Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

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

All Weekend

Billy the Baaadly Behaving Bully Goat: The Musical

September 14—15, 11 am

Nest, 1301 Locust St.

 

In this piece by Play Nice Productions, a young bully goat must learn how his mean behavior affects others. Kids aged 4–9 will laugh, sing, and interact with the talented cast—all while learning to be caring and compassionate up-standers. This performance is part of the Fringe Festival, and runs weekends through September 22. Free for Nest members.

Otsukimi Family Weekend at Shofuso

September 14—15, 11 am—5 pm

Horticultural and Lansdowne drives, Fairmount Park

 

Celebrate the harvest with seasonal decor, listen to folktales retold as kamishibai stories, and origami. All activities are free with regular admission to Shofuso.

Straw Maze Fun at Woodmere Museum

September 13–15

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.

Parks on Tap: Penn Treaty Park

September 11–15

1301 N. Beach St.

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to Fishtown!

Saturday

Tufas Tufurious Competition and Anniversary Party

September 14, 8 am—1 pm

Tufas Boulder Lounge, 1614 N. Fifth St.

 

Tufas Boulder Lounge is celebrating its first year of being open with a day of competition. After the competitions there will be an after-party with music, food, drinks, games, and prizes.

Arden Bookworms

September 14, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

Kid Friendly Hike with Marv Schwartz

September 14, 10 am—noon

Valley Green Inn

 

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

Kroc Open House and Community Fair

September 14, 10 am—2 pm

Salvation Army Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Ave.

 

This family-friendly event will include food, fun, free group exercise classes and the opportunity to take advantage of free enrollment.

Settlement Music School Open House

September 14, 10 am—1 pm

All six Settlement locations (see link above)

 

Drop in on free classes, check out some great student performances, and see what Settlement is all about! Learn about programs including private lessons, early childhood classes, preschool, arts therapy, dance, chamber music, string orchestra, and more.

Kids@Play: ZoomDance

September 14, 10 am—noon

Gold Star Park, 625 Wharton St.

 

Come to the park for a free action adventure story-telling dance class, plus a snack.

Nimble Crafters at Kith + Kin

September 14, 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.

Sound All Around

September 14, 10 am and 11:15 am

Academy of Music Ballroom, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Philadelphia Orchestra percussionist, Don Liuzzi, will guide little ones through big and small, loud and soft instruments. These performances are sensory-friendly. Tickets available online.

Storytime Yoga with Beth Heed

September 14, 10:30 am

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.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

September 14, 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.

Clay Fest

September 14, 11 am—4 pm

1425 N. American St.

 

Celebrate clay and community with a fun day of muddy festivities near The Clay Studio’s soon-to-be new home in South Kensington. Enjoy free hands-on activities for all ages, wheel throwing, a group sculpture extravaganza, artist demonstrations, an ice cream social, t-shirt making, and more.

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

September 14, 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.

 

Pop-Up Saturday at LOVE Park

September 14, 11 am—3 pm

LOVE Park, 15^th St. and JFK Blvd.

 

Stop by for a free day including Drag Queen Storytime with Brittany Lynn, music, and STEM-based crafts with Pop-Up Play.

 

Family Fun Day at AAMP

September 14, 11 am—3 pm

African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street

 

Perfect for ages 5 and up, Family Fun Day at AAMP will incorporate an exciting lineup of interactive art making activities, including decorating backpacks, bookmarks, and more. The first 250 people will receive free entry to the museum.

 Baby Wellness Event at Nest

September 14, 11 am

Nest, 1301 Locust St.

 

Lee McClenon, a certified birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and pediatric sleep coach shares her expertise at Nest, so come with questions! Free for members, $10 for non-members.

Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden

September 14, 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.

2nd Saturday in Northern Liberties

September 14, 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.

Jewelers Row Fall Festival

September 14, noon—5 pm

Sansom Street between Seventh and Eighth streets

 

Enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, jewelry, shopping, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

Tradesman’s Anniversary Block Party

September 14, noon—8 pm

1322 Chestnut St.

 

To celebrate their first year, Tradesman’s is shutting down the street with a pig roast, turkey legs, local drafts, delicious cocktails, live music, and more.

Evil Genius’ Birthday Block Party

September 14, noon—7 pm

Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front St.

 

Evil Genius is turning 8, and partying in Fishtown! Enjoy DJ music, ax throwing, face painting, games, and of course beer!

Hero Thrill Show

September 14, noon—5 pm

Wells Fargo Center, Broad St. and Pattison Ave.

 

A fun-filled family event with performances by the Philadelphia Highway Patrol Motorcycle Drill Team, Philadelphia Fire Department, K-9 Unit, and more; plus, food, games, and giveaways. Tickets available online.

Little Day Out at Mama’s Wellness Joint

September 14, 1—3 pm

1100 Pine St.

 

Enjoy a child-free afternoon while your kids (ages 6-12) enjoy yoga, mindful activities, and crafts. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle; snack provided. Register online.

Free Back to School Community Bash

September 14, 1—4 pm

Motivated Young Scholars Cyber Academy, 4700 Wissahickon Ave.

 

Stop by for an afternoon of free resources, food, games, entertainment, raffles, and school supplies.

Performances in Public Spaces presents Circadium School of Contemporary Circus 

September 14, 2–3 pm

Pastorius Park, 200 W. Hartwell Ln.

 

Circadium, Philadelphia’s college for contemporary circus, presents a free performance by students at the school. Juggling, acrobatics, and aerial work combine with dance and theater in this thrilling site-specific creation.

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers at Mifflin Square Park

September 14, 2:30—3:30 pm

Mifflin Square, 600 W. Ritner St.

 

Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers will perform a site-specific work inspired by its recent piece, Spring 101. The free performance will include a moving performance throughout the park which families and individuals can watch, or dance along with!

Movies in the Park: ‘Mary Poppins Returns’

September 14, dusk

Shot Tower Park, 101-31 Carpenter St.

 

Movies are BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket) and begin at dusk. In case of rain, movies will be rescheduled by one week.

Sunday

Center City Restaurant Week Begins

September 15–27

 

Center City Restaurant Week runs from September 15–27, offering diners three-course dinner for $35, and (at some places) three-course lunch for $20 at dozens of great restaurants around town. Check out our top picks for going with kids in tow!

North Front Street Festival

September 15, 10 am– 5 pm

1624 N. Front St.

 

Art Star is teaming up with Fishtown Co, Farm to City, The International Bar, HoneyGrow, and Evil Genius to bring you an amazing day of handmade crafts, fresh produce, beer, food, and live music!

5 and Under Morning at Philly Pumptrack

September 15, 10 am—noon

5300 Parkside Ave.

 

Philly Pumptrack holds a 5 and under only session for little ones who want to ride! Closed toed shoes and helmets are required. Loaner bikes and helmets will be available, but are limited.

Sundays with PopUp Play

September 15

11:30 am—12:30 pm at Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd.

3–4 pm at Piazza Pod Park, 1069 Germantown Ave.

 

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.

B[L]OK PARTY

September 15, noon–5 pm

1901 S. Ninth St.

 

Enjoy a bouncy castle, food trucks, doggie meet and greet, Philly Foodworks CSA sign up and produce stand, photobooth, arts and crafts, performances, and so much more!

Philadelphia Burger Brawl

September 15, 1–5 pm
The Marine Parade Ground at the Navy Yard

 

Over 60 restaurants hit the Navy Yard and fire up the grills and battle for burger bragging rights! Attendees are invited to enjoy all-you-can-eat samples of the burgers and then vote for their favorite one. Plus, cocktail competition, live music, and more! Tickets are available online; children under 10 are free, no ticket required. All proceeds go to The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia to support hardware needs to implement math and reading literacy programs in underserved elementary schools.

Port Richmond Savings Centennial Celebration

September 15, 1:30—4:30 pm

Campbell Square, 2535 E. Allegheny Ave.

 

This event will feature food vendors, entertainment, games, family-friendly fun, and more to celebrate Port Richmond Savings’ 100^th birthday! Stop by for balloon twisters, spin art, temporary tattoo art, a bounce castle, face painting, caricatures.

Mexican Independence Day Festival

September 15, 2—8 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

 

Commemorate Mexican Independence with music, food, dancing, and more. Browse traditional arts and crafts, dance to lively performances by Mexican musicians, plus enjoy kids’ activities.

Sundays on Stage: Free to Dance

September 15, 2 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

This free performance is an exuberant, dance-based exploration of Afro-Brazillian history and culture led by Ginga Brasileira.

Tweens Only Emoji Cake Workshop

September 15, 2—3:30 pm

Ella Vanilla, 7922 Germantown Ave.

 

Noelle DeSantis, cake artist and owner of Ella Vanilla, will guide tweens (ages 9-13) in creating their own 4-inch vanilla cakes fully decorated with fondant, icing, and more. Purchase class by email at Info@EllaVanilla.com or by phone at (215) 909-9392.

Halloween Tote Party

September 15, 3—6 pm

Mifflin Tavern, 1843 S. Second St.

 

Mifflin Tavern is hosting a Halloween tote paint party. They’ll provide a tote, stencils, paint, and assistance. Tickets available online.

Kahn Park Summer Concert Series

September 15, 3–4:30 pm

1119 Pine St.

 

This free summer concert by the Merion Concert Band also includes raffle prizes!

Concert in Bardascino Park

September 15, 4:30—6:30 pm

1000 Block of Carpenter St.

 

The Cheddar Boys bring their old-time tunes to the park for a free concert.

Autumn Adventures Kids Yoga Series

September 15, 4:30—5 pm

Mama’s Wellness Joint, 1100 Pine St.

 

Kids ages 3-5 will experience the benefits of yoga from balance, flexibility, and self-expression to mindfulness and centering. The class will include storytelling and music to discover yoga postures, breathing exercises, and child-oriented meditations. Sign up online for one week or all four.

Family Cabaret: Gay B Cs Drag Story Hour

September 15, 5 pm

1316 South Percy Street

 

This all-ages Family Cabaret for the young ones in your lives is brought to you by The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, as part of this year’s edition of Late Night Snacks. Fun activities begin at 4:30 pm, including artmaking, tattoos, and some pre-show tunes, and stay for the show at 5 pm. Tickets available online.

 

 

Photograph by Kory Aversa.