The best things to do with kids in Philly July 12-18

Here they come: the hottest days of the year. Time to plan morning or evening excursions, visits to shaded, splashy — or air-conditioned — spaces, and to pack the water bottles.

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(Roller skating) You have through this Sunday to take a spin on the beach ball-roofed skating space in front of City Hall. After that, it’s full-on fountains. Ages 3 and up. ($10 adult, $8 child, $5 skate rental, opening: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., through July 17, 1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org)

(Outdoors) As if unlimited access to the splash pond weren’t incentive enough, Sister Cities invites arts and cultural institutions over for an hour each week to keep kids’ minds and bodies fresh. Tuesdays, it’s arts, crafts, and story time with the Free Library (10:30-11:30 a.m.). Wednesdays, creative movement with Philadelphia Ballet (10:30-11:30 a.m.) and art history with Fabric Workshop and Museum (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). Mondays, hands-on investigation with the Academy of Natural Sciences (10:30-11:30 a.m.). Ages 3-8. (Free, through Aug. 17, 210 N. 18th St., centercityphila.org)

(Theater) Charles M. Schultz’s beagle sage, wily Woodstock, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Peppermint Patty, and Charlie Brown set their iconic comic strip to music in a performance that will feel delightfully retro to grown-ups and very relevant to the target audience. Ages 2-12. ($20-$35, July 13-31, with relaxed, audio-described performance July 24, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, hedgerowtheatre.org)

(Movie) The funny one of the Spider-Man movies plays alongside the Schuylkill. Arrive early to score a sunset view and spot for your blanket. Ages 9 and up. (Free, July 14, 8:30 p.m., Grays Ferry Crescent near Wharton Street, schuylkillbanks.org)

(Outdoors) The Bicycle Coalition loans bikes, helmets, and help (and provides snacks) on weather-permitting Friday afternoons. Kids get a safe and beautiful place to ride — a mile-long trail next to one of our nation’s most historic gardens. Registration and parent/guardian presence required. Ages 5-15. (Free, Fridays through November, 3-6 p.m., 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., bartramsgarden.org)

(Health) Dentists say brushing should start as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. Parents say they’ll take what they can get. The Please Touch sets up exhibits that include animal teeth, plus dental and other kids’ health resources and free COVID-19 vaccines and boosters — and offers free access to the whole, fun museum. Registration recommended. Ages 0-8. (Free, July 17, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org)