High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: March 16--17

High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: March 16–17

Happy weekend! Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

March 12, 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

Hamilton Was Here: Closing Weekend

March 16—17

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St.

It’s your last chance to see this highly interactive exhibit, incorporating games, group activities, dress up, thought-provoking questions, and much more to highlight Alexander Hamilton’s major accomplishments and Philadelphia connections. Read all about it in our preview.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Through April 28
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, this adaptation of the popular novel is great for teens. See the world through the eyes of a unique fifteen-year-old as he investigates the death of his neighbor’s dog after being accused of the crime. Walnut Street Theatre has included a study guide online for anyone who wants to learn more.

Meet Phillis the Washerwoman at the Betsy Ross House

Thursdays through Sundays in March, noon—5 pm

239 Arch St.

Meet historical re-enactor of Phillis the Laundress, a free African-American woman who was born into slavery in the 18th century, and went on to become a free woman in Philadelphia.

Swing @ The Kimmel

January 14–March 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.

Walking Tour: Lucretia Mott’s Philadelphia

Saturdays and Sundays in March, 2 pm

Benjamin Franklin Museum, access from Market or Chestnut Street between Third and Fourth Streets

On this free walking tour, discover how local Philadelphian Lucretia Mott‘s involvement in the anti-slavery movement led to her involvement in the fight for women’s suffrage.

Ranger Program: Ladies of Liberty, Justice, and Equality

Saturdays and Sundays in March, 3 pm

Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the U.S., Chestnut Street between Fourth and Fifth streets

Join a park ranger for a 30 minute program to hear about some of the many women whose contributions helped to further the cause of liberty, justice, and equality for all Americans.

Saturday

Fitness Alive Center City Grand Opening

March 16, 9 am—2 pm

1425 Arch St.

Fitness Alive is opening a new location, and holding a grand opening celebration all weekend. Saturday highlights kids’ programming, with free swim classes. All classes and open swims during grand opening weekend are free, but they will be taking reservations to ensure they don’t exceed the pool’s capacity, so be sure to sign up online for your desired spot!

The Color of Science

March 16, 9:30 am—12:30 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20^th St.

The Franklin Institute celebrates the vast contributions of local scientists and engineers from diverse backgrounds, by providing visitors an opportunity to meet them, learn from them through hands-on experiences, and hopefully become inspired by them.

Little Chefs Pizza Class

March 16, 10 am

Pizzeria Vetri, 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. Pre-register online.

The Geography Lady at Baby Wordplay

March 16, 10—11 am

2227 Grays Ferry Avenue

This week, explore Indonesia through the eyes of children living there with photographs, maps, stories, games, music, movement, sensory, crafts, and more.

Cardboard City Build: Make it Move with PopUpPlay

March 16, 10 am–noon

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

PopUpPlay will be in the Creative Arts Studio downstairs leading families through the process of making things that move, including cardboard planes, boats, and cars.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

March 16, 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.

Read and Romp at National Liberty Museum

March 16, 10:30—11:30 am

321 Chestnut St.

Kids ages 2-6 and their caregivers will read the whimsical book, Duck & Goose Go to the Beach, then play interactive games and creative crafts to go along with the theme of the book.

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

March 16, 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.

Girls Rally!

March 16, 11 am—12:30 pm

City Hall Courtyard, 1401 JFK Blvd.

Join the National Youth Foundation and Council Member Blondell Reynolds Brown to celebrate Girl Power with fun and inspiration. Guests include Rachel Renee Russell and Nikki Russell of the New York Times Bestselling Dork Diaries book series; slam poet sensation Denice Frohman; and inspirational teen speaker Sienna Ward. Winner of Best Girls Rally Poster Contest wins an American Girl doll; and the first 100 kids get a free Girls Rally shirts and book.

Mural Arts Philadelphia Paint Day: Snider Youth Hockey

March 16, 11 am—2 pm

Laura Sims Skate House, 210 S. 63rd St.

Come help paint a new mural by artist Jared Bader. The Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation mural features the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and celebrates the life and legacy of its founder, the late Ed Snider.

LGBTQ Teen Café

March 16, 1:30—4 pm

Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave.

Teens can learn something new, meet new friends, or come to just play games and have snacks. Refreshments provided by Sawtown Tavern.

Prom Fashion Design Class Info Session

March 16, 2—3 pm

Bartram’s Garden Coach House, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

Is your teen interested in designing and sewing their own prom clothes this year? Professional fashion designer SamiraJB will lead a small group of students through the process of creating prom formal from scratch in a free class from March through May. To sign up for the class, you have to attend this info session to learn more.

‘Shaun the Sheep’ Film Screening

March 16, 2 pm

Lightbox Film Center, 3701 Chestnut St.

Shaun the Sheep, the delightful character Wallace and Gromit series’ fame, decides to take the day off and have some fun, but he gets a little more action than he bargained for! Tickets available online.

Get on the Bus! ‘One Book, One Philadelphia’ with the Geography Lady at the Free Library

March 9, 2—3 pm

Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 West Chelten Avenue

Join The Geography Lady at the library for this free, all ages program! Read Last Stop on Market Street and talk about all different ways to travel around the city. Then, create different types of 3D buses to move along maps of different bus routes.

Sensory Storytime: ‘Baker Bear Bakes a Cake’

March 16, 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. This time, the group will read Baker Bear Bakes a Cake with the author, Cynthia Kreilick, and they can try out the virtual reality headset! Space is limited to 10 children, along with their adult caregivers. Call Miss Ann at 215-685-0494 to reserve your spot.

Little Night Out at Mama’s Wellness Joint

March 16, 5:30—8:30 pm

1100 Pine St.

Enjoy an adult night out and drop your kids (ages 4-12) off at Mama’s Wellness Joint for an evening filled with yoga, mindful activities, and crafts led by Little Yoga Collective. Pre-register online.

Sunday

Early Childhood Purim Carnival

March 17, 10 am—noon

Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel, 300 S. 18th St.

Come in costume for a morning of fun, beginning with a children’s Purim story, then stay for the carnival at 10:30 am, including moon bounce, games, raffles, and much more. Tickets available online for $40 per family ($45 at the door).

Family Balcony Studio and Tour: Cool Tools

March 17, 10:30 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Artists use all sorts of different tools to create their masterpieces. Explore process and find out how. At 11 am there will be a family-friendly art tour.

Purim at Nest

March 17, 10:30—11:45 am

1301 Locust St.

Come celebrate Purim with jkidphilly at Nest in Center City! Kids are encouraged to come in their Purim costume for a special parade. Come ready to color and hear a short kid-friendly version of the Megillah followed by play time at Nest’s play space.

Indoor Goat Yoga at Cliveden

March 17, 11 am—noon

98 E. Cliveden St.

Participants in this all-levels class will have 45 minutes of guided time on the mat while Nigerian Dwarf goats cuddle, play, and meet you in down-dog! There will be 15 minutes at the end of class to take selfies and photos with the goats. Tickets available online.