Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

 

Click here for ongoing events that run through the weekend, like all the museum exhibits.

All Weekend

Opening Weekend: ‘Creatures of Habitat’ and Urban Green at Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W. Girard Ave.

April 6–7

 

“Creatures of Habitat: A Gazillion Piece Animal Adventure” will bring 12 giant LEGO vignettes created by Sean Kenney all over the zoo from April 6 through September 30. Kids will be able use the returning Zoo Keys at “audio books” located at each sculpture (as well as other areas throughout the zoo) to “unlock” secrets and stories about the animals. Also opening this weekend, a new food marketplace and play area called Urban Green.

CityKids Consignment Sale

April 6—7

Neumann Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St.

 

Score amazing deals on used clothes, toys, and gear for kids and babies at this semiannual pop-up consignment sale in South Philly. All proceeds support Lilypad, South Philly’s family playspace. On Sunday, items are marked down 50 percent. Note: strollers not permitted inside the sale.

PAW Patrol Live!

April 5—7

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

 

PAW Patrol: Race to the Rescue is full of music, adventure, teamwork, and all your kids’ favorite pups live on stage. The show is geared towards kids ages 2-6, so it’s a great way to introduce your kids to a theater setting with some familiar faces on stage. The VIP (Very Important Pup) package includes a premium seat, special souvenir gift, and exclusive access to a Meet and Greet with Ryder and two additional PAW Patrol characters after the show.

Sake Garden at Shofuso

April 6—7 and 13—14, 1—9 pm
Horticultural and Lansdowne drives

 

Returning for this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival is the Sake Garden, a pop-up beer garden from one of our favorite family-friendly al fresco experiences, Parks on Tap. The garden will have beer, cocktails, and Asian fusion fare available to purchase and enjoy beneath the trees of Fairmount Park (along the walking path towards the gazebo and sundial). Be sure to check the website and social media, because the garden will not be open in cases of inclement weather.

Animal Superhero Weekend

April 6—7

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

How much do the superheroes of the animal kingdom inspire the superheroes (and supervillains) of comic books and movies? More than you think! Explore the real-life super abilities of animals from around the world with live animal shows, activity stations, crafts, and more. Come in your favorite superhero costume!

Pinkalicious: The Musical

March 29–April 13

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

 

This “cupcake-tastic” musical based on the popular kids’ books by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann is a fun and charming story for kids of all ages. Part of the WST for Kids series, this play has a very manageable one-hour runtime.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Through April 28
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

 

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, this adaptation of the popular novel is great for teens. See the world through the eyes of a unique fifteen-year-old as he investigates the death of his neighbor’s dog after being accused of the crime. Walnut Street Theatre has included a study guide online for anyone who wants to learn more.

Saturday

Free Intro Classes with Temple University Music Prep

April 6, 9 am—noon

Temple University Center City, 1515 Market St.

 

Free interactive introductory sessions for Temple Music Prep’s popular children’s classes, from toddler to preschool. Pre-register your spot online.

Philadelphia Orchestra’s Sound All Around: Ensemble (Sensory Friendly)

April 6, 10 am and 11:15 am

Academy of Music Ballroom, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Clap, stomp, sing, and dance with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and famed storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston. In this final Sound All Around of the season, you’ll get an up-close look at all the special instruments featured this season, and get to hear how they create beautiful music when played together. Both Saturday showtimes are sensory-friendly. Tickets available online.

Arden Bookworms

April 6, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read Swimmy by Leo Lionni, and then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

Nature Tots

April 7, 10—11 am

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Children ages 3-5 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge ranger, including storytime, crafts, hikes, and more! Free, but registration is required—email Brianna_Patrick@fws.gov to reserve your spot.

Family Workshop: Patterns Everywhere

April 6, 10:30 am—noon

Center / Architecture + Design, 1218 Arch St.

 

This free workshop for kids ages 5-12 and their families will start with a reading of Bobby and June George’s My First Book of Patterns, and then participants will explore the color, shapes, and design their own pattern to take home. Register online.

Programming with Scratch

April 6, 10:30 am—noon and 1:30—3 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20^th St.

 

The Franklin Institute is peeling back the interface to show the technology behind video game design and what it takes to develop and understand the scripts that run the games. In this 90-minute coding adventure, aspiring innovators ages 10-13 will develop basic skills in using Scratch, the simple yet powerful programming language for children. Space is limited; register online.

Storytime Yoga

April 6, 10:30 am

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Yoga instructor Beth Heed from Oak and Acorn Wellness will host a free class filled with stories, yoga, and fun for 2- to 5-year-olds and their caregivers. No experience necessary.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Play

April 6, 10:30—11:30 am

Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

 

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

PNC Grow Up Great

April 6, 11 am—noon

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

Kids will learn to sing, dance, and use their imaginations during this free fun-filled, monthly interactive concert. This month, Luke Carlos O’Reilly will take the audience on a New Orleans Jazz-themed adventure!

OM My, Yoga Storytime

April 6, 11 am

Charles Santore Library, 932 S. Seventh St.

 

A storytime with a meditative twist. Bring your preschooler and get ready for a calming storytime to stretch your body and mind.

We Are the Seeds Festival

April 6, 11 am—4 pm

Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th St.

 

A joyful celebration of Indigenous arts and cultures including art, music, dance, food, youth workshops, and more. Tickets available online.

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

April 6, 11 am—2 pm (Toddler Time from 11 am—noon; Ages 5 and up from noon—2 pm)

6918 Torresdale Avenue

 

On Saturdays, the Tacony LAB holds free art activities for kids. Stop in to draw, paint and create! Mural Arts Philadelphia teaching artists lead Art Club meetings, organizing projects and developing creative skills. 11 am to noon will be toddler time for ages 2-4; then noon to 2 pm will be for ages 5 and up.

The Philadelphia Kite Festival

April 6, noon—5 pm

Penn Treaty Park, 1199 N. Delaware Ave.

 

The Philadelphia Kite Festival is a free family and community friendly, laid-back venture into the world of STEAM, nature, and the great outdoors. Come experience kites of all shapes and sizes, live music and entertainment, kite designing and kite making workshops, kite flying competitions, art and essay competitions, face painting, food and ice cream trucks, and so much more.

Nourishing Literacy: Family Cooking Class

April 6, noon

Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 S. 52nd St.

 

Nourishing Literacy will lead a hands-on cooking class where youth and caregivers will help to prepare a family-friendly recipe. All ages welcome. Spaces are limited; advance registration required by emailing Shayna Marmar, marmars@freelibrary.org, or stopping by the library.

Egg Decorating Workshop at Ryerss Museum

April 6, 1—3 pm

7370 Central Ave.

 

Learn the art of Ukranian Pysanky egg art led by a local expert. Bring your own eggs to decorate. For ages 8 and up with a caregiver. RSVP to Ryerss: ryerssmuseum@gmail.com, as space is limited.

Sunday

Play Without Boundaries: Sensory-Friendly Morning at Please Touch Museum

April 7, 9—11 am

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Kids with autism, learning differences, or other sensory and communication needs can enjoy the museum without large crowds and loud noises. Plus, special programming with community partners and resources for families, including the Clay Studio. Pre-registration (online) is required to attend.

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

April 7, 9—11 am

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Children on the spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum before the crowds. You can visit with the dinosaurs, and all the other exhibits, at your own pace. Pre-registration is required (same-day registration is available onsite). If you would like to attend, please contact visitor services at 215-299-1060 or reservations@ansp.org

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

April 7, 10 am—5 pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

This month, celebrate African cultural traditions and how they have evolved over generations in families and communities. Enjoy free admission, art making, storytelling with Baby Wordplay, live performances, and more.

Poetry Party Family Festival

April 7, 10 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Musuem of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Celebrate International Poetry Month with pay-what-you-wish admission, wordplay, art projects, family-friendly gallery tours, and more.

Free Admission: PNC Grow Up Great Community Day at Please Touch Museum

April 7, 11 am—5 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Visitors will enjoy free admission to the museum, as well as a chance to meet Daniel Tiger (plus get free Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood books while supplies last). Meet Daniel Tiger at noon, 1:15 pm, and 2:30 pm.

Book Release Party for ‘The Book Hog’ with Greg Pizzoli

April 7, 11 am—noon

Tildie’s Toy Box, 1829 E. Passyunk Ave.

 

Celebrate the release of local author and illustrator Greg Pizzoli’s new book, The Book Hog! Pizzoli will read his new book and be available for a signing; plus there will be giveaways and lots of party flair.

Artmaking and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

April 7, 11 am—noon

9201 Germantown Ave.

 

Preschoolers and their grown-ups enjoy reading picture books in the galleries, followed by an art project. Come back each month to hear a new tale and make something special to take home.

Indoor Goat Yoga

April 7, 2—3 pm

98 E. Cliveden St.

 

Goat yoga will be held in a heated indoor barn at Cliveden in historic Germantown. Participants in this all-levels class will have 45 minutes of guided time on the mat while Nigerian Dwarf goats cuddle, play, and meet you in down-dog. There will be 15 minutes at the end of class to take selfies and photos with the goats. Pre-registration is required, as this often sells out! Kids are welcome, and their tickets are discounted.

Sundays on Stage: Puppet Theatre Inside and Out

April 7, 2 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Steve Abrams leads an introduction to puppets, including an expert presentation of Aesop’s Fables.

PAFA Family Arts Academy

April 7, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad Street

 

At this week’s free family art workshop, learn how to make movies from your cellphone and share your amateur creations at a small film festival at the end of the day.

Edible Spring Bouquet Workshop

April 7, 2—4:30 pm

Sue’s Art Class, 2119 Spruce St.

 

Whip up delicious edible flowers in a ceramic pot. Pre-register online.

Philly Pillow Phight

April 7, 3—5 pm

Washington Square Park, 210 W. Washington Square

 

Come take part in this annual massive pillow fight! Following the event, you can donate your pillows to local shelters.

Books, Babies and Booze

April 7, 4—6 pm

Baby Wordplay, 2227 Grays Ferry Ave.

 

Buy three books at Little Theater to gain admission, then head next door to Grace Tavern for drinks, snacks, and Baby Wordplay’s signature storyplay.

North Bowl Fundraiser for Easter Outreach

April 7, 4 — 6 pm

North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd St.

 

Enjoy time bowling with friends and family while supporting Easter Outreach. The Easter Bunny will also be in attendance for pictures.

F.I.S.H. (Family Inclusive Special Hours) Night at Adventure Aquarium

April 7, 6—8:30 pm

1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ

 

On F.I.S.H. Night the aquarium transforms into an accommodating setting for the special needs community, plus a special Hippo Bedtime. Pre-registration is required.

 

 

 

Photograph courtesy of the Kimmel Center.