Philly Weekend Family Fun: Bugs, Time Machine & Taiko!
Entomologists, come forth… the bugs have landed! Big Bugs spring to life all over the Arboretum’s 92-acre garden. Sculptor David Rogers constructed these creatures mostly from found materials, such as trees and plants that have fallen and died. The 11 Big Bugs on display are 3 Big Ants, 1 Praying Mantis, 1 Dragon Fly, 1 Damsel Fly, 1 Spider with web, 1 Assassin Bug, 1 XL Lady Bug, 1 Grasshopper, and 1 Daddy Long-Legs. These whimsical works of art send an ecological message about the vital role that insects play in the environment.
BIG BUGS Grand Opening EventSaturday, April 6, 11:00am – 2:00pmFree with admission.Get your shield bug (aka Stinkbug) costume out of the attic! Dress as bugs for a parade around the garden. There will be bug-inspired music, a bug craft activity, and Big Bugs scavenger hunt maps. Also on site from 11am-12:30pm will be expert naturalists from The Academy of Natural Sciences with a variety of insects, some of their relatives (perhaps a tarantula or scorpion!), as well as some impressive mounted specimens.
Itching to Know More About Annelids, Arachnids, and Diptera? Go see the Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a FlyA Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Production, Saturday, 11amSomething is wiggling, buzzing and flying around the Walnut Street Theatre… and it’s exciting, slimy and hilarious! Kids love this rock-n-roll romp in a big bug’s world. Is Spider getting too big for his own skin? Will Fly find her superhero powers in time to save her Aunt Rita from danger? Will Worm learn to stand on his own two feet? Based on the wonderful books by Doreen Cronin!
Time Machine Lift-Off at the Philadelphia International Festival for the Arts through April 2The Kimmel CenterDuring the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, stop by the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza and discover what “time travel” can mean to you on a personal level. See live performances, hear great music, grab a snack, bring the kids, and join audiences of all ages as they navigate an interactive Time Machine.
SATURDAY, 4/6: FAMILY FUN, 11:00am: Grow Up Great! The Talking King Travels through Time!The Talking King returns to explore the festival’s theme “If you had a time machine…” The stage is set and he’s ready to take little ones on a magical journey through the decades – experiencing the diversity and history of music from eras past and future! From Bach to Michael Jackson, families will enjoy this innovative and interactive program.
SUNDAY, 4/7: FAMILY FUN, Commonwealth Plaza, The Kimmel CenterThe Time Machine comes to life through a live upbeat show, bringing together the past and future through rocking songs, large puppetry, passionate dancing, 16 amazing performers, and lots of special effects.When a Time Machine is in control anything might happen.Bring out the little ones for some weekend family-friendly fun including crafts and live performances — programmed specially for our little arts lovers!11:00am: Kulture Kool: Exploring India!
Taiko!Saturday, April 6, 2013 – 8:00pm to 10:00pm at The Painted Bride Art CenterOne of the highlights of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, the Tamagawa Taiko Drum and Dance group return to Philadelphia. The thundering drums and intricate dances create a thrilling experience!$25 in advance / $30 at the door
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The Tamagawa Taiko Drum and Dance group appears Sunday, April 7, 2013, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, at Swarthmore College, Lang Concert Hall 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081Free Admission. Please note: seating is limited and first-come-first-serve.
Calling all Storytellers and Playwrights!
StoryUP! and the Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) join forces to present an interactive storytelling show where Philly’s finest improvisers create a funny and magical hour of adventure based on ideas and stories from kids in the audience! A family show recommended for ages 5 and up.Sunday, April 7, 2013, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMPhilly Improv Theater @ The Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147-1526
Discover the Magic of Making Art with Found Objects at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Great and Mighty ThingsSunday, April 7, 2013, Free after admissionExplore the exhibition Great and Mighty Things: Outsider Art from the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Collection and discover the world of self-taught artists. Create your own art out of found and recycled materials at the Family Studio. First Sunday of the Month: “Pay What You Wish” Museum Admission
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