High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: January 4--5

High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: January 4–5

Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

December 31, 2019

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

Disney’s ‘Fantasia’⁠ Live in Concert

January 3—5

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

Watch the Disney classic Fantasia as the Philadelphia Orchestra plays its musical selections live on stage. Tickets available online.

Shrek: The Musical

November 5—January 5

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

This award-winning Broadway musical based on the beloved movie features all new songs and fun for the whole family.

Photo Pop: Winter Wonderland

November 15–January 5

The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall East

Photo Pop returns this winter with one-of-a-kind interactive holiday themes that will make for amazing holiday card (and Instagram) moments! Tickets available online.

The Wizard of Oz

November 27—January 5

Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave.

Quintessence Theatre Group continues its tenth anniversary season with this classic tale of Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz. This production will honor both the classic MGM film (with music from the movie!) as well as the original L. Frank Baum novel.

Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature

3400 W. Girard Avenue

November 20–January 5

New for this year, the Philadelphia Zoo presents a nighttime multimedia holiday spectacle the likes of which you have never seen. Throughout the zoo, giant animal-themed installations will glow, Evergreen trees will talk, and you’ll be surrounded by pure fantasy. Seasonal fare, strolling performers, hot chocolate (and adult beverages) add to the festiveness. Tickets available online.

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

Free Temple Music Prep Intro Classes

January 4

Friends Select School (1651 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) and Temple University Center City (1515 Market St.)

From dance to Suzuki, these fun and free interactive introductory sessions are the perfect chance to try a class before registering for the full semester. Be sure to sign up for your spot.

Disney on Ice

January 4; 11 am, 3 pm, and 7 pm

Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.

You know the drill—and your little ones have probably been begging to go since last year— so get on your best princess dress and bring your light-up wand for skating, music, and adventure. This production, Road Trip Adventures, includes favorite characters like Moana, Buzz and Woody, Aladdin, Queen Elsa, and more. Of course, Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang are there too. Tickets available online. Note: January 5 shows have been canceled due to the Eagles playoff game!

Little Chefs Kid’s Pizza Class at Pizzeria Vetri

January 4, 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.

Nature Tots

January 4, 10—11 am

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.

Children ages 3-5 and an adult are invited to explore nature with a refuge ranger! Participants will enjoy storytime, crafts, hikes, and more! Free; registration is required: email Brianna_Patrick@fws.gov to reserve your spot.

Nimble Crafters at Kith + Kin

January 4, 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.

Thrown Together on the Wheel

January 4, 10 am—noon

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

Learn the basics of working on the pottery wheel, and enjoy time together. Classes are appropriate for children ages 4-12. Parents with children ages 4-7 work together on one wheel. Pre-registration is required.

Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky

January 4, 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.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

January 4, 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.

Storytime at the Lodge

January 4, 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!

Sensory Bottles

January 4, 1—3 pm

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave.

School-age children will enjoy yoga and mindfulness exercises, and create sensory bottles with glitter to help with focus.

Awbury Bird Count

January 4, 2—4 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Rd.

This family-friendly event will feature educational bird activities for kids, an introduction to the popular and easy to use “eBird” app, and a hike to practice observing, identifying, and recording birds. Light refreshments will be served.

PAWS for Reading: Read to a Therapy Dog

January 4, 3 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Independent readers are invited to read with a sweet therapy dog. Share a new book or an old favorite in a judgment-free space.

Three Kings Day at the Kimmel Center

January 4, 4 pm

300 S. Broad St.

Bring your family and join the Kimmel Center, the Mexican Consulate, and the Mexican Cultural Center for a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men. Enjoy a free evening of activities, piñatas, and a piece of traditional “Rosca de Reyes” bread!

Sunday

Play Without Boundaries at Please Touch Museum

January 5, 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 registration required.

Family Festival: 2020 Vision

January 5, 10 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Fun for the whole family, with artist demonstrations, art making, and family tours. Free with pay-what-you-wish admission.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

January 5, 10 am—5 pm

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Barnes Foundation is kicking off the new year with free admission and creative journeys in music, poetry, and sculpture.

Artmaking and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

January 5, 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.