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Looking for weekend plans? Click here for Philly events, and here for what’s happening on the Main Line and in the suburbs.

All Week

‘Hello From Japan!’ at Please Touch Museum

Through September 3

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

 

The Please Touch Museum’s new “Hello from Japan!” is an immersive exhibit that teaches about Japanese culture, as well as literacy, math, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities like construction and pretend play.

Art Splash

Through September 3 (excluding Mondays)

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Enjoy a summer of art exploration as the Philadelphia Museum of Art brings city-themed tours, projects, and more to the Great Stair Hall Balcony.  Kids and their grown-ups can experience the “Modern Times” exhibit through tours, art making, and imaginative play, including a LEGO build featuring a model of the Art Museum! On Sundays the museum offers pay-what-you-wish admission, though kids 12 and under are always free!

‘Game Masters’ at the Franklin Institute

Through September 3

The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia

 

Showcasing the work of over 30 innovative game designers, “Game Masters” takes visitors on an interactive journey inside their favorite video games. The exhibit features over 100 playable games, as well as the opportunity to learn the stories of the designers and see the evolution of favorite games from concept art to what we know today.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

1 pm — 11 pm Monday — Thursday; 1 pm — 1 am Friday; 11 am — 1 am Saturday; 11 am — 11 pm Sunday

101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Skate, ride the Ferris wheel, play mini-golf, and then take a break for some crab fries and Skee-Ball. You can do it all at this fun attraction.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

11 am — 11 pm Monday — Thursday; 11 am — 1 am Friday and Saturday

301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

This waterfront spot has food, drink, games, and is a great place to relax!

‘Xtreme Bugs’ at Academy of Natural Sciences

Through January 21

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Nearly 20 towering animatronic bugs will come alive in this new creepy crawly exhibit! Get a bug’s-eye view of the world and learn about their intricacies and behaviors. See our preview here.

‘Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation’

Through December 31

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia

 

Walk in Alexander Hamilton’s shoes and learn more about the Founding Father whose life has fascinated Americans for centuries. This exhibit focuses on the intellectual and political conflicts between Hamilton and his contemporaries, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams, and of course, Aaron Burr (that one was a bit more personal). It’s included with museum admission.

Photo Pop!

Through September 3, 3—11 pm (last timed tickets for 10 pm)

1315 Walnut St., Philadelphia

 

This immersive and interactive pop-up exhibit celebrates local artists and is highly Instagram-worthy! See our preview here!

Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

Through October 8

100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia

 

Model trains and cable cars navigate a quarter-mile of track 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. The exhibit runs daily through Labor Day (and then weekends only through October 8).

Parks on Tap: Clark Park

August 29–-September 3

4300-4398 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to West Philly with extended time for Labor Day!

Monday

Storytime in Franklin Square

August 27, 10—11 am

200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia

 

Librarian Margaret Bernardi of the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will read free stories to children in the Franklin Square Pavilion. This is the last storytime of the summer!

Spanish Storytime

August 27, 10 am

Momo’s Treehouse, 205 Arch St., Philadelphia

 

Join Amigos Spanish Immersion Preschool for a fun and engaging performance!

Read With A Dog!

August 27, 4:15 pm

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave., Philadelphia

 

School age kids are invited to read with Wally, a certified therapy dog, and share a new book or an old favorite in a judgment-free zone. Space may be limited.

Movies in the Park: ‘Coco’

August 27, 7:45–10:45 pm

Smith Playground, 2100 S. 24th St., Philadelphia

 

Bring your blankets and enjoy the last days of summer with Coco under the stars.

Tuesday

Music Monkey Jungle at Reading Terminal Market

August 28, 10 — 10:30 am

51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia

 

Sing, dance, move, and have a rockin’ good time with Music Monkey Jungle. Admission is free and open to the public.

Baby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art

August 28, 10:15 am

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Play at the museum with your little ones and enjoy music, art making, and gallery walks.​ For toddlers and their grownups.

Tiny Toddler Tuesday at Color Me Mine

August 28, 11 am—8 pm

109 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne

 

Bring your tiny one in every Tuesday for $1 studio fees for both toddler and caregiver (price does not include pottery).

Tyler Arboretum Garden Sprouts

August 28, 1–2:30 pm

515 Painter Rd., Media

 

Kids age 4-6 will learn about the garden friends that help plants grow and bloom, dig for earthworms, and look for butterflies and bees.

Eagleview Summer Concert and Fireworks

August 28, 7 pm (fireworks at 8:45 pm)

565 Wellington Square, Exton

 

Send off summer with a free concert by Nik Greeley & the Operators, followed by fireworks at 8:45 pm.

Movie Night at the Farm: ‘Coco’

August 28, 7:45—9:45 pm

7095 Henry Ave., Philadelphia

 

Coco will be shown in the farm fields of Henry Got Crops at the Weavers Way Farm at Saul High School. Bring a picnic, and they’ll provide the popcorn! The movie starts as soon as it’s dark enough to see the screen.

‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ at Gorgas Park

August 28, dusk

6300 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia

 

Bring your own blankets and snacks for a free outdoor movie night at Gorgas Park.

Wednesday

Free Stroller Barre Class

August 29, 9:30—10:30 am

1216 Jones St., Conshohoken

 

Try out a free outdoor workout class with your baby. Pre-register online.

Bilingual Storytime and Music Circle

August 29, 10—10:30 am

Lulu’s Casita, 6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

 

Come play at Lulu’s and enjoy a mini fiesta and bilingual storytime with the legendary Ms. Val.

Tyler Arboretum Campfire Chefs

August 29, 10—11:30 am

515 Painter Rd., Media

 

The Arboretum will serve as both outdoor kitchen and culinary inspiration for kids age 3-5. This week, it’s “Breakfast Time,” so kids will discover interesting ways to make breakfast over the fire. Pre-register online.

‘LEGO Batman Movie’ at Haverford Township Free Library

August 29, 3:30—5 pm

1601 Darby Rd., Havertown

 

Beat the heat and enjoy the LEGO Batman Movie at the library.

Back to School Workshop at Sue’s Art Class

August 29, 3:30—5:45 pm

2119 Spruce St., Philadelphia

 

Kids ages 5 and up can create organizers and tools for all their school needs, and personalize their school gear at creation stations. Bring a (non-spiral) composition book or small 5×7 leather sketchbook. Pre-register online.

Wednesday Night Family Art Studio

August 29, 5—7 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

​Stay up late and enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission. Make some art before bedtime in the Art Splash studio.

Wednesday Free Fishing at Bartram’s Garden

August 29, 6—8 pm

5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Learn how to catch one of the 42 fish species found in the tidal Schuylkill. Bartram’s will provide rods, bait, and basic instruction on a first come, first served basis. No license required.

Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration at RiverRink

August 29, 6—10 pm

101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Celebrate the King of Pop’s birthday with a skate party featuring Michael Jackson music all night, and even an impersonator!

Thursday

Unicorn Day at Middletown Free Library

August 30, 10 am—7 pm (Drag Queen Storytime at 2:30 pm)

21 North Pennell Rd., Media

 

All ages are invited to enjoy all things unicorns, individuality, uniqueness, and colorful! Enjoy all-day activities, stations, and snacks; with a special Drag Queen Story Time with Brittany Lynn at 2:30pm! There is also a special Paint Your Own Unicorn Horn art project at 10:30 am. Registration is required for the art project, but not for the rest of the day’s activities.

Family Yoga at Highland Orchards

August 30, 10—10:30 am

1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Rd., West Chester

 

Treehouse Yoga instructors guide families through a fun and engaging yoga practice perfect for all ages. This month the instructors will focus on the beach! Pre-register online, and check in at the Farm Market by 9:45 am.

Free Family Fishing at John Heinz at Tinicum

August 30, 4—7 pm

8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Let the volunteers and staff at the refuge help you get a start on fishing. Limited rods and bait will be available or bring your own! No license needed.

Pairings on the Parkway

August 30, 5—8 pm

Sister Cities Park, 210 N. 18th St., Philadelphia

 

This popular BYOB event features live music by a different singer-songwriter each week, and a special summer grilling menu at the on-site Logan Square Café. If you forget to bring your wine, Chaddsford Winery is there selling wine by the bottle or glass as well. Bonus: the Children’s Discovery Garden has extended hours!

Pop-Up Biergarten at Historic Sugartown

August 30, 5—8 pm

690 Sugartown Rd., Malvern

 

Explore Sugartown’s historic buildings while enjoying a beverage to end summer. Historic Sugartown has teamed up with Malvern-based Locust Lane Craft Brewery, as well as Chaddsford Winery, Famous Crab Cakes by Rigatoni, Saloon 151, and Scoop’s ‘N’ Smiles to create a relaxing happy hour. There will also be paper marbling demonstrations on site.

Rockin’ Conshohocken Outdoor Concert

August 30, 7—9 pm

Mary Wood Park, E 5th Avenue and Hallowell Street, Conshohocken

 

Kids can enjoy the newly renovated playground equipment, while the rest of the family enjoys a live performance of Elvis tunes.

Superhero Movie Night: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2’

August 30, 7—9 pm

Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons, 1001 N. Second St, Philadelphia

 

You only get one chance to save the galaxy twice! This month’s free Superhero Movie is Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2. Bring your own chair.

Free Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Moana’

August 30, 7:30—9:30 pm

Upper Roxborough Reservoir Preserve, 8300 Lare St., Philadelphia

 

Spend the night watching Moana sail across the sea on an adventure to save her island! Bring a blanket and snuggle up for Disney’s Moana.

‘Despicable Me 3’ at Penn’s Landing 

August 30, 8 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

It’s the last outdoor screening of the season at Penn’s Landing, so come out and laugh along with the Minions’ antics!

Friday

Baby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art

August 31, 10:15 am

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Play at the museum with your little ones and enjoy music, art making, and gallery walks.​ For toddlers and their grownups.

Half-Day Art Camp at University City Arts League

August 31, noon—6 pm

4226 Spruce St., Philadelphia

 

If the kids have off from school Friday afternoon, UCAL offers half-day care with a fun afternoon of art classes, outdoor play time, and optional homework time. Kids can be dropped off, or if they attend Penn Alexander there is a pickup option as well. Register online.

The ‘Draken’ Viking Ship Experience Begins

August 31, arrival estimated at 6 pm

Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

Welcome the Draken ship as it sails into port with a display of Viking valor and excitement. Captain Björn Ahlander and his crew will step ashore to greet the crowd and introduce the Draken. This event is free and open to the public. Stop by Draken Village for on-shore fun.

BYOB Friday at Chatter Splatter

August 31, 4—8 pm

1032 Conshohocken Rd., Conshohocken

 

Bring your own beverage (and dinner) for some after-hours family playtime.

Weekend Events

Philadelphia Events

All Weekend

Check out our guide to Labor Day Weekend 2018 in Philly!

The Draken Experience

August 31—September 6

Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

The world’s largest operating Viking ship, the Norwegian Draken Harald Hårfagre, will dock at Penn’s Landing for the first time ever! You can buy tickets to take a deck tour where you will be guided through the ship and offered a look at a day-in-the-life of the crew and the historic craftsmanship used to build it. Meanwhile back on shore, the Draken Village, which is free and open to the public, offers a photo and video exhibition, land-side views of the ship, merchandise, and more to celebrate the modern-day Viking spirit alongside Philadelphia’s nautical heritage.

Labor Day Celebration at Franklin Square

September 1—3

200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia

 

Take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children) in the Square to celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer!

Labor Day Volksfest

September 1—3

9130 Academy Rd., Philadelphia

 

This three-day German festival happens every Labor Day Weekend, and features food, live entertainment, prizes, vendors, rides for the kids, and much more.

Please Touch Museum Family Festival

September 1—3

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

 

Say goodbye to summer by celebrating the best of the season at Please Touch Museum. Buddy the Dino from Dinosaur Train will hold a little meet-and-greet every day, too!

Back to School Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution

September 1—3

101 S. Third St., Philadelphia

 

Find out how children in the 1700s learned their ABCs, apprenticed for trades, and grew up to be revolutionaries in Revolution Place, the museum’s family discovery center. Kids 12 and under will receive free admission to the museum all weekend, and also will receive a free back-to-school pack including colored pencils, an eraser, a history-themed coloring book, and a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence.

African Penguin Awareness Weekend

September 1—3

Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ

 

Every Labor Day Weekend, Adventure Aquarium hosts this conservation festival featuring an array of perfectly-penguin activities.

Parks on Tap: Clark Park

August 29–-September 3

Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to West Philly with an even longer pop-up stay for Labor Day Weekend!

Saturday

Open Gym Party at Nest

September 1, 10 am–noon

1301 Locust St., Philadelphia

 

Live music, parachute games, and open play at Nest for a special morning party.

Nature Play Saturday

September 1, 10:30—11:30 am

The Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia

 

Bring your family for a hike and unstructured nature play with representatives from NaturePHL. Climb, explore, and learn about the many health benefits of outdoor activity. All ages welcome, no registration required.

Phillies Fun at the Philadelphia Zoo

September 1, 11 am

3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia

 

Meet the Phillie Phanatic, his friends from the Galapagos Gang, and Phillies Ballgirls! The fun begins at 11:00 am on Impala Plaza with music, animal photo ops and storytime, followed by an appearance by the Phanatic at noon. If it rains, the event will be held inside the Rare Animal Conservation Center.

Nature Play at Morris Arboretum

September 1, 11 am—3 pm

100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia

 

Morris Arboretum offers monthly ‘Nature Play’, unstructured fun in a natural setting with plenty of space to explore and engage with nature, from digging in the dirt to turning over tree stumps to building teepees, and more. Meet at the top of Oak Allee!

Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden

September 1, 11 am—3 pm

Bartram’s Gardens’ Community Boathouse, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Bartram’s Garden will provide the boats, life jackets and basic instruction. Choose from a kayak (for 30 minutes) or rowboat (for 45 minutes). No experience is necessary. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Storytime in the Park (note relocation to Spruce Street Harbor Park)

September 1, 11:30 am—12:30 pm

Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Enjoy a new book, and entertainment with Listen, Learn, and Play. Light refreshments will be provided for the kids, as well as a book swap.

Summer Sounds on the Square

September 1, 3—8 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia

 

The final Summer Sounds is a double header! Catch April Mae and the Junebugs (Country) from 3–5 pm, and Black Horse Motel (Genre Fluid City Folk) from 6–8 pm.

Fireworks on the Waterfront

September 1; concert at 8 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm

Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

Celebrate Labor Day with a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River. Celebrate with a FREE concert by The U.S. Army Band Downrange at 8 pm, followed by fireworks at 9:30 pm. If you want to reserve a spot, check out Independence Seaport Museum’s tickets for prime viewing on their rotunda (tickets also include admission to the museum and their historic ships the Olympia and submarine Becuna). You can also catch the show for free from anywhere along Penn’s Landing, including Spruce Street Harbor Park, or the River Rink on its final weekend.

Sunday

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

September 2, 10 am—5pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

“Reboot, renew, revive” for the school year with art making, live performances, and more family time.

Waterfront Day

September 2

Penn’s Landing and Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia

 

Get $3 off skating admission at the River Rink when you mention “Waterfront Day,” and walk down to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a free performance by Beatles tribute band The Beat Tells. There will also be drink specials for the grownups

Sundays with Pop-Up Play

September 2, 11:30 am–12:30 pm

Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Children and families will engage in free interactive activities through art, music, science, and physical movement that revolve around themes like water science, civic engagement, building, and more.

Blue Corn Lifestyle Green and Organic Fest

September 2, noon—5 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

Part of the PECO Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing, the Blue Corn Green and Organic Festival is a cultural effort to gather communities from all walks of life under a common awareness theme that supports the need for promoting a sustainable lifestyle that fuses old traditions with new ways of living.

Looking for Main Line and Suburban Weekend Events?

Find them on mainlineparent.com!

For more events, see our Main Line Labor Day guide.

 

Photograph courtesy of the Franklin Institute.