High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: July 20–21
Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.
Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.
Click here for ongoing events that run through the weekend, like all the museum exhibits.
All Weekend
Delaware River Waterfront
The Blue Cross RiverRink, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Cherry Street Pier open full-time for the summer this weekend with skating, rides, food, and lots more family fun.
‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’
May 14–July 21
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
“Omigod, you guys!” This Broadway musical based on the movie is way too much fun! Follow Elle Woods from the sorority house to the courthouse with lots of upbeat music along the way.
BalletX presents ‘The Little Prince’
July 17–21
Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.
Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless novella of adventure and enlightenment, Lopez Ochoa’s The Little Prince is a ballet for the whole family, sure to delight the imagination of children and adults alike.
Parks on Tap: The Discovery Center
July 17–21
3401 Reservoir Dr.
Our favorite family-friendly beer garden comes to this new nature center in Strawberry Mansion. On Saturday, July 20, they’ll host Discovery Day–a free, monthly program for the community that welcomes families and friends of all ages to experience The Discovery Center with bird walks, hikes, crafting, games, outdoor workshops, team building exercises, and more!
Halo: Outpost Discovery
July 19—21
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.
Halo: Outpost Discovery is a traveling fan experience that brings the Halo video game universe to life. This family-friendly event lets you step into Halo’s beloved science fiction setting like never before, with immersive themed attractions, interactive in-universe encounters, the latest playable game releases, and more. Tickets available online.
Saturday
Drop-In Baby and Toddler Bubbles
July 20, 8—9 am
Fitness Alive, 1425 Arch St.,
Start your weekend off in the pool with this drop-in hour-long class for ages 5 months to 3 years (with a caregiver) that teaches little ones how to feel comfortable and move their bodies in the water, helping them build confidence while exploring new surroundings in a safe, fun and supervised setting. $25 (cash) drop-in.
Moon Landing: 50th Anniversary Day Celebration
July 20, 10 am—3 pm
Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
The Summer of the Moon celebration ends in grand fashion with lunar lander tours, small-to large-scale rocket demonstrations—Alka rockets, straw rockets, and colorful trash can rocket explosions! And if you didn’t catch the IMAX screenings or live science shows throughout the week, you can do it at the party, too!
The Food Trust’s Market at Cherry Street Pier
July 20, 10 am—2 pm
121 N. Columbus Blvd.
Every Saturday, The Food Trust’s Market at Cherry Street Pier will bring fresh, affordable food from area culinary entrepreneurs, and features some of Philadelphia’s best creative sellers, independent retailers, and visual and performing artists.
Children’s Soundbath Meditation with Luna Maye
July 20, 10 am
Little Moon + Arrow, 729 S. Fourth Street
Using familiar children’s songs, gentle affirmations, and sonic vibrations each child will explore how sound meditation can positively impact their emotional and physical space. Tickets available online.
Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz
July 20, 10 am—noon
Valley Green Inn
This 2.2-mile hike takes participants along Forbidden Drive and on wooded trails. Registration is recommended,
Mindfulness and Family Fun at National Liberty Museum
July 20, 10:30—11:30
321 Chestnut Street
Learn mindfulness skills that foster self-regulation and compassion. Make tools to support a mindful way of being anywhere. All ages welcome. Register online.
Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families
July 20, 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.
Saturday Free Boating
July 20, 11 am—3 pm
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Kayak or rowboat on this quiet stretch of the Schuylkill River. No registration or boating experience necessary! Kayak excursions limited to 30 minutes, rowboat excursions limited to 45 minutes. All ages are welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids’ Author Event: ‘Not Quite Snow White’
July 20, 11 am—noon
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee and Books, 5445 Germantown Ave.
Uncle Bobbie’s welcomes kids’ author Ashley Franklin for a read-aloud and book signing of Not Quite Snow White.
Sounds of the Revolution: New Jersey Fife and Drums
July 20, 11 am—2 pm
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St.
Muster your spirits with The New Jersey Fife and Drum as they perform music that would have been played by a Fife and Drum Corps during the Revolutionary War.
Lancaster Ave Jazz & Arts Festival
July 20, noon—7 pm
Saunders Park Greene, 39th Street and Powelton Ave.
An incredible afternoon of music and community. Live music all day, plus children’s activities like face painting, moon bounce, museum experiences, and more.
Teen Self-Care Saturday
July 20, noon
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Teens (ages 12-18) explore efforts and crafts to help meet physical, emotional, and mental health needs.
National Ice Cream Day at Please Touch Museum
July 20, noon—4 pm
4231 Avenue of the Republic
PTM is celebrating National Ice Cream Day with free Bassett’s ice cream! They’ll be scooping at scheduled times of the day—plus visits from their mascot Squiggles! And if you’re a member of Please Touch Museum, come early for a Members-Only Ice Cream Social from 11 am—1 pm!
POSTPONED: PopUpPlay at The Oval
July 20, 2 pm
Eakins Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Bring the whole family to The Oval to play and build!
Mommy and Me Cake Workshop: Unicorn and Rainbows
July 20, 2—3:30 pm
Ella Vanilla, 7922 Germantown Avenue
Come decorate an adorable cake with cake artist and owner of Ella Vanilla, Noelle DeSantis. Together you and your little one (ages 5-8) will decorate a one-layer vanilla cake with vanilla icing, learning techniques along the way. Purchase your spot in the class by calling (215) 909-9392 or emailing Info@EllaVanilla.com.
Mario Kart Party at Cira Green
July 20, 3—10 pm
80 S. 30th St.
A 64-player Mario Kart tournament on a 50-foot screen will start at 5 pm and the winner is taking home $200! Dressing up is encouraged and the best Mario-themed costume is going to win $100! There will also be food and drink vendors on site.
Paint Day with the Porch Light Program
July 20, 4:30—6:30 pm
38th and Mantua
Join the Porch Light program for a free family-friendly event on Mantua Avenue! Everyone will have the chance to paint a mural, do kid-friendly art activities, and learn about health resources in the city. Free refreshments will be provided.
Movies @ The Mann: ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire‘
July 20, 8 pm
Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.
The “Movies @ The Mann” series pairs an outdoor movie experience with a live orchestra performance. While you watch the film, the orchestra performs the score! Bring a picnic and the whole family! Tickets available online.
Sunday
Make Your Own Puppet
July 21, 10 am—2 pm
Liberty Lands Park, 913 N. Third Street
Company Aiello is hosting workshops in puppet construction using recycled materials. By working with what is typically seen as trash, learn to build a world that is a little more sustainable, and to think more about what we toss out. Fun for the whole family! All materials are provided: newspaper, tape, and an assortment of other found objects. Pay what you can, $10 suggested.
Sundays with PopUp Play
July 21
11:30 am—12:30 pm at Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.
3–4 pm at Piazza Pod Park, 1069 Germantown Ave.
Each week, enjoy a variety of free, themed, kid-friendly activities the whole family will love. From building catapults and forts to special sea creatures, this interactive program celebrates the magic of play through art, music, and science.
Nest’s Tweet Heartthrobs at The Goat
July 21, 11 am—1 pm
Rittenhouse Square
Your little one can jam with Nest Center City’s Mr. Kelvin, rock out with Mr. Billy, or sing along with Mr. James at Rittenhouse Square! Meet at the Goat statue.
Daisy Digs Disney Family Brunch
July 21, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm
Paris Bistro Jazz Café, 8235 Germantown Ave.
Daisy Digs Disney featuring Rev Chris provide the entertainment at this month’s family-friendly brunch. Make a Jazz Cafe brunch reservation for 11:30 am or 1:30 pm to attend.
Delishop Tailgate Party
July 21, noon—3 pm
Dietz and Watson Delishop, 501 South St.
The pop-up will have a DJ, food, beer, games, and special guest appearances from Alshon Jeffery, Swoop, and Eagles Cheerleaders.
Springfield Mills Demonstration Day
July 21, 1 pm
Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Bring your family to explore the arboretum’s historic grist mill situated along the picturesque Wissahickon Creek. For ages 3 and up.
PAFA Family Art Academy: Water Creatures
July 21, 2—4 pm
118-128 N. Broad St.
Meet live aquatic animals brought in by The Center for Aquatic Sciences and learn about the adaptations that help them to survive in their habitat. Create your own creature from the depth of your imagination, while using a variety of artistic techniques and materials. Free admission.
Family Magic Show with Ran’D Shine
July 21, 2 pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Popular magician Ran’D Shine performs a free fun-filled, interactive magic show for all ages, featuring an astounding display of illusions, comedy, and audience participation.
Member Night at the Zoo: Summer Scavenger Hunt
July 21, 6—8 pm
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Members get to explore the zoo after hours on special nights! This time, take part in a fast-paced all-zoo scavenger hunt using the free Scavify app, where you’ll answer questions, take selfies, and more!
Photograph by Matt Stanley, courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.
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