Family events in Philadelphia, PA

Mr. John leads a session of stories, songs, and fingerplays, followed by a playgroup.

Children can dive into pretend play with a variety of toys and costumes. They might care for a baby doll, role-play as a veterinarian, or serve imaginary meals from a make-believe food truck. This playful session is geared toward ages 3 to 8. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver.

The annual group night and tailgate with the Holy Name Knights of Columbus centers on a matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays. The occasion also coincides with Chase Utley Wall of Fame Night.

Sistah Soul Series 2026 brings soulful energy, smooth sounds, and a welcoming sense of community to Cherry Street Pier on the Philadelphia waterfront. Presented by Shekhinah B. of The Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, this free, all-ages music gathering features vocalists, poets, instrumentalists, and DJs sharing R&B, jazz, soul, and improvisation beneath the pier lights. Designed for artists and audiences alike, it creates space to relax and discover fresh talent while celebrating Philadelphia’s creative spirit.

Enjoy a gentle, volunteer-led birding walk that blends learning with time outdoors at the Refuge. More than 300 bird species migrate through this area, so what you see can vary from week to week. The group meets by the visitor center and follows flat paths at an easy pace. Restrooms are located near the trailhead. No registration is needed.

Cruisin’ Classics Car Club presents its 25th annual showcase at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, bringing classic vehicles and the community together for a rain-or-shine celebration. Expect rows of standout cars, music, food, adult beverages, and plenty of shaded areas for comfort, plus raffles, giveaways, and a 50/50 drawing where winners must be present. Participants compete for 50 top trophies, including Sponsor Choice and Best of Show, with judging based on merit. The first 150 cars in attendance receive dash plaques, and the first 100 also take home a collectible die-cast car. Space is limited to 300 vehicles, so early arrival is recommended. Day-of vehicle registration is $25, with a discounted preregistration option available. Spectator admission is $3. The event supports donations to Bucks County SPCA, adding a charitable purpose to the festivities.

Kick off the morning at Chick-fil-A with Breakfast Bingo, featuring bingo games, breakfast favorites, and chances to win prizes. Participation is complimentary with the purchase of a breakfast meal.

Ranger Hannah leads a hands-on crafting session that gives recycled fishing line new life. Attendees are welcome to bring shells, small trinkets, or natural finds to personalize their creations. Essential supplies, including beads, line, and components for hanging, will be provided.

Philadelphia Zoo teams up with Odunde365 to showcase African culture and dance throughout the Zoo. The celebration carries forward the spirit of South Philly’s annual Odunde Festival, known as the largest African American street festival in the country. Attendees can enjoy special performances, take part in classes, and explore interactive activations led by Odunde365. West Philly Reading Captains will be there with themed books to share during the festivities. Access is included with Zoo admission or membership, and a full schedule will be announced closer to the day.

Sluggball, a new competition that celebrates pure hitting, presents the All-Star Classic at Meiklejohn Stadium. Proceeds support The Darren Daulton Foundation and the Ruben Amaro Sr. Foundation. The lineup is scheduled to include former Phillies World Series MVP Cole Hamels, joined by Phillies Wall of Famer Mike Lieberthal, Mickey Morandini, Kevin Stocker, Milt Thompson, Domonic Brown, and Sluggball co-founder Ruben Amaro Jr. World Series champion manager Charlie Manuel and Phillies legend Larry Bowa are set to manage opposing teams of Phillies and MLB alumni. This 4-on-4 showdown removes defense and base running so every moment centers on the batter. Each plate appearance offers eight swings or 35 seconds, with hitters aiming for set zones including the pull side, up the middle, the opposite field, and around the horn. The format moves quickly, emphasizes situational execution and strategic scoring, and is designed to be clear and welcoming for a wide range of ages and skill levels.

Celebrating its eighth year, the Port Richmond Pierogi Festival brings together more than 100 vendors, live bands, and family friendly entertainment.

Explore Cliveden with free tours of the house. Tours begin in the Cliveden Barn and lead visitors through the grounds and into the first and second floors of the house. No registration in advance is required. Along the way, guests can view two exhibitions, Procuring Liberty in the Emerging Nation and Looking Glass.

Spend an afternoon in an open green area with live performances, food to enjoy, and shopping from vendors from the area. This outdoor community gathering offers a warm setting to connect with others in the community, listen to music, sample bites, and browse items for sale. Families and friends can relax together outside and share in the neighborhood spirit.

The Franklin Mills Flea Market sets up every Sunday, weather permitting, in the Franklin Mills Liberty Plaza parking lot. Look for it in the same lot as the Burger King, with a CVS at the corner. Vendors can choose daily or monthly spaces, and payment at the front of the line is cash only. To pay by credit card, arrange a prepayment in advance. Space is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis unless a monthly spot has been reserved. Food vendors are not being accepted at this time. For details on permitted merchandise or weather updates, contact the office by phone or email, or check the market’s website.

Explore the whimsical spirit of whirligigs with a hands-on craft session inspired by artist Vollis Simpson. In 1988, Isaiah Zagar, creator of the Magic Gardens, visited Simpson’s Whirligig Park in North Carolina and brought home several original pieces. As the Magic Gardens took shape, Zagar celebrated artists who influenced him, placing Simpson’s name in mosaics around a front gallery window. Four of Simpson’s metal birds also soar above the sculpture garden hallways, offering a direct connection to his playful work. During this PECO Family Jams program, participants create a garden ornament from salvaged materials, drawing on Simpson’s inventive approach. Learn more about his art and its presence at the Magic Gardens during tours of the mosaic-covered basement. Crafts and basement tours are included with regular admission, and the series is designed with families in mind.

Family Day in Fishtown features food, arcade games, and a friendly atmosphere for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. A portion of token sales supports Gamers Outreach, a charity that brings recreation to children in hospitals through video games and the gaming community.

Enjoy a creative afternoon at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with Family Art Day, a free program for all ages that encourages making art together. Participants can take part in a monthly make-and-take activity, experiment with new materials, explore the museum, and bring home their own artwork. Museum admission is included with the program. Advance registration is required.

Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay brings hands-on activities to Spruce Street Harbor Park, turning the waterfront into a place where families can imagine, build, and create together. It is free for everyone and welcomes all ages. Stations feature creative crafts and beginner-friendly STEM projects that invite kids and grown-ups to tinker, design, and experiment side by side. Offerings change regularly, with themes like Wacky Ways to Paint, Build a Boat, Create String Art, Clay Creations, Making Miniatures, Shadow Puppets, PopUpPlay’s Board Game Lab, PopUpPlay’s Cardboard Carnival, and Make Things Fly with catapults. Participation is first come, first served while supplies last, and every visit offers a friendly space to explore, collaborate, and make lasting memories as a family.

This event offers children and teens a chance to create bead crafts such as friendship bracelets, keychains, dolls, and more. Participants can keep their creations or trade them with friends or family. This hands-on session centers on creative beadwork.

Hosted by Community Council Health Systems, this family-friendly celebration focuses on connection, support, and community impact. Expect free bookbags and school supplies to help students gear up for the new school year, along with food trucks and bounce houses for plenty of fun. Raffles, games, and prizes add to the excitement, while free resources and health screenings provide helpful support. Music and opportunities to connect with neighbors round out a lively, welcoming day.