High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: March 9–10
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
Philadelphia Flower Show
March 2—10
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets
Experience floral and garden design on a larger-than-life scale, learn some tips, make unique floral crafts, and take lots of photos! This year has a 60s theme with “Flower Power!”
RENT
March 5—10
Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
I don’t know about you, but I feel ridiculously old knowing that this will be the 20th anniversary of RENT—just yesterday I was a middle-schooler singing along to “La Vie Boheme” at the top of my lungs. But 20 years later, this is a classic and ready to be shared with the next generation of theater kids!
Scout Weekend at the Philadelphia Zoo
March 9—10 (Girl Scouts on Saturday, Boy Scouts on Sunday)
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Girls and boys who pre-register will experience a day with exclusive perks: discounted admission, live animal demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and badge earning – just for Scouts! Whether visiting with a troop, pack, or family, all are welcome.
Meet Phillis the Laundress 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
Eagles Junior Cheer Clinic
March 9, 9—11:30 am
Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
Kids ages 5-14 can come for a fun-filled day of cheerleading activities. Eagles Cheerleaders will teach them dance routines and cheers, in preparation for a live performance in front of parents and guardians on the sidelines. Pre-registration is required.
Cardboard City Build: Make it Move with PopUpPlay
March 9, 10 am
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 9, 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.
GiveBack Workshop: Color A Smile and Cradles to Crayons
March 9, 10:30 am—noon
National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
These monthly workshops are not only a way for families to volunteer together; the museum also hopes to instill a sense of responsibility and empathy in its young guests, and inspire meaningful conversations. For March, there will be two drawing projects for two different organizations. Color a Smile sends cheerful drawings to many different people, including troops overseas, senior centers, “and anyone in need of a smile.” Cradles to Crayons provides aid to children in need, providing necessities like warm coats, backpacks, and more. In addition to the drawings that kids will do for both organizations, families are invited to bring a donation of a new or nearly new children’s item for Cradles to Crayons to distribute.
PNC Grow Up Great Free Concert at the Kimmel Center
March 9, 11 am
Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
During this monthly interactive kids’ concert in Commonwealth Plaza, kids learn the basics of jazz, musical theater, and more. Dancing is highly encouraged, and every performance ends with a little parade around the Kimmel Center’s lobby to “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
AAMP Family Funday: Through Her Own Lens
March 9, 11 am—3 pm
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
Perfect for ages 5 and up, Macy’s Family Fun Day will incorporate art, performances. and interactive art activities. Make picture frames, visit the selfie station, and more. The first 250 people will receive free entry to the museum for this event.
Second Saturday at Penn Museum: Music of the World
March 9, 11 am—4 pm
3260 South St.
Explore the galleries on a family friendly tour, design your own drum, and pick up a scavenger hunt that will help you discover musical instruments and objects throughout the galleries.
Hands-On Science at EPCC
March 9, 11 am—12:30 pm
East Passyunk Community Recreation Center, 1025 Mifflin St.
Led by science educator Anita Brook-Dupree, come for a free hands-on science event “The Science of Solutions: The Rowhouse and The Environment.” Kids (ages 7 and up) and parents can build a mini-rowhouse and learn about environmental impacts.
OM My, Yoga Storytime
March 9, 11 am
Charles Santore Library, 932 S. Seventh Street
A storytime with a meditative twist. Bring your preschooler and get ready for a calming storytime to stretch your body and mind.
Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids
March 9, 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.
Robert Ryerss’ Birthday Bash
March 9, 1—2:30 pm
Ryerss Museum and Library, 7370 Central Ave (Burholme Park)
Celebrate Robert Ryerss’ 188th birthday with refreshments, games, kids’ crafts, and more.
Family Tree Workshop
March 9, 2 pm
Torresdale Library, 3079 Holme Avenue
Working together, children will use finger-painting and adults will learn to construct a family tree that can be added to for years to come.
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.
Sunday
Family Balcony Studio and Tour: Cool Tools
March 10, 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.
PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
March 10, noon—4 pm
1020 South St.
Draw inspiration from the current Patterns of Obsession exhibit as well as traditional alebrijes, Mexican folk art which employs brilliant colors and patterns to produce fantastical animals. Discover authentic alebrijes at PMG and make a creature to take home. There will also be family-friendly tours throughout the afternoon.
Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 10, noon
Broad Street to City Hall to Penn’s Landing
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day early with bands, dancers, floats, and more.
Starr Garden Winterfest
March 10, 1—3 pm
Sixth and Lombard streets
Come for pony rides, ice carving, hot cocoa by Lombard Cafe, crafts, and more! Be sure to check the Facebook event in case of inclement weather.
American Girl Doll Workshop
March 10, 1—4 pm
Sue’s Art Class, 2119 Spruce St.
Bring your doll and make new exciting room decor and hip couture, all from scratch! Workshop is for ages 9 and up. Pre-register online.
PAFA Family Arts Academy
March 10, 2—4 pm
118-128 N. Broad St.
Create colorful collages using various patterns inspired by Rina Banerjee’s “Make Me a Summary of the World” exhibit at this free family art workshop.
Sundays on Stage: ‘The Brave Little Tailor’
March 10, 2 pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
With expressive masks, life-size puppets, original music and imaginative scenic effects, Enchantment Theatre Company brings this beloved story to life in its uniquely magical way in this free performance. Doors open at 1:30 pm; seating is first come, first served.
Anna Crusis: Singing Out Proudly
March 10, 3 pm
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Celebrate International Women’s Day through song with a free performance by Anna Crusis Women’s Choir. Founded in 1975, the group acts as agents of social change by empowering and uplifting audiences with inspirational and inclusive music.
Philly Art Center’s Birthday Bash
March 10, 3—5 pm
2501 Olive Street and 514 Bainbridge Street (plus their Cherry Hill location!)
To celebrate their 15th birthday, Philly Art Center is throwing a party at all three locations with hands on art-making for all ages, plus face painting. Sculpture, painting, comics drawing, and much more will be in full swing. Plus, get 25% off summer camp if you sign up at the party.
Photograph by Laura Swartz.
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