High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: August 31--September 1

High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: August 31–September 1

Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

August 26, 2019

Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

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

All Weekend

Farewell to Summer: Closing Weekend at Blue Cross RiverRink

August 30–September 2

101 S. Columbus Blvd.

It’s the final weekend of Summerfest, so take one last spin on the carousel, Ferris wheel, or around the RiverRink! On Saturday, August 31, enjoy a free concert and fireworks. Saturday is also Waterfront Day—get $3 off skating admission and discounted Ferris wheel rides at the RiverRink, and walk down to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a free Classic Rock performance by a fantastic lineup of local bands. September 1 is also the Blue Corn Green and Organic Festival on Penn’s Landing.

‘Hamilton’

August 27–November 17

Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.

The Broadway sensation based on our ten dollar founding father is finally coming, so do not throw away your shot! Don’t have tickets? Enter the #HAM4HAM lottery! Still don’t have tickets? We rounded up ways to stay entertained with Hamilton-related activities in Philly until you do!

Back to School Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution

August 31–September 2

101 S. Third St.

Find out how children in the 1700s 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 a pencil with a sharpener, an activity sheet, and a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence. Also, check out Dog Days of Summer from 11 am – 3 pm throughout the holiday weekend, celebrate National Dog Day on August 31, and learn about canine culture in 18th-century America.

Final Weekend: ‘America to Zanzibar’ at Please Touch Museum

Through September 2

4231 Avenue of the Republic

The Please Touch Museum’s special exhibit, “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far,” allows families to learn about Muslim culture around the world through interactive displays, artifacts, and more. Read more here!

Labor Day Celebration at Franklin Square

August 31–September 2

200 N. Sixth St.

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! Plus, enjoy the new fountain show every day, superhero movie night on Saturday, family fun day on Sunday, and more!

Labor Day Volksfest

August 31–September 2

9130 Academy Rd.

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

Extended Parks on Tap

August 28–-September 2

Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.

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

Saturday

Waterfront Day

August 31

Delaware River Waterfront

Enjoy special offers and fun at RiverRink on its last weekend, including $3 off skating admission and discounted Ferris wheel rides, and walk down to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a free Classic Rock performance by a fantastic lineup of local bands. Stick around at night for fireworks!

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

August 31, 10:30—11:30 am

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

Gather in the Visitor Center before hitting the trails for a guided exploration. Each week explores a different theme. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Kids at Greensgrow

August 31, 11 am—noon

Greensgrow Farms, 2501 E. Cumberland St.

Students will be asked to consider the journey from creation to disposal of aluminum cans. This activity will help students understand how a familiar item like a soda can is made and transported, and what happens to that can after we have finished with it. The lesson will include mapping the journey of the can, as well as learning about state recycling initiatives. This program is recommended for ages 7-10, and a parent is required to accompany their child during the class.

Mario the Maker Magician

August 31, 11 am and 3 pm

The Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom Street

More than just a performer, Mario is also an inventor who creates his own props. He is known for his dedication to the Maker Movement and STEAM initiatives and his integration of DIY electronics and robotics into his performance. Recommended for ages 3-10. Tickets available online.

The Wiggles Live

August 31, noon and 4 pm

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

Sing and dance along to all your favorite classic Wiggles songs as well as plenty of new favorites with Emma, Lachy, Simon, and Anthony live on stage.

Echoes of Africa Community Day at Malcolm X Park

August 31, noon—6 pm

52^nd and Pine streets

Enjoy live music, face painting, moonbounce, and more at the park.

Teen Maker Studio

August 31, 2 pm

Field Teen Center at Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Teens ages 12-18 can come by the Teen Center to hang out and make friendship bracelets.

Cake Decorating Workshop: Pool Party

August 31, 2—4 pm

Ella Vanilla, 7922 Germantown Avenue

Kids ages 9 and older will learn technique to create this super cute cake with cake artist and owner of Ella Vanilla. Purchase by emailing Noelle@EllaVanilla.com, or by calling (215) 909-9392.

Gorgas Park Summer Concert

August 31, 5—9 pm

6300 Ridge Ave.

Ben Arnold and Friends perform a free concert in the park.

Tardigrade Party: United Behind Science

August 31, 5:30—9 pm

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut St.

Science experiment tables, tardigrade crafts, and snacks! Pay what you wish, and feel free to bring your own tardigrade/climate change-related banners, costumes, or puppets.

Mt. Airy Moonlight Movie: ‘Paddington’

August 31, sunset

Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave.

Grab some dinner and ice cream, then settle in for a screening of Paddington at sunset.

Super Movie Saturdays

August 31, 8:30 pm

Franklin Square, Sixth and Race streets

As part of Franklin Square’s Summer Splash, there will be free movie screenings every week in August. Movie begins at approximately 8:30 pm, but come early to buy some movie snacks at the square. Every week will be a superhero movie—this week is Wonder Woman!

Fireworks on the Waterfront

August 31; concert at 8 pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm

Viewing suggestions: Penn’s Landing, Cherry Street Pier, Independence Seaport Museum

Celebrate Labor Day with a spectacular fireworks display over the Delaware River. Celebrate with a free concert 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 the Waterfront, including the River Rink on its final weekend!

Sunday

Final Art Splash Family Sunday

September 1, 10 am—5 pm

Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Ave.

For the final pay-what-you-wish Sunday of Art Splash, textile artist Joy O. Ude sets up shop in Splash Studio with special guest Tim Eads to create and collaborate with the whole family.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

September 1, 10 am—5 pm

Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Celebrate the traditions of Philadelphia’s African-Caribbean communities through music, dance, and art, guided by local storytellers, artists, and performers. Free admission for families.

5 and Under Morning at Philly Pumptrack

September 1, 10 am—noon

5300 Parkside Ave.

Philly Pumptrack holds a 5 and under only session for little ones who want to ride! Closed toed shoes and helmets are required. Loaner bikes and helmets will be available, but are limited.

Franklin Square Fun in the Sun-days

September 1, 11 am—6 pm

Sixth and Race streets

Franklin Square hosts lawn games, musical chairs, bocce, and volleyball on the Great Lawn with fun for all ages, and prizes. Plus, yoga at 11 am, Storytime with Mother Goose from noon to 2 pm, and daytime fountain shows from noon to 2 pm.

Sundays with PopUp Play

September 1

11:30 am—12:30 pm at Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.

3–4 pm at Piazza Pod Park, 1069 Germantown Ave.

Each week, enjoy a variety of free, themed, kid-friendly activities the whole family will love. From building catapults and forts to special sea creatures, this interactive program celebrates the magic of play through art, music, and science.