October, historical images from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s archives will be projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue, while neighboring historic buildings will be illuminated with colored lights and films to create an interactive display of local history and architecture. It kicks off Friday night with storytellers, musicians, prizes, and more. 

Junie B. Jones Jr.

October 8, 8 pm

Spotlight Theatre, 129 Park Ave., Swarthmore

The popular kids’ book series is brought to life in a delightful musical adaptation. Tickets available online.

Weekend Events

Franklin Fright

Weekends from October 1–31

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Spooky science, scary live shows, and other frightfully fun, family-friendly festivities take over the museum this October. Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat indoors, through iconic exhibits with surprises behind each of the festive doors! Meet monsters, mummies, and magicians while collecting tasty treats! Included with admission; bring your own bag for trick-or-treating. Masks are required for all guests age 3 and up, regardless of vaccination status.

Dilworth Park Harvest Weekend

October 8-10

1 S. 15th St.

Harvest Weekend will encompass the best elements of fall at Dilworth Park. Live entertainment will be provided all weekend long, including local bands and DJs, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, apple cider making, roaming circus performers, and of course the return of the hay maze! Plus, celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, bratwurst, and Bavarian pretzels. The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market will also be open, with local vendors offering unique items for sale.

The Pop-Up Marketplace in LOVE Park

October 9-10

1500 JFK Blvd.

LOVE Park’s Pop-Up Marketplace will feature diverse local businesses and entrepreneurs on weekends throughout October. The pop-up experience will also feature free programming, including free community yoga and meditation classes on Sundays, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more.

Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square

October 1—31, 6—10 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with fog, lights, music, and surprises! While you’re there, the Franklin Square Fountain runs shows every 30 minutes with synchronized lights and music. Advanced timed tickets are required available online at historicphiladelphia.org.    

Boo at the Elmwood Park Zoo

Weekends, October 9 through 31, noon — 3 pm
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Bring the little ones for a fun-filled afternoon for princesses, ghosts, and superheroes of all ages. Don’t forget your trick-or-treat bag, as treat stations will be located throughout the zoo! Come dressed in your creative costume and participate in the costume parade (2:30 pm at the bison stage).

‘The Wizard of Oz’ Exhibit at Please Touch Museum

October 8–January 16

4231 Avenue of the Republic

Visitors of all ages are invited to come along with Dorothy and Toto on a multi-sensory exploration of the Land of Oz! Read more in our preview.

Indigenous Peoples Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution

October 9-11

101 S. Third St.

Visit the museum or explore stories online to learn more about Native Americans and the American Revolution. At the Museum, join educators for demonstrations and talks; and outside, a contingent of indigenous dancers sponsored by the Oneida Indian Nation will perform traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) social dances on the Museum’s outdoor plaza (see schedule online). Performances are free and open to the public. 

Frozen, Jr.

October 9, 11:30 am; and October 10, noon

The Media Theatre, 104 East State Street, Media

Frozen Jr. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. Tickets available online.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick or Treat

October 2 through November 14

500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

Celebrate the spookiest time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Create your own LEGO pumpkin, pose with Bonesy, find all the scary scenes in a Miniland scavenger hunt, and much more!

Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk and Design Contest

October 2-31

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for the 14th year with the 2021 theme, Heroes! The creative scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum, and visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners.

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!

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’

Weekends from October 8–17

The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore

Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Tickets available online.

Robin Hood

October 9, 10 am; and October 10, 1 pm

Hedgerow Farmhouse, 146 W. Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley

Robin Hood along with his friends Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian swashbuckle their way into our hearts as they do all the wrong things for the right reasons. Make sure to bring your favorite beach chair and blanket for this outdoor performance. Advance tickets required; no tickets will be sold at the door.

Junie B. Jones Jr.

October 8-10

Spotlight Theatre, 129 Park Ave., Swarthmore

The popular kids’ book series is brought to life in a delightful musical adaptation. Tickets available online.

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.

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.

Colonial Gardens’ Pumpkinland

Through October 31

745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville

Celebrate fall with hayrides, the corn maze, castle, and Halloween display of colorful cartoon characters, scarecrows, hay hutch, and over ten tons of pumpkins! New for this year, there is also the Haunted Hedge: wind through the tall, dark hedges with monsters waiting around every corner! Tickets are available online only this year. Masks are required for nighttime events.

Photograph by Laura Swartz.