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.

‘Fly Guy: The Musical’

May 31—June 2

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street

 

Based on the book by Tedd Arnold, this musical will have you buzzing with songs and laughter in just one hour running time.

Legally Blonde: The Musical

May 14–July 14

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.

Philly Beer Week

May 31–June 9

 

Philly Beer Week runs from May 31—June 9 all around town, and celebrates the best of local beer and community. From tastings, block parties, beer gardens, and much more, we’ve picked out the best events to hit up without having to call the babysitter! You’re welcome.

Chinese Lantern Festival

May 1 — June 30

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

 

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival brings 2,000 individual works of art consisting of giant sculptures wrapped in colorful silk and filled with thousands of LED lights to Franklin Square. In addition to the lantern displays, there will also be cultural performances, from acrobatics to the art of face-changing. The Chinese Lantern Festival requires tickets during its nighttime display, but access to Franklin Square and the lanterns is free during the day. Check out our preview of the festival here!

Treasure Island

April 3–June 9

Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.

 

Arden stages a retelling of the classic pirate tale by Robert Louis Stevenson. In this version, Emily – a young girl with big dreams – transforms her living room into the wild seas!

Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

Opens for the season May 25
100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia

 

A quarter-mile of track weaves its way through an intricate display featuring Philadelphia-area landmarks made of natural materials like bark, pinecones, and stones. Model trains and cable cars navigate the tunnels, bridges, and turns all set against the beautiful garden backdrop. The Garden Railway is one of the true highlights of the incredible Morris Arboretum, and is always a kid favorite. The exhibit opens for the season on May 25, and runs daily through Labor Day.

Parks on Tap: Fisher Park

May 29—June 2

530 W. Spencer St.

 

Our favorite family-friendly beer garden hits Fern Rock, as the pop-up series adds a new park to its repertoire!

Saturday

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

June 1, 9—11 am

Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Children on the spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum before the crowds. You can visit with the dinosaurs, and all the other exhibits, at your own pace. 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 AccessToScience@ansp.org.

Visiting Infants and Parents Hours at ICA

June 1, 9—11 am

Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St.

 

Every first Saturday, ICA hosts a family-friendly art experience exclusively for parents, caregivers, and babies under 24 months old. The morning includes stroller tours, light refreshments, designated areas for play and reflection, and art-related activities specifically designed for young art connoisseurs. Free admission; register online.

Settlement Music School Spring Open House

June 1, 10 am—1 pm

All six Settlement locations (see link above)

 

Drop in on free classes, check out some great student performances, and see what Settlement is all about! Learn about programs including private lessons, early childhood classes, preschool, arts therapy, dance, chamber music, string orchestra, and more.

Nature Tots

June 1, 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.

Arden Bookworms

June 1, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

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

AdventureWoods Open Public Hours

June 1, 10 am—2 pm

The Secret Garden at Awbury Arboretum, One Awbury Road

 

This innovative, sustainable, and natural playscape engages children in creative, imaginative, and active discovery.

Storytime with Sarah Grey at The Head & The Hand

June 1, 10—11 am

2644 Coral St.

 

Author and editor will visit this new pop-up bookstore to read to kids of all ages.

ASAS Philadelphia and Camden All-Star Hoop-a-Thon

June 1, 10 am—12:30 pm

The Palestra, 223 S. 33rd St.

 

Raise money for afterschool programs and participate in the Free Throw Challenge.

READ + DESIGN:  More Than A-B-C

June 1, 10:30 am—noon

Center / Architecture + Design, 1218 Arch St.

 

Take a “tour” of Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson, find letters in the unlikeliest places, and then explore color, forms, and words as a graphic designer. Everyone will leave with their own poster, font, or sign. Free, but online registration is required. For ages 5-12.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Play

June 1, 10:30—11:30 am

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd.

 

Bring your family for a hike and unstructured nature play with representatives from NaturePHL. Climb, explore, and learn more about the many health benefits of outdoor activity. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Saturday Free Boating

June 1, 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.

Open Saturday at Andalusia

June 1, 11 am – 4 pm

Andalusia Historic House & Gardens, 1237 State Rd., Andalusia

 

Escape from the city for a peaceful afternoon of fresh air and gorgeous blooms at Open Saturday. Enjoy guided house tours, attend a special garden lecture series, and explore the beautiful gardens and riverfront grounds at your leisure. Tickets available online.

Pints and Pinups Block Party

June 1, 11 am—8 pm

Varga Bar, 941 Spruce St.

 

For Philly Beer Week, Varga shuts down 10th Street with some local breweries and a few other special drafts, plus barbecue and live music. There will also be a spot for kids to play, so you can enjoy a few drinks outside while playing some beer pong, cornhole, or ladder golf.

Stories in the Square

June 1, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square, 210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.

 

Join Free Library of Philadelphia staff for stories and activities. Meet at the goat statue in Rittenhouse Square.

11th Annual East Park Strawberry Festival

June 1, noon – 2 pm

Historic Strawberry Mansion, 2450 Strawberry Mansion Dr.

 

Stroll through the orchards, pick your own strawberries, and take tours of the Historic Strawberry Mansion. Plus, goats from the Philadelphia Goat Project will be visiting for walks and photos.

Philly Beer Week Street Carnival

June 1, noon—5 pm

Devil’s Den, 1148 S. 11^th St.

 

Kick off PBW with a dunk tank, caricature artist, carnival games, balloon art, and more fun. Plus, local craft beer and cider for the grownups!

Elfreth’s Alley Fete Day

June 1, 1—5 pm

124 Elfreth’s Alley

 

Get a rare glimpse into many of the 18^th century private homes of residents while enjoying crafts, music, photo ops, and colonial games. This annual tradition is the only opportunity of the season for visitors to actually step into the private homes of the nation’s oldest residential street. Tickets available online.

Archaeology: Digging Up Adventure

June 1, 1—2 pm

Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600 Verree Rd.

 

Explore stone artifacts and archaeological sites. The center will be open with ongoing family activities from 10 am to 1 pm as well.

Gaming Garage: Robot Build and Play

June 1, 1:30 pm

South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St.

 

Students K-8 are invited to come discover, build, and play with robots with Nintendo Labo. Online registration is requested.

Snake Party

June 1, 2 pm

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave.

 

A snake expert will introduce you to a bunch of his snake friends and he’ll tell you about the interesting lives they have, and, if you are brave enough, you can pet one. For school-age kids.

Musicopia String Orchestra Spring Concert

June 1, 4—5 pm

Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad St.

 

Founded by Musicopia in 2005, The Musicopia String Orchestra (MSO) serves students ages 7-18 throughout the greater Philadelphia area who lack cultural opportunities and constructive, creative outlets. Their spring concert is free to attend.

80’s Night with Friends of Penn Treaty Park

June 1, 6—9 pm

1199 N. Delaware Ave.

 

The band Class of 84 kicks off its Summer Concert Series at Penn Treaty Park. Free; 80s attire is encouraged!

Sunday

Play Without Boundaries at Please Touch Museum

June 2, 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. Pre-register online.

Family Festival: Impressions of Nature

June 2, 10 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

This pay-what-you-wish event is inspired by landscapes on view in the exhibition “The Impressionist’s Eye.” Explore how artists depict the great outdoors on a family-friendly tour, then get playful with light and color as you paint your own outdoor scene in the Balcony Studio.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Summer Solstice

June 2, 10 am—5 pm

Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Celebrate the arrival of summer with free admission, art making, storytimes, live performances, and more.

BalletX Block Party

June 2, 10 am—6 pm

1923 Washington Ave.

 

Join BalletX for the company’s first-ever Block Part, an action-packed day of free classes, performances, music, food, drink, and more! RSVP for free dance classes online.

Children’s Story Time with Elizabeth Bergeland

June 2, 10—10:45 am

Head House Books, 619 S. Second St.

 

Local children’s book illustrator Elizabeth Bergeland will be at Head House Books to read from and sign copies of her book Being Edie is Hard Today, a book about being yourself—even when you’re sad, anxious, or feeling lonely.

Take Steps Walk and Carnival

June 2, 10:30 am; food trucks from 12:30—4 pm

Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way

 

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation hosts a fundraiser and family-fun carnival inside Citizens Bank Park! The walk itself takes place on the field around the warning track (your team can even take a photo in the dugout!), for a very unique fan experience. Plus, costumed characters, inflatables, live music, and more throughout the ballpark. Register online, or at the door. There is also a huge food truck festival outside afterward with live music and face painting, which is open to the public!

Pride Family Festival at Please Touch Museum

June 2, 11 am–5 pm
4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

The Please Touch Museum is hosting a day of activities that celebrate individuality and family. There will be Drag Queen Storytimes with our 2019 LOVE Awards Community Builder Drag Queen Brittany Lynn throughout the day (with new puppets!), plus art making, live music, and much more.

La Festa Italian Street Festival and Craft Beer Day

East Passyunk Avenue

June 2, 11 am—7 pm

 

Head to East Passyunk (between Broad and Moore) for this all-day, all-ages street festival that features the much-anticipated South Philly spaghetti eating contest: a no-holds-bar spectacle to see who can eat the most spaghetti! Plus, there will be family fun, live music and dancing, lots of delicious food and drink, contests, vendors, and more. Kids’ activities include games, moon bounce, orbitron, duck pond, train rides, water gun fun, face painting, yoga and much more! This coincides with Philly Beer Week’s Craft Beer Day, where over 15 East Passyunk restaurants, bars, and retailers will present opportunities to meet the brewers, try new craft beers, and enjoy beer-infused and inspired foods.

Artmaking and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

June 2, 11 am—noon

9201 Germantown Ave.

 

Introduce your preschoolers (age 3-5) to the enjoyment of art through stories and artmaking. Enjoy reading picture books in the galleries, followed by an art project.

Sundays with PopUp Play

June 2, 11:30 am—12:30 pm

Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.

 

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.

Questlove: #Breaks4Kids

June 2, noon—3 pm

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.

 

To celebrate Roots Picnic weekend, experience the sounds of award-winning musician and producer Questlove! Jam to hits that will bring out the kid in everyone, along with face painting, photo booths, good food, fun surprises, and more! The event is free and open to the public.

Philadelphia Irish Festival

June 2, noon—7 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

 

Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, this free festival celebrates Ireland’s cultural gems, from music to dance to food. This family event will feature notable Irish musicians, bagpipers, and performances by Irish dance schools.

The UCAL Ice Cream Bowl

June 2, 1—3 pm

University City Arts League, 4226 Spruce St.

 

$10 gets you hand-made ceramic bowl filled with ice cream and free ice-cream refills while supplies last. All proceeds support UCAL programs, outreach, and scholarships.

Kids Sip n’ Paint at Cherry Street Pier

June 2, 1—3 pm

121 N. Columbus Blvd.

 

On the first Sunday of every month, Flygirrl will lead the kids through painting a dynamic piece of art that they’ll get to take home with them. Reserve your child’s canvas (and juicebox) online.

The Fairy Tale Monster Mystery

June 2, 2—3 pm

Hunting Park, 900 W. Hunting Park Ave.

 

The Walnut Street Theatre Touring Outreach Company presents a free outdoor theater performance geared toward audiences ages 4-10. Someone is stealing the monsters from fairy tales! This brand-new adventure story follows two young children as they solve the mystery, discover the joy of reading, and strike a blow against bullies everywhere.

 

 

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.