Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

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

All Weekend

Spruce Street Harbor Park Fall Fest

September 21—22

301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

 

SSHP closes out the season with a weekend of fall fun, including live music, face painting, crafts, and more kids’ activities. For adults, there will be a wide variety of seasonal brews too!

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.

Billy the Baaadly Behaving Bully Goat: The Musical

September 21—22, 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.

‘Beyond the Light’

September 18–22

Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13^th St.

 

Families from ages 6 and up will be enchanted by this unique, theatrical exploration of dance, light effects, and puppetry is set to the poetry of Walt Whitman and Emma Lazarus. Tickets available online.

Straw Maze Fun at Woodmere Museum

September 21–22

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: Pretzel Park

September 18–22

4300 Silverwood St.

 

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

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! Plus on Sunday afternoon, stop by for jewelry making from 2–4 pm.

Candytopia

Opens September 20

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

Free Museum Day

September 21

 

September 21 is Smithsonian’s Museum Day when select museums and cultural institutions across the country open their doors and offer free admission. Here’s where to go in Philly, and how to get your free tickets!

Boxing + Brunch

September 21, 8:45 am—2 pm

WeWork, 1010 N. Hancock St.

 

Boxing + Brunch is a half-day retreat for teenage girls that uses fitness + fun to build confidence, learn life skills, and connect with mentors. Attendees will walk away with new boxing gloves, a swag bag, boxing skills, confidence, and connection to amazing mentors. Space is limited, get tickets online.

¡Fiesta! : Celebrating Hispanic Heritage at Please Touch Museum

September 21, 9 am—5 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Listen, dance, and create to explore traditions near and far, old and new.

BubblePOP!

September 21, 10 am—3 pm

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20^th St.

 

The magic of bubbles comes to life in this family-friendly event all about bubbles! Create glistening bubbles with a variety of tools, make different bubble wands, see large scale liquid nitrogen bubble explosions, and even become immersed in a giant bubble created by a hula hoop! Free with museum admission.

Active Mom Fitness Grand Opening

September 21, 10—11:30 am

1822 N. Front St.

 

Stop by the new mom-focused Fishtown Studio for giveaways and mini sessions. RSVP requested.

2019 Philly High School Fair

September 21, 10 am—2 pm

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

Learn about over 100 high school options in Philadelphia. Meet with representatives to discuss admissions requirements, extracurricular activities, academics, and more. Free; no registration required.

PCOM Wellness Fest

September 21, 10 am—3 pm

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4170 City Ave.

 

A free day healthy fun for the whole family, including health screenings, free kids’ activities, food trucks, and more. Register online.

Arden Bookworms

September 21, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read the always-funny Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems, and then use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

Nimble Crafters at Kith + Kin

September 21, 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.

‘Where is Robin?’ Storytime and Book Signing

September 21, 10:30 am

Momo’s Tree House, 205 Arch Street

 

Join Robin on her adventure through Philadelphia! Meet the author and learn a bit more about our city.

Learn2Code with Philly CoderDojo

September 21, 10:30 am

South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St.

 

Philly CoderDojo will be offering a free coding club for kids ages 7 to 17, offering the coding tools to develop websites, mobile apps, games and more! The workshop is free but space is limited; register by emailing PHLCoderDojo@gmail.com

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

September 21, 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.

PNC Grow Up Great Free Concerts at the Kimmel Center

September 21, 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.”

Tacony LAB Art Club for Kids

September 21, 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.

Crease Street Block Party

September 21, 11 am—9 pm

1238 Crease St.

 

Food, drinks, raffles, entertainment, games, and more family-fun await at this 83-year-old community party in Fishtown.

Madison K Carnival

September 21, noon—6 pm

600 N. Second St.

 

Madison K. is celebrating two years in business with a carnival including face painting, balloon twisting, games, and more!

Cianfrani Park Fall Festival

September 21, 11 am—5 pm

Eighth and Fitzwater streets

 

Come out for a full day of bands, food trucks, activities, and special guests, flea market, face painting, and plenty of fun and games for kids.

South Philly SausageFest

September 21, 11 am—7 pm

Broad Street and W. Passyunk Ave.

 

Enjoy food, drink, live music, and more at this annual community event.

 

Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden

September 21, 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.

MANAfest

September 21

Main Street, Manayunk

 

This family-friendly event brings a full day of live music, seasonal activities, shopping, food vendors, and all things fall to Main Street in Manayunk.

PHL Oktoberfest

September 21, noon—10 pm

Outside Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Ave. (kids’ activities on Shackamaxon Avenue)

 

Fishtown transforms into Oktoberfest with live music, food, and plenty of beer. On Shackamaxon Avenue, find family-friendly activities including music by The Laura and Joe Show, pony rides, and hands-on activities with PlayArts.

Philly AIDS Thrift Block Party

September 21, noon—6 pm

710 S. Fifth St.

 

Enjoy celebrity dunk tank, moon bounce, games, food trucks, face painting, carnival games, magicians, dancing in the streets, shopping, a pie eating contest and more. There will also be entertainment in the form of a DJ spinning tunes, circus performance by Squidling Brothers, live music, games, and other surprises!

Special Saturday Storytime

September 21, 1 pm

Bushrod Library, 6304 Castor Ave.

 

A special Saturday storytime featuring Max and the Tag-Along Moon. Giveaway book will be provided for each family to take home (while supplies last).

Musical Theatre Jam: The Lion King

September 21, 2—4 pm

Arden Drama School, Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second St.

 

Using songs from Disney’s beloved movie and Broadway musical The Lion King, kids in grades K-2 will learn a musical theatre number, complete with choreography, to be performed at the end of class for family and friends. Pre-register online.

Musical Theatre Jam: Hamilton

September 21, 2—5 pm

Arden Drama School, Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second St.

 

With Hamilton in Philly, kids in grades 3-5 will learn a special cut of a song from the Broadway hit musical, complete with choreography, to be performed at the end of class for family and friends. Pre-register online.

Weirdo: The East Kensington Arts and Oddities Festival

September 21, 2—8 pm

Kensington Community Food Co-op, 2670 Coral St.

 

Art, oddness, dogs, and some scarecrows made of trash. Also music, food, beer, and some stuff for your kids to do.

Sunday

Sundays with PopUp Play

September 22

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.

Open House at Philly Rock Gym Fishtown

September 22, 1—4 pm

2412 E. York St.

 

Check out Philly Rock Gym; plus, free climbing for kids ages 4-15! No climbing experience necessary.

PAFA Family Art Academy

September 22, 2—4 pm

PAFA, 118-128 N. Broad St.

 

Kick off the fall by creating prints inspired by the natural world – if you bring in a t-shirt or piece of clothing to decorate, you can even take home something wearable! Free admission.

Peppa Pig Live!

September 22, 3 pm

The Met, 858 N. Broad St.

 

Every toddler’s favorite British pig comes to Philly in an action-packed live stage show, featuring your favorite characters as life-size puppets.  Peppa Pig’s Adventure finds the gang camping in the woods, singing a bunch of songs, and probably calling someone a clever clogs.

Sunday in the Park with Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir

September 22, 3—4 pm

Gorgas Park, 6300 Ridge Ave.

 

Enjoy a free performance at Gorgas Park by local children’s choirs.

Family Sunday Screening: ‘The Lion King’

September 22, 3—5 pm

Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.

 

Buy snacks from on-site vendors (including Little Baby’s Ice Cream), and settle in for the original animated Disney classic The Lion King.

Autumn Adventures Kids Yoga Series

September 22, 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: Drag Story Hour with Martha Graham Cracker and Bearded Ladies Cabaret

September 22, 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 Guy Ginn, courtesy of Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.