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Things to Do in Philly this Weekend and Beyond: Ice Festivals, Painting Fun, Groundhog Day

Celebrate Groundhog Day at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of the refuge
Celebrate Groundhog Day at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of the refuge
1/27/21 - By Kristen Sullivan

As January winds down, Philly families gear up for a great weekend ahead. After all, there is much winter fun to be had.

Start off the weekend with something cool, perhaps even below freezing. Families can stroll through downtown Chestnut Hill to admire the works of art made from ice at Chestnut Hill on Ice. Likewise, families can cross the bridge to visit downtown Mt. Holly's Fire & Ice Festival to view the ice sculptures there. Or, bundle up to wander through the beautiful landscape at Longwood Gardens as it launches Winter Wonder.

Curious how long winter will last? Check out the Groundhog Day Family Festival held at John Heinz National Refuge Center. Learn about the animal that is said to predict whether Philadelphians will experience an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Follow up by attending Brandywine Zoo's Virtual Groundhog Day program to be held February 2.

No matter what that groundhog says, savor the best of this time of year by spinning on the ice at a local outdoor rink, swooshing down the slopes on skis, snowboard, or snow tube, or lacing up your boots for a winter hike.

Staying home this weekend? Don't forget to check out Poppins@Home, which is filled with great classes, workshops, and sessions for every kid in the family. Babies can enjoy a music class, and tots can play soccer. Older children can learn how to draw cartoon characters or make science-related magical potions. Keep reading for other great ways to finish out the month. 

 As COVID circumstances unfold, check directly with a venue website for updates before heading out. Keep your family and others safe by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing measures. If an event appears too crowded, try using the “nearby” search feature on our event calendar to find other exciting options.

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Meet the legendary characters of Sesame Street at Elmo's Furry Fun Fest. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place
Meet the legendary characters of Sesame Street at Elmo's Furry Fun Fest. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

Best Things To Do in Philly this Week with Kids

Pay What You Wish

Friday, January 29
Philadelphia
Guests to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can pay what they wish for admission every Friday evening and the first Sunday of the month. READ MORE

Chestnut Hill on Ice

Friday, January 29- Saturday, January 30
Chestnut Hill
This two day festival along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill is packed with cold weather activities and is perfect for a fun socially-distant winter outing. Live ice sculpting, an iceless ice skating rink, an appearance by the snow queens, cozy bonfires, and even axe throwing for big kids are among the offers for this jam-packed event. READ MORE

Galaxy Burger Sci Fi Adventure

Friday, January 29- Saturday, February 7
Springfield
Blast off for Springfield Mall to experience a sci-fi adventure. Guests can dress in their costumes and see scenes from favorite science fiction worlds, photo-ops, character meet-and-greets, and delicious food. Festivities occur throughout the mall on multiple floors. READ MORE

Groundhog Day Family Festival

Saturday, January 30
Philadelphia
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum invites families to celebrate Groundhog Day with a scavenger hunt, interactive story walk, and video appearance of Tinicum Tim, the resident groundhog. READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

Saturday, January 30
Mt. Holly
Guests can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

Family Fun Painting Session

Saturday, January 30
West Chester
Get creative at Painting with a Twist. Families can express themselves during these family-friendly paint sessions. Parking is free. READ MORE

Elmo’s Furry Fun Fest: Birthday Bash!

Opens Sunday, January 31
Langhorne
Get ready to party with your favorite furry friends on the sunniest street. Join the birthday celebrations for everyone from Rubber Duckie to Ernie, and even wear your PJs to celebrate Big Bird at his birthday bonanza. Don't miss the new Winter Family Zone featuring firepits, s'mores, and lots of lawn games. READ MORE
Explore the age of dinosaurs and earlier at the Permian Monsters exhibit. Photo courtesy of The Academy of Natural Sciences
Explore the age of dinosaurs and earlier at the Permian Monsters exhibit. Photo courtesy of The Academy of Natural Sciences

Best Things To Do in Philly in January with Kids

Annual Antique Toy Train Show

Through Sunday, January 31
Deptford, New Jersey
The Museum of American History hosts its 18th annual antique toy train show. See gauge toy trains from the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. Models from Lionel, Marx, and American Flyer are on display, zooming past vintage Plasticville buildings from the 1950s. READ MORE

Now/Next: Artificial Intelligence

Through Sunday, February 28
Philadelphia
The Franklin Institute's Now/Next exhibit focuses on artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI. The display takes a close look at the AI technologies that are part of our ordinary lives. These include everything from facial recognition to robotics. READ MORE

Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square

Through Sunday, February 28
Philadelphia
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity, the Electrical Spectacle makes Franklin Square sparkle with its musical light show, recurring every 30 minutes. Enjoy 200,000 lights dancing to five festive songs that fill the square. Nightly through January 5th and Thursdays-Sundays January 9 - February 23. READ MORE

From Fairy Tale to Fantasy: The Art of Gustaf Tenggren

Through Sunday, March 14
Philadelphia
In Fairy Tale to Fantasy: The Art of Gustaf Tenggrenou, visitors can learn about the career of this famous children's illustrator. His magical and enchanting artwork graced children’s books such as Among Gnomes and Trolls or the tales of the Brothers Grimm as well as Golden Books such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the Poky Little Puppy. READ MORE

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

Through Sunday, March 27
Philadelphia
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions.  READ MORE

Fore! The Planet Indoor Mini Golf

Now through Sunday, March 28
Media
Linvilla Orchard’s Fore! The Planet is an interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibit pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf. READ MORE

Permian Monsters Exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Through January 2022
Philadelphia
Visitors can step back 290 million years to a time before dinosaurs roamed the planet. These scientifically accurate models of moving beasts are re-created using artwork and fossils. READ MORE
Learn about the ocean's gentle giants as Whalefest Monterey goes virtual. Photo courtesy of Whalefest Monterey
Learn about the ocean's gentle giants as Whalefest Monterey goes virtual. Photo courtesy of Whalefest Monterey

Top Virtual Events this Week

11th Annual Whalefest Monterey - Virtual

Through Thursday, January 28
Whalefest Monterey 2021 features a variety of talks and presentations by world-renowned scientists; videos from local marine, environment and sustainability-oriented nonprofits, research and activities; arts and crafts demonstrations, music performances, and more for all ages. READ MORE

CultureFEST!

Thursday, January 28- Saturday, January 30
This monthlong program provides children with hands-on activities at home such as making Year of the Ox masks, blending wellness tea, and exploring fascinating artifacts from the Asia Galleries on a Global Voyagers virtual tour. READ MORE

Hip Hop Cinderella

Through Sunday, January 31
Hip Hop Cinderella reimagines the classic fairy tale with a cool, hip-hop vibe. READ MORE

Astronomy Days

Through Sunday, January 31
North Carolina’s Museum of Natural Sciences helps families see the big picture  ... of the universe. Highlights include updates on the various Mars rovers, a zoomed-in look at the moon, inside info on upcoming missions, and discussions about the search for intelligent life. READ MORE

Animals Around the World Art Class

Sunday, January 31
This Sunday art class is geared toward children ages 7-9. The themes are inspired by different animals from around the world. Since it is February, a love theme will be included. READ MORE

2021 Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest

Through Sunday, January 31, 2021
Children are invited to enter the free 2021 Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest for kids. Youths, ages 4-15, can submit drawings of dream cars. Multiple art submissions accepted. What imaginative vehicle will your kids dream up?  READ MORE
Delight in a day of snow tubing at Camelback Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
Delight in a day of snow tubing at Camelback Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

More Things To Do in Philly this January

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