family events & opportunities

Looking for a fun and creative activity for your family to do together in the galleries? Check out our Family Activity Guides for workbooks from current and past exhibitions. Guides combine artmaking with thought-provoking questions and activities.

During this special celebration and highlight of Circus-related artwork in our collection, enjoy readings of circus stories and books to inspire young artists to create puppets of their favorite characters, as well as fun entertainment! Philadelphia School of Circus Arts mime artists and stilt walkers will roam through Woodmere's galleries and fascinate the entire family. Aerial, trapeze, juggling, and tightwire artists from the Little Circus provide an interactive and fun-loving performance. Children can meet with the performers and learn some circus arts after the performance.

Check back for more information on our 2025 partnership!

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a holiday celebrating the freedom of enslaved people at the end of the Civil War. At this Family Festival, listen to storybooks that deepen children’s understanding of Juneteenth and create Flags of Freedom in a follow-up art activity. Enjoy an interactive performance with guest artists who share stories of resilience and songs of courage that honors the legacy of Juneteenth.

Every Fall, Woodmere’s front lawn becomes a whimsical giant maze. Built with massive bales of straw and featuring unique designs each year, the Straw Maze provides fun and recreation for all ages.

Keep an eye out for the Straw Maze opening date this year!

Families can spend the day immersed in Lenape culture with Barbara “Bluejay” Michalski. Listen to Lenape stories and play traditional Lenape games such as Jackstraws (aka Pick Up Sticks) and Dice Game (Mamantickan). Children will learn to make their own hoop stick for a game of Hoop and Stick and also participate in Friendship Dances. As a member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, Michalski serves on the Tribal Council and was recently appointed chief of culture, teaching the history of the Lenape Nation through crafts, storytelling, and artifacts.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Morris Arboretum & Gardens and Woodmere host an evening of storytelling with indigenous voices from the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. Hear stories of Lenape history, language, and culture, and be treated to drumming and singing by the Stone Dog Drum. This annual celebration of Lenape culture is a collaboration between Woodmere, Morris Arboretum & Gardens, and the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania.

The Circle of Trees Celebration brings the community together at the start of the holiday season. Enjoy hot chocolate, cider and cookies, music, goodie bags for the kids, and a visit from (shhhhh!) Santa too, who arrives on an antique fire truck. Together we count down to the lighting of Woodmere and surrounding trees.

In partnership with CHBA and CHCA Chestnut Hill Business and Community Associations. Free, please bring a new, wrapped gift or book for children in need.

Honoring Woodmere’s architectural and cultural history as a Victorian stone mansion, create holiday cards in the Victorian card-making tradition. Special papers, stickers, holiday images, ribbons, and "bling" are supplied, plus cards and envelopes, scissors, and glue sticks.

This free, fun family event is always a favorite as we gear up for the winter holiday season!