Happy weekend! Here’s what’s happening around town!

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

All Weekend

Philadelphia Auto Show

Through February 17

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

The Philadelphia Auto Show is back at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with dazzling cars, from exotic to classic and everything in between. And since kids 6 and under get in free, it’s all the more reason to bring them along and make some memories. No matter what your age, there’s so much to see, with 750,000 square feet of hundreds of cars from dozens of automotive manufacturers, including pre-production models and even Hollywood-inspired cars.

Getaway at the Greenhouse

Through February 16

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive

 

The Horticulture Center has been transformed into an oasis with lounge areas, a beach, and family-friendly activities on weekends.  For kids, there will be a giant sandbox, face-painting, lawn games, dance parties, and more! And adults can hit up the bar with craft beers, wine, and cocktails!  New for this year, “GAIA,” a touring art installation of a 10-foot suspended planet Earth will be featured as well. Come on Sunday for Let’s Rock Recess dance party at noon!

 

Free, but tickets are required. Children 5 and under do not require a ticket. PHLASH is offering a free shuttle service from Center City to the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center every weekend of the Greenhouse from 10 am-10 pm every 30 minutes (stops at LOVE Park, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum and the Horticulture Center).

Presidents Day Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution 

February 15 — February 17

101 S. Third St.

 

At interactive discovery carts, handle replica components of Washington’s War Tent and learn the story of Harry Washington, who escaped from Mount Vernon and fought on the other side of the Revolutionary War. In the rotunda, make your own inaugural button to take home, inspired by Washington’s inaugural buttons that are on display in the Museum.

 

On Saturday, February 15, the museum will give away 288 donuts from Federal Donuts in honor of Washington’s 288th birthday!

Presidential Quizzo

February 15 and 16; 12:30 — 1 pm and 2:30 — 3 pm

317 Chestnut St.

 

Test your knowledge of presidents with this family-friendly trivia game.

Shen Yun

February 12–March 1

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

 

Featuring classical Chinese dance, patented scenographical effects, and original orchestral works, this production is colorful, dramatic, and spectacular.

Jurassic World Live Tour

February 14–17

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

 

Jurassic World comes to life for the first time in a touring arena show. Animatronic dinosaurs, stunts, and more take you on a live adventure!

My General Tubman

Through March 1

Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second Street

 

A world premiere by acclaimed Philadelphia author Lorene Cary, My General Tubman is a beautiful and exciting new play about the complex journey of Harriet Tubman and the impact she continues to have today.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Through March 8

101 S. Columbus Blvd.    

 

Come to skate, come to party in the cabins, come for the fun and food. This rink is a Philadelphia favorite for a reason!

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden

Through February

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

 

Right outside City Hall, go skating on the Rothman Rink and running through Wintergarden Maze! Warm up after in the Cabin with seasonal food and drinks!

Candytopia

Now open through March 15

Ninth and Market streets

 

Candytopia brings its wildly popular experiential installation art to Fashion District Philadelphia. Favorites—like the marshmallow pit filled with over 250,000 foam marshmallows, and the rainbow-filled room with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions—will be joined by Philly-specific elements. It’s Instagram heaven, and you even get to eat candy throughout the experience! Tickets are available online, where you can reserve your timeslot. Kids age 3 and under get in free!

Survival of the Slowest Opening Weekend

February 15—16

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Celebrate the opening of this new exhibit with live animal encounters, hands-on science, a scavenger hunt, make-and-take slime, and more all weekend long.

Night in the Museum at Academy of Natural Sciences

February 15—16

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Experience the Academy’s towering dinosaurs—including T. rex—after dark! Your action-packed night includes exploration, a live animal show, a scavenger hunt, hands-on science, and more. Then pick a sleeping spot and catch some shut-eye before waking up for a light breakfast and another full day of exploration! Night in the Museum is appropriate for children ages 6–14. Pre-register online.

Hippo Conservation Weekend

February 15—17

Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ

 

Interact with animal experts, and learn more about the Nile hippopotamus and Turgwe Hippo Trust, a nonprofit organization in Zimbabwe, Africa that is helping hippos in the wild. You can also meet Button and Genny and enjoy some hippo-fun inside Hippo Haven including crafts, trivia, and more.

Saturday

Big Ideas Family Festival

February 15, 9 am—5 pm

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Make and create! Get creative with materials, tools, and technology through open-ended explorations. Meet local makers, creators, and inventors. Join a chef demo, storytime, and more, all in celebration of getting creative!

African and Diasporic Cultures Celebration

February 15, 10 am–5 pm

Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

 

A celebration of traditions from places throughout the African continent and passed along through the African Diaspora. Gather with family and friends to explore cultural connections and continuities through art-making, mask making, live performances, drumming and other musical demonstrations, film screenings, a storytelling circle, an African-inspired marketplace, and workshops for all ages.

Butterfly Love Fest

February 15, 10 am—5 pm

Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavillion, 8046 Frankford Ave.

 

The Insectarium will be transformed into a Valentine’s themed carnival for kids. There will be games and prizes, face painting, live butterfly release, coloring and crafts, sculptures on display, exotic animal encounters, live music, and much more! Tickets available online or at the door.

Arden Theatre Workshop: Puppet Making

February 15, 10 am—1 pm (Grades K-2); 2—5 pm (Grades 3-5)

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Your kid will be guided through the process of “page to stage” as they take an idea and then bring it to life in this crafty class. At the end of the workshop, students will leave with their very own puppet! Book online.

Arden Bookworms

February 15, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky

February 15, 10:30 am

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Yoga stories, yoga songs, yoga games, and yoga adventures for children and their caregivers. Children will learn how yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing can help them manage their emotions, self-soothe, and experience a more meaningful life.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

February 15, 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.

Drag Queen Storytime at the Lodge

February 15, 11:30 am—12:30 pm

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

 

Hear stories about love, diversity, anti-bullying, and friendship with Philly’s Drag Queen Brittany Lynn! Light snacks and hot chocolate will be provided for the kids. Stick around after, and skate!

Read to a Therapy Dog

February 15, 1 pm

Kingsessing Library, 1201 S. 51st St.

 

Young readers are invited to share stories with Cene, a local certified therapy dog. Children can take turns reading aloud in a judgment-free space. Children ages 7 and under must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Jewelry Making Workshop

February 15, 1 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

 

Learn how to make bracelets and necklaces. All materials will be provided.  For all ages (small children will need to be accompanied by an adult).  Space and materials are limited; pre-registration is suggested.

Storytime: ‘We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song’

February 15, 2 pm

Lillian Marrero Library, 601 West Lehigh Ave.

 

After hearing this inspiring story, children will explore what change they would like to see in the world through an activity. For school-age children.

Black History Month Matinee Series: ‘Black Panther’

February 15, 2 pm

South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St.

 

Wakanda forever! Gather at the library for this Marvel masterpiece.

GrandFamily Storytime

February 15, 3 pm

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.

 

Join the GrandFamily Resource Center for interactive read-alouds of When We Were Alone, the One Book, One Philadelphia children’s selection, followed by fun, hands-on activities for grandparents and grandchildren.

Sunday

Family Sunday: Artful Opposites

February 16, 10:30 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Search high and low, left to right, near and far for opposites in art. Go on a family-friendly gallery tour and make art as a family.

‘Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline’

February 16, 11 am

Children’s Community School, 1212 S. 47th St.

 

A family-friendly eco-musical about clean energy, community, and kids with big ideas. Recommended for grades 1-7 and adults! “Curious” is a fun and thought-provoking musical written and performed by Philadelphia’s music duo, Ants on a Log. The story centers around two young siblings as they organize their community to fight for clean air. Free; reserve tickets online.

Ninja Shark Karate Free Demo

February 16, 11:15—11:30 am

Kith + Kin 3060 W. Jefferson St.

 

This character enrichment program is designed to give your child an edge as he or she gets ready for a school environment, teaching the three keys of self esteem: focus, confidence, and respect. For ages 4-6.

Northern Liberties North Bowl Winterfest Fundraiser

February 16, 1—5 pm

909 N. Second Street

 

Support the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association with bowling, food, and more. Tickets available online.

Parent’s Day Out: InterAct and Inis Nua

February 16, 1:30 pm—5 pm

InteraAct Theatre Company, 302 S. Hicks St.

 

While you’re in the theatre enjoying a show from InterAct Theatre Company or Inis Nua Theatre Company for Philly Theatre Week, potty-trained kids ages 3 and up can attend a drama party at The Drake! For $25 per child, your kid will enjoy 3.5 hours of theater-themed daycare from Creative Caretakers. Sign up online.

PAFA Family Arts Academy

February 16, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad Street

 

Upcycle books from home into unique sculptures by altering its structure, using paper folding techniques and inserting still-life motifs into its existing pages. Free admission.

Free Neighborhood Chamber Concert Series

February 16, 3 pm

Cannstatter Volksvest-Verein, 9130 Academy Rd.

 

As part of its 2020 Free Neighborhood Chamber Concert Series, the Philadelphia Orchestra performs a free concert. RSVP online.

Mummenschanz: ‘You and Me’

February 16, 7 pm

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street

 

This Swiss mask theater troupe plays with light, choreography, illusion, and everyday objects to create visual spectacle in a show that will delight all ages.

 

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.