The American Swedish Historical Museum offers a variety of educational programs for all audiences. From school programs, to Swedish language classes to Swedish genealogy, the Museum has something for learners of all ages. 

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Programs for Families

Toddler Time

Toddler Time is our specially designed program for children ages 2 to 5 years old, where each session helps young minds grow through interactive stories, engaging hands-on activities and social interaction. Toddler Time is a monthly program, every third Tuesday of the Month. Listed below is a schedule of upcoming programs with descriptions. This program is free for members and $5 per child for nonmembers.


Everyone has fun summer traditions and that’s no exception for people in Sweden.  This month at Toddler Time we will read the book Summer in Sweden by Anette Henningson and learn about the great outdoor activities families enjoy together. Kids will also have some summer fun by “fishing” and “picnicking” on our terrace and going on a nature walk.

   10:30-11:30 am
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We’re all engineers at this month’s Toddler Time! Learn about what engineers can build and then make your own creations! Kids will try out different building materials, complete building challenges, and make a project to take home.

 

   10:30-11:30 am
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In honor of Norway’s special anniversary in 2025, highlighted in our current exhibit Across the Atlantic: Sloopers and the First Organized Emigration from Norway to America, join us for Toddler Time all about Norway! Learn about Norwegian culture with Scandinavian Viking activities and crafts inspired by Norwegian folk art.

   10:30-11:30 am
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There are so many boats at ASHM this month! Come see boat images and models in our permanent galleries and two of our temporary exhibitions: Across the Atlantic: Sloopers and the First Organized Emigration from Norway to America and Let Victory Tell the Rest: 250 Years of Shipbuilding in Greater Philadelphia. Learn about different types of boats and what makes them float as we play Sink or Float and build and test our own boats.

   10:30-11:30 am
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Family Events

The Museum hosts many events and programs throughout the year, many of which are fun for the whole family. In addition to these annual programs, we have a constantly evolving calendar of events. Visit our Events page for more information and to purchase tickets.


Swedes celebrate Easter religiously, but for the majority of Swedes religion has little to do with it. It's more about witches, egg hunts, and colored feathers. Let’s not forget about the candy, Easter is the holiday for sweets.

The traditional Easter week in Sweden lasts from Thursday to Monday, and kicks off with a trick or treat-like candy hunt. Children dress up as Easter witches with long skirts, headscarves, painted red cheeks and freckles and go from house to house wishing people happy Easter. They get sweets in return for a drawing or song. Having consumed all these treats, they are then given Easter eggs filled with yet more. Parents also let the children search for the eggs themselves in a treasure hunt — following clues and solving riddles until they find their prizes

At Easter Family Fun Day, children get to dress up, have their faces painted and make crafts that reflect the Swedish celebration of the holiday. To wrap up the day, there will be an Easter egg hunt for children on the grounds of the Museum, weather permitting.

  

Get in the spirit of summer by wearing a wreath of flowers in your hair and take a spin around the midsommarpole at the American Swedish Historical Museum’s annual Midsommarfest in late June. Midsommarfest is a day of fun for the entire family with food, music, dance, raffles, games and activities for kids of all ages. Midsommar is one of Sweden’s most important holidays, a unique Swedish celebration, and a day to rejoice in the coming of summer at a time when daylight is at its longest. At Midsommar time, people all over Sweden retreat to the countryside, eager to savor the festivities with friends and family. In fact, Midsommar is a national holiday comparable to our Fourth of July celebration.

  

Light, warmth and Christmas songs have been hallmarks of the Lucia celebration at ASHM since 1939. Each year, families pour through the magnificent bronze doors of the museum to be greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pastries, meatball dishes and strong Swedish coffee. Stroll through the Christmas Market, or Julmarknad, where Swedish delicacies, crafts, decorations, and imported gifts may be purchased, before the musical entertainment begins. The Swedish Christmas Café will also be selling your favorite sweet and savory holiday foods.          

At 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, the lights will dim and the doors will close for the duration of a performance of Swedish Christmas songs and dances, which are sure to warm your heart in the cold of winter. Children from toddlers to teens dressed in costume entertain the crowds, culminating with the procession of Lucia, wearing her crown of candles, surrounded by her white gowned attendants and star boys. This long standing event is sure to warm your heart, and become a part of your family’s holiday tradition.

  

Join us for a Free Family Day at the American Swedish Historical Museum! Families can learn about Norwegian culture with craft activities throughout the Museum galleries. Try out Norwegian folk art styles and experience some of early Scandinavian Viking life.

   12:00 – 4:00 pm
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Join us for a Free Family Day at the American Swedish Historical Museum inspired by ships and shipbuilding! Explore And Let Victory Tell the Rest: 250 Years of Shipbuilding in Greater Philadelphia, and try out engineering and nautical-themed activities in the Museum galleries, including US Navy LEGO shipbuilding with the Kalmar Nyckel!