High Five! Philly Family-Friendly Weekend Events: October 12–13
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
Dilworth Park Octoberfest and Made in Philadelphia Market
October 11—13
1 S. 15th St.
This weekend-long festival at Dilworth celebrates fall with live music, food and drink specials (including bratwurst, of course), a pop-up beer garden, and more. The whole family will enjoy a variety of games and activities including pumpkin painting, a stein-hoisting contest, and the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market.
Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend
October 12–14
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St.
Museum of the American Revolution hosts a weekend celebration of indigenous peoples and cultures, including hands-on activities, storytelling, and costumed living history. Throughout the weekend, Museum Educators will also offer special programs in the core Galleries and Revolution Place, the museum’s discovery center.
African Penguin Awareness Weekend
October 12—14
Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ
Guests will be able to see African penguins up close, learn about these amazing birds in Penguin Park during African Penguin Talks, and experience them having a snack during an African Penguin Feed.
Boo at the Zoo
October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27, 10 am—4 pm
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.
Put on your favorite costume and set out on a trick-or-treat safari around the zoo! There are also festive displays throughout the zoo that make for great photo ops, and a hay bale maze on Impala Lawn.
Straw Maze Fun at Woodmere Museum
October 12–13
9201 Germantown Ave.
Built from massive straw bales, this year’s maze is fun for ages 4-11 with a parent. Entrance to the museum is free to parents and guardians whose children have tickets to the Straw Maze. On Saturday, kids can also do a fun art project from 12:30–2:30 pm.
Colonial Chocolate Making at Betsy Ross House
October 12 and 13
239 Arch St.
Meet three female entrepreneurs and learn how women played an active role during the American Revolution – from making important military supplies, like flags and musket cartridges, to choosing “patriotic” beverages like chocolate and coffee, rather than tea. Sample the hot chocolate drink that colonists enjoyed.
‘Hamilton’
August 27–November 17
Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.
The Broadway sensation based on our ten dollar founding father is finally coming, so do not throw away your shot! Don’t have tickets? Enter the #HAM4HAM lottery! Still don’t have tickets? We rounded up ways to stay entertained with Hamilton-related activities in Philly until you do!
Young Frankenstein
September 3—October 20
Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
It’s alive! This musical stage adaptation of Mel Brooks’ hilarious film comes to WST. Tickets available online.
The GLOW: A Jack O’Lantern Experience
October 5—31
West Fairmount Park, 5201 Parkside Ave.
Take a stroll down Jack’s path to see elaborately carved pumpkins and displays like you’ve never seen!
Spooky Mini Golf
Thursdays through Sundays from October 3—31, 6—9 pm
Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.
Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with fog, lights, music, and surprises!
Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest
September 25–October 26
Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier brings a full month of special events, beer festivals, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving.
Candytopia
Now open through January 9
Ninth and Market streets
Coming to the new Fashion District, Candytopia brings its wildly popular experiential installation art to Philly this fall. Favorites—like the marshmallow pit filled with over 250,000 foam marshmallows, and the rainbow-filled room with flying unicorn pigs and confetti explosions—will be joined by Philly-specific elements. It’s Instagram heaven, and you even get to eat candy throughout the experience! Tickets are available online, where you can reserve your timeslot. Kids age 3 and under get in free!
Saturday
Family-Friendly Opening Reception: Of Printbearing Age
October 12, 10 am–noon
Second State Press, 1400 North American Street, Studio B103
A free Family-Friendly opening reception for Of Printbearing Age! To celebrate, there will be artwork-inspired face painting by Golden Brownie Art, activities for children, and refreshments. Stay after for free PECO Second Saturday family artmaking workshop from noon-2 pm! “Of Printbearing Age” examines a wide range of work by 20+ artist mothers from around the country and Canada whose printmaking and child-rearing are contemporaneous.
Drag Queen Storytime at The Head & The Hand
October 12, 10 am—noon
2644 Coral St.
Hear stories about love, diversity, anti-bullying, and friendship with Philly’s Drag Queen Brittany Lynn!
Family Clay Workshop: Monster Mugs on the Wheel
October 12, 10 am—noon
The Clay Studio, 137-139 N. Second St.
Learn the basics of working on the pottery wheel, and make a monster inspired mug! Classes are appropriate for children ages 4-12—parents with children ages 4-7 work together on one wheel. Pre-registration is required.
Dig It! International Archaeology Day
October 12, 10 am—3 pm
Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
Celebrate International Archaeology Day with activities for aspiring explorers of all ages. Museum archaeologists, conservators, curators, and collections staff provide a behind-the-scenes look into excavation sites, lab techniques, and current research.
Arden Bookworms
October 12, 10—10:45 am
Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street
Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read Little Blue Truck, then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.
Arden Theatre Workshop: Comedy Club
October 12, 10 am (K-2); 2 pm (Grades 3-5)
Arden Drama School, Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street
With a focus on improvisation and physical gags, students will explore what it means to be funny and how to think on their feet. Pre-register online.
The Pocket Joys perform at Momo’s Tree House
October 12, 10:30 am
2207 South Street
Stop by for a free musical performance in the garden!
Storytime Yoga with Beth Heed
October 12, 10:30 am
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Yoga instructor Beth Heed from Oak and Acorn Wellness will host a class filled with stories, yoga, and fun for 2 to 5 year-olds and their caregivers. Move, play, and explore along with stories! No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families
October 12, 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.
Family Fun Day at AAMP
October 12, 11 am—3 pm
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street
In partnership with beGirl World, Family Fun Day at AAMP will incorporate an exciting lineup of interactive games and art making activities, including travel vision boards, map bingo, games around the world, and more. The first 250 people will receive free entry to the museum for this event.
Indigenous Peoples Day at Penn Treaty Park
October 12, 11 am—5 pm
1301 N. Beach Street
A celebration of song, dance, storytelling, art, and traditional foods. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Admission is pay-what-you-wish.
Awbury Arboretum Harvest Festival
October 12, 11 am—4 pm
Awbury Arboretum Agricultural Village, 6336 Ardleigh St.
Celebrate the season with live music, face painting, hayrides, treats, cider pressing, kids’ activities, and more. Plus, meet the goats from the Philly Goat Project! Free; hayrides, pumpkins, and food are pay-as-you-go.
Cherry Street Pier Anniversary Celebration
October 12, 11 am—2 pm
121 N. Columbus Ave.
Celebrate Cherry Street Pier’s first birthday with lots of free, family fun like face painting, treats, balloon magic, and circus performances.
Storytime with Local Author Tanisha Chambers
October 12, 11 am
Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave.
Join local author Tanisha Chambers as she shares the adventures of Zuri, in her book Zuri and the Monster. Best for ages 2 and up, along with an adult.
Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden
October 12, 11 am—3 pm
Bartram’s Gardens’ Community Boathouse, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
Bartram’s Garden will provide the boats, life jackets, and basic instruction. Choose from a kayak (for 30 minutes) or rowboat (for 45 minutes). No experience is necessary. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Mums and Mutts Fall Festival
October 12, 11 am—4 pm
Burke Playground, Second and Jackson streets
Food, drinks, adoptable pets, vendors, kids’ zone, live music, Mummers, giveaways and more.
Northern Liberties 2nd Saturday
October 12, noon—4 pm
North Second Street
From street art to live music, the neighborhood comes alive with family-friendly activities and specials in restaurants, galleries, shops, and outside.
‘Parks and Recreation’ inspired Harvest Festival at Evil Genius
October 12, noon—6 pm
Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front St.
Evil Genius is bringing the Parks and Recreation-themed quirk to the street with a “Treat Yoself” station, Ron Swanson-approved grilled food, and a potential appearance by a tiny horse. Plus, beer, food, lawn games, and music!
The Poe Raid
October 12, noon–4 pm
Liberty Lands Park, 913 N. Third St.
Teams of four people, all who will sport their best Poe costume, will pass a Raven across Northern Liberties across obstacle courses and more. While this spectacle is happening, the party at Liberty Lands Park will feature Poe-inspired food and drink, Poe Quizzo, a Literary Character Costume Contest for the kids, readings of Poe’s works, doll making, face painting, and more.
Franklin Square Halloween Maze
October 12, noon—4 pm
Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.
Walk in and try to find the way out in Franklin Square’s new inflatable Halloween maze attraction! $5 per person.
Halloween Edition of Drag Queen Storytime
October 12, noon
Fumo Family Library, 2437 S. Broad St.
Drag Queen Brittany Lynn hosts a fabulously spooky storytime for little ones! Stories and arts and crafts will start at noon. Costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume parade at the end of storytime! Don’t have a costume? Miss Brittany will be bringing amazing and fun Halloween costumes for purchase with proceeds to benefit the Fumo library–nothing over $10!
Cookie Concert at The Green Tambourine
October 12, 12:30—2 pm
711 S. 50th St.
The Green Tambourine hosts a kid-friendly, Halloween-themed concert by instructors, followed by cookies. Geared towards kids age 2-7. Costumes encouraged! Registration is required; admission is free.
Philly Family Fall Fun at Craft Hall
October 12, 1–3 pm
Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Avenue
Join the Philly Family team as we celebrate the release of our Fall issue, raise a glass to it finally being sweater weather, and carve some pumpkins! Costumes are highly encouraged for our Fall celebration at the best place to drink with kids, Craft Hall! You might even win a free week of Winter Break Camp from Music Theatre Philly, some goodies from Nest Center City, or even tickets to Candytopia while you’re at it! Plus, you can pick out a pumpkin and carve it to really get in the spooky spirit!
Nature Girls
October 12, 1—3 pm
The Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Celebrate National Day of the Girl with an afternoon dedicated to connecting young girls with the natural world. Get ready to hike, scoop for macroinvertebrates or aquatic insects in the ponds, and end the day canoeing on Wind Dance pond. Program is for ages 6 and up. Each young girl should be accompanied by a grown-up. Pre-register online.
Site/Sound: Family Day at the Rail Park
October 12, 3—5 pm
The Rail Park, 1100 Callowhill St.
This free afternoon includes interactive demonstrations from a Franklin Institute sound scientist, art activities with the Mural Arts Mural Mobile, and special performances and activities from Asian Arts Initiative and Philadelphia Chinatown Community Development Corporation.
Dance Me a Story
October 12, 3 pm
Walnut Street West Library, 201 S. 40th Street
Listen, move, and learn at this special storytime with the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. This program is limited to children ages 3 and older.
Movie in the Park: ‘Hocus Pocus’
October 12, 7 pm
Ryerss Museum and Library, 7370 Central Ave.
Get spooky with the Sanderson Sisters at this free outdoor movie—plus free facepainting and crafts! Food available for sale on site.
Haunted River Cruise
October 12, 8 pm
Meet at 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
This spooky 90-minute “Phantoms of the River” tour is narrated by a pirate telling spooky tales of the “haunted” Delaware River. Tickets available online.
Sunday
Gritty 5K
October 13, 8:30 am
Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
Fans will dress up as Gritty and run a 5K around the stadium complex in honor of the start of the Flyers season and everyone’s favorite mascot. “Baby Gritties under 5” can ride in a stroller! Plus, there will be a Fan Fest with games, music, and more!
Art Museum Family Sunday: Body of Work
October 13, 10:30 am—3 pm
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Families will explore movement and the human body in art with family-friendly tours and art projects.
Drag Queen Storytime at Tildie’s Toy Box
October 13, 11 am—noon
1829 E. Passyunk Ave.
Hear stories about love, diversity, anti-bullying, and friendship with Philly’s Drag Queen Brittany Lynn! Stories begin at 11 am, but come early for dress-up time—there will be costumes ranging from princess to superhero! After the reading you can pose for photos with Brittany Lynn, and then get ready to work the runway and strike a pose!
Gorgas Park Harvest Festival
October 13, 11 am
6300 Ridge Avenue
Enjoy a day of family fun, like scarecrow making, face painting, games, treats, music, and more.
Old City Fest
October 13, 11 am—6 pm
Third and Arch streets from Market to Race Streets, and Arch Street from Second to Fourth Streets
Celebrate fall and culture on America’s most historic square mile. Activities will include a festival stage with live music, circus artists, runway fashion shows, a family fun zone with performances and colonial chocolate demonstrations, pop-up street performances, dozens of food and drink options, street art, craft and retail shopping, and over 100 Old City vendors.
PECO Family Jams: Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls
October 13, noon—4 pm
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
Teaching artist Nora Hiriart Litz will show families how to use colored frosting to decorate sugar skulls to take home in celebration of Día de Muertos. Visitors can learn more about the Mexican folk art throughout the Magic Gardens during family tours at 1 pm and 3 pm.
PAFA Family Art Academy
October 13, 2—4 pm
PAFA, 118-128 N. Broad St.
Enjoy a storytelling performance by artist, storyteller, and musician Tchin followed by a rattle-making workshop inspired by traditional Native American music rattles. Free admission.
Photograph provided by Craft Hall.
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