Plan the perfect weekend with our picks.

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

All Weekend

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.

POPS Goes to Hollywood

September 27—29

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

Featuring the unforgettable music of The Avengers, Black Panther, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, and a whole lot more, the Philly POPS celebrate the excitement of Hollywood. Plus, costumes are encouraged—you’ll be right at home with an expected visit from some superhero characters!

Straw Maze Fun at Woodmere Museum

September 28–29

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.

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.

Occupied Philadelphia Weekend

September 28—29

Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. Third St.

 

The Museum of the American Revolution will recreate the dark days of the British occupation with Occupied Philadelphia, a two-day living history event.  Meet costumed historical interpreters portraying soldiers, civilians, and spies on the museum’s outdoor plaza, which will feature several marketplace stalls. Complete a spy challenge to collect information on the British Army and watch street theater vignettes that bring to life dramatic moments from 1777. Plus, walking tours throughout the weekend!

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!

In Motion, In Place: Trisha Brown Dance Company in Fairmount Park

September 28–29

Mount Pleasant Mansion (3800 Mt Pleasant Dr.) and The Discovery Center (3401 Reservoir Dr.)

 

The newly reopened Strawberry Mansion Reservoir at the Discovery Center becomes a stage in Raft Piece. In Foray Forêt  the wooded grounds of Mount Pleasant mansion host dancers in golden costumes designed by artist Robert Rauschenberg. Together, these works invite Philadelphians to experience their park in a whole new way, leaving us inspired by motion, and by place. Register online for your desired timeslot.

Parks on Tap: Strawberry Mansion Bridge

September 25–29

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap closes out the season on the Strawberry Mansion Bridge!

Saturday

Free Admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum

September 28

317 Chestnut St.

 

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with free admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum all day on Saturday.

MightyFest Writing Carnival

September 28, 10 am—4 pm

Aviator Park, 1900-1958 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.

 

In celebration of Mighty Writers’ MightyFest, Aviator Park will be filled with 65 tents and tables with activities of all types for all ages. At the Mighty Main Tent, kids can pick up their MightyFest passport, and collect stamps by completing Mighty (and fun!) writing activities at each booth. Free, but pre-registration is requested.

Philly Fall Nature Fest, River Days, and Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day

September 28, 10 am—3 pm

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.

 

This free event celebrates Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day and River Days with archery, fishing, kayaking, guided walks, crafts, trolley tours, hands-on activities, food, and music. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities with over 30 local community partners including Academy of Natural Sciences, Riverbend Environmental Education Center, Let’s Go Outdoors, and many more.

Arden Bookworms

September 28, 10—10:45 am

Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N. Second Street

 

Preschoolers (age 2-4) will read Julián is a Mermaid, about gender identity and embracing who you are. Then kids will use theater games, music, and creative movement to bring the story to life. Pre-register online.

Improv 101 (Grades 6-8)

September 28, 10 am—1 pm

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

 

In this one-day workshop, kids will learn the basics of improvisational comedy using games and ensemble exercises. Pre-register online.

Nimble Crafters at Kith + Kin

September 28, 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

September 28, 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.

SWARM Festival at the Philly Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion

September 28, 11 am—5 pm

8046 Frankford Ave.

 

The Insectarium hosts a day of fun, immersive activities, live shows and performances. Get swarmed by all different types of art including face painting, acrobatics, a petting zoo, and more. Tickets available online.

Fall Festival at Pennypack Environmental Center

September 28, 11 am—4 pm

8600 Verree Rd.

 

Enjoy an afternoon of seasonal games, pumpkin painting, apple cidering, crafts and more at PEC’s annual festival.

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.

West Craft Fest

September 28, 11 am — 5 pm

The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Ave.

 

Find unique, creative wares by local makers, as well as food, live music, children’s activities, and acrobatic performances by Tangle Movement Arts.

Apple Pressing on Forbidden Drive

September 28, 11 am– 3 pm

Wissahickon Environmental Center, 300 Northwestern Avenue

 

Help make fresh apple cider using an old-fashioned cider press. Enjoy a taste of the finished cider, homemade apple butter, and vote on your favorite apple variety. No registration. All ages.

Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden

September 28, 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.

Piazza Pod Park Oktoberfest

September 28, noon—8 pm

1075 Germantown Ave.

 

This NoLibs spot (and resident giant robot) welcome their first fall season with Bavarian beer, brats, music, dancing, and family fun. Pod Park vendors will feature specials with German and fall releases. Music entertainment will include live bands and DJs. Look for family fun for the kids, too!

Bloktoberfest

September 28, noon–8 pm

Washington Ave. from Broad to 17th

 

Food, drinks, and live music for all take over Washington Avenue!

Philly Rathayatra Street Festival

September 28, noon—7 pm

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Join the Rathayatra (or the parade of chariots) along the Ben Franklin Parkway from Love Park to Eakins Oval. Then, enjoy free vegan and vegetarian food, yoga demonstrations, food and clothing vendors, a bookstore, and devotional music performances. Parade starts at noon; festival starts at 2 pm.

Mighty Fest Comic Book Workshop

September 28, 1 pm

South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St.

 

School-age children and teens are invited to join LEAP at the South Philadelphia Library to learn how to create their own three-panel comic strip: from basic drawing to storytelling. Participants will engage in group activities and short comic skill exercises.

Monarch Butterfly Program at Andorra Library

September 28, 1 pm

705 East Cathedral Road

 

Kids will learn about the amazing life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, look at caterpillars and chrysalis up close, and then release a butterfly into the wild!

Exploring Senses through Food and Music: India

September 28, 1 pm

Widener Library, 2808 W. Lehigh Ave.

 

Explore the food, music, and culture of India.  All ages welcome.

Saturday STEAM

September 28, 1 pm

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St.

 

Art projects, science experiments, engineering challenges, and more.

Sugar Skull: A Día de los Muertos Musical Adventure

September 28, 1 pm

Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.

 

When a candy skeleton in her abuelita’s cemetery suddenly springs to life, Vita finds herself on a magical, musical journey to unravel the true meaning of Día de los Muertos.

Jewelry Making Workshop

September 28, 2—4 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

 

Learn how to make bracelets and necklaces. All materials will be provided.  For school-age children.  Space and materials are limited; pre-registration is suggested.

Audition Technique (Grades 9-12)

September 28, 2—5 pm

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

 

In this one-day workshop, teens will get tips and pointers to nail their audition! Students are asked to prepare a one-minute long monologue for class. Pre-register online.

Sunday

Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival

September 29, 11 am—5 pm

Germantown Avenue, between Willow Grove and Rex Avenues

 

This festival welcomes the season by bringing together the community as well as artists and vendors from around the county. Enjoy a day of live music, delicious food, and fun for the family including craft activities and rides for children.

Sundays with PopUp Play

September 29

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.

Puerto Rican Festival Parade

September 29, noon—3 pm

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

Traditional Latino music, poetry, and dance make this vibrant festival a must-see event.

PAFA Family Art Academy

September 29, 2—4 pm

PAFA, 118-128 N. Broad St.

 

Use the patterns and details of PAFA’s historic building – flowers, leaves, and even machine parts – to practices the ancient art techniques of mosaic making. Free admission.

Cake Workshop: Mommy and Me Under the Sea

September 29, 2—3:30 pm

Ella Vanilla, 7922 Germantown Ave.

 

Decorate a fun cake with cake artist and owner of Ella Vanilla, Noelle DeSantis. Kids ages 5 to 8 and their parent will decorate one 6-inch vanilla cake with vanilla icing in a fun under the sea theme. Purchase class by emailing Info@EllaVanilla.com or calling (215) 909-9392.

Autumn Adventures Kids Yoga Series

September 29, 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.

Family Cabaret: Drag Story Hour with Bearded Ladies Cabaret

September 29, 5 pm

1316 South Percy Street

 

It’s time for a Royaltea Party with John Jarboe and Cookie Diorio! This all-ages Drag Cabaret for the young ones in your lives is brought to you by The Bearded Ladies Cabaret. Fun activities begin at 4:30 pm, and the show starts at 5 pm. Tickets available online.

RH²: Rosh Hashanah in Rittenhouse Square

September 29, 5—7 pm

Rittenhouse Square (18^th and Walnut streets)

 

Bring a lawn chair, grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and gather in the park for a free evening of spirited music and a family-friendly service to celebrate the Jewish New Year. In the event of rain, RH² will be moved indoors to the BZBI Sanctuary.

 

 

Photograph by Laura Swartz.