This past weekend, our family was invited to the Kimmel Center for a day of Halloween fun - and it was truly magical! 🎃
Hosted by Ensemble Arts Philly’s Family Discovery Series, the event featured the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Halloween Spectacular - a fun, engaging concert experience designed just for kids and families.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was pure joy. The Kimmel Center lobby was filled with families in costume, laughter, and lots of excitement for the show ahead.
Before the concert began, families were able to enjoy arts and crafts in the plaza, including coloring stations, wand-making, and photo ops with festive Halloween backdrops. There was even a costume contest, which the kids absolutely loved - we saw everything from tiny superheroes to little witches twirling through the plaza!
The performance itself was incredible - perfectly tailored for young kiddos! The Philadelphia Orchestra set the tone with lively, spooky music, and the show kept everyone entertained from start to finish.
Highlights included:
🕊️ A magician with seven live birds (yes, seven!) who had the audience in awe
👞 An amazing tap dancer whose rhythm brought the stage to life
🦜 And even macaws from the Philadelphia Zoo, who helped announce the costume winners!
The concert was interactive, funny, and beautifully educational - introducing kids to orchestral music in such a fun and approachable way. It’s the kind of event that makes you fall in love with Philly’s arts scene all over again.
This was the kind of family day that’s both memorable and meaningful - a perfect mix of creativity, learning, and entertainment. The Family Discovery Series does such a wonderful job of making the arts accessible and exciting for children, helping them experience music and performance up close.
If you’re looking for a fun family outing that feels both cultural and kid-approved, this is one to add to your list.
If you missed the Halloween event, mark your calendar for the next Family Discovery Series performance - the Holiday Spectacular on December 20th at the Kimmel Center!
It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season with your family. Expect holiday music, dancing, and more fun surprises for kids of all ages.
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Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Please Touch Museum with themed storytimes and a performance of “The Magic Latkes” — a fun and family-friendly Hanukkah event for Philly kids.
Enjoy a free Christmas Festival in Germantown with crafts, Santa photos, a Christmas pageant, lunch, and goats from the Philly Goat Project — a fun holiday outing for Philly families.
Looking for free holiday activities in Philadelphia? The Clay Studio’s Hands on Clay workshop invites kids and families to create their own holiday ornament during a fun, hands-on art experience.
Amber Bowie
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