PhillyFun4Kids

Lots to do this weekend in Philly! Don’t miss lots of family fun including an early Chanukah festival, Diwali celebrations, and also a special focus on the dogs in anticipation of next weekend’s National Dog Show, too!

Diwali: Festival of Lights
Saturday Nov. 10
11am – 3pm
Reading Terminal Market
51 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA

It’s Diwali festival happening at Reading Terminal Market on Saturday Nov. 10th from 11am – 3pm. Festivities include Indian cultural dances, cooking demos at City Kitchen and art & hand-painting activities. Free.

Pets in Prison with New Leash on Life
Saturday Nov. 10 – Nov. 11
12-4pm
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
2027 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Eastern State Penitentiary partners with New Leash on Life USA for Family Weekend: Pets in Prison. Families discover unique stories about prison animals all weekend long and kids hear about Eastern State Penitentiary’s most famous four-legged resident, Pep the Dog. Kids can also participate in an animal-themed scavenger hunt and find out how animals continue to play a role in prisons today.

The Perfect Dog 
Friday Nov. 9 – Sunday Nov. 11
The Centre Theater
208 DeKalb St.
Norristown, PA

Don’t miss this family-friendly musical inspired by the book The Perfect Dog written by National Dog Show host, award-winning actor, host, composer and life-long dog lover, John O’Hurley running at the newly renovated The Centre Theater in Norristown, PA. The play features music and lyrics by David Abbinanti and book by Jill Abbinanti and is directed by Carmen Rossi. A portion of the ticket sales of this show will benefit To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. All shows will include a special Meet and Greet with dogs available for adoption prior to the start of each performance. Tickets $15 and up children; $20 and up adults.

Got Chanukah Festival 
Sunday Nov. 11
11am – 1pm
Or Ami Synagogue
708 Ridge Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA

Head to the Or Ami Synagogue in Lafayette Hill on Sunday Nov. 11th for the Got Chanukah festival from 11am – 1pm. Enjoy games, crafts, raffles and food. Raffles are $5 for 1 and $20 for 10. Wristbands are $18 in advance and $20 at the door.

PECO Family Jams: Masks as Folk Art
Sunday Nov. 11
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Second Sunday of the month means it’s time for PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia Magic Garden. This month’s program features mask-making – an evolving tradition in Mexico for thousands of years, from traditional dances to Carnival celebrations to contemporary luche libre wrestling. Depictions of masks can be found throughout Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, and within the folk art so admired by PMG-creator Isaiah Zagar. Join PMG teaching artist, Mexico City-native Nora Litz, in creating a personal mask that might be worn or displayed as art. And learn more about Isaiah’s work and his connection to Mexican folk art on a family-friendly tour at 1:00, 2:30, or 3:30 PM.

Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Nov. 9 -11
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

Dog lovers rejoice!! It’s National Dog Show Month and we’re celebrating with two great giveaways you won’t want to miss.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is again holding the annual National Dog Show presented by Purina at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks on Saturday, November 17th and Sunday, November 18th.

But thankfully, you don’t have to wait until then to get in on the dog show action. Next weekend  November 9-11th and again on Thursday November 15th don’t miss live performances of “The Perfect Dog” at The Centre Theater in Norristown presented by Starving Artist Prevention. This family-friendly musical inspired by the book “The Perfect Dog” written by National Dog Show host, award-winning actor, host, composer and life-long dog lover, John O’Hurley, features music and lyrics by David Abbinanti and book by Jill Abbinanti and is directed by Carmen Rossi. A portion of the ticket sales of this show will benefit To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc. The Thursday November 15th show features a special talkback with author John O’Hurley but all shows will include a special Meet and Greet with dogs available for adoption prior to the start of each performance.

The National Dog Show features two benched, all-breed dog shows giving attendees the chance to see over 2,000 of the top American Kennel Club sanctioned dogs from across the country. Over 2014 different breeds and varieties compete for best of Breed, First in Group, and the coveted title of Best in Show. Each day brings different competitions and attractions.

Saturday is The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day by NBC. It is the most widely viewed dog show in America. Sunday’s show offers more canine competitions, enhanced athletic dog exhibitions plus family-friendly activities and hands-on fun.

Why just watch this annual event taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day by NBC when you can see it live in person?

If you go:
The Perfect Dog runs November 9-11 and November 15th at The Centre Theater in Norristown, PA. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 children. Complete info available here. Buy tickets online here.

The National Dog Show hosted by Purina takes place at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA November 17th and 18th. Tickets are $16 adults, $7 children and children under 3 free. Complete info available at nationaldogshow.com. Buy tickets online here.

Giveaways: 
And now, two lucky phillyfun4kids readers have a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to The Perfect Dog at The Centre Theater Nov. 9-11 and the National Dog Show happening at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks Saturday Nov. 17th and Sunday Nov. 18th.

To enter to win the giveaway for four tickets to see The Perfect Dog this weekend in The Centre Theater in Norristown, simply fill out this easy rafflecopter entry form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To enter to win the giveaway for four tickets to see The National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks the weekend of Nov. 17-18, simply fill out this easy rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is in partnership with The National Dog Show. I was provided with compensation and/or tickets for the purposes of this post and giveaway. As always, all opinions expressed about Philadelphia families being lucky to have The National Dog show in town are our own.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival 
Friday Nov. 2 – Sunday Nov. 4
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave.
Oaks, PA

The award-winning Sugarloaf Craft Festival show brings the best in high-quality arts, crafts and design together under one roof this weekend to Oak, PA. Find unique products and gifts by 350+ talented artisans at this special event. All things high quality and handcraftedPlus, enjoy kid-friendly entertainment such as performances by MiddleEarth Studio and costume storytelling. Tickets $8 online, $10 at the door. Kids 12 and under free

Philadelphia Veterans Day Parade
Sunday Nov. 4
12pm
16th St. & JFK Blvd
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Veterans Parade takes place on Sunday Nov. 4th at noon. The parade runs through the heart of Philadelphia, beginning at 16th & JFK, past City Hall, and then on to Market Street, where it concludes at 5th & Market Streets. There will be a “Freedom Tree” in the festival that attendees can write why they are proud to be an American on paper and hang on tree. This tree will be donated to a veteran service organization at the parade. Free.

The Johnny Shortcake Show 
Saturday Nov. 3 – Sunday Nov. 4
11am and 2pm
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

Themed around celebrating silliness, The Johnny Shortcake Show features soul music for children and teaches important life lessons. With engaging and relatable songs such as “Cupcake Tuesday,” “Brushing Your Teeth,” and “Grandma’s Whiskers,” the show aims to celebrate childhood in a way that will have parents laughing along too. $10.

Peddler’s Village Apple Festival
Saturday Nov. 3 – Sunday Nov. 4
Peddler’s Village
2400 Street Road
New Hope, PA

The annual Peddler’s Village Apple Festival takes places this weekend Saturday Nov. 3rd and Sunday Nov. 4th in beautiful Bucks County, PA. The Apple Festival is dedicated to fall’s favorite fruit – the apple and is a family-fun event bringing two days of apple-centric treats, seasonal shopping, live performances, a kids’ fun zone with bounce houses, sand art and face painting and more. Free.

The Philadelphia Oddities Expo
Saturday Nov. 3
10am – 10pm
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
8046 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Oddities Expo is an unusual Philadelphia charity event taking place Saturday Nov. 3rd from 10am – 10pm at the Insectarium.  Peruse the custom-curated oddities marketplace, dine at the food truck caravan, explore all three floors of the museum, enjoy the selection of live entertainment and interactive attractions, or sign up for one of the peculiar workshops taught by some of the industry’s finest minds. $13 admission, free for ages 12 and younger.

Mermaids at Adventure Aquarium
Nov. 2 -4
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

We were fortunate enough to see an advanced screening of Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms this week. This new film opens in theaters tomorrow Friday Nov. 2nd and it does not disappoint! This beloved classic is retold in a way like only Disney can and is visually a delight for the eyes and senses. The movie is beautifully done and just so fun to watch.

The performance by Mackenzie Foy as Clara was a wonderful evolution of a young girl finding her way to confidence and inner strength that left me as a mom just delighted by this heroine’s journey as it unfolded before our eyes. It made me very pleased to have my two young daughter’s watching this journey of a smart young woman come into her own. Other noteworthy performances by The Captain played by Jayden Fowora-Knight and Mother Ginger played by Helen Mirren were captivating and made the movie so much fun to watch and enjoy.

Photo Credit: Disney

My girls and I were so excited to see Misty Copeland dance and the ballet scenes were beautiful. Be sure to watch the end of the movie for more Misty Copeland too if you didn’t get enough of her remarkable dancing during her scenes in the movie. Speaking of the movie’s dance and incredible music, as a Disney fan, I was delighted by what I think was a nod to Fantasia in the orchestra scene, too.

After the movie ended and we were walking out, I asked my girls what they thought and they both exclaimed that they loved it! And that they want to go back and take Dad and see it again. I can tell you that we all enjoyed this wonderful new movie and I know you and your family will, too.

You are not going to want to miss this new take on the beloved classic in theaters Nov. 2! Check out this trailer to get a glimpse and a listen into the magic of The Nutcracker and The Four Realms.

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

The film stars Keira Knightley (Atonement, Pirates of the Caribbean), Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar, The Conjuring), Helen Mirren (The Queen, Gosford Park), Morgan Freeman (Invictus, The Shawshank Redemption) and ballerina Misty Copeland.

Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is in a theater near you tomorrow Friday Nov. 2nd. For tickets and more information, go to:  https://movies.disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms. Tickets available at https://www.fandango.com/.

Our family is so excited for the new film being released by Disney this week. This beloved holiday classic retold, as only Disney can do, THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR RELAMS arrives in theaters this Friday, November 2nd. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale The Nutcracker, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms showcases the wondrous journey of Clara, who finds herself in the mystical world of the Four Realms, home to a host of eccentric characters and no shortage of surprises. This is a story about one girl finding the courage to overcome her fears to help restore peace. This longtime beloved story will be a hit with families and a wonderful opportunity to re-visit this classic holiday tale.

The film stars Keira Knightley (Atonement, Pirates of the Caribbean), Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar, The Conjuring), Helen Mirren (The Queen, Gosford Park), Morgan Freeman (Invictus, The Shawshank Redemption) and ballerina Misty Copeland.

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.  “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” releases in theaters on November 2.

Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is in a theater near your on Nov. 2nd.
For more information, go to:  https://movies.disney.com/the-nutcracker-and-the-four-realms. Tickets available at https://www.fandango.com/.

Halloween weekend is finally here and while the weather isn’t quite perfect due to the wet and blustery nor’easter there is still plenty of not to be missed spooktacular family fun!!

Halloween in the Market
Saturday Oct. 27
9:30am – 1pm
Reading Terminal Market
51 N 12th St
Philadelphia, PA

Head to Halloween in the Market at Reading Terminal Market on Saturday Oct. 27th. Dress up for trick-or-treating around the market and be sure to grab a map of merchants giving out candy. There will also be a Halloween-themed storytime in the Book Nook and a spooky demo in City Kitchen. Free.

Trick-or-Treat at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Saturday Oct. 27 – Sunday Oct. 28
10am – 5pm
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA

Trick-or-treat through the galleries of The Academy of Natural Sciences. At the exhibits Outside In, Butterflies!, Xtreme Bugs and The Big Dig, visitors will receive a treat to take home and see Halloween-themed specimens from the collections. Wear a costume and get $2 off museum admission.

Halloween in Manayunk
Saturday Oct. 27
11am – 4pm
Main Street
Manayunk, PA

Don’t miss Halloween in Manayunk this Saturday Oct. 27th. Take the kids trick or treating at local businesses, enjoy the pets costume parade in Pretzel Park, and a variety of other fun activities for families to celebrate Halloween. Free.

Boo at the Zoo 
Saturday Oct. 27 – Sunday Oct. 28
10am – 4pm
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Set out on a not-so-spooky adventure at the annual Boo at the Zoo through “Extinction Graveyard” and run wild at the trick-or-treat stations situated around the zoo. Dress up in costume and enjoy fall offerings available for purchase. $19.95 – $24.95.

CultureFest: Dia de los Muertos 
Saturday Oct. 27
1-5pm Family Festival, 5-8pm Outdoor Evening Festival
Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

The Penn Museum celebrates Día de los Muertos as we honor our departed ones through music, dance, and art. The centerpiece of the afternoon is a traditional ofrenda (altar) created for the celebration. After 5:00 pm, the festival continues outdoors with entertainment, cash bar, dancing, and more! Free with Museum Admission $15 adults, $10 children ages 6-17, free for 5 and under.

Brick or Treat 
Saturday Oct. 27 – Sunday Oct. 28
10am – 6pm
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 W. Germantown Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA

It’s the final Brick or Treat Weekend at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia. Don your favorite kooky costumes and get ready for frightening family festivities. The center will feature different fall activities every weekend including meet & greets and other fun. $19.

South Street Fall Pumpkin Festival 
Saturday Oct. 27
12pm – 5pm
South Street Headhouse District
2nd and Lombard Streets
Philadelphia, PA

The South Street Headhouse District has plenty of tricks and treats for children and adults of all ages during the neighborhood’s annual Halloween festivities. On Saturday, October 27th from Noon to 5:00pm, Fall PumpkinFest returns to Headhouse Square with circus performances,  live music, crafts for kids, seasonal bites, Pumpkin Putt-Putt golf, a straw bale maze, face painting and costume contests. There will even be a pumpkin pie eating contest. Free. 

East Passyunk Fall Fest & Spooky Sunday
Sunday Oct. 28 (rescheduled from Oct. 27)
11am – 5pm
East Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA

East Passyunk Avenue Business District invites you and your family for a double dose of spooktacular fun! Bring the whole family out for a Fall Fest and Spooky Saturday on Sunday October 28th. Enjoy free activities for kids, adults, and Fido too all along East Passyunk Avenue. Free.

Witches of Narberth
Sunday Oct. 28
1pm – 5pm
Haverford Ave.
Narberth, PA

Don’t miss this free family event that’s become a Main Line kid favorite – The Witches of Narberth! On Sunday, October 28th at 1pm, on the corner of Forrest and Haverford Avenues, Halloween kicks off with this popular annual scavenger hunt. Children of all ages are invited to join in this free event, where kids search downtown Narberth high and low for thirteen of the witchiest witches around. Kids collect treats along the way and then return to the start to collect a Halloween prize. Free.

Fall is definitely in the air this weekend and Halloween events abound! Get out and enjoy all the fun to be had in and around the city this weekend with your kiddos to celebrate the spooky seasonal fun.

Harvest Fest
Saturday Oct. 20
11am – 5pm
Pennypack Farm & Education Center
685 Mann Road
Horsham, PA

Head to Horsham, PA for the annual Harvest Fest happening Saturday Oct. 20th from 11am – 5pm. Enjoy vendors, food, live music and hayrides. Kids’ activities have a small fee. Free admission.

Trick-or-Treat at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Saturday Oct. 20 – Sunday Oct. 21
10am – 5pm
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA

Trick-or-treat through the galleries of The Academy of Natural Sciences. At the exhibits Outside In, Butterflies!, Xtreme Bugs and The Big Dig, visitors will receive a treat to take home and see Halloween-themed specimens from the collections. Wear a costume and get $2 off museum admission.

2018 Witches and Wizards Festival 
Friday Oct. 19 – Saturday Oct. 20
Throughout Chestnut Hill & Germantown Ave
Chestnut Hill, PA

The Chestnut Hill Business District Witches and Wizards Fest is a celebration of all things mystical and enchanted. The all new Witches & Wizards ushers in a new fall tradition that mixes one-part spooky thrills, one-part ghosts of wizards-past, and one-part family fun for an action-packed weekend in the charming urban village. Enjoy the 9th Annual Brotherly Love Cup Quidditch Tournament and Woodmere Art Museum Straw Maze, while locals and visitors can also enjoy Creepy Crafts for kids at Hocus Pocus Headquarters, live circus performers, an archery range, Mad Science demonstrations, Harvest Hayrides, shopping, and more throughout the Chestnut Hill Business District. Free admission. Some events have separate fees.

The Glow
Friday Oct. 19 – Sunday Oct. 21
West Fairmount Park
5201 Parkside Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

The Glow Philadelphia is a Halloween wonderland featuring more than 3,000 hand-carved, illuminative pumpkins transformed into colorful landscapes, iconic figures and intricate structures. Expert carvers will be on-site to to share tips and take requests. $20 and up.

The Great Pumpkin Carve
Friday Oct. 19 – Saturday Oct. 20
3pm – 9pm
Chadds Ford Historical Society
1736 Creek Rd
Chadds Ford, PA

The annual Great Pumpkin Carve returns this weekend to Chadds Ford, PA. Don’t miss this fall favorite event which features 70 local artists competing by carving huge pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns on Thursday night. The pumpkins, which may weigh as much as 400 pounds, are then lit and displayed and illuminated again on Friday and Saturday nights. Pumpkins are judged and winners declared in several categories: Best Overall, Most Halloween, Best Carving, Most Original and Best Use of Pumpkin. Admission $15 adults, $5 children.

Pumpkinland
Friday Oct. 19 – Sunday Oct. 21
Linvilla Orchards
137 Knowlton Rd.
Media, PA

Don’t miss the fall fun at Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards in Media this weekend with 100 tons of pumpkins on display, the orchard will have pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from. Families can also enjoy live music and entertainment, pick-your-own apples and a costume parade. Free admission. Some attractions ticketed.

Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square 
Saturday Oct. 20
12 Noon – 2pm
Franklin Square
200 North Sixth Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the Pumpkin Patch at Franklin Square in Philadelphia from 12 Noon – 2pm on Saturday Oct. 20th. Decorate a pumpkin with spooky designs to take home. Limit 1 pumpkin per child. Free.

Boo at the Zoo 
Saturday Oct. 20 – Sunday Oct. 21
10am – 4pm
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Set out on a not-so-spooky adventure at the annual Boo at the Zoo through “Extinction Graveyard” and run wild at the trick-or-treat stations situated around the zoo. Dress up in costume and enjoy fall offerings available for purchase. $19.95 – $24.95.

Fall is in full swing and there is so much to do in and around Philly it’s downright scary! So get out and enjoy one of these Halloween and fall family events this weekend.

Family Festival: Outfest 
Saturday Oct. 13
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

Head to the Please Touch Museum for the Outfest Family Festival on Saturday Oct. 13th from 9am – 5pm. Free with $19 admission.

Trick-or-Treat at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
10am – 5pm
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA

Trick-or-treat through the galleries of The Academy of Natural Sciences. At the exhibits Outside In, Butterflies!, Xtreme Bugs and The Big Dig, visitors will receive a treat to take home and see Halloween-themed specimens from the collections. Wear a costume and get $2 off museum admission.

The Glow
Friday Oct. 12 – Sunday Oct. 14
West Fairmount Park
5201 Parkside Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

The Glow Philadelphia is a Halloween wonderland featuring more than 3,000 hand-carved, illuminative pumpkins transformed into colorful landscapes, iconic figures and intricate structures. Expert carvers will be on-site to to share tips and take requests. $20 and up.

Cherry Street Pier Grand Opening and Festival for the People
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
Cherry Street Pier
121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Cherry Street Pier on Saturday Oct. 12th where visitors can enter Cherry Street Pier for the first time. This newly transformed 55,000-square-foot former municipal shipping pier has been converted into a public destination that showcases work by Philly’s creative community. Then on Sunday enjoy Festival for the People, which offers up a full slate of programming, including events, sculptures, installations, videos and banners that highlight the new pier and its neighboring Race Street Pier. Free.

5th Annual National Dog Show Charity Walk
Sunday Oct. 14
Wilson Farm Park
500 Lee Rd
Wayne, PA

Join hundreds of fellow dog lovers for the 5th Annual National Dog Show Charity Walk kickoff event to launch National Dog Show Month in Philly. The event will also feature multiple attractions (think demos, an agility course, prizes and celeb sightings). Proceeds support Delaware Valley charities. $20 individual, $35 per family. All dogs admitted free!

Goats in the Hood
Sunday Oct. 14
Lower Hood Cemetery
4901 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

The Philly Goats will be on hand to help escort children of all ages through Lower Hood Cemetary, one of this city’s oldest cemeteries. Enjoy guided tours, treasure maps and story tellers and interactions with friendly goats. Free. ADA info: side entrance with a – inch step and 4-foot-wide doorway, cobblestone walkways.

Mum Madness and Pumpkin Parade 
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
1-4pm
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

Don’t miss the Mum and Madness and Pumpkin Parade at the Camden Children’s Garden. View mums of all colors and kinds, then learn about pumpkins and, for an additional fee, paint them. Concessions available for purchase include pumpkin bread, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. $9.

Boo at the Zoo 
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
10am – 4pm
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Set out on a not-so-spooky adventure at the annual Boo at the Zoo through “Extinction Graveyard” and run wild at the trick-or-treat stations situated around the zoo. Dress up in costume and enjoy fall offerings available for purchase (think apple cider). $19.95 – $24.95.

Harvest Festival at Bartram’s Garden
Sunday Oct. 14
12 – 3pm
Bartram’s Garden
5400 Lindberg Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the 2018 Harvest Festival at Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving, cider pressing, garlic planting, hayrides, food workshops, paddling on the river, and so so much more! DJ Flipside will be taking attendees through the day with his amazing tunes. There will be an amazing concert from 3:00-6:00 following the festival. Free.

It’s the first weekend in October and there is much fun to be had this weekend for the whole family. Enjoy festivals and fall fun as well as free museum admission and much more!

Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival
Saturday Oct. 6
8:00am – 5:30pm
Schuylkill River
Kelly Dr. between Strawberry Mansion Hill and Fountain Green Drs.
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy the annual Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival celebration of ancient Chinese dragon-boat racing along the Schuylkill River. Dozens of colorful boats, bedecked with dragonheads and tails, are manned by teams of up to 20 paddlers that compete against one another in several heats throughout the day. Free.

Fall Harvest Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
10am – 4pm
Newlin Grist Mill
219 South Cheyney Rd.
Glen Mills, PA

Head to Newlin Grist Mill for the Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday Oct. 6th from 10am – 4pm. The 18th century comes alive during this annual event, with the sights, sounds and smells of colonial America. Parking is available for $5.

Revolutionary Germantown Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
10am – 4pm
Cliveden
6401 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the neighborhood’s rich history at the Revolutionary Germantown Festival with costumed characters, live music, food and drink. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia, that goes down on Germantown Avenue and on the grounds of Cliveden. Visitors can head down Germantown Avenue after the “battle” for Battle Bash, the official after-party at the historic Grumblethorpe house featuring re-enactors from the battle and beer from Evil Genius Beer Company. Free.

Midtown Village Fall Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
12pm – 6pm
13th and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA

Family-friendly fun at the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival includes entertainment, merchant and vendor displays, crafters and kids’ activities. Free.

Unionville Community Fair 
Friday Oct. 5 – Sunday Oct. 7
9am – 9pm
Willowdale Grounds
101 East Street Road
Kennett Square, PA

Don’t miss the Unionville Community Fair on Sat. Oct. 6th with everything from livestock shows to local food, live music and entertainment – families can get a first-hand look at agriculture at the annual event. And new this year – a nightly beer and wine garden and a 5K fun run, too. Free admission. Parking $5/car.

Subaru Fall Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
10am – 4pm
Greensgrow Farms
2501 E. Cumberland Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to Greensgrown Farms in Keinsington for the annual Subaru Fall Festival on Saturday Oct. 6th from 10am – 6pm. Enjoy a celebration of local food, music, crafts and farm fun. Free.

Kidtober Fest
Sunday Oct. 7
4-6pm
Saint Luke Lutheran Church
203 N Valley Forge Rd
Devon, PA

Take the kiddos to Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Devon for an afternoon filled with pumpkin bowling, face painting, hot dogs, s’mores, balloons, carnival games and crafts. Free.

Fall Harvest Fest
Sunday Oct. 7
Hellerick’s Family Farm
5500 North Easton Road (Route 611)
Doylestown, PA

It’s the Fall Harvest Fest at Hellerick’s Family Farm in Doylestown this Sunday Oct. 7th from 10am – 6pm. General admission allows entry to the 18-acre adventure farm, which includes more than 45 activities for children and adults.  Get lost in the 5-acre corn maze, take a hayride through the farm, slip down the 100 ft. corn-chute slide, pick pumpkins and try your hand at pumpkin bowling. $12.99.

Pay What You Wish Admission 
Sunday Oct. 7
10am – 5pm
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

First Sunday of the month means Pay What You Wish Admission Day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy the museum’s exhibits and galleries and collections. Pay what you wish.

Barnes on the Block Remix
Sunday Oct. 7
4-8pm
Barnes Museum
20th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Barnes on the Block returns with food trucks, dancing, and a beer garden in our parking lot. There will also be live music with DJs King Britt and Rich Medina plus Drum Like a Lady leading a drum cypHER featuring DJs Aura and Precolumbian. And don’t miss the augmented reality mural experience inside the Barnes in conjunction with partner, Mural Arts Philadelphia. Free.

Happy Autumn to all local Philly families! It’s the first official weekend of fall and there is lots going on in and around the city this weekend with harvest and fall fests, free museum day, and much more!

Hero Thrill Show
Saturday Sept. 22
12-5pm
Wells Fargo Center parking lot
3601 Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the 64th Annual Hero Thrill Show this Saturday Sept. 22nd from 12-5pm at the Wells Fargo Center parking lot. Kids can be honorary firefighters and police officers for a day, while enjoying carnival games, boardwalk food and throwback “Sound of Philadelphia” music from the 1970s. The Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol Motorcycle Drill Team will perform daredevil stunts. City officials from law-enforcement and firefighting communities as well as sports cheerleaders and mascots will join the festivities. $10.

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Saturday September 22 
Participating Museums

Inspired by the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., Museum Day Live grants free access to ticketholders at select venues. Each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag.com/museumday — admits two guests to one museum. Local participants include Academy of Natural Sciences, African American Museum in Philadelphia, Penn Museum, Independent Seaport Museum, and more. Free.

Drive-In Movie Night
Saturday September 22
5:30 – 10:30 pm
1149 Pike Springs Rd
Chester Springs, PA

To kick off their new affiliation, the Pennsylvania SPCA and Main Line Animal Rescue are hosting a Drive-In Movie Night with Bernie Parent, Philadelphia Flyers legend, as host of the evening, meeting and greeting fans. Bernie will also be on hand for the featured drive-in movie Miracle, which follows the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team on their improbable run to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. In addition to the main feature, the evening will also include games, prizes, food trucks and adoptable animals to meet. $10.

Upper Darby International Festival 
Saturday Sept. 22
1-7pm
69th Street
Upper Darby, PA

Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Upper Darby International Festival at 69th Street. The event will celebrate the township’s rich cultural diversity through food, music, and merchandise. Portions of 69th Street will be limited to pedestrian traffic during the festival to accommodate food and retail vendors, a beer garden, and a musical stage. Free.


Apple Festival
Saturday Sept. 22 – 23
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA

Linvilla Orchards’ Apple Festival honors apples every autumn with this now two day event  featuring Pick Your Own apples during the height of their season. Plus enjoy other apple themed foods and fun such as the apple pie eating contest and more. Free. Pay as you go attractions/events.

Fall Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday Sept. 22 – Sunday Sept. 23
Highlands Orchards
1000 Marshallton Thorndale Rd.
West Chester, PA

Enjoy Fall Harvest Festival Weekend at Highland Orchards in West Chester. The harvest festival features an artisanal craft fair, food trucks, goats, playground, farm tours, hayrides and a market with local produce. Free.

Sukkot Family Festival 
Sunday September 23
11am – 5pm
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot at the Please Touch Museum Sukkot Family Festival with the whole family by building sukkahs, reflecting on nature, and enjoying the autumn harvest. $11-$19 per person.

Clover Market 
Sunday September 23
10am – 4pm
7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA

Head to downtown Bryn Mawr for the first fall Clover Market on the Main Line. The market runs from 10-4 pm, rain or shine and is free to attend, and family and dog-friendly. Free.