January 07, 2015
Woodmere Art Museum/for PhillyVoice
"Tired Out," 1912, Leopold Seyffert is featured in Woodmere's "I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly."
Don’t let your little loved ones feel down now that the holidays have passed. There are still plenty of family activities to do in the Philadelphia region. From special winter walks to indoor movie screenings, there are several fun ways to occupy even the most fickle-minded kiddie. Have a busy week? Don’t worry; many of the events below are reoccurring.
Take a nature walk, create crafts, play games and listen to a story during this special children’s program. Meant for toddlers ages 2 to 4, this Briar Bush class occurs three times a week and includes a snack time.
Friday, January 9
10:30-11:30 a.m. | $10 for one adult and one child, $5 each additional child
Briar Bush Nature Center
1212 Edge Hill Rd., Abington, Pa.
(215) 887-6693
In this late afternoon parent-child nature walk, get out into the winter weather to look for animal tracks and play in the Tall Trees Playscape. This activity is meant for children ages 2 to 5 and they should be dressed for outdoor play. Seedlings reoccurs most Fridays.
Friday, January 9
4-5 p.m. | $8
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd.
(215) 482-7300 ext. 110
Don’t miss this family friendly screening of the hit film “The Lego Movie.” Starring the voices of Chris Pratt and Will Ferrell, the film tells the story of Emmett, an ordinary LEGO man mistaken for an extraordinary hero. You’ll be singing the film’s original song, “Everything is Awesome,” for weeks.
Saturday, January 10
10:30 a.m. | $4
Ambler Theater
108 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, Pa.
(215) 345-7855
This playful museum exhibit tells the familiar story of Burl Ives' 1953 hit "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" through art. Each of the animals mentioned in the song will be represented through items in Woodmere's collection, including photos, sculptures and paintings.
Saturday, January 10 through Sunday, March 1
Hours vary | $10 for adults, free for children
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Ave.
(215) 247-0476
In conjunction with the Center for Architecture’s “Constructing Play” exhibit, this workshop will teach children the importance of sustainability. Using recycled materials and their imaginations, children will help play architect by building a mini city. The workshop is appropriate for children in grades 2 through 6.
Saturday, January 10
1-2:30 p.m. | $20 per child, 1 free adult per child
Philadelphia Center for Architecture
1218 Arch St.
(215) 569-3186
For children and adults with sensory difficulties – such as those easily overwhelmed by crowds or loud noise – the Franklin Institute has a special event. Opening extra early for quiet time with modified exhibits, Institute staff will be on hand to direct visitors to “cool down” spaces to take a break if needed.
Sunday, January 11
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $12.50 for adults, $9.50 for children ages 3-11
The Franklin Institute
271 N. 21st St.
(215) 448-1200
Kids will love playing in the “mud” on a potter’s wheel as they learn to make bowls, plates and more. Of course, wearing clothes you can get dirty is a must because that wheel makes for a messy good time! This class is great for children ages 4 to 12 with a parent in tow and The Clay Studio offers similar classes every Saturday.
Saturday, January 10
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | $17.50; $15 for members
The Clay Studio
137-139 N. 2nd St.
(215) 925-3453
Create beautiful beaded snowflake decorations perfect for winter at this PECO-sponsored workshop. When you’re done, hop on a family friendly tour of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens at 1 or 3 p.m. PECO Family Jams occur every second Sunday of the month.
Sunday, January 11
12-4 p.m. | $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South St.
(215) 733-0390
Experience the Zoo after dark with a special sleepover complete with nighttime hike. Children ages 5 to 12 and their chaperones will meet an expert to learn how animals are cared for at the zoo. Participants will even sleep in the special wildlife academy. Tickets include next-day zoo admission.
Saturday, January 17
5 p.m.–9:30 a.m. | $55 per person
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
(215) 243-1100
In conjunction with the Academy of Natural Sciences, Linvilla Orchard has created a unique, 18-hole mini golf course to teach children about the environment. Each hole explores a different environmental topic and is enjoyable for the whole family. Come back January 15 to visit Linvilla’s Ultimate Recycled Maze made from old Christmas trees.
Now through Saturday, April 4
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily | $4.95 for children ages 10 and under, $6.95 for children 11 and older
Linvilla Orchard
137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, Pa.
(610) 876-7116
