We work hard to bring you fun events to keep your family busy every week and weekend. From babies to teens, and every age in between, we have ideas for you every single day! So many, in fact, it may be hard to keep track, and big events might sneak up on you. So to help your planning a little more, we’re bringing you our Monthly Must-Dos—high level, “big deal” events and trends to keep on your radar as soon as you turn that calendar page. Here are this month’s top picks.

1. Black History Month

February 1-29

 

In February, Philadelphia institutions have special programming to celebrate and educate about the role that African-Americans have played and the innumerable contributions they have made to our nation. From museum events to an extensive schedule of activities from the Free Library, there is so much to learn, see, and do. Check out our roundup so you don’t miss a thing!

2. Wonderspaces

Now open at Philadelphia Fashion District, 27 N. 11th Street

 

A brand-new interactive space has arrived in Philly, with the latest in technology and experiential art.  Wonderspaces brings 14 participatory art installations from artists from around the world, each inviting and challenging viewers of all ages to think, feel, and become a part of the piece. From (digital) painting with your body to contemplating the unspoken, it is ambitious, fantastical, and larger-than-life. See our review and tips for how to enjoy this immersive new spot with the whole family!

3. Getaway at the Greenhouse

February 1—16

Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, 100 North Horticultural Drive  

 

The Horticulture Center has been transformed into an oasis with lounge areas, a beach, and family-friendly activities on weekends.  For kids, there will be a giant sandbox, lawn games, dance parties, storytimes, and more! And adults can hit up the bar with craft beers, wine, and cocktails!  New for this year, “GAIA,” a touring art installation of a 10-foot suspended planet Earth will be featured as well. Highlights include Let’s Rock Recess dance parties on Sundays (with face painters, a balloon artist, DJ, and giveaways), Drag Queen Storytime on February 6 and 13,  a visit from Curious George and PBS on February 8, and Mister John’s Music on February 11.

 

Free, but tickets are required. Children 5 and under do not require a ticket. PHLASH is offering a free shuttle service from Center City to the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center every weekend of the Greenhouse from 10 am-10 pm every 30 minutes (stops at LOVE Park, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum and the Horticulture Center).

4. Philadelphia Auto Show

February 8–17

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

The Philadelphia Auto Show is back at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with dazzling cars, from exotic to classic and everything in between. And since kids 6 and under get in free, it’s all the more reason to bring them along and make some memories. No matter what your age, there’s so much to see, with 750,000 square feet of hundreds of cars from dozens of automotive manufacturers, including pre-production models and even Hollywood-inspired cars. Whether you’re there scoping out your next family car, or just to have a fun afternoon of show-stopping automotive fantasy, we’ll be checking in to tell you what you won’t want to miss during your visit to the Auto Show (so check back soon!) which runs 10 days this year.

5. XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness

Opens February 8

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

This new exhibit at Please Touch Museum will give visitors the opportunity to think about and explore feelings through a variety of activities designed to help them understand, appreciate, and express their emotions. “XOXO” will push little ones to learn empathy through decoding facial expressions and tone of voice, express their own feelings (positive and negative), learning to let go of anger by sending bad thoughts through a shredder, work together to complete collaborative exercises, and much more. This social-emotional journey celebrates love in its many forms, and will inspire deep conversations and connections between parents and children just in time for…

6. Valentine’s Day Events

February 8-15

 

Speaking of love, there are so many ways to celebrate with your little ones in the City of Brotherly Love, with family festivals and storytimes galore. From toddler parties to places to drop the kids off for your own date night, we rounded up the best places to celebrate love around town!

 

7. Main Line Parent & Philadelphia Family Summer Camp Fair

February 23, 11 am–2 pm

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, 500 W. Willow Grove Ave.

 

Meet with over 80 camps, ask questions that go beyond perusing websites and brochures, and find the perfect fit for your best summer yet at this free event. Attendees will also receive the Philadelphia Family and Main Line Parent Camp Guide to take home and learn more about exhibiting camps. The Camp Fair will host a wide range of camp types (both day and overnight), including service, adventure, sports, nature, STEM, academics, language immersion, arts, and more for all ages. Even better, many of the participating exhibitors will be offering the opportunity to win a free week of camp. In addition to being a great resource for families, the Camp Fair will also include a Healthy Kids Showcase, with entertainment and hands-on activities for all ages. Lunch and snacks will be available for purchase at the Camp Fair Café.

 

Register online for fastest entry into the event—plus the first 200 people to register and attend get free tickets to the Franklin Institute (max 4 per family), and will be entered to win a free Philadelphia Family Supporting Membership, which includes discounts to local family-friendly attractions.

8. Philadelphia Flower Show

February 29–March 8

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.

 

Close out February and look forward to spring with this annual tradition that fills the Convention Center with floral and garden design on a larger-than-life scale. This year, take a “Riviera Holiday” as the Flower Show celebrates the vibrant sights, scents, and tastes of the Mediterranean. A highlight of the show will be a result of collaboration with the Embassy of Monaco, in celebration of its beloved Princess (and Philadelphian) Grace Kelly– a scale recreation of her rose garden, including her wedding dress. In addition to the Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation USA will sponsor the PHS Gardening for Biodiversity Symposium on March 4.

 

Also new for this year, look for mobile pop-up moments throughout the show will illustrate how some of its fascinating displays are brought to life, how to make jewelry from materials found in nature, and how to grow your own show-worthy plants. Don’t miss make-and-takes, Bloomin’ Brunch, and live butterflies. We’ll be serving up a sneak peek to tell you what you won’t want to miss during your visit, so check back soon!

 

Photograph courtesy of Please Touch Museum.