High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: February 29--March 1

High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: February 29–March 1

Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

February 24, 2020

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 Flower Show

February 29–March 8

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

Look forward to spring with this annual tradition that fills the Convention Center with floral and garden design on a larger-than-life scale. This year, take a “Riviera Holiday” as the Flower Show celebrates the vibrant sights, scents, and tastes of the Mediterranean. New for this year, look for more interactivity and mobile pop-up moments throughout the show will illustrate how some of its fascinating displays are brought to life, how to make jewelry from materials found in nature, and how to grow your own show-worthy plants. Don’t miss make-and-takes, Bloomin’ Brunch, and live butterflies. We’ll be serving up a sneak peek to tell you what you won’t want to miss during your visit, so check back soon!

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts presents ‘Fee Fi Fo Fum’

February 27—March 1

Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St.

Yes! And…Collaborative Arts’ Winter Sort of Thing presents an original musical theatre piece with youth ages 10-18 collaborating with adult artists to tell magical stories that reflect the challenges that they face in their real lives. This year’s story asks “who are the monsters, who are our enemies?” Tickets available online.

Hello, Dolly!

February 19–March 1

Academy Of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

One of Broadway’s most celebrated musicals, this spectacular show follows the strongminded Dolly Levi’s adventures in matchmaking and love. With classics like “Before the Parade Passes By” and of course the titular show-stopping number, this musical is a must-see. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

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.

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!

Camp-In at the Franklin Institute

February 29, 6:15 pm– March 1, noon
222 North 20th Street

Kids ages 6-13 (and chaperones) will have a unique sleepover experience in the museum! Pre-register online.

Saturday

The Color of Science

February 29, 9:30 am—12:30 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20^th St.

The Franklin Institute celebrates the vast contributions of local scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds, by providing visitors an opportunity to meet them, learn from them, and become inspired by them. With leading experts from the Philadelphia area placed within the museum exhibits that best represent their field, they will spend the morning providing hands-on experiences that demonstrate foundational concepts in their area of expertise. Visitors are invited to navigate the exhibits and personally interact with these STEM professionals to fully appreciate the many opportunities available in all STEM fields.

Arden Bookworms

February 29, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

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

Leap Day Family Music Classes

February 29, 10 am and 11 am

Young Children’s Center for the Arts, 929 S. Water St.

Celebrate the extra day and make music with Ms. Rachael and Ms. Katy! Bring the whole family for a 45-minute musical journey through language and learning. Play instruments, dance, sing, and introduce your family to sign language through music. $10 per family (cash only).

Pennsylvania Ballet II presents ‘Fairy Rhymes’

February 29, 10:30 am

Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. Fifth Street

Join the Three Little Kittens as they travel through Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales to find their lost mittens, and meet many beloved characters along the way. Free admission for children 18 and under; $5 for adults! Must register online to reserve your spot.

Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky

February 29, 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 29, 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.

Black History Month Family Finale at AAMP

February 29, 11 am—3 pm

701 Arch St.

AAMP closes out Black History Month with a day of activities to celebrate the vitality of Black history, life, and culture in America. Includes a scavenger hunt, crafts, face painting, and more. Free admission; register to secure your tickets.

Wiggle Weavers Kids Workshop

February 29, 11 am—1 pm

Beehive a Bok, 1901 S. Ninth St., Space B03

During this two-hour workshop, your little one will learn the basics of weaving: how to warp and weave on a hello! loom, finish their weaving, and taking it off the loom to display. This is perfect for children ages 6 and up (younger siblings can use the Beehive playspace and toys). Registration required online; price is per loom, so if you’ll be sharing the loom with your little one only one registration is necessary.

Maple Sugar Day

February 29, 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. No registration necessary, just stop by!

Family Craft Table at The Center for Art in Wood

February 29, 11 am—4 pm

141 N. Third Street

Each month the Center will offer a free seasonal hands-on craft for all ages to enjoy. Stop in and experience the Center’s Museum Collection, unique store, and get creative at the Family Craft Table.

Discovery Day

February 29, 11 am—3 pm

The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive

Stop by for a free day of fun and interactive activities, team games and challenges, bird walks, a live bird presentation, arts and crafts, and more! This event is free and is planned for rain or shine (activities will be both indoor and outdoor).

Storytime at the Lodge

February 29, 11:30 am—12:30 pm

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

Interactive activities and stories at RiverRink’s cozy lodge. Light snacks and hot chocolate will be provided for the kids. Stick around after, and skate!

‘One Book One Philadelphia’ Neighborhood Flag Making

February 29, 3–4 pm

Charles Santore Library, 932 S. Seventh St.

The Geography Lady hosts a free program at the library for school-age kids to learn all about flags. There will be flags on display, books to explore, games to play, and much more. Kids can replicate their favorite flag, improve upon one, or create a brand new flag that represents their community.

Sunday

Play Without Boundaries at Please Touch Museum

March 1, 9—11 am

4231 Avenue of the Republic

Enjoy the museum without the large crowds and the loud noises that may be challenging for children with sensory sensitivities. Plus, therapy dogs, dance therapy, and visits from more helpful organizations. Online pre-registration required.

Free Kid-Friendly WillPower Workout at Craft Hall

March 1, 9—9:45 am

901 N. Delaware Ave.

WillPower Live, which will soon be providing free childcare to members during classes in the studio, will supply supervision and activities to entertain the kids while you can participate in a free workout session. Pre-register online to reserve your spot.

Drag Queen Storytime and Purim Celebration

March 1, 10 am

Rodeph Shalom, 615 N. Broad Street

Join the fabulous Brittany Lynn for stories, dress up, and a special Purim themed craft. Jennifer James, the Director of the religious school will share a brief lesson about the Purim story as well. Pre-register online.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Family Festival: Here Comes the Sun

March 1, 10 am—3 pm

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission, shake off winter, and greet the light with family-friendly gallery tours and artmaking.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

March 1, 10 am—5 pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Explore the galleries, celebrate the Art of Math Challenge, make crafts and art prints, and see a multicultural puppet show. Free admission.

Family and Friends CPR Training

March 1, 10 am—noon

Minnow Lane, 2029 Frankford Avenue

This course teaches the lifesaving skills of child CPR with breaths, child AED use, infant CPR and relief of choking in a child or infant. Combines instruction and hands-on CPR practice time. This is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a course completion card in CPR for their job—ideal for new parents, grandparents, babysitters and others interested in learning how to save a life. Pre-registration required online.

Meet the Women of the Betsy Ross House

March 1, 11 am—3 pm

239 Arch St.

Kick off Women’s History Month and meet with historical reenactors including Betsy Ross at three different ages and three 18^th century middle-class entrepreneurs: chocolate maker Mary Crathorne; Hannah Lithgow, who owned the House when Betsy Ross rented rooms there; and, Phillis the washerwomen, a formerly enslaved woman. Interact with these History Makers and hear stories from a Once Upon A Nation Storyteller as you tour Betsy Ross House. Timed tickets ensure guests get a personal experience during the approximately hour-long program, so be sure to reserve your spot online.

Artmaking and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

March 1, 11 am—noon

9201 Germantown Ave.

Introduce your preschoolers to the enjoyment of art through stories and artmaking. Young visitors and their grown-ups enjoy reading picture books in the galleries, followed by an art project.

Harlem Globetrotters

March 1, noon and 5 pm

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

Enjoy this one-of-a-kind show with high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt, and unforgettable family moments. Pre-game passes available for special activities and meet-and-greets.

Barcade Family Day

March 1, noon—5 pm

1114 Frankford Ave.

Barcade will have a kids’ menu, arcade games, and fun for the whole family!

PAFA Family Arts Academy

March 1, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad Street

Get ready for spring and create an illustrated adventure on your own. Free admission.

‘Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline’

March 1, 2 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

A free performance of a family-friendly eco-musical about clean energy, community, and kids with big ideas. Recommended for grades 1-7 and adults, but all ages are welcome! “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.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

March 1, 2 pm

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave.

Celebrate Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss’s Birthday with stories, activities, and light refreshments including green egg salad! Plus, there will be an appearance by a special surprise visitor!