High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: June 8–9
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
Mythic Creatures Closing Weekend
June 8—9
Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Come for the final weekend of this special exhibit of unicorns, mermaids, dragons, and more! Learn the history of your favorite mythic beasts and the real animals that influenced their stories. Observe a Kraken dissection, get up close and personal with sea monkeys, create your own enchanted craft, and more.
Opening Weekend: Piazza Pod Park
June 8—9
1069 Germantown Ave.
Northern Liberties gets a new place to gather, eat, shop, and play! Kids will love the outpost of Tildie’s Toy Box and the fun play area (plus the giant robot statue), while parents will enjoy the outdoor bars with wine, craft cocktails, and beer. Lots of tasty food and treats, too! Stop by Saturday for an all-day grand opening celebration. Plus, PopUp Play will be there Sunday at 3 pm with engaging free activities for the whole family! Read all about this new space in our preview.
Parks on Tap: Schuylkill Banks
June 5–9
2500 Walnut St.
Our favorite family-friendly beer garden comes to the banks of the Schuylkill River with great views!
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 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
Open daily through Labor Day
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 runs daily through Labor Day.
Saturday
Drop-In Baby and Toddler Bubbles
June 8, 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.
Breakfast with Butterflies
June 8, 10 am—1 pm
Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Boulevard
Join Independence Seaport Museum, StoryUP!, and Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion for an event that connects visitors with the Delaware River and ends with an improv theater troupe acting out stories that you write about the animals that live in our river. Various activity stations will help children learn all about the wildlife of the river, as highlighted in River Alive! Guests will be able to make and take butterfly hats, enjoy light breakfast food, and see artifacts of animals that live around the river. Tickets available online.
Claying Around on the Wheel
June 8, 10 am—noon
The Clay Studio, 137-139 N. Second St.
Kids ages 4-12 and their parents are guided through basics of working on the pottery wheel in this fun and muddy workshop! Pre-register online.
Girl Scout Day at Franklin Institute
June 8, 10 am—3 pm
222 N. 20th St.
Girl Scouts are invited for a day of fun, interactive science, and exploration, plus a trip into the Marvel Universe! Includes a career-focused Q&A with female Franklin Institute employees. Pre-registration required.
Storytime Yoga
June 8, 10:30 am
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Yoga instructor Beth Heed from Oak and Acorn Wellness will host a free class filled with stories, yoga, and fun for 2 to 5 year-olds and their caregivers.
Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families
June 8, 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.
Drag Queen Storytime
June 8:
11 am at Fumo Family Library, 2437 S. Broad St.
2 pm at Independence Library, 18 S. Seventh St.
Join the fabulous Brittany Lynn, as she regales with tales of diversity, acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself! Can’t make it on Saturday? Find more Drag Queen Storytime dates in our Philly Pride coverage!
‘Fly Guy: The Musical’
June 8, 11 am
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.
Saturday Free Boating
June 8, 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.
Philadelphia VegFest
June 8, 11 am—5 pm
Bainbridge Green, 300-500 Bainbridge St.
This celebration of vegan and whole-food plant-based lifestyles includes lots of delicious food vendors, plus wellness vendors, shopping, and music.
Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids
June 8, 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.
Fishtown FestivALE
June 8, noon—8 pm
Frankford Avenue
This day-long family-friendly street festival takes over Frankford Avenue between Girard and Oxford and fills the street with live music, craft vendors, activities for the kids, street food, and of course beer. Pro-tip: You can find free PlayArts kids’ activities and family area at Lutheran Settlement House!
Northern Liberties 2nd Saturday
June 8, noon—4 pm
North Second St.
The neighborhood comes alive with family-friendly activities in restaurants, galleries, and shops as well as out on the sidewalks. This month, The Lara and Joe Show performs. Plus, a sidewalk chalk mural on the Piazza sidewalk!
An Afternoon of Dance at Awbury
June 8, noon—1:30 pm
Awbury Arboretum, One Awbury Road
Join Mt. Airy Movement Collective and Awbury Arboretum for a free afternoon featuring a diverse collection of dance works by local dance artists exploring human and nature relationships. Audience members will roam a small area of the Arboretum in and around AdventureWoods, viewing each of the five short dance works. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket for viewing and come early with a picnic lunch to enjoy the Secret Garden.
Ridgway Park Summer Kickoff
June 8, noon—4 pm
13th and Carpenter streets
Kick off summer with face painters, a DJ, Tastykake eating contest, bubbles, lawn games, pretzels and water ice from John’s, and more.
Coming Home: A Tribute to World War I Troops Returning to Philadelphia
June 8, noon—4 pm
Washington Avenue Pier, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the return of World War I troops back to the United States by way of the southern waterfront piers with a free brass band performance.
West Philly Porchfest
June 8, noon—6 pm
West Philadelphia
A do-it-yourself music festival featuring free shows on porches all over the neighborhood. Anyone can host or play a show! Or just stop by and stroll around to watch!
Great Chefs Event
June 8, 1 — 4 pm
Urban Outfitters HQ, 5000 S. Broad St.
Part of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Lemonade Days, this culinary event is hosted by Marc Vetri at the Urban Outfitters Headquarters in the Navy Yard, and features over 40 renowned chefs who will prepare amazing dishes and drinks for guests to sample. Kids age 12 and under get in free with an accompanying adult, and there will be a dedicated area to keep kids entertained with fun and games between tasting the food. Tickets are $195 for general admission; kids 12 and under do not require a ticket.
West Park Arts Festival
June 8, 1—6 pm
West Fairmount Park, South Concourse Drive
A free day of performances and activities for all ages. Cultural institutions will lead artmaking activities and more all afternoon long in Fairmount Park.
ArtWell Festival
June 8, 1—5 pm
Oxford Mills, 100 W. Oxford St.
ArtWell hosts a day of imagining community wellness through creativity. Activities include family-friendly live performances, face painting, collaborative art experiences, and food vendors. Rain or shine.
Summer of Wonder Kickoff with the Amazing Mr. Q
June 8, 1 pm
Walnut Street West Library, 201 S. 40th St.
The Amazing Mr. Q performs hilarious magic, puppets, mischief, and mayhem! Stick around after the show for snacks, crafts, and Summer of Wonder sign-up opportunities.
Zines for Teens
June 8, 1—3 pm
Teen Center at Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
In this two-hour, hands-on workshop in DIY media, teens explore the history/herstory/theirstory of zines, by making mini zines from start to finish.
Meet Gritty at the Xfinity Store
June 8, 3—4 pm
4504 City Ave.
Meet the deranged and fabulous Flyers mascot Gritty! Get pictures, giveaways, and more!
Back From Exile Homecoming Block Party
June 8, 4—7
Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St.
Theatre Exile is celebrating their newly renovated theater with a free homecoming party for the whole family, including face painters, a bounce house, building tours, a Mummers performance, a Q & A with Philly legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Didinger, a comedy routine by Joe Conklin, food trucks, raffles, and more.
Sunday
#Walk4Williams
June 9, 10:30 am (registration begins at 9 am)
Central Green Park at the Navy Yard, 200 Rouse Blvd.
Walk to support research for Williams Syndrome, then stick around for live music, raffles, and lots of family fun!
Betsy Ross House’s Flag Fest Kicks Off
June 9—15
239 Arch St.
Every day from June 9—15, there will be fun activities at Betsy Ross House, beginning with daily flag raisings with Betsy Ross at 10 am, and including educational programming, historical reenactors, and more. It all kicks off on Sunday, June 9 with a flag donut wall made of “1776” donuts, specially created for the Betsy Ross House by Philly favorite Federal Donuts! The event starts at 11 am and donut distribution is at 1 pm while supplies last. See more Flag Day events coming up this week!
Odunde Festival
June 9, 10 am—8 pm
23rd and South streets (covers 10 blocks)
One of the largest African-American street festivals in the country, this day includes live performances, food, vendors, and much more.
Battle of Fort Mifflin Cruise
June 9, 10 am
Departs from Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.
Calling all history buffs! The forgotten battlefield of the American Revolution comes to life on the Delaware River as you set sail to Fort Mifflin. With interpretive guides telling tales and historic maps guiding your way, visitors will retrace the route British ships took to resupply their occupying army in Philadelphia, leading to the pivotal Battle of Fort Mifflin, as explored in Independence Seaport Museum’s new exhibit, The British Mistake. Pre-register online.
Pride Day Parade and Festival
June 9, parade at 11:30 am
Parade begins at 13th and Locust streets at 11:30 am
Catch the parade– which features lots of fun and colorful musical performances– beginning at 13th and Locust in the heart of the Gayborhood, or along its route to Penn’s Landing, where there is a festival featuring six hours of entertainment. Philly Family Pride will be sponsoring the Family Zone during the Pride Festival as a place for LGBTQ parents to stop by with their kids, and will have crafts and a rest area. Kids get into the festival free (adult tickets are $15).
Sundays with PopUp Play
June 9, 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.
PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
June 9, noon—4 pm
1020 South St.
Through a variety of materials, such as magazine clippings, yarn, buttons, googly eyes, markers, and more, families can create their own abstract self-portraits to take home. See a different side of Isaiah Zagar’s art during family-friendly tours of PMG at 1 pm. 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm.
Unicorn Cake Workshop
June 9, 2—3:30 pm
Ella Vanilla, 7922 Germantown Avenue
Kids age 9 and up will learn how to make the popular unicorn cake! Learn how to color buttercream icing, use a piping bag, and more. Everyone leaves with a fully decorated 4-inch vanilla cake. Register by emailing Noelle@EllaVanilla.com or by calling (215) 909-9392.
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Free Neighborhood Chamber Concert
June 9, 3 pm
Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach St.
Enjoy a concert by members of The Philadelphia Orchestra! This concert is free, but RSVP’s are encouraged.
Fishing with Friends
June 9, 3—6 pm
Pier 68, Delaware River Waterfront
Fishing with Friends enables youth and adults to work with a team of experts to learn about fishing fundamentals and strategies while being educated about the health of the Delaware River.
Photograph by Albert Yee, courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy.
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