5 family-friendly weekend activities
(Courtesy of Jen Bradley)
Here’s a look at what’s going on this weekend.
Friday through Sunday: Last Call for Lion King
This is the last weekend that this spectacular Broadway production will be in town. My seven year old and I saw it early in the run, and it was fantastic. She’s been staging Lion King scenes and dressing up as one character or another ever since. Get thee to the theater…you won’t be disappointed! Matinee and evening shows.
Saturday: Organ Day at the Kimmel
You’ve seen the billboard, now the day has arrived! Start the day with the story of The Little Engine that Could and find out what it’s like to tickle the keys on the largest mechanical action concert hall organ. Starting at 11 a.m., kids can enjoy hands-on demonstrations, and listen to organists play everything from opera to jazz.
Celebrate art and community at the Fleisher Art Memorial’s campus and Palumbo Park, Kids and families can enjoy art-making, music and dance with artists of all ages. ARTspiration! mission is “to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of economic means, background or artistic experience.” So join in this year’s celebration from from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Now in it’s 40th year, this festival is reported to be one of the oldest African-American festivals in the country. Head down to the 12-block festival along South Street, where you’ll find everything from African and Caribbean foods, a marketplace with over 100 vendors, and two stages with dancers and performers. Come celebrate New Year’s Yoruba style, right here in the heart of Philadelphia. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: Sensory-Friendly Franklin Institute
As wonderful as it is, the Franklin Institute can also be crowded, loud, and over-stimulating for children who are sensitive to too much sensory input. Sensory Sundays to the rescue! Kids and their grown-ups can arrive at 8 a.m. for a discounted rate, a slower, less busy atmosphere, and trained staff to support children with autism and other sensory-related issues. 8 to 9:30 a.m. is Sensory Friendly time, but participants are welcome to stay all day.
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