When cold weather rolls around, Parks & Rec programming heats up! Our recreation centers and playgrounds offer affordable activities to keep you busy all month.

Check out one of these fun February activities!

Special events

Girls learn to skate mini camp

February 1 to February 3, 2023
Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m.
Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Simons Recreation Center – 7200 Woolston Avenue, 19138

Ed Snider Youth Hockey and Education and Parks & Rec are hosting a free Girls Learn to Skate Mini Camp this month. The camp is open to any girl who is interested in learning how to skate, meeting new friends, and having fun. (Youth must live in Philadelphia). No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Fill out this form to sign up.

Sip and paint

February 11, 2023
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Education Center – 8600A Verree Road, 19115

Learn different painting techniques as you create a nature scene with acrylics on canvas. Adults only. Learn more and get tickets on Eventbrite.

Family game and campfire night

February 23, 2023
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Wissahickon Environmental Center – 300 W Northwestern Avenue, 19118

The Tree House will have tables set up inside with some games and a campfire blazing outside. Families are encouraged to bring games and activities, as well as fixings for s’mores. Register at Eventbrite for this free monthly event.

Winter programs

Move and paint

Fridays
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Joseph E. Mander Playground – 2140 N. 33rd Street, 19121

A free program that teaches adults how to recreate paintings while doing a little dance fitness. Learn more.

Gamer club

Mondays
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Tomlinson & Gifford Playground – 575 Tomlinson Road, 19116

Enjoy video games and meet new friends while playing an assortment of games on Parks & Rec’s consoles and computers. Read more on Facebook.

Knitting circle

Tuesdays
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
William H. (Billy) Markward Memorial Playground – 400-16 S. Taney Street, 19146

Build friendships and perfect your craft. Bring your own supplies and meet your neighbors every week. Learn more.

Adult ceramics

Tuesdays
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Disston Recreation Center – 4423 Longshore Avenue, 19135

This is an adult ceramics class. There will be ceramics for you to buy and paint. All paints and finish sprays are supplied in the class. There is a $5 class fee per week. Contact the recreation center for more information.

Kids acting classes

Wednesdays
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holmesburg Recreation Center– 4500 Rhawn Street, 19136

This is an ongoing kids’ theatre program. It runs 10 weeks at a time. Kids play theater games, do improv, learn to act and showcase their talent. Register now.

Hip hop dance for youth

Tuesdays
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fishtown Recreation Center – 1202-32 E. Montgomery Avenue, 19125

Hip-Hop is one of the most popular dance styles. After a thorough warm-up, participants work on strengthening their core muscles. They develop a strong sense of rhythm and learn new hip-hop dance techniques. Learn more on Facebook.

Uptown Warriors cheerleading team

Days vary
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Waterview Recreation Center – 5826 Mcmahon Street, 19144

Cheerleading is fun and exciting for kids of all ages. It provides an outlet for kids’ excess energy. It teaches confidence, develops balance and flexibility. No experience necessary. To register, email UptownWarriors12@gmail.com.

Free karate lessons

Mondays and Fridays
5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Eastwick Regional Playground – 80th & Mars Place, 19153

Ministries of Defense Tang Soo Do Karate offers free martial arts classes for children, teens and adults. Register today.