Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Chinese New Year, Nature, Theater Jan 30-31

1/28/16 - By Kristen Sullivan

As January ends this weekend and we welcome February next week, Philly families can enjoy this time of year with a variety of activities. This weekend, Penn Museum celebrates The Year of the Monkey at its Chinese New Year event. Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival is set to entertain with puppet shows, the rescheduled parade, and a theatrical performance. And, tarantulas invade the Academy of Natural Science of Drexel University as it opens this featured exhibit.

However, if you are tired of the cold and snow and are hoping to hear good news from Punxsatawney Phil, the famous groundhog in Pennsylvania on February 2, head over to John Heinz Natural Wildlife Refuge to learn about groundhogs at its Groundhog Day Family Festival.

Be sure to sign up to receive our Weekend Round up every Thursday and our Weekday Picks every Monday so they can be delivered directly to your inbox. Mommy Poppins Philly hopes you have a great weekend!

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Weekend

Tarantulas: Alive and Up Close- Philadelphia, PA
This weekend, visitors to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University can see the latest exhibit featuring the most feared spider of all, the tarantula.

The Silliest Story Ever Told- Philadelphia, PA
Come to Plays and Players Theatre to see students from Yes! and Collaborative Arts program perform exciting and entertaining childhood stories on stage.

Lambertville- New Hope Winter Festival- New Hope, PA
The weekend is packed with ways to celebrate winter at locations in New Hope. Children can expect a puppet show, ballet performance, and theatrical presentation at St. John's Church Auditorium. A pancake breakfast and children's activities are held at New Hope-Solebury High School.

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates- Philadelphia, PA
It's the last weekend to see this heart-warming performance at the Arden Theatre.

Saturday, January 30

Groundhog Day Family Festival- Philadelphia, PA
Families can enjoy this time of year by visiting John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for its annual Groundhog Day Family Festival. Visitors can learn about the history of the groundhog through nature walks, coloring contests, and children's crafts. Guests can expect live music and light snacks, too.

Storytime: It's Peter Pan- Rose Valley, PA
Kids become part of the story at Hedgerow Theatre for Kids' presentation of Peter Pan. Fly off to Neverland and experience this magical adventure.

World Culture Series: Chinese New Year Celebration- Philadelphia, PA
It's the Year of the Monkey, and Penn Museum is ready to celebrate. Visitors can expect dance performances, tai chi, and tangram workshops, Shaolin-style Kung Fu demonstrations, and family gallery tours.

Winter Tree ID Made Easy- Green Lane, PA
Meander through Green Lane Park and observe the details of the trees during winter. Learn how to identify the trees without their leaves by examining the bark, twigs, and fallen fruits.

Sunday, January 31

Painting Party- Haverford, PA
For those creative types, Main Line Art Center hosts a Painting Party. Using a table-top canvas and paints, guests create their own still life.

Children's I-Spy Birding- Avondale, PA
Encourage the love of nature during this bird-watching experience. Kids who visit Bucktoe Creek Preserve can listen to an environmental educator for tips on searching for common and uncommon birds.

Out of Hibernation Walk- Doylestown, PA
Visitors to Peace Valley Nature Center explore the reasons behind hibernation. Learn why creatures of all sorts tend to stay indoors or in shelters during wintertime.

 

Photo courtesy of Penn Musuem