Does anyone else feel like once the “Back to School” rush is over, a slew of holidays and teacher-in-service days take over and we are again left with kiddos at home clamoring for screens? Here are some excellent activities to beat the fall vacation day blues!

Sponsored by Music Theatre Philly
Music Theatre Philly isn’t just for kids – they offer classes for all ages, including courses in acting, voice, musical theater, audition prep, and more! “Wow” them at your next audition with our private monologue coaching, or, for those 16 and up, stop in on Sundays for tap and ballet classes. There’s always special Broadway Bootcamp sessions, perfect for those in grades 7-12. Fall classes are available after school (with some local school pick-ups!) and weekends. For a full write-up on Music Theatre Philly, click here and find out about current class offerings at musictheatrephilly.com.
Philly Rock Gym
Fishtown and East Falls
When school’s out, K.D.O. is IN! Each day, kids learn technical rock climbing and safety skills through instruction provided by expert PRG staff. Bouldering and Top Rope along with other camp activities such as team-building challenges and arts & crafts provide kids with even more opportunities to develop and practice leadership, communication & creative thinking skills. Kids’ Days Off is designed for all levels of climbers – no prior experience is necessary! Ages 4-15 welcome. Full-day, half-day and extended care options available. Visit www.philarockgym.com for more information.
Skate the Foundry
894 N 40th St.
Skate The Foundry is an indoor skateboard park located in West Philadelphia – but is also a mobile skateboarding experience that can pop up anywhere! The skate park, located next to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park at 894 N 40th St., is open on many days when the kids have off school and offers a wide range of obstacles for skaters of all ages. They offer monthly memberships to children, adults, and families, private / group lessons, adult beginner skateboard classes, youth workshops, day/weekly camps, and birthday parties. Learn more at www.skatethefoundry.com.
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia
Looking for something to appeal to curious young minds and busy young bodies when school’s closed but you still have to work? Get them outdoors and into nature with the Schuylkill Center’s Day-Off Camps. Trained educators lead students ages 5 through 12 on unique nature-themed explorations that take advantage of our science lab, Discovery Center resources and 340 acres of beautiful wooded trails, streams, and ponds. Learn more at www.schuylkillcenter.org.
YMCA Greater Philadelphia Area
14 locations from Audubon to Upper Perkiomen
The Y provides full day child care in the form of camp on various days when the kids have off from school. And most locations even have a pool! Programs and prices vary so visit online at https://philaymca.org/school-holiday-camp/ for more information.