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

Ben’s Birthday Weekend Bash at Franklin Institute

January 18—19, 10 am—2 pm

222 N. 20^th St.

 

Celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Philadelphia’s favorite and most influential founding father during a museum-wide, weekend-long birthday bash! Enjoy science demonstrations, hands-on activities, meet a Ben Franklin re-enactor, and more! Plus, on Saturday only enjoy free ice cream courtesy of Franklin Fountain, while supplies last.

‘Dinosaurs Around the World’ Closing Weekend

January 18—19, 10 am—5 pm

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Along with bidding farewell to the roaring animatronic dinosaurs of “Dinosaurs Around the World,” enjoy live animal presentations, a dino-themed craft, “pterrifying” fossil specimens, and more!

The Band’s Visit

January 7–19

Academy Of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Recommended for ages 10 and up, this joyous Tony-award winner for Best Musical comes to Philly!

Philly Home Show

January 17—19

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

Explore a variety of home solutions from local experts, gain ideas and insights from TV home design show celebrities, and acquire new craft project skills at make-and-take workshops (including a succulent bar) and more. Tickets available online.

MLK Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

January 18—20 (performance on January 18, 3 pm)

101 S. Third St.

 

Throughout the museum, learn the untold stories of community and African-American revolutionaries who helped fight for our country’s independence. On Saturday at 3 pm, vocalists and musicians from the Philadelphia Jazz Project will present We Shall: A Lyrical MLK Celebration, which combines spoken word (including excerpts from King’s speeches and sermons), singing, and instrumental music to pay tribute.

Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary 

January 18— 20

Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave.

 

Eastern State Penitentiary commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail with special readings and opportunities to connect with the text. There will be readings three times a day performed by actors, youth readers, and community leaders all three days of the long weekend. On Monday, January 20, children (ages 7-12) and their families can create art in response to themes found in the letter. Activities are free and open to the public.

MLK Weekend Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

January 17—20

African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.

 

The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a reading with poet and educator Kirwyn Sutherland from his newly released book of poetry Jump Ship (that’s more geared toward adults), and then the weekend brings a variety of enriching, fun, inspirational family-friendly activities. There’s a full day of family programming on Saturday including an all-ages service project where visitors can create care packages for families in our city, and learn more about the Civil Rights Movement through stories, arts and crafts; and a Sunday jazz presentation. Monday is even more eventful, with a scavenger hunt, a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, a concert, a re-enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Carlo Campbell, and more. The museum’s admission will be reduced to $2 for all guests during MLK Weekend Celebration.

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! Plus, this weekend is the Winterfest Brewfest!

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!

The Snow Queen

Through January 26

Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.

 

Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale, The Snow Queen transports audiences on a journey through the four seasons, and celebrates the magical power of friendship.

Candytopia

Now open through January 25

Ninth and Market streets

 

Coming to the new Fashion District, Candytopia brings its wildly popular experiential installation art to Philly this fall. 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!

Saturday

Women’s March on Philadelphia

January 19, 10 am

Logan Square to Eakins Oval

 

Thousands are expected at the fourth annual Women’s March. Here are our tips for going with kids.

Penn Museum Lunar New Year Celebration

January 18, 10 am— 5 pm
3260 South St.

 

Celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rat with a full schedule of family-friendly activities. The museum’s celebration includes traditional Chinese music and dance, storytelling, calligraphy workshop, crafts, martial arts demonstrations, and more. Don’t miss the Lion Dance Parade at 4 pm!

Chinese New Year Celebration at Reading Terminal Market

January 18, 10 am–1 pm

51 N. 12th St.

 

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with cooking demos, dance performances, calligraphy, crafts, and of course the lion dance by Philadelphia Suns.

Tales in the Grass: Mouse Shapes

January 18, 10—11 am

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Ave.

 

A free drop-in family program designed for preschoolers and their caregivers.  Explore nature, art, and science through storytime, hands-on activities, and art making.

Nimble Crafters at Kith + Kin

January 18, 10 am—noon

3060 W. Jefferson St.

 

Weekly take-home projects are inspired by nature, cultures, and art appreciation. Experimenting with different materials in a controlled environment allows your child to gain confidence but most importantly have fun! Come any time between the two-hour open studio time and stay as long as you choose.

Introducing Solid Foods 101

January 18, 10—11:15 am

Minnow Lane, 2029 Frankford Ave.

 

Join Leslie Adams and Roanna Keener, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and local mamas, for an hour of evidence-based guidelines for infant feeding. You will walk away with recipes, samples of healthy snacks and information to help you in this wonderful and formative time of introducing foods. Babies ages 0-12 months are encouraged and welcomed to attend. Register online.

Share the Love on the Wheel

January 18, 10 am—noon

The Clay Studio, 137-139 N. Second St.

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early and make a gift for a loved one! Classes are appropriate for children ages 4-12. Parents with children ages 4-7 work together on one wheel. Pre-registration is required.

Arden Bookworms

January 18, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

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

Disney Drag Brunch

January 18, 10:30 am—2:30 pm

Mifflin Tavern, 1843 S. Second St.

 

Spend your Saturday  with your favorite drag queens and Mummers strutting ladies-as your favorite Disney characters! Hosted by Miss Brittany Lynn of Drag Queen Story Time (and captain of Mummers Miss Fancy Brigade!), this includes a buffet brunch, live singing, dance-offs, family fun, audience participation, and more. Miss Brittany will also be signing copies of her new children’s book, The Adventures of Miss Kitty Popcorn and Cheese, available to purchase during the brunch! Tickets available online.

Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky

January 18, 10:30

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.

Martin Luther King Day Storytime and Craft at South Philadelphia Library

January 18, 11 am

1700 S. Broad St.

 

A  Martin Luther King Day storytime for children and their parents, followed by a craft and an opportunity to help pack hygiene kits for those in need. Hygiene kit donations are welcome.

Crafting for MLK

January 18, 11 am

Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook Ave.

 

Sisters Interacting Through Stitches and the Wynnefield Branch Library will host their 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event. Crochet, knit, and collect scarves for Operation Gratitude, and Personal, Period, purses for local schools, libraries and recreation centers. In addition, the group will engage in conversations regarding ‘Women of Color, and their struggle for the Right to Vote: from Sojourner Truth to Stacey Abrams.’ All are welcome.

Family Craft Table at The Center for Art in Wood

January 18, 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.

Storytime at the Lodge

January 18, 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. Stick around after, and skate!

STEAM Saturday at Glen Foerd on the Delaware

January 18, 11:30 am—1 pm

5001 Grant Ave.

 

Explore art, science, nature and more in the mansion nth with hands-on activities. Free, recommended for ages 5 and up.

SATurdays: Free SAT and College Prep Workshops for Teens

January 18, noon

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Join the Field Teen Center for a series of college prep and standardized testing workshops. They’ll combine practice tests and test-taking strategies with self-care techniques for a well-rounded approach to the big test, and help to answer questions about the college application process.

Breathing Buddies

January 18, 1—3 pm

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

 

Learn about breathing in yoga and meditation, and make a “breathing buddy” animal to help you focus on your own breathing. For school-age kids.

Superhero Skate

January 18, 2—4 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

 

Rothman Rink will host a very special skating event for kids with character meet and greets, a cape giveaway to the first 150 children, and a visit from the B101.1 team. Capital One will also be on-site to take superhero-style family photos and host fun activities like a financial obstacle course for the saving-savvy. All guests are encouraged to come in costume!

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Northeast Regional Library

January 18, 2 pm

2228 Cottman Ave.

 

Celebrate and learn about Chinese New Year with stories, music, and crafts with good luck candy. This is a program for school age children and families.

Arden Theatre Musical Theatre Jam: Descendants 3

January 18, 2–5 pm

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 North Second Street

 

Kids in grades 3-5 will learn a musical theatre number, complete with choreography, to be performed at the end of class for family and friends.

Sunday

Free Adaptive Ice Skating at RiverRink

January 19, 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.

Art of Play

January 19, 10:30 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Get playful in the galleries and discover toys, games, and children in art. Take a family-friendly tour, and then make art together as a family. Included with admission; kids 12 and under are always free.

MLK Community Day at Please Touch Museum

January 19, 11 am–5 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision through stories, songs, and more. Plus, enjoy free admission all day!

Chinese New Year at Fashion District Philadelphia

January 19, noon–5 pm

Ninth and Market streets

 

Lantern making, traditional lion dance, live music, red envelope retailer gift card giveaways, and more! Plus, all month long Asian-inspired lanterns, a giant hanging dragon, a lantern tunnel, and many vibrant photo ops can be found throughout the District! Stop by the interactive wishing well to write down your wish for the new year.

Healthy Cooking Workshop

January 19, 12:30—2:30 pm

Cub Social, 2532 S. 13th St.

 

Health coach Jamie Zwier will provide kids (ages 4-8) a cooking lesson, cooking demo, and recipe card—plus, the kids will have fun making a healthy snack they get to eat after! This is a drop-off class, so go get some errands done while your kids have fun! Book online.

PAFA Family Arts Academy

January 19, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad Street

 

Celebrate Martin Luther King’s dream of “honoring our difference as well as commonalties” by collaging a portrait with your family. Explore layered texture making techniques using encaustic and pan pastels. Free admission.

 

Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.