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Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Through February 27
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Right outside City Hall, go skating on the Rothman Rink and running through the beautiful Wintergarden. Stop by the Cabin for snacks and drinks. More details here.
‘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.
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.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Select dates from September 24 through November 13
Eastern State Penitentiary, 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue
From the creators of Terror Behind the Walls, this brand-new seasonal festival offers more variety with 15 different spooky attractions, transforming abandoned cellblocks and courtyards into immersive, interactive environments. The experience includes two haunted houses (which can be bypassed by those wanting a less scary experience), a 3D fun house, two immersive walkthrough experiences, three live performances, four themed bars and lounges, and special effects like laser shows and large-scale video projections. Visitors can also take a guided, flashlight walking tour of the prison hospital wing focusing on the prison’s complex history. ‘Halloween Nights’ is recommended for kids 12 and older; children under the age of seven are not permitted. Tickets available online. Masks are required in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
‘Hamilton’
October 20-November 28
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
The Broadway sensation based on our “ten dollar founding father” is here, so do not throw away your shot! Recommended for ages 12 and up (but you can gauge your kid’s readiness by watching the performance on Disney+ first). Note that proof of vaccination and masks are required for all Kimmel Center Campus performances this season.
Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens
Through November 14
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Thousands of carefully nurtured and trained chrysanthemums are on display in Longwood Gardens’ Conservatory, plus fall feels with fountain shows, the Garden Railway, and more.
Monday
Baby Wordplay in the Park
November 8, 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
November 8, 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 and Toddler Storytime with Parkway Central Library
November 8, 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
November 8, 10:30 am
Gladwyne Park
Bring a blanket and meet at Gladwyne Park for storytime for ages 0-4. Pre-register online.
Kids Music Group
November 8, 1:30 pm
McPherson Square Library, 601 E. Indiana Ave.
Join Kensington Storefront weekly at the Library to sing, play, and move! Children up to age 10 and their caregivers are invited to come together to create music and memories, while supporting social and developmental skills.
Virtual Make Your Own Candy Apples with Chef Dad’s Table
November 8, 3:30 pm
Join our Tinicum Library and Chef Dad’s Table for this virtual kids cooking class, making candy apples! This program is aimed for kids 5-12. Free; pre-register online for the Zoom link and ingredient list.
Tuesday
Schuylkill Center Sprouts
November 9, 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
November 9, 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).
Library in the Park with Nourishing Literacy
November 9, 10 am
Rittenhouse Square (meet at the Goat Statue)
Members of the Culinary Literacy Center’s Nourishing Literacy team will be leading some wellness and food-inspired activities for children and families.
Toddler Time in the Park
November 9, 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 Tales: Bear Book Giveaway
November 9, 10:15 am
Helen Kate Furness Free Library, 100 Providence Rd., Wallingford
Toddlers are invited to bring their teddy bears (and blankets) to hear bear stories, and get a free storybook to take home. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.
Outdoor Yoga Storytime
November 9, 10:30 am
Shakespeare Park, located on the Parkway, across the street from Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine St.
At Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky, children will learn how yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing can help them manage their emotions, self-soothe, and experience a more meaningful life. Incorporating yoga poses into read-alouds of picture books, 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 to borrow, or you can bring your own. Best for ages 2-5.
Virtual Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Don’t Feed the Coos!’
November 9, 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
November 9, 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.
Sand Jam Music and Movement
November 9, 11:30 am
Rittenhouse Square
In this Jamboree style class, kids ages 2-4 will explore engaging movement activities through a dynamic musical lens with Sandcastle Fun Co. Drop-in passes available online.
November 9, 1 pm
Make Diwali-themed crafts while hearing some of the ancient legends tied to the festival. This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.
Wednesday
Bartram’s Garden Homeschooler Days: Winter Survival
November 10, 10–11:30 am
5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Explore the strategies plants and animals use to survive cold weather. For homeschoolers ages 5 to 11 and their adults. Tickets available online.
Storytime at the Goat Statue
November 10, 10 am
Rittenhouse Square
Join Miss Liz at the goat statue in Rittenhouse Square for stories and activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Stories and Songs for Pre-Walkers in the Park
November 10, 10 am
Outside of Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)
This gentle yet lively storytime 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.
Paleo Playdate at Academy of Natural Sciences
November 10, 10:15 am
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Have some fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans for a very special science storytime. Each week will feature new stories, new hands-on activities, take-home crafts, and room to move and explore. For ages 3-5. Pre-register online.
Outdoor Preschool Storytime at Richmond Library
November 10, 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
November 10, 10:30 am
6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore
Join Señora Maureene for a mini fiesta and storytime at Lulu’s!
New Baby Meetup at Rutabaga
November 10, 1 pm
3452 Conrad Street, C2
Find support and community in your new role as caregiver every week at Rutabaga Toy Library.
Bloxels Video Game Design
November 10, 4 pm
Middletown Free Library, 464 S. Old Middletown Rd., Media
Tweens and teens (ages 10-16) will use the app Bloxels to build their very own video games, from characters to scenes to power-ups. Then, play each other’s games and give constructive feedback. Free; pre-register online.
Virtual DINOvember Celebration
November 10, 7 pm
Join Gladwyne Library and a paleontologist on Zoom for stories, dinosaur trivia, a scavenger hunt, and more. Free; registration is required to receive the link.
Thursday
Schuylkill Center Day-Off Camp: Wilderness Survival
November 11, 8 am–3 pm
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Learn basic techniques and skills for wilderness survival, such as foraging, constructing shelters, using compasses to navigate, and building fires for cooking. By the end of the day, campers will gain the confidence and preparedness for surviving in the wilderness. Pre-register online. Extended care available until 6 pm for an additional $20.
Day-Off Camp at Phield House
November 11, 9 am–3 pm
814 Spring Garden St.
Campers (grades K-8) will enjoy participating in a variety of sports and activities in Phield House’s indoor sports facility. Pre-register online.
Day-Off Camp at Philadelphia Rock Gym East Falls
November 11, 9 am — 3 pm (half day and extended care available)
3500 Scotts Lane
Kids can spend the day learning bouldering and top rope skills, while also strengthening their problem solving, communication, and teamwork. Kids will also do team-building exercises and arts and crafts. Choose from full day for $80 or half day until noon for $45. Extended care is also available for an additional $10 an hour.
Drop-Off Pasta Intensive Cooking Class
November 11, 10 am–noon
Hudson Table, 1001 N. Second Street
Kids will make different colored handmade pasta doughs and learn how to roll them out, make patterns, and different pasta shapes. They’ll also make two types of sauces to go along with the pasta, and end the meal with chocolate-flavored pasta! Recommended ages: 8-14 This class is drop off. Pre-registration required online.
Fall Family Storytime at Radnor Library
November 11, 10 am
Radnor Memorial Library, 114 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne
Stories, songs, and movement activities to help your young child engage with literature in a fun, social setting. Each 30-minute session emphasizes language and listening skills. Pre-register online.
Preschool Stories in the Park
November 11, 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.
Mandie’s Nature Nook
November 11, 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.
Virtual Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘Henriette Wyeth’s World’
November 11, 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.
Media Borough Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
November 11, 11:11 am
State Street, Media
Media Borough will celebrate Veterans Day with a parade and ceremony. The parade begins at 11:11 am with the ceremony to follow at the County Courthouse.
Sand Jam Music and Movement
November 11, 11:30 am
Rittenhouse Square
In this Jamboree style class, kids ages 2-4 will explore engaging movement activities through a dynamic musical lens with Sandcastle Fun Co. Drop-in passes available online.
Outdoor STEAM with Mr. Scott
November 11, 4 pm
Swarthmore Public Library, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore
Join Mr. Scott for an outdoor STEAM activity in the amphitheater in front of the library. Free; pre-register online.
Friday
Homeschool Workshop: Animal Habitats
November 12, 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.
Books and Blankets
November 12, 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.
Makin’ Music with Ms. Jen
November 12, 10:30 am
Middletown Free Library, 464 S. Old Middletown Rd., Media
Join MFL outside in the courtyard (weather permitting) for a rockin’ good time! Ms. Jen will have kids and adults singing, clapping, and dancing along to some great songs. Bring a blanket, and pre-register online. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors and masks will be required.
Cruiser Movers
November 12, 10:30 am
Rittenhouse Square
Participate in fun and creative movement games in the park that are sure to excite your little one (age 1-3), from steppers to obstacles, and even a slide. Drop-in passes available online.
Sand Jam Music and Movement
November 12, 11:30 am
Rittenhouse Square
In this Jamboree style class, kids ages 2-4 will explore engaging movement activities through a dynamic musical lens with Sandcastle Fun Co. Drop-in passes available online.
PHestivaL of Trees
November 12, noon–7 pm
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks
This festive holiday family event benefits local animal shelters and rescues, and only lasts for three days, so be sure to get your tickets in advance! The PHestivaL features hundreds of decorated holiday trees and gingerbread houses, live entertainment, a holiday shopping village, and Santa himself.
Kids’ Night at Philly Rock Gym
November 12, 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.
Weekend Events
PHestivaL of Trees
November 12–14
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks
This festive holiday family event benefits local animal shelters and rescues, and only lasts for three days, so be sure to get your tickets in advance! The PHestivaL features hundreds of decorated holiday trees and gingerbread houses, live entertainment, a holiday shopping village, and Santa himself.
Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden
Through February 27
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Right outside City Hall, go skating on the Rothman Rink and running through the beautiful Wintergarden. Stop by the Cabin for snacks and drinks. More details here.
Yokai Family Weekend at Shofuso
November 13 and 14
Horticultural and Lansdowne drives, Fairmount Park
Yokai are supernatural creatures and spirits from Japanese folklore that live all around us. Learn about them in this all ages weekend event at Shofuso. Families can participate in a scavenger hunt and win prizes, listen to spooky kamishibai tales, and craft an origami yokai to take home! Advance timed admission tickets required. All activities are free after regular admission. Dress up and get free admission passes to visit Shofuso next year!
Veterans Day at the Museum of the American Revolution
November 11–14
101 S. Third St.
Honor America’s first veterans as well as those who have served and continue to serve our nation today, and explore their stories through onsite and virtual programming. From Veterans Day through the weekend, the Museum will offer free admission to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families. Guests at the museum are also invited to write a special message of gratitude for service members and their families throughout the weekend.
Fall Festival and Adventure Farm at Hellerick’s Family Farm
Weekends through November 29
5500 N. Easton Road, Doylestown
Fall fun on the farm! The 18-acre Adventure Farm area includes a hayride, 2 corn mazes, farm animals, slides, tractor tire playground and 40+ activities for children and adults of all ages. Tickets available online.
‘Hamilton’
October 20-November 28
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
The Broadway sensation based on our “ten dollar founding father” is coming, so do not throw away your shot! Recommended for ages 12 and up (but you can gauge your kid’s readiness by watching the performance on Disney+ first). Note that proof of vaccination and masks are required for all Kimmel Center Campus performances this season.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick or Treat
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!
Little Red Riding Hood
November 13, 10 am; and November 14, 1 pm
Hedgerow Farmhouse, 146 W. Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley
Come to Hedgerow to see this brand new adaptation of the classic tale Little Red Riding Hood. Join Little Red, Granny, the Wolf, and more on a journey through the woods with surprises and delight. 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.
‘Siege Weekend’ at Fort Mifflin
November 13—14, 10 am—4 pm
Fort Mifflin and Hog Island Roads
Learn about Fort Mifflin’s Revolutionary War history through guided tours, living history activities and demonstrations, musket drills, weapons demonstrations, and more.
Historic Yellow Springs Fine Art & Craft Show
November 12 – 14
1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs
This three-day event attracts many early holiday shoppers looking for unique handmade gifts! The show will be held in the beautiful Lincoln and Washington buildings, and will be bigger than ever, expanding one more floor in the Washington building.
Saturday
Love Your Park Day
November 13
Love Your Park engages citizens and volunteers to revitalize Philadelphia’s public green spaces and create safe, welcoming, and fun recreation opportunities in parks across the city. See their website for volunteer opportunities across the city.
Breakfast with Santa at the PHestivaL of Trees
November 13, 8—10 am
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks
This special early holiday opportunity includes breakfast treats, a private viewing of the PHestivaL trees and gingerbread houses, craft making for the children, carousel rides, as well a photo opportunity while visiting with Santa. Tickets are limited so be sure to pre-register in advance.
Mommy & Me Make-Up Event
November 13, 10 am
Primp & Play, 1520 Locust Street, 2nd Floor
Enjoy a fun makeup class where you can create memories and do one another’s make-up, sip mimosas and juice, enjoy a hand mask and create a photo frame. Tickets available online.
Junior Scientist Workshop: How Do Trees Get Ready for Winter?
November 13, 10 am–noon
Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Kids in grades 3-5 will work with Academy botanists to discover how trees get ready to hunker down for the cold winter, try an experiment to unlock the chemistry of the autumn, and check out rare specimens from the Academy Botany Collection. Pre-registration required online.
Roots With Ruark Pop-Up at Kith + Kin
November 13, 10 am
3060 W. Jefferson St.
You and your little one (age 5 and under) will rock out with egg shakers, dance with scarves and streamers and play with little instruments all while listening to an exciting mix of original music, kids’ classics, and favorite rock and pop tunes. Limited spots available; must pre-register in advance.
The Saturday Club’s Holiday Market Sidewalk Sale
November 13, 10 am—2 pm
117 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne
Kick off your holiday shopping season early by supporting locally-owned small businesses. This yearly event showcases local artisans, business owners, and entrepreneurs.
Schuylkill Saturday: Self-Guided Nature Exploration for Families
November 13, 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.
Linvilla Orchards Food Truck Frenzy
November 13, 11 am—4 pm
137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media
Visit Linvilla for delicious treats from food trucks, live music, and fun for the whole family including pony rides, face painting, hayrides, Pick Your Own fruit, and more.
Trunk & Read: Kids’ Lit Event
November 13, 11:30 am
Lucien Blackwell Community Center, 47th and Aspen streets
Free, family-friendly event featuring local Philadelphia artists and illustrators, book giveaways, activities and more.
‘Back to the Future’ Celebration at Evil Genius
November 13, noon–6 pm
1727 N. Front St.
The Fishtown District and Evil Genius Beer Company is honoring this timeless and iconic film by working with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to create a special day of community, fun and nostalgia. Come see a wide array of authentic movie props, including the actual Delorean used in the making of the movie, plus Marty’s Truck, Mayor Goldie Wilson’s van, and other on screen memorabilia! The day will feature live entertainment, vendors, special event merchandise, special Evil Genius Beer, and more. Plus, there will be the the Plutonium Party Prop Kit so guests can re-enact the scene from the film. All donations will go towards the Fox Foundation to help cure Parkinson’s Disease.
Learning Through the Arts at AAMP
November 13, noon–1:15 pm and 1:45–3 pm
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street
Visit AAMP for fun, safe, and inspiring hands-on activities for youth and families on second Saturdays each month. Advance registration is encouraged for this program. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, guests will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing during their visit.
Chestnut Hill Second Saturday
Free Library of Philadelphia’s Kids’ Wellness Day
Sunday
Philly Latinx Holiday Craft Fair at Cherry Street Pier
November 14, 11 am–3 pm
121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Support local Latinx craft makers, artists, and artisans at the Latinx Holiday Craft Fair hosted by Casa de Venezuela Philadelphia and Fleisher Art Memorial. Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping, while enjoying arts, crafts, and cultural performances.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse: Grateful Dead for Kids!
November 14, noon
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, 1009 Canal St.
Using the songs from the most iconic musicians in rock history, the Rock and Roll Playhouse offers its core audience (typically kids ages 3-8 years old) games, movement, stories, and of course an opportunity to rock! Catch the show at the brand new venue Brooklyn Bowl, and stick around for daytime family bowling! All guests age 12 and over must show proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR or antigen COVID-19 test within 72 hours. Patrons under 12 do not need a proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, however they are required to wear masks inside the venue, except while actively eating or drinking.
PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
November 14, noon—4 pm
1020 South St.
Visitors will create ornaments, autumnal decorations, or a few woodland friends using pinecones. Visitors will receive a free Craft Kit while supplies last. No reservations are required for PECO Family Jams, but admission tickets should be purchased in advance.
Photograph by J. Fusco, courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
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