Looking for fun, educational things to do with the family? We’ve got you covered.
National Liberty Museum
There are a few reasons to head to the NLM this fall. First, families can check out two new exhibits — ‘Project Liberty: A Design Challenge’, which opens Sept. 15, and ‘Data Nation: Democracy in the Age of A.I.’, open now through next March.
Other events on the docket include Collegefest (Sept. 9-10) which is when the NLM joins Campus Philly to welcome new and returning college students with free admission throughout the weekend. Project Liberty: A Design Challenge Community Open House will then happen on Saturday, Oct. 7 and will feature pay-what-you-wish admission and engaging activities suitable for all ages.
A full list of family offerings coming up this season from the National Liberty Museum is available online.
321 Chestnut St., libertymuseum.org
Otherworld Philly
Otherworld Philly is essentially an imaginative playground packed into a cinematic experience boasting 55 unique rooms and installations, which visitors can explore in a self-guided tour. The concept is the brainchild of 100 artists, modelers, animators, creative technologists, fabricators and more led by founder Jordan Renda.
Otherworld Philly is for all ages, and Renda notes at the brand’s sister location in Ohio, the daytime tends to see a lot of families, while the evenings shift and the experience can become more of a date night or crowd activity. The venue is open every day except Tuesdays with tickets beginning at $34.99 and is located at 2500 Grant Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. For more information, operating hours, and to purchase tickets, head to the venue’s website.
2500 Grant Ave., otherworldphila.com
Please Touch Museum’s ‘Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit’
Opening Sept. 22, the Please Touch Museum will be welcoming ‘Dinosaur Train: The Traveling Exhibit’ — based on The Jim Henson Company’s hit PBD KIDS TV series, ‘Dinosaur Train’. As a release states, the exhibit takes children on a time-traveling adventure as they hop aboard the Dinosaur Train and join the show’s star, Buddy, on his quest to learn more about dinosaurs. Visitors to the Museum will learn about paleontology, natural history, and more.
Highlights include the Dinosaur Train where kids can hunt for fossils with paleontology brushes in the dig pit, or, kids can practice math skills by comparing the length and height of different dinosaurs and press fossils into clay to identify dinosaurs by their footprints. A full list of offerings can be found online.
4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org
Center City District
There are a few different activations happening inside of Center City parks this season, and many of them are perfect for families. For one, a hay maze will call Dilworth Park home from Sept. 29 to Oct. 8 and will be open for all ages, and then Harvest Weekend will be in full swing from Oct. 6 to 8.
The three-day harvest festivities will feature performances from local bands, live pumpkin carving demonstrations and roaming circus performers, plus, some seasonal food staples such as bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels, and adults can enjoy Tröegs Oktoberfest and Michelob Ultra, along with specialty cocktails made with Maker’s Mark® Bourbon and Haku® Vodka while hanging out with their little ones.
Additionally, The Philly Goat Project will stop by to entertain guests on Friday night, and on Saturday afternoon. Then, on Tuesdays this fall at Sister Cities Park, Philadelphians can join in on Parkway Pals Storytime where toddlers and their parents will be joined by the Free Library of Philadelphia for stories, songs and movement.
Philly AIDS Thrift Fall Fest and Block Party
The 18th annual iteration of the event will take place on the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge and Monroe streets) on Saturday, Sept. 30, and will feature a different array of free and family-friendly events.
From noon to 6 p.m., Philadelphians can expect a celebrity dunk tank, moonbounce, games, face painting, food trucks, carnival games, magicians, shopping, a pie eating contest, dozens of craft vendors, and more. DJ Robert Drake, a Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN, will also be on-site spinning tunes for the event.
The day of activities will also feature live performances by Rockers Galore, Sug Daniels, Tony & the Kik plus that Double Dutch meet-up—and anyone can join in on the latter.
The Back to School Jawn
On Saturday, Sept. 23, The Back to School Jawn will be in full swing starting at noon. As a release states, located at Mastery Charter (Hardy High), whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, every one can come out and enjoy the festivities, which include a range of vendors, activities and of course school supplies.
400 Warrington Ave., eventbrite.com
