Plan the perfect weekend with our picks!

Click here for ongoing events that run through the weekend. Looking for more? Click here for Main Line weekend events!

 

All Weekend

Keystone Comic Con

September 14—16

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

This weekend of comic book and pop culture begins Friday. From cosplay to celebrities, there’s fun for all ages. Kids age 6-12 can get a 3-day pass for $25 (these sell out fast).  On Saturday, celebrate Batman Day, where kids will get a free cape and comic book, and there will be Batman-themed panels all day long for teens and older comic fans.

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Weekend at Morris Arboretum

September 15–16, 10 am—5 pm

100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia

 

This weekend, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends take over the rails of Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway!

Parks on Tap: Fairmount Water Works

September 12–16

640 Waterworks Dr.

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to this historic Fairmount site, with beautiful views of the river and the Art Museum.

Saturday

Delaware River Festival

September 15, 10 am—4 pm

Philadelphia and Camden Waterfronts

 

For the first time ever, PDE’s Pennsylvania Coast Day and AWE’s River Days are coming together for a “coast to coast” experience. Cross the Delaware River over the Ben Franklin Bridge on foot or bike, or take advantage of free ferry rides from one event to the other. There will be educational fun for families, on-the-water activities, games and crafts for kids, face painting, music, beer garden, fishing opportunities, and much more!

Temple University Free Intro Music and Dance Sessions

September 15, 9 am—1pm

TUCC Campus (1515 Market St.) and Friends Select School (17th and the Parkway)

 

Temple University is offering a free day of demo classes, ranging from little ones to teens, and from music theory to modern dance. Sign up online to reserve a spot!

Philadelphia Orchestra Sound All Around

September 15, 10 am and 11:15 am

Academy of Music Ballroom, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Philadelphia Orchestra violinist, Daniel Han, will introduce the unique ways string instruments create their magical sound.

Arden Theatre Bookworms: ‘Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes’

September 15, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second St.

 

Kids ages 2-4 hear the book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, and then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-registration is required.

Heritage Skills and Trades: Daily Life in Centuries Past

September 15, 10 am—4 pm

Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road

 

Meet artisans engaged in some of these historic activities and get a glimpse into what daily life might have been like in centuries past. Craftsmen will be demonstrating blacksmithing, wood carving, spinning and weaving, open hearth cooking, basket making and more! Feeling historic? Try your own hand at several seasonal “chores” like candle-making or make a popular kid’s toy to take home! Buy tickets online.

Batman Day at Ontario Street Comics

September 15, 10 am—8 pm

2235 E. Ontario St.

 

Celebrate Batman with a free Batman comic, photo ops with costumed characters, and more.

AdventureWoods Free Public Hours

September 15, 10 am—2 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road

 

This innovative, sustainable natural playground engages children in creative, imaginative, and active discovery. Kids are free to have fun and learn, experiment and discover, all while exercising and enjoying the outdoors.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

September 15, 10:30—11:30 am

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

 

Grab your hiking boots for a naturalist-led exploration with your little ones. Gather in the Discovery Center for a short introduction and craft before hitting the trails for guided exploration and discovery. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Interactive River Rooms Exploration

September 15, 11 am—3 pm

Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

Part of the Art@Bartram series, travel between River Rooms to enjoy a variety of family-friendly experiences inspired by each of their themes: the moon, tides, fish, diatoms, wind and water patterns, and the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Enjoy art and science activities, music, refreshments, and the opportunity to enjoy a ride on the Bartram’s Mile trail using bicycles from Bartram’s Garden’s bike fleet. Free boating will also be available so that you can get out on the water and experience the tides firsthand.

Fringe Festival presents: ‘Music for Children and Other Curious People’

September 15, 11 am

Children’s Community School, 1212 S 47th St.

 

“Curious: Think Outside the Pipeline” tells the musical story of Clio and her sibling Taylor as they strive to organize their town. With the help of a songful community, a dancing pencil, and you, dear audience, they strive for big change, even in the face of some bigger, more powerful people. Tickets available online.

Philly POPS at Vernon Park

September 15, noon—1:30 pm

5800 Germantown Ave.

 

This free concert in the park features an ensemble of eight musicians led by University of the Arts professors and POPS musicians Matt Gallagher and Ron Kerber. The ensemble will also provide accompaniment for featured vocalists.

Author Workshop: Superheroes Among Us (Age 4 and up)

September 15, 2—3 pm

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

This workshop is designed to teach kids age 4 and up the basics of character design using illustration, visual art, and storytelling techniques. Students work together to create super heroes based on interviews with each other as they learn about the power of empathy and how we all have something that makes us “super.”

Super Saturday Matinee: ‘The Dark Crystal’

September 15, 2–4 pm

South Street Cinema, 327 South Street

 

Share this 80’s classic fantasy with a new generation!

Sunday

Superhero Sunday at Please Touch Museum

September 16, 11 am—5 pm (Black Panther appearances at noon, 1pm, and 2 pm)

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Meet costumed capers, celebrate community heroes, and discover your own powers! Superhero-themed crafts, storytimes, and more will fill the day and inspire little ones. There will even be Black Panther Meet and Greets at noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm!

Mt. Airy Village Fair

September 16, 11 am—4 pm

Greene Street and Carpenter Lane

 

A community day of celebration with interactive events for all ages, live music on two stages (including a kids stage), a petting zoo, local makers and businesses, food trucks, and fun for the whole family.

Sundays with Pop-Up Play

September 16, 11:30 am–12:30 pm

Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Children and families will engage in free interactive activities through art, music, science, and physical movement that revolve around themes like water science, civic engagement, building, and more.

Eagles Game on the Big Screen at Schmidt’s Commons

September 16, 1—4 pm

1001 N. Second St.

 

E-A-G-L-E-S! Come out and watch the Eagles take on the Bucs on the big screen!

Mexican Independence Day Festival

September 16, 2–8 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing 

 

Guests can celebrate Mexican Independence with music, food, dancing, and more. Browse traditional arts and crafts, dance with Mexican rock bands, and enjoy kids activities during the popular event at Penn’s Landing.

Kids Music Show featuring Mister John

September 16, 4:30 pm

Markward Playground, Taney and Pine streets

 

Free outdoor kids’ concert with LOVE Awards’ Family Fave Mister John’s Music!