Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

 

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

All Weekend

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

February 22–24
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Our inner 90s kid cannot wait for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (we still have the VHS with Brandy and Whitney Houston, not gonna lie). Kids will be swept away in the fantasy and classic songs like “In My Own Little Corner.”

Shen Yun

February 8–March 3

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

 

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

Swing @ The Kimmel

January 14–March 24 (excluding Tuesdays); weekdays beginning at 5 pm, weekends beginning at noon

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

Part art installation, part virtual reality, Swing is a free and interactive experience that blends cutting-edge technology and imaginative designs. For ages 10 and up.

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

November 23—March 3, 2019

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. This year, it will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and has lots of fun events planned throughout the season– read all about it in our preview!

Winter in Dilworth Park: Rothman Rink and Wintergarden

Through February 24

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

 

It’s your last weekend to skate on the Rothman Rink in the shadow of City Hall and run through the fantastical Wintergarden Maze! Warm up in the Cabin with some snacks and cocoa after!

Saturday

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

February 23, 9—11 am
Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum before the crowds. Preregistration is required (same-day registration is available onsite); contact visitor services at 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

February 23, 10 am—3 pm
Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street

 

Visitors can meet local female engineers and engage in hands-on activities exploring the various branches of engineering. This is part of National Engineers Week, dedicated to increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.

Arden Bookworms

February 23, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Kids ages 2-4 will hear a story and then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring it to life. Pre-register online.

One-Day Acting Workshop: Shakespeare

February 23, 10 am—1 pm (Grades 6-8) and 2—5 pm (Grades 9-12)
Arden Drama School, Hamilton Family Arts, 62 N. Second Street

 

Teens will work with a professional actor to explore and rehearse some of the Bard’s famous scenes, monologues, and soliloquies. Pre-register online based on school grade.

Youth Experience Series at AAMP

February 23, 10 am—2 pm
African American Museum in Philadelphia, ​701 Arch Street

 

Children and young adults, ages 7 and up, are invited to be part of YES@AAMP, where they can learn the basics of yoga, and engage with actors and actresses to learn history through the dramatic arts. Pre-register online.

Project BUILD: Clean Up Our World

February 23, 10 am
Overbrook Park Library, 7422 Haverford Ave.

 

This hands-on STEM program is for school-age children in grades 2-5 and their caregivers. Guests from the Philadelphia Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers will visit to teach about clean water and water filtration methods.

Saturday Mini Art Camp: “Found Object Inventions”

February 23, 10 am—1 pm
Portside Arts Center, 2531 E. Lehigh Ave.

 

During this mini camp, kids ages 4-11 will make a found object sculpture or invention out of recycled materials, and leave camp with a beautiful work of art they can take home. Pre-register online.

Songs for Seeds Pop-Up Concert at Nest

February 23, 10:30 am—12:30 pm
1301 Locust St.

 

Songs for Seeds music is coming to Nest! To celebrate their new residency, they’re holding a concert in the playspace (free with admission), plus brunch catered by Green Eggs Cafe and a Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

February 23, 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.

Maple Sugar Day

February 23, 11 am—3 pm
Forbidden Drive at Northwestern Avenue

 

Join Friends of the Wissahickon for their free, all ages Maple Sugar Day. There will be ongoing maple sugaring demonstrations, pancakes with real maple syrup, a taste test of different pancake toppings, and freshly made maple candy to taste.

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

February 23, 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.

Storytime at the Lodge

February 23, 11:30 am—12:30 pm

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

 

Listen, Learn and Play will lead interactive activities and music, along with some stories. Light snacks and hot chocolate will be provided for the kids.

Mummers Mardi Gras

February 23, 1—5 pm
2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson Street

 

Enjoy live performances by all 15 Mummers string bands, food trucks, vendors, family-friendly activities (including crafts and an inflatable zone!), an open air photo booth with Mummers costumes and props, face painting, and a large Philly sports silent auction benefiting the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association. Tickets available online; kids 10 and under are free!

The Gibson School of Music presents: ‘The Sound of Music’

February 23, 1 pm
Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 West Chelten Avenue

 

Students from the Gibson School of Music will perform excerpts from their recent production of The Sound of Music for all ages.

Donut Making for Families with Federal Donuts Chef Matt Fein

February 23, 2—4 pm
Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine St.

 

Caregivers with children ages 5 to 12 are invited to learn how to make donuts from scratch with Philadelphia’s own Federal Donuts chef Matt Fein. Explore the ingredients and steps that go into the perfect batter and frying process. Then, get hands-on to glaze and decorate, using recipes adapted for home use. Enjoy generous samples and leave inspired to make your own versions! Tickets are required for this event.

Mosaic Crafting with Bella Mosaic Art

February 23, 2 pm
Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Avenue

 

Create your own mosaic craft with Jessica from Bella Mosaic Art. This is a family program, best suited for ages 5 and up. Space may be limited.

Star Wars Kid Yoga

February 23, 2—3 pm
Portside Arts Center, 2531 E. Lehigh Ave.

 

Kids will follow along to a fun and engaging Star Wars yoga video, and then a dance party. Portside will provide mini yoga mats and juice for the kids. Parents can relax in the next room while enjoying complimentary coffee. Register online

Sunday

Free Adaptive Ice Skating at RiverRink

February 24, 9:30—10:30 am

Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.

 

Bring family and friends to enjoy free instructive skate lessons for those with mobility restrictions. Participants will work with rink staff to learn sled skating skills. All ages. First come, first served.

‘Sweet Dreams’ Family Art Studio and Tours

February 24, 10:30 am—3 pm (tour at 11 am)

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Tour and create Surrealist dreamscapes in the balcony studio. A family-friendly art tour starts at 11 am. Included with admission.

Family Circus Magic and Artmaking at Woodmere Art Museum

February 24, noon—2:30 pm
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue

 

Celebrate Woodmere’s fun “Family Circus” exhibition with art making fun and magic! At 1:15 pm, there will be a magic show by Ran’D Shine. Free with admission.

Family Day at Barcade

February 24, noon—5 pm
1114 Frankford Ave.

 

On Sunday afternoon, this Fishtown bar celebrating vintage video games will have a kids’ menu, arcade games, and fun for the whole family!

Sundays on Stage: Titans of Song: A Musical Tribute to Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson

February 24, 2 pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Hear their dramatic stories – and glorious music – in this unique multimedia tribute created and performed by the musical group Follow the Drinking Gourd.

PAFA Family Arts Academy

February 24, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad St.

 

Make your own mythological creatures inspired by the fierce and funny beasts roaming the historic galleries this winter in this free family workshop.

Emoji Cake Workshop for Tweens

February 24, 2—3:30 pm
Ella Vanilla, 7922 Germantown Avenue

 

Noelle DeSantis, cake artist and owner of Ella Vanilla, will guide tweens (age 9-13) in creating their own 4-inch vanilla cake fully decorated and ready to take home to share with friends and family, including an emoji cake topper and work in fondant and icing. Purchase class by email at Info@EllaVanilla.com or by phone at (215) 909-9392.

Orchard Drums

February 24, 5—7:30 pm
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Come for a free, all ages outdoor party in the Bartram’s Garden Orchard. Gather around the fire and celebrate these last weeks of winter. Bring a drum, if you like, and join an interactive performance. Hot chocolate, hot booze and roasting-ready snacks will be available for free while supplies last.

Drag Storytime with Maria TopCatt

February 24, 6 pm

Mister John’s Music, 904 S. Ninth St.

 

Maria TopCatt presents an assortment of children’s books that focus on gender, social-emotional growth, diversity, and acceptance. Plus the diva-of-the-week, an opportunity for children to work the magical light-up runway, lip-sync performances, and more! Tickets available online.

 

 

 

Photograph by Carol Rosegg courtesy of the Kimmel Center.