High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: January 19--20

High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: January 19–20

Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

January 16, 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

MLK Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

January 19—21 (performance on January 19, 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.

MLK Weekend Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

January 18—21

African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.

The theme this year is “Media and Movement,” the relationship between current and historic social justice movements and the news media. The weekend kicks off with a film screening and discussion on Friday night (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 the homeless; 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.

DRUMline

January 19–20

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

Created by the musical team behind the hit movies, the live show embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience, and is fun for the whole family!

Final weekend of ‘Xtreme Bugs’ at Academy of Natural Sciences

Through January 21

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Nearly 20 towering animatronic bugs will come alive in this new creepy crawly exhibit! Get a bug’s-eye view of the world and learn about their intricacies and behaviors. See our preview here.

Center City Restaurant Week

January 13–25

Center City Restaurant Week is coming up January 13–25, offering diners three-course dinner for $35, and (at some places) three-course lunch for $20 at dozens of great restaurants around town. See our top kid-friendly picks!

Swing @ The Kimmel

January 14–February 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.

Charlotte’s Web

Through February 3

Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.

The heart-warming story of a special friendship between a lovable pig and everyone’s favorite spider comes to life at the Arden.

Philly Home Show

January 18—20

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

Explore 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.

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

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

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

Women’s March on Philadelphia

January 19, 10 am–2 pm

Logan Square to Eakins Oval

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

Little Chefs Kid’s Pizza Class at Pizzeria Vetri

January 19, 10 am

1939 Callowhill St.

Let your little chef get hands-on at Pizzeria Vetri at a pizza class guided by their head chefs. Kids will create their own mini pizzas and watch them bake while also enjoying “make your own pizza” coloring pages. A mini dough ball will be given to take home so they can bring their new skills into your home kitchen. Small bites will be available for snacking. Register at link in title.

Arden Bookworms

January 19, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

Kids ages 2-4 will hear A Sick Day for Amos McGee, then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

EPCC Winter Playground

January 19, 10 am—noon

1025 Mifflin St.

East Passyunk Community Center will hold an indoor winter playground for children ages 8 and under with caregivers. Cost is $5 per family.

Read & Romp: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 19, 10:30—11:30 am

National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St.

Kids ages 2-6 can take part in an exciting hour of imaginative storytelling, interactive games, and creative crafts focused on the legacy of Dr. King. To go along with the book, create “dream clouds” and practice handprint painting to celebrate this great leader.

The Johnny Shortcake Show

January 19, 11 am

World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street

“Suppose your nose was where your elbows goes — would you call them smellbows?” The funky and surreal Johnny Shortcake Show will have you dancing, laughing, and wishing everyday was “Cupcake Tuesday” right alongside your kids! Read more about the man, the music, and the “pop magic” inspiration in our interview.

Ben’s Birthday Bash

January 19, 11 am—3 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Celebrate Benjamin Franklin’s 313th birthday with hands-on programming, science demos, and the debut of three Franklin-related artifacts.

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

January 19, 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.

PAWS Read to a Dog

January 19, 11 am

Overbrook Park Library, 7422 Haverford Ave.

Read aloud to a trained therapy dog! Reading to a dog takes the pressure off and makes reading a positive experience.

Storytime at the Lodge

January 19, 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.

Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz

January 19, noon—2 pm

Valley Green Road at Forbidden Drive

This 2.2 mile hike takes participants along Forbidden Drive and on wooded trails. Pre-register online.

Lunar New Year at the Penn Museum

January 19, 1 — 5 pm (adult party from 5–8 pm)
3260 South St.

Celebrate the upcoming Year of the Pig 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!

Family Program: Watchful Eyes

January 19, 1—3 pm

The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street

Explore the Fabric Workshop and Museum’s current exhibition, Suzanne Bocanegra: Poorly Watched Girls, and engage in an afternoon of art making activities. Through printmaking, drawing, and collage, families will consider the qualities of their own eyes, what they see, and what they are watchful over as a family. They will also receive a guided tour of the exhibition and enjoy refreshments. The program is free and open to all families, but registration is required. Recommended for ages 4-12.

Superhero Skate

January 19, 2—4 pm

Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15^th St.

Show off your best superhero costume and enjoy a day filled with family fun, including meet-and-greets with superhero characters, face painting, crafts, giveaways, and more.

Musical Theatre Jam: The Greatest Showman

January 19, 2—5 pm

Arden Theatre Drama School, Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 North Second Street

In this one-day workshop using songs from the hit movie The Greatest Showman, your kid will learn a musical theater number, complete with choreography, to be performed at the end of class for family and friends. Sold out for K-2, but still open for Grades 3-5. Pre-register online.

Mandarin Storytime

January 19, 2 pm

Charles Santore Library, 932 S. Seventh St.

Bring your family for simple stories and songs in Mandarin.

Sensory Storytime

January 19, 3 pm

Torresdale Library, 3079 Holme Ave.

Sensory storytimes are geared for young people who have a hard time in large groups, are on the autism spectrum, or are sensitive to sensory overload. Attendees may be on the autistic spectrum, have ADD/ADHD, or other conditions. Space is limited to 10 children; call to reserve your spot.

Sunday

2019 Main Line Parent & Philadelphia Family School & Camp Fair

January 20, 10 am—1 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

The Philadelphia Family and Main Line Parent School & Camp Fair at The Franklin Institute offers the easiest way to learn about the summer camps, activities, and educational programs in your neighborhood and beyond. Get to know these resources on a personal level, and discover the best fit to help your child excel. Register and attend for a chance to win a week of camp from one of our participating exhibitors! The first 150 guests to PRE-REGISTER and attend will receive a free ticket to explore the Franklin Institute for the day!

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

January 20, 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. Pre-registration is required (same-day registration is available onsite). If you would like to attend, please contact visitor services at 215-299-1060 or ANS_reservations@drexel.edu.

Storytime with Rachael Katz

January 20, 10 am

PlayArts, 1241 N. Front St.

Join Rachael Katz, Child Development Specialist, as she weaves social and emotional learning through interactive storytelling. After the story, she will be available to available to answer parent questions regarding child development.