30+ Things to Do With Kids This Week Around the Main Line: October 15–21
Need plans? We've got something great, every day.


Need plans? We’ve got something great, every day.
Looking for more? Here’s what’s going on in Philly.
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All Week
Hayrides to the Witches’ House
October 5-30; Sunday to Thursday, 5:30—8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 5:30–8:30 pm
Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media
Geared towards children ten and under, this non-haunted adventure takes you on a 15- to 20-minute hayride to the Witches’ House. Once there, kids and their parents will enjoy a story, listen to jokes, and get a treat to take home. After the hayride, stay for apple cider and s’mores around the campfire.
Linvilla Orchards Pumpkinland
Through November 5
137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media
Celebrate fall with larger than life figures and scarecrows, piles of pumpkins, hayrides, pick-your-own produce, corn and hay bale mazes, and much more.
Pumpkin Playground at Longwood Gardens
Through October 31
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Visit the Children’s Corner for some hands-on pumpkin fun, and capture a festive fall photo with the largest pumpkin on display, weighing in at more than 700 pounds!
Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens
Through January 6, 2019
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Find this yearly favorite right near the restaurant at Longwood—it includes almost 400 feet of track, and beautiful models of favorite Longwood buildings constructed from natural materials. It opens Thursday and runs through the end of the year.
Monday
Makin’ Music at Villa Maria Academy
October 15, 10—10:45 am
1140 West King Road, Malvern
Parents and children up to 4 years of age are welcome to join for a free 45-minute music class. Pre-register online.
Bilingual Spanish Storytime
October 15, 10—10:30 am
Paoli Library, 18 Darby Road, Paoli
Join Miss Mercedes from LingoKids for stories, songs, and fun in Spanish. For new language learners and native speakers. Ages 0-5, No registration required.
Music Monkey Jungle at cBOP
October 15, 10:30—11 am
393 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford
Kids age 4 and under will love MMJ’s weekly singalong. $12; babies under 6 months old are free.
Teen Art Club
October 15, 2:30—4 pm
Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown
Middle school and high school aged patrons can have fun while hanging out and exploring artistic mediums.
Teens: Like a Bob Ross BOSS (Grades 6-12)
October 15, 6—8 pm
Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown
Spend the evening painting happy little trees, clouds, or anything that comes to mind. Feel the good vibes while creating art, enjoying some snacks, and watching a few episodes of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross.
Tuesday
Tyler Arboretum Homeschool Day: Soil Investigators
October 16, 10—11:30 am
515 Painter Rd., Media
Visit the Arboretum for hands-on learning in an outdoor setting. Connect with other homeschool families in this program exclusively for you. Admission to the Arboretum is included; stay for just the program or for the entire day! Each program is aligned to PA state educational standards. This program is best suited for ages 5-12, but is open to all ages.
Pajama Storytime
October 16, 7—7:30 pm
Haverford Township Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown
Come in your favorite PJs and enjoy good night tales with Ms. Danielle before heading to bed. This program is for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Wednesday
Superhero Training Academy
October 17
Haverford Township Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown
Drop into the Children’s Room anytime for “super” fun activities to get you thinking like a superhero.
How are you feeling? Zones at Common Space
October 17, 9:30—10:30 am
25 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore
What tools can you use to help your brain and body stay in the green zone? Join for a book reading, activity, and introduction to Zones of Regulation program. Open to children of all ages.
Tyler Arboretum Toddlers in Nature
October 17, 10—11 am or 1—2 pm
515 Painter Rd., Media
Toddlers (ages 18 months-3 years) and their caregivers will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin, sample some pumpkin seeds, and sing songs. Pre-register online.
Bilingual Storytime and Music Circle
October 17, 10—10:30 am
Lulu’s Casita, 6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore
Come for a mini fiesta and bilingual storytime, then stay and play at Lulu’s.
Little Wonders Nature Class
October 17, 10—11 am or 12:45—1:45 pm
Welkinweir, 1368 Prizer Rd., Pottstown
Young children (ages 3-5) can learn about the natural world through themed activities, discovery walks, stories, and art projects. Pre-registration is required at least one day before class. Call 610-469-8646 or email dwhite@greenvalleys.org
$5 Drop-In Mommy and Me Art Class: Spiders
October 17, 11 am
260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton
Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall. This class is for kids age 5 and under with a caregiver.
$5 Drop-In Art Classes (Ages 4+)
October 17, 1 pm and 2 pm
260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton
Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall.
Teen Scarecrow Competition (Grades 6-12)
October 17, 2:30—4 pm
Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown
Team up with friends and spend the afternoon building fantastic scarecrow creations. The library will supply the hay and old clothes; all you need to bring is your imagination! For grades 6-12.
Tyler Arboretum Afterschool Adventures Club (Grades 1 and 2)
October 17, 4—5 pm
515 Painter Rd., Media
Children will explore the natural world around them, play outside, and discover the many critters that make nature so interesting. This week, kids will learn about the water cycle. Pre-register online.
Modern Masters: Basquiat Skulls (Ages 8-16)
October 17, 4—6 pm
Wayne Art Center, 413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne
Join a graffiti-inspired workshop inspired by the work of Jean Michel Basquiat. Using acrylic, pastel sticks, and Xeroxes, create a bold skull image on poster board. Pre-register online.
Music with Miss Gina at Marple Library
October 17, 4—4:45 pm
2599 Sproul Road, Broomall
Come for music, dancing, and singing for kids age 5 and under. Free, no registration required.
Thursday
Jenkins Explorers: Thursday Nature Stories
October 18, 10—11 am
Jenkins Arboretum, 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon
Visit the Children’s Garden and enjoy a nature-themed read aloud. After the stories, borrow a Jenkins Explorer Vest and binder of materials to enjoy as you walk along the garden paths. Event is free, but online registration is required. Rain or shine. Appropriate for kids age 3-8, accompanied by an adult.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Play at Common Space
October 18, 10—11 am
25 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore
Join to play! All ages and abilities welcome.
Springhouse Storytime at Newlin Grist Mill
October 18, 10—11 am
219 Cheyney Rd., Glen Mills
The Springhouse Storytime series is perfect for any energetic preschoolers who enjoy good stories, interactive games, and explorations in nature. Each storytime begins and ends with a hayride to the Springhouse and covers a different exciting theme. Pre-registration required: call 610-459-2359.
Children’s Read-Aloud Tour at Brandywine River Museum
October 18, 10:30 am
1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford
Young children and their grownups hear a story, interact with art in the museum and make their own creative works.
Music Monkey Jungle at cBOP
October 18, 10:30—11 am
393 W. Lancaster Ave., Haverford
Kids age 4 and under will love MMJ’s weekly singalong. $12; babies under 6 months old are free.
$5 Drop-In Mommy and Me Art Class: Masks
October 18, 11 am
260 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton
Chester County Art Association hosts $5 drop-ins at its gallery in Exton Square Mall. This class is for kids age 5 and under with a caregiver.
Mommy and Me: Paint me a Story
October 18, 12:30 pm
Color Me Mine, 109 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
Come in for storytime and a themed art project to go along with the story. Pre-register online.
Tyler Arboretum Tiny Trackers
October 18, 1—2:30 pm
515 Painter Rd., Media
Kids ages 4-6 (with a caregiver) will learn all about monarch butterflies and make a special craft. Pre-register online.
S.M.Art Kids Club
October 18, 4 pm
Radnor Memorial Library, 114 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne
This weekly after-school club for kids in grades 1-5 will explore a different STEM topic each month through books, experiments, crafts, and hands-on fun. Read a book, make an inspiring mess, and learn something new! No registration required.
The Great Pumpkin Carve Opening Day
October 18, 4—9 pm
Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford
Over 60 carvers, both amateur and professional, will gather to sculpt, saw, and chisel giant pumpkins – some weighing up to 400 pounds – before crowds of enthusiastic onlookers. Tickets available online.
Meet the Expert Family Happy Hour: Erica Desper at Village Play Space
October 18, 5 pm—7:15 pm
4 Midland Ave., Berwyn
Village Play Space hosts their first Meet the Expert Happy Hour with sleep and potty training consultant Erica Desper of Confident Parenting. Bring your own adult beverage as well as your questions, and enjoy happy hour while your little ones play. Pre-register online.
The Arc of Chester County Trunk-or-Treat
October 18, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
900 Lawrence Dr., West Chester
The childcare facility will be dressed up as the headquarters to PAW Patrol, and of course there will be plenty of decorated cars lining the way. Children should come in costume and bring a bag to collect treats.
Drop-In Dodgeball Night for Tweens and Teens at Sky Zone
October 18, 6—8 pm
10 Conchester Rd., Glen Mills
Arrive at 5:30 pm. Teams will be formed, dodgeball will be played, swag will be awarded. Access to Main Court, Foam Zone, and Sky Slam is available in between games. Ages 8-15.
Longwood Gardens Illuminated Fountain Performance: British Invasion
October 18, 8:15 pm
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Watch Longwood’s spectacular fountain display, set to British music, from The Who to Adele. Pre-register for tickets in advance.
Friday
Roots with Ruark at Lulu’s Casita
October 19, 10—10:30 am
6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore
Come for a weekly music circle for little ones, then stay and play!
Homeschool Day at American Helicopter Museum
October 19, 11 am—3 pm
1220 American Boulevard, West Chester
This is an opportunity for families to experience several educational institutions like the Delaware Museum of Natural History, National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum, National Archives and Records Administration, and the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. Sister Bear from the popular Berenstain Bears books series will also be there! Must pre-register by October 18.
Family Stories and Puppet Show: ‘Witch Gets Ready’
October 19, 11—11:45 am
Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 E. Front St., Media
Enjoy stories, fingerplays, music, and the short puppet show Witch Gets Ready. Best for ages 0-5. No registration required, just drop in.
BYOB and Pizza Night at Lulu’s Casita
October 19, 4—7:30pm
6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore
Lulu’s is open until 7:30 pm for more fun, BYOB, and pizza starting at 4 pm. Parents can relax with some adult beverages while kids tire themselves out before bedtime.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
October 19, 4—8 pm
Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Come in costume and enjoy special extra Friday night hours with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume, a parade, trick-or-treating, and more.
The Great Pumpkin Carve
October 19, 4—9 pm
Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford
Over 60 carvers, both amateur and professional, will gather to sculpt, saw, and chisel giant pumpkins – some weighing up to 400 pounds – before crowds of enthusiastic onlookers. Tickets available online.
Movie in the Woods: Hocus Pocus
October 19, 6 pm
Plantation Field, 1547 W. Doe Run Rd., Kennett Square
Bring your blankets and chairs, come warm up by the fire pits and enjoy some delicious food and drinks while being immersed in the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. There will be games, trivia, look-alikes, a costume contest, treats, and much more! Tickets available online.
Teen Halloween Party at Tredyffrin Public Library
October 19, 6:45—8 pm
582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford
Pizza, Pumpkins, and Puzzles! A fun team building night with a problem solving twist. Contact Laurie Doan at LDOAN@CCLS.ORG or 610-688-7092 x 200 to sign up.
CATS: The Broadway Musical
October 19, 7—9 pm
SALT Performing Arts, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs
While this musical has been around a long time, that isn’t stopping the cast at SALT from putting their own unique spin on it. Join all the cats as they celebrate the Jellicle Ball.
Longwood Gardens Illuminated Fountain Performance: Fanfare and Fountains
October 19, 8:15 pm
1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square
Watch Longwood’s spectacular fountain display, set to epic classical tunes inspired by the grandeur of the fountains. Pre-register for tickets in advance.
Elmwood Park Zoo’s ZooSnooze Overnight
October 19, 5:30 pm—October 20, 9 am
1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Spend a night under the stars with your favorite animal friends and enjoy outdoor family time in a safe and unique environment. Recommended for kids age 4 and up with a caregiver. Bring your own tent and equipment. Price includes admission, pizza dinner, activities, a movie and popcorn under the stars, s’mores by the campfire, and breakfast in the morning. Pre-registration is required.
Weekend Events
Get all our weekend picks in the High Five, here!
Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
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