Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

Click here for ongoing events that run through the weekend, like all the museum exhibits.

All Weekend

DesignPhiladelphia: DPKidsFest

October 5, Center / Architecture + Design, 1218 Arch St.

October 6, Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.

 

Several fun, creative hands-on activities will be presented on a drop-in basis (stay as short or long as you’d like!) at a different location each day of the weekend. From 11 am—noon both days, kids ages 4-12 can meet Pals Socks founder, Hannah Lavon, for a special hands-on workshop that will introduce them to the world of apparel design, and where they will be able to create their own mismatched Pals Socks! Register online for special workshops.

Opening Weekend: ‘Very Eric Carle’ exhibit at Please Touch Museum

October 5—6

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Step into the world of Eric Carle in this new interactive exhibit. Follow the path of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, compose a night symphony with The Very Quiet Cricket, and more!

Fall Family Weekend at Morris Arboretum

October 5–6, 10 am – 3 pm

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

 

The highlight of this festival has to be the Scarecrow Walk. Visitors can enjoy a display of handmade scarecrows built around a yearly theme. There are also opportunities to build your own scarecrow, decorate a pumpkin, and sample different apple varieties.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.

September 21—October 6

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

 

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in this song-filled musical for kids adapted from the hit Disney Broadway show and the Academy Award-winning movie.

Straw Maze Fun at Woodmere Museum

October 5–6

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.

‘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!

Craft Hall Oktoberfest

September 20–October 6 (Wednesdays through Sundays)
901 N. Delaware Ave.

 

Our favorite new spot to drink with kids in tow will be transformed into an indoor street festival with colorful banners and decorations, live entertainment, food and Mainstay Independent Brewery specials, beer steins, activities for kids and adults, and more! Look for Oktoberfest favorites like speltzle, schnitzel, and giant soft pretzels by the resident Lost Bread Co. Catch live music on Friday nights through Sundays. Plus, as always, kids can run wild in the indoor pirate ship playground, play free Nintendo games and table games, and more!

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

Philadelphia Family Pride Family Matters Conference

October 5, 9 am—3:30 pm

University of the Sciences, 600 S. 43^rd St.

 

This one-day conference for LGBTQ parents, grandparents, and prospective parents offers resources, workshops, and a family photoshoot! Kids are free, and there are kids’ activities including Drag Queen Storytime with Brittany Lynn for the little ones, and art projects for tweens and teens. Pre-registration is required online for tickets and childcare space.

End Childhood Cancer Walk/Run

October 5: check-in at 7 am, kids’ dash at 8 am, race at 8:30 am

Navy Yard

 

Starting and ending at the Marine Parade Grounds, walkers and runners of all ages can enjoy scenic views all along the Delaware River while they raise money and awareness to end childhood cancer. Walkers will have the choice of a one-mile course or the standard 5K, and runners will run the 5K route. Register online or on-site.

Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival

October 5, 8 am—5: 30 pm

Kelly Drive

 

Cheer on your favorite team as they row their colorful boats on the Schuylkill! This annual competition is now in its 18^th year and is fun for the whole family to watch.

Kids Run Wild

October 5, 9—11 am

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

 

This event will feature age-appropriate races for kids from pre-K to 8th grade, and provide a fun and safe opportunity for kids to get outdoors and run. Every participant will receive a nature-themed race bib, finishing medal, and race packet.  Pre-registration is required for this event.

Kidz-Clay Saturday: Creative Treasure Boxes

October 5, 9—11 am

Allens Lane Art Center, 601 W. Allens Lane

 

Children will enjoy the tactile nature of clay while developing creative problem-solving skills and clay technique. These one-day projects will be kiln-fired to be picked up at a later date. Pre-register online.

Battle on the Parkway

October 5, 9:30 am—5 pm
Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

See sparks fly in the custom built 16×16 battle cage as the region’s baddest ‘bots flip, toss, saw, and hammer, in a quest to be the last one standing and take home the first place trophy. Robotics and programming experts from The Franklin Institute, plus professional engineering teams and their BattleBots – including the legendary SubZero – will interact with visitors and provide activities and firsthand knowledge concerning robotics engineering, repair, and the battle strategies that are most successful in the competitive arena.

Revolutionary Germantown Festival

October 5, 10 am—4 pm

Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave.

 

A day of family entertainment, food, music, and re-enactments of the Battle of Germantown at this historic site.

Nature Tots

October 5, 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

October 5, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read The Way Back Home, then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz

October 5, 10 am—noon

Valley Green Inn

 

This 2.2-mile hike takes participants along Forbidden Drive and on wooded trails. Registration is recommended.

Nimble Crafters at Kith + Kin

October 5, 10 am—noon

3060 W. Jefferson St.

 

Weekly take-home projects are inspired by nature, cultures, and art appreciation. Experimenting with different materials in a controlled environment allows your child to gain confidence but most importantly have fun! Come any time between the two-hour open studio time and stay as long as you choose.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

October 5, 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.

DesignPhiladelphia Workshop: Family Galaxies

October 5, 11 am—2 pm

The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street

 

Use your imagination and participate in creative hands-on activities such as making avatars, recording a family lyric to be part of collective soundtrack, and designing an atmospheric space for your family to live. Children and adults can work together or independently, but parents must supervise children during the workshop. Free, but registration recommended.

All About Apples Storytime

October 5, 11 am

Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Ave.

 

Stories, songs, and rhymes, all about apples. After storytime, taste different types of apples and vote for your favorite.

Shot Tower Fall Festival

October 5, 11 am—2 pm

131 Carpenter St.

 

Celebrate the season with face painting, games, arts and crafts, pizza, refreshments, and more.

Philly Indigenous Peoples Day Kick off Celebration

October 5, 11 am—6 pm

Belmont Plateau

 

Celebrate Native American culture with traditional dancing, performances, food, vendors, as well as cultural activities for the children.

Saturday Morning Cartoon Storytime and Movie with Morris Monster

October 5, 11 am

Frankford Library, 4634 Frankford Ave.

 

Enjoy silly stories and cereal before getting your Saturday started. For ages 3-6, but siblings welcome.

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

September 28, 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.

Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden

October 5, 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.

Midtown Village Fall Festival

October 5, noon—8 pm

13th and Chestnut streets

 

Kick off October with shopping, amazing food, live entertainment, and more. There’s plenty of activities for kids to do and see, and you simply can’t leave without getting a Budino from Barbuzzo!

Roxtoberfest

October 5, noon—6 pm

Ridge Avenue and Green Lane

 

One of many Oktoberfest celebrations in Philadelphia this year, this Roxborough festival includes live performers (including polka, of course!), food trucks, vendors, carnival games, and more. Of course you’ll enjoy some traditional German food and a wide selection of beers. There will be a variety of activities for children, so bring the whole family!

Goat Story Walk

October 5, noon

Andorra Library, 705 E. Cathedral Rd.

 

Join the Philly Goat Project’s three miniature Nigerian goats for a storywalk around the library, and enjoy a story.

Girard Ave Street Fest

October 5, noon—6 pm

26^th St. and Girard Ave.

 

Music, food, and family fun abound in Brewerytown.

Olney Youth Arts Festival

October 5, noon—4:30 pm

West Chew Avenue at North Fifth Street

 

This festival celebrates vibrant youth arts programs, showcases different cultural dance performances, and brings positive energy along North Fifth Street.

Annual Neighborhood Festival: ‘Mi Barrio’

October 5, noon—4 pm

Norris Square Community Alliance, 174 Diamond St.

 

Food, games, and music for the entire family celebrate what makes this neighborhood special.

SATurdays: SAT and College Prep Workshops for Teens

October 5, noon

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Teens are invited to the Field Teen Center for a series of college prep and standardized testing workshops, including practice tests and test-taking strategies with self-care techniques for a well-rounded approach to the big test!

Burke Playground Family Day

October 5, 1—5 pm

Burke Playground, Second and Jackson streets

 

Come out for food, music, moon bounces, games, pony rides, and face painting.

World Philadelphia Soccer Festival

October 5, 2—5 pm

Tarken Ice Rink, 6250 Frontenac St.

 

A free afternoon of youth soccer clinic and games.

Polish American Festival

October 5, 3—10 pm

4415 Almond St.

 

Celebrate Polish culture with food, music, dancing, and vendors. Plus, fun activities like moon bounce, obstacle course, and more.

Haunted River Cruise

October 5, 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

Fall Southwest Fish Off

October 6, 8 am—noon

Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

A free fishing derby with activities for all ages! Fish from the dock, the riverbank, or from one of Bartram’s rowboats—and win prizes.

Sensory-Friendly Sunday at Franklin Institute

October 6, 8 am—noon

222 N. 20^th St.

 

The museum opens early, and exhibits are modified to provide an opportunity to experience all the Franklin Institute has to offer for people on the autism spectrum and with a range of differing abilities. They also create a dedicated quiet space that provides a chance to cool down and take a break with a tent, fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and more. Admission is free with pre-registration, and for guests arriving before 9:30 am on the day of the event.

Play Without Boundaries at Please Touch Museum

October 6, 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. Plus, therapy dogs, dance therapy, and visits from more helpful organizations. Online registration required.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation

October 6, 10 am—5 pm

Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

The Barnes’ theme for October is Art and Movement with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Enjoy a free day of family fun, filled with dance, music, and art. From fashion and choreography to drawing and storytelling, see how artists interpret rhythm and movement to express themselves.

Family Festival: Ready, Set, Draw

October 6, 10 am—3 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Meet and draw with illustrator Jordan Sondler. Discover drawing games in the galleries and favorite sketches from the collection.​ Free with pay-what-you-wish admission.

Mini Maker Faire

October 6, 10 am—5 pm

Pennovation Works, 3401 Grays Ferry Ave.

 

This annual family-friendly celebration features local do-it-yourself science, art, robots, crafts, tech, music, hands-on-activities, and more. This year features 100 exhibitors, performances, and presentations, plus hands-on activities and workshops. Tickets available online.

Art and Storytelling at Woodmere Art Museum

October 6, 11 am—noon

9201 Germantown Ave.

 

Introduce your preschoolers to the enjoyment of art through stories and artmaking. Young visitors and their grown-ups enjoy reading picture books in the galleries, followed by an art project. Stay after and play in the Straw Maze!

Kid’s Sip N’ Paint at Cherry Street Pier

October 6, 1—3 pm

121 N. Columbus Boulevard

 

Kid’s Sip n’ Paint is led by published and televised Visual Artist, Event Producer and Graphic Designer, Flygirrl. She will lead the kids through painting a dynamic piece of art that the kids get to take home with them. Reserve your child’s canvas (and juicebox) online.

PAFA Family Art Academy

October 6, 2—4 pm

PAFA, 118-128 N. Broad St.

 

Learn easy tricks from the 1960s Op Art movement to use pattern and rhythm to create an optical illusion sculpture. Free admission.

Sundays on Stage: ‘Shadow Ball: the Story of Black Baseball’

October 6, 2 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Rochel Garner Coleman’s one-man show pays homage to Negro League baseball players and America’s suffering during the Great Depression. Children, teens, families and adults are welcome.

Family Sunday Screening: ‘Moana’

October 6, 3–5 pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.

Cherry Street Pier hosts a free screening of Disney’s ‘Moana’ featuring a reading of  “Island Below the Star” by James Rumsford.

 

 

 

Photograph courtesy of Morris Arboretum.