PhillyFun4Kids

Are you guys aware of the new car seat laws in PA? If not, read on… The new laws went into effect earlier this month. Now children under the age of 2 who haven’t outgrown manufacturers’ weight limits now will have to be buckled into an approved rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat, the result of legislation signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. 

Child restraint guidelines made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend that young children should be in a rear-facing car seat until they weigh at least 20 pounds and are at least a year old. For more information on the car seat laws by state read more here. Here are several basic child safety seat recommendations, according to the Pa. Department of Transportation.

• Select a car seat based on your child’s age and size, and choose a seat that fits in your vehicle and use it every time.
• Always refer to your specific car seat manufacturer’s instructions; read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to install the car seat using the seat belt or LATCH system; and check height and weight limits.
• To maximize safety, keep your child in the car seat for as long as possible, as long as the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
• Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.

All of this is especially noteworthy to me since this summer, my family had not one but two car accidents in the span of less than a month. In both of these accidents my two girls (ages 8 and 6) were involved. Both of our family cars were hit in a span of less than 2 weeks. To say that these accidents were scary is an understatement. These accidents were terrifying and a true reminder of just how quickly things can happen and how important it is is to keep ourselves and our families as safe as possible in the car when we are on the road because you just never know what could happen or when a car accident could occur. In the first accident we were in bumper to bumper traffic heading down to the shore on the Atlantic City Expressway on July 4th weekend. In all the years I’ve been going back and forth to the shore this was the first time that I’ve ever been in an accident. And to have our family car be hit and my two daughters thrown around the backseat and even have a bloody cheek and pain from the impact was just a horrible and scary experience. The car who hit us from behind was completely totaled in the front and had to be towed away. This was a real moment of realization at just how quickly things can change in literally a blink.

And then, it happened again…

While we were still dealing with accident reports, figuring out our deductibles, and talking with insurance companies, it happened again. My husband was driving the girls to their first day of Girl Scouts Camp. The kids were so excited. And then while merging on to the onramp of a highway in pretty close and bumper to bumper traffic, they got hit from behind. (The other driver was putting on makeup while merging on to the highway. Putting. On. Her. Makeup.)  Two accidents in one month. Thank goodness the girls were not hurt in this one. But really… What are the odds? In both accidents, I am just so grateful that my two beautiful babies were not badly hurt. But I was definitely rattled. How can we make 100% sure that our children are as safe as they can be when we’re out on the road?

So when I had an opportunity to attend a Safety 1st car safety check I was eager to go and check it out. I wanted to make sure that my two girls’ car seats were the safest they could possibly be. And boy am I glad that I attended. I wasn’t even thinking in the least that the car seats I was using might have actually been damaged by the impact of the recent car accidents. I was just sort of thinking, yeah, let’s just check things out and make sure they’re set up ok to be safe.  The Safety 1st Air Protect Tour was held in King of Prussia in late July. As part of the Air Protect Tour, Safety 1st was offering car seat inspections with Child Passenger Safety Technicians. At the car seat inspection, I met with Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) instructor Daniel who talked to me about safe car seat installation and inspected my car and car seats. Turns out the car seat I was using for my youngest daughter was damaged by the impact of our first accident this summer and had to be disposed of and replaced immediately. Daniel spent a lot of time with me talking me through the safest way to have my children in the car, seat belt placement, and how to ensure car seats are safe. I highly recommend getting your car seats checked out if you haven’t done this. A CPST certified technician is really the only way to verify that your car seats are safely installed. And, trust me – this is something you don’t want to risk.

There is another Air Protect Tour event coming up this Saturday Sept. 24th from 10am – 1pm at the Babies“R”Us for National Car Seat Check Saturday if you can make it out! The Air Protect Tour event will be at Totowa Square Shopping Center, 465 Us Highway 46 West, Totowa, NJ 07512. 

 

Safety 1st is a leading provider of child safety products from Dorel Juvenile, a segment of Dorel Industries Inc. Safety 1st offers a full range of child safety products from socket protectors to strollers, car seats, and more. Their newest car seat is the UltraMax™ AIR 360 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat ($259). This car seat is the only 4-in-1 car seat that features 360 Protect™ for 6 layers of proven safety, and it’s the only car seat you’ll need to buy for your baby as it adapts to keep them safe through four different stages of development. I got to try out the new UltraMax 360 car seat so I’ll be sharing my review of it in an upcoming blog post along with your chance to win an UltraMax 360 car seat of your own! Stay tuned…

If you are unsure whether your car seats are safely installed, you can find a local car seat inspection station here. Please be safe everyone!!

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Safety 1st. We received products and/or compensation in exchange for sharing this information with phillyfun4kids readers. As always, all opinions expressed about how critical it is to understand proper car seat installation and car seat laws in your state to ensure the safety of your precious passengers are our own. 

It’s the official last weekend of summer and there is much fun to be had in and around Philly this weekend! Don’t miss the final weekend of The Science Behind Pixar at the Franklin Institute, the weekend long German festival, pay what you wish museum admission and more!!

Family Movie: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Friday Sept. 2
7:30pm
7 Lock Street
Venice Island Performing Arts & Rec Center
Philadelphia, PA

Bring the kids (and some chocolate!) to a screening of this all-ages 1971 classic movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, at the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center. Free.

The Science Behind Pixar
Friday Sept. 2 – Monday Sept 5
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to The Franklin Institute for The Science Behind Pixar exhibit during its final weekend this Friday Sept 2 – Monday Sept 5. This exhibit explores what it takes to bring Pixar Studio’s most popular movies and beloved characters to the big screen via more than 40 hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of Pixar production teams and recreations of favorite characters that highlight the scientific concepts used to make each film. $29.95 daytime adults, $24.95 daytime kids.

German Volksfest
Saturday Sept. 3 – Monday Sept. 5
Cannstatter Volksfest Verein
9130 Academy Rd.
Phila., PA

Head to the German Volksfest this Saturday Sept. 3rd for a celebration of all things German, including food, music, dancing, souvenirs, crafts, amusement rides and beer for the adult crowd. $6 for one day, $9 for two days; $11 for three days; free ages 12 & younger.

Labor Day Celebration
Saturday Sept. 3
12pm – 3pm
Franklin Square
200 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy a Labor Day celebration at Franklin Square this Saturday Sept. 3 from 12-3pm. Take a ride on the Liberty Express carousel, play a round of Philadelphia themed mini-golf, and more. Admission free. Carousel and golf are ticketed.

Spruce Street Harbor Park
Friday Sept. 2 – Monday Sept. 5
Columbus Blvd. and Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA

The family fun continues at Spruce Street Harbor Park this Friday Sept 2 – Sunday Sept. 5. Named one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia by national press, Spruce Street Harbor Park features colorful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful lights, games and fun for the kids, and refreshing food and drink from popular Philly restaurants. Free.

Pay What You Wish Sunday 
Sunday Sept. 4
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the first weekend of the month so that means Pay What You Wish admission all day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Sunday September 4. Enjoy the Museum’s vast galleries and treasures. Kids 12 and under always free. Adult admission is Pay What You Wish on the first Sunday of each month.

School may have started (for some) so all the more reason to get out and enjoy the summer sun and fun with the family in and around Philly this weekend! Don’t miss the cool things happening this second to last weekend of summer from festivals, community days, and lots more.

Tomato Celebration
Saturday Aug 27
Linvilla Orchards
137 West Knowlton Road
Media, PA

It’s the annual Tomato Celebration happening at Linvilla Orchards on Saturday August 27th starting at 8am. The annual tomato celebration features lots of this late summer seasonal fruit, tomato themed treats, games, hayrides, costumed characters, and other fun! Admission is free. Some events ticketed.

Community Appreciation Day 
Saturday Aug 27
12-8pm
South Philadelphia
22nd St. & Point Breeze Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate Community Appreciation Day at this family friendly event featuring local talents Pop-A-Nugget, Fairy Cee-Cee & the PN Royals  free food; giveaways; and family-friendly activities. Free.

Chocolate and Vanilla Celebration
Saturday Aug 27 – Sunday Aug 28
1-4pm
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Dr.
Camden, NJ

Don’t miss this delicious daytime event at Camden’s Children Garden dedicated to two of nature’s most flavorful plants! Vote for your favorite ice cream flavor, take a tropical smell test, plus crafts and fun educational activities, too. $8, Free ages 2 and younger.

Grow Up Great
Saturday August 27
11am
300 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

Get your little music lovers down to the Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza this Saturday Aug 27th for the next in the PNC Grow Up Great family programs featuring kid-fave musicals led by Barrymore Award-winning singer/actress Rachel Camp. Free.

 

The Science Behind Pixar
Friday Aug 26 – Sunday Aug 28
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to The Franklin Institute for The Science Behind Pixar exhibit continuing this weekend Friday Aug 26 – Sunday Aug 28. This exhibit explores what it takes to bring Pixar Studio’s most popular movies and beloved characters to the big screen via more than 40 hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of Pixar production teams and recreations of favorite characters that highlight the scientific concepts used to make each film. $29.95 daytime adults, $24.95 daytime kids.

Spruce Street Harbor Park 
August 26 – August 28
Columbus Blvd. and Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA

The family fun continues at Spruce Street Harbor Park this Friday Aug 26 – Sunday August 28. Named one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia by national press, Spruce Street Harbor Park features  colorful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful lights, games and fun for the kids, and refreshing food and drink from popular Philly restaurants. Free.

25th Annual Ukrainian Folk Festival
Sunday Aug 28
12 – 8pm
Ukrainian American Sport Center
Lower State Road
North Wales, PA

Take the whole family out to the 25th annual Ukranian Folk Festival happening on Sunday Aug. 28th in North Wales. This festival celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Ukrane’s Independence with rich culture, unique traditions, music and dance of Ukrane and plenty of fun for kids including face paint and more. $15 adults, children 14 and under free.

 

For the first time ever, my two daughters ages 8 and 6 were able to enjoy two weeks at Girl Scouts Camp and they absolutely loved it!

Their first week was “Dumbledore’s Army” camp at Valley Forge Day Camp. As brand new Harry Potter fans, the girls absolutely loved this camp and enjoyed making wands, practicing spells, and having all sorts of magical adventures and fun.

For their second week they loved the “It’s A Dance Party” camp that just wrapped up last week at the brand new Shelly Ridge Resident Camp. The new Shelly Ridge Resident Camp has a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focus and is located on 100+ wooded acres of land just outside of Philadelphia with resident and day camp options for girls entering grades K-11 and overnight camp for girls entering grades 1-10. Shelly Ridge campus features a brand new air-conditioned lodge and activity center, new science programs, an in-door climbing wall, a large pool, arts pavilion, gaga pit, hiking trails, a low ropes course, trading post, and fire pits for making s’mores, and much more!

Thanks to the Campaign for Girls, a $9 million capital campaign currently underway to bring greater experiences to girls in our region, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA has really brought the Shelly Ridge Resident Camp to life, and my girls were lucky enough to be among the first to check it out last week.

Shelly Ridge Camp is open to all girls – you don’t already have to be a Girl Scout to attend camp! Many girls attend camp as their primary Girl Scout experience. Girls may attend one session or several consecutive weeks – Shelly Ridge even offers half-week resident camp programs for busy girls and new campers to get a taste of the overnight experience. Here are some other great features of the new Shelly Ridge Resident Camp:

• Shelly Ridge Camp is a great place for girls from the city area to experience camp as it is conveniently located within close proximity to Philadelphia, Conshohocken, Plymouth Meeting, Roxborough, Germantown, Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy.
• With 113 acres of meadows and woodlands, Camp Shelly Ridge is the perfect place to explore nature.
• There is a local bus pick-up and drop-off located at Shelly Ridge.
• Shelly Ridge is a great camp for first time campers as it is closer to home than many other camps, and has many modern home-style amenities.
• STEM activities and camp sessions are offered at Shelly Ridge and there are age specific programs such as “Career Gals” for girls in grades 6 -10.
• Other activities include swimming, archery and crafts. There is also a climbing wall and a low ropes course for girls in fourth grade and above.

My girls have loved all the time in the pool at Shelly Ridge Camp as well as the gaga pit, making gimp, doing the flag ceremony, the end of week talent show, and all the great friends they met and experiences they had along the way.

If your awesome girls missed out on the fun of Girl Scouts Camp this year, be sure to check out the fantastic day and overnight camp offerings and plan to enjoy them next year! Trust me – your girls will love it!

Day Camps
Valley Forge Day Camp (Valley Forge, PA)
Shelly Ridge Day Camp (Miquon, PA)
Camp Mountain House (Allentown, PA)

Resident Camps
Camp Laughing Waters (Gilbertsville, PA)
Camp Mosey Wood (White Haven, PA)
Shelly Ridge Resident Camp – NEW for 2016! (Miquon, PA)
Camp Wood Haven (Pine Grove, PA)

Disclosure: This post was in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. I was provided with one week of camp for one of my girls to experience the new Shelly Ridge Resident Camp in exchange for sharing our experiences with you all. As always, all opinions expressed about Girls Scouts being an incredible experience for young girls and loving such great resident and day camp options so close to Philly are our own! 

Enjoy all the weekend fun to be had in and around Philadelphia this weekend with plenty of activities and festivities to enjoy in the (somewhat) cooler weekend summer weather!

Festival of India
Saturday Aug 20
1pm – 7pm
Great Plaza Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate Indian Independence Day at the Festival of India taking place at the Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing on Saturday August 20 from 1-7pm. Bring the whole family out for a day of fun celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Inda through food, crafts, music, dancing and more! Free.

Star Wars Weekend 
Saturday Aug 20 – Sunday Aug 21
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

Star Wars fans of all ages will not want to miss Star Wars Weekends at the Please Touch Museum happening Saturday Aug. 20 and Sunday Aug. 21. Enjoy meeting Star Wars characters, Star Wars themed programming, and lots of learning and fun Jedi-style! Free with admission. $17 adults and children 1 and over. Under 1 free.

Pirate Day
Saturday Aug. 20
Fort Mifflin
82 Fort Mifflin Rd.
Phila., PA

Calling all pirates! It’s Pirate Day at Fort Mifflin on Saturday Aug. 20. Take a look at the history of piracy along the Delaware River, meet pirates and the British solders defending the fort & watch two exciting skirmishes at 11am and 3pm. $8 adults, $4 kids.

Summer Fun at The Oval
Friday Aug 19 – Sunday Aug 21
Eakins Oval
2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy summer fun at The Oval with food, music, entertainment and loads of family fun for all, all weekend long! Youth Soccer Shots will be there from 12:30 – 2pm offering high energy fun “intro to soccer” lessons and activities. And from 2-4pm kids will love making chalk murals, bubble fun, and more with PlayWheels, Smith’s cargo trike. Free.

Saturday Night at the Movies
Saturday Aug 20
Franklin Square
200 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Come out to Franklin Square for Saturday Night at the Movies on Saturday August 20 starting at 7pm. Bring your own blanket and enjoy the Disney classic, Aladdin, outside with your whole family this Saturday evening. Games and pre-show activities start at 7pm. Movie starts at 9pm. Movie admission free.

The Science Behind Pixar
Friday Aug 19 – Sunday Aug 21
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20^th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to The Franklin Institute for The Science Behind Pixar exhibit continuing this weekend Friday Aug 19 – Sunday Aug 21.  This exhibit explores what it takes to bring Pixar Studio’s most popular movies and beloved characters to the big screen via more than 40 hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of Pixar production teams and recreations of favorite characters that highlight the scientific concepts used to make each film. $29.95 daytime adults, $24.95 daytime kids.

Bugs and Butterflies Festival
Sunday Aug 21 10am – 2pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Rd.
Media, PA

Head to beautiful Tyler Arboretum in Media on Sunday Aug 21st from 10am – 2pm for a celebration of all that buzzes, crawls and flutters. Plus, tour the Butterfly House and see various species in different parts of their life cycles. Free with admission. $11 adults, children ages 3-15 $7.

 

Caribbean Festival
Sunday Aug 21
12pm – 8pm
Great Plaza Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy the 30th Annual Caribbean Festival happening at the Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing on Sunday August 21 from 12-8pm. Bring the whole family out for a day of fun celebrating the rich culture and traditions of the 14 Caribbean islands through food, crafts, music, dancing and more! Free.

The heat (wave) is on but there are plenty of ways to beat the hot temps both inside and out in Philly this weekend. Enjoy sweet summer peach festivals, cool down with a duck dash, and take a trip back in time to cool down in the colonies, too!

Duck Dash
Saturday Aug 13
11am – 1pm
Vogt Recreation Center
6700 Cottage St.
Phila., PA

ACCT Philly hosts the Duck Dash on Saturday August 13th from 11am – 1pm at the Vogt Recreation Center and Pool. Adopt a duck for a chance to win $50,000 and other great prizes including $2,000 and an iPad! And enjoy watching over 5,000 rubber ducks dip and dash through the pool, too!

Peach Festival
Saturday Aug 13 – Sunday Aug 14
10am – 6pm
Peddler’s Village
2400 Street Rd.
New Hope, PA

Head to Peddler’s Village this Saturday August 13th – Sunday August 14th for the annual peach festival where the village comes alive with peach treats and delicacies plus plenty of games, fun, shopping, crafts, music, and more. Free.

Summer Fun at The Oval
Friday Aug 12 – Sunday Aug 14
Eakins Oval
2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy summer fun at The Oval with food, music, entertainment and loads of family fun for all, all weekend long! Youth Soccer Shots will be there from 12:30 – 2pm offering high energy fun “intro to soccer” lessons and activities. And from 2-4pm kids will love making chalk murals, bubble fun, and more with PlayWheels, Smith’s cargo trike. Free.

The Science Behind Pixar
Friday Aug 12 – Sunday Aug 14
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20^th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to The Franklin Institute for the The Science Behind Pixar exhibit continuing this weekend Friday Aug 12 – Sunday Aug 14.  This exhibit explores what it takes to bring Pixar Studio’s most popular movies and beloved characters to the big screen via more than 40 hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of Pixar production teams and recreations of favorite characters that highlight the scientific concepts used to make each film. $29.95 daytime adults, $24.95 daytime kids.

Bug Fest 
Saturday August 13 – Sunday August 14
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss Bug Fest this Saturday August 13 and Sunday August 14 at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia! This annual celebration of insects features fun and learning where you can cheer on a favorite cockroach in the Roach Race 500, talk with Academy entomologists, examine hundreds of live insects (and even taste a few!), and enjoy learning all about Bugs!  Adults (age 13 and up): $19.95 ($17.95 online), children (ages 3–12): $15.95 ($13.95 online), children under age 3 free.

PECO Family Jams Found Object Creatures
Sunday Aug 14
12-4pm
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Bring the whole family to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens for PECO Family Jams Found Object Creatures this Sunday August 14th from 12-4pm. Discover the art of found object sculptures, take family friendly tours of the gardens and more. Free with admission.

Staying Cool in the Colonies
Saturday August
Woodford Mansion
2300 North 33rd Street
Phila., PA

Take a tour of beautiful Woodford Mansion to learn about the 18th-century summer homes that dotted the edges of Philadelphia through a collection of historical items, portraits and antiques. When it comes to history you couldn’t get much hotter, but don’t worry, Woodford is fully air-conditioned. Cost: $8 , adults; $5 , students (13-17); FREE, ages 12 & younger.

Peach Festival
Saturday August 6th
Linvilla Orchards
137 West Knowlton Road
Media, PA

It’s the annual Peach Festival happening at Linvilla Orchards on Saturday August 6th starting at 8am. The annual peach celebration features pick your own peaches, peach themed treats, games, hayrides, and family friendly tunes with Makin’ Music, too! Admission is free. Some events ticketed.

In The Good Old Summertime Festival
Saturday Aug 6th
11am – 3pm
Pennypacker Mills
5 Haldeman Road
Schwenksville, PA

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of good old summertime fun at Pennypacker Mills in Schwenksville PA this Saturday August 6th. Enjoy Victorian dress-up and photos, garden tours, a car show and so much more. Free.

Rock Party!
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy’s Mill Road
Philadelphia, PA

Kids can become a junior geologist with the Philadelphia Mineralogical Society at the Rock Party! this Saturday Aug. 6th from 1-3pm.  Bring your own rock samples to have identified, go on a rock exploration hike, learn how fossils are made, and more! $5. 

Summer Fun at The Oval
Friday Aug 5 – Sunday Aug 7
Eakins Oval
2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy summer fun at The Oval with food, music, entertainment and loads of family fun for all, all weekend long! This Saturday August 6th from 2-4pm kids will love making chalk murals, bubble fun, and more with PlayWheels, Smith’s cargo trike. Free.

Saturday Night at the Movies 
Saturday Aug. 6
7-11pm
Franklin Square
200 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Come out to Franklin Square for Saturday Night at the Movies on Saturday August 6th starting at 7pm. Bring your own blanket and enjoy The Force Awakens outside on the Great Lawn with your whole family this Saturday evening. Games and pre-show activities start at 7pm. Movie starts at 9pm. Movie admission free.

The Science Behind Pixar
Friday Aug 5 – Sunday Aug 7
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20^th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to The Franklin Institute for the The Science Behind Pixar exhibit continuing this weekend Friday Aug 6 – Sunday Aug 7.  This exhibit explores what it takes to bring Pixar Studio’s most popular movies and beloved characters to the big screen via more than 40 hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of Pixar production teams and recreations of favorite characters that highlight the scientific concepts used to make each film. $29.95 daytime adults, $24.95 daytime kids.

2nd Street Festival 
N 2nd St.
Germantown Ave. & Green St.
Phila., PA

It’s the annual 2nd Street Festival happening Sunday August 7th from 12 Noon – 10 pm on 2nd Street in Northern Liberties. Don’t miss live music on three stages plus over 150 food, drink and merchandise vendors to explore, too. Free.

ACANA Festival 
Saturday August 7th
2-8pm
Great Plaza Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

The ACANA celebration happening Sunday August 7th from 2-8 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing honors African immigrants and African-American culture through food, vendors, raffles, music and drum ensembles. Families will enjoy great food, drink, and vendors too! Free.

Are you excited for the 2016 Rio Olympics? I know we are in our family! There’s SO much excitement around the upcoming Olympics it’s hard to imagine how we could make them even more exciting, right? If you enjoy watching the Olympics you’re going to LOVE what the Xfinity X1 platform offers to enhance your Olympics viewing experience!

Recently we had a chance a experience the Xfinity X1 platform with a group of other local bloggers and their families at an event hosted by Comcast Xfinity at the Citizens Bank Ball Park in Philadelphia. We got a sneak peek and live demo of the brand new Xfinity X1 Rio Experience and it is amazing!

The new Rio Experience on X1 offers so many great enhancements to your viewing experience including:

Front Row To Rio: The ultimate Olympics destination, uniting all of NBCUniversal’s award-winning Olympics coverage – including 1,000 hours of live programming airing across 9 of NBCUniversal’s broadcast and cable networks, 650 hours of on demand programming and 4,500 hours of NBC Sports app streaming content – all in one place. You can access Front Row to Rio from the main menu (accessed by pressing the Xfinity key) or Xfinity On Demand sections of the guide, under “TV” and “Sports.”

Main Menu: With so many live events happening throughout the day, Comcast has enhanced the main menu (accessed by pressing the Xfinity key) to offer easy, instant access to real-time Olympic coverage as well as Front Row to Rio, personalized content and even a peek into new tips and tricks on X1.

Voice Remote: Get to Rio even faster with X1 Voice Remote. For the first time ever, you can quickly and easily search for your favorite Olympic sports, teams and athletes with just the sound of your voice.

NBC Sports App: For the first time, all of the online streaming content from the NBC Sports app will be integrated into the X1 experience for viewers to easily search, discover and tune.

Favorites: Viewers can tag their favorite athletes, teams and nations, providing a “bookmark” for quick and easy access to the content they care about most.

Must See Moments: Each day, Comcast will provide several tune-in notifications for marquee Olympic events that viewers won’t want to miss. Curated in partnership with NBC, Must See Moment notifications will happen in real-time. You can sign-up during the Olympic trials via the X1 Sports app or via Front Row to Rio.

If you aren’t familiar with Upper Darby Summer Stage at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center you are missing out! Upper Darby Summer Stage is the region’s showcase for family-friendly musicals.

Upper Darby Summer Stage is one of nation’s oldest and most successful youth theater programs. For five years in a row (2008-2012), Summer Stage was voted by My Fox Philly’s Best Theater Group in Philadelphia! The mission of Upper Darby Summer Stage is to encourage young people to develop the magic of their talents, personality and energy, and to share that magic with audiences through outstanding theatrical performances for the entire family. Each summer, over 700 young people from in and around the Delaware Valley come to Summer Stage and participate in one of our programs. Participants range in age from 11 to 28. Turns out my neighbor was in Summer Stage when SHE was in high school. And she drove an hour each day to come and be a part of it – who knew!

The next Upper Darby Performing Arts Center Summer Stage children’s theater show to hit the stage is James and The Giant Peach Jr. this week July 27-29. Next week will be Disney’s Mulan, Jr. running Aug 3-5. And the final children’s theater show of the season is The Dinosaur Musical running August 10-12. So there’s still plenty of time to take the kids and enjoy one of these affordable, family friendly shows this summer. Let your child’s imagination soar! Treat him or her to a show! Learn more about the remaining Summer Stage shows and buy tickets at www.udpac.org

If you go:
Upper Darby Summer Stage takes place at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center located at:
601 N. Lansdowne Ave
Drexel Hill, PA 19026

Purchase tickets:
Online at http://www.udpac.org/tickets/, by phone at 610-622-1189 or in person at the Box Office. Box Office is open 9:00 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday and one hour before performances.

Giveaway:
Now one lucky phillyfun4kids reader will have a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see Upper Darby Summer Stage’s production of Disney’s Mulan, Jr.! Travel back to the legendary, story-telling days of ancient China with this action- packed stage adaptation of Disney’s Oscar-nominated animated film, Mulan. Disney’s Mulan Jr. is one-hour long and is ideal for children 4 and up. Tickets are for good for the Thursday August 4 at 10:30am show only. To enter, simply click on the easy giveaway link below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was provided with four free tickets for the purposes of this giveaway. As always, all opinions expressed about affordable family friendly theater being an awesome way to spend a summer 

More heat on the way for Philly families this weekend but plenty of fun to be had both inside and out! Grab the kiddos, take advantage of one of these creative ways to beat the heat, and enjoy a fun family weekend for all!

Summer Fun at The Oval
Friday July 22 – Sunday July 24
Eakins Oval
2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Oval is back and better than ever with summer fun, food, music, entertainment and more! Head to Eakins Oval in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum this weekend for loads of family fun. This Saturday July 23rd is Farm Explorer day featuring a living, hands-on mobile farm that lets youth and families dig-in and connect with food from seed to plate. Free.

Christmas In July
Saturday July 23
10am – 4pm
Byers Choice Ltd
4355 County Line Rd
Chalfont, PA

What better way to beat the heat than taking part in a Christmas in July Celebration happening on Saturday July 23rd at Byers Choice Ltd in Chalfont, PA! Bring the kids out for a showing of the movie Frosty the Snowman at 11am followed by a melted snowball fight provided by the local fire company, and then capped off by peppermint ice cream for everyone at 1pm! Free.

Islamic Heritage Festival
Saturday July 23
2pm – 8pm
Great Plaza Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

The 24th Annual Islamic Heritage Festival takes place at the Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing on Saturday July 23rd from 2-8pm. Bring the whole family out for a day of fun celebrating the rich culture and traditions of Islam through food, crafts, music, dancing and more! Festival kicks off with the Diversity Parade that begins at 5th and Market Streets at 1pm and winds its way to Penn’s Landing. Free.

40th Street Summer Series
Saturday July 23rd
6pm
Green Area Behind Walnut Street Library
40th Street Field
Philadelphia, PA

The 40^th Street Summer Series free family summer concert happens on the green area behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street this Saturday July 23rd at 6pm. This Saturday enjoy the unique music of Dendê & Band Afro-Brazilian style music. Free.

Saturday Night at the Movies
Saturday July 23rd
Franklin Square
200 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Come out to Franklin Square for Saturday Night at the Movies on Saturday July 23rd starting at 7pm. Bring your own blanket and enjoy the Disney classic, Mary Poppins, outside with your whole family this Saturday evening. Games and pre-show activities start at 7pm. Movie starts at 9pm. Movie admission free.

Wacky Water Festival
Sunday July 24th
10am – 2pm
Tyler Arboretum
515 Painter Rd.
Media, PA

The 1st annual Wacky Water Festival happening on Sunday July 24th at Tyler Arboretum is sure to cool you off! Kids can stop by learning stations to find out more about life in the water, get creative with water-based art projects, and listen to stories in a shady part of the arboretum to cool off. Plus food truck vendors will be on hand with water ice, and other refreshments, too. $11 adults, $7 ages 3-15.

The Science Behind Pixar
Friday July 22 – Sunday July 24
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20^th Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to The Franklin Institute for the The Science Behind Pixar exhibit continuing this weekend Friday July 22 – Sunday July 24.  This exhibit explores what it takes to bring Pixar Studio’s most popular movies and beloved characters to the big screen via more than 40 hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of Pixar production teams and recreations of favorite characters that highlight the scientific concepts used to make each film. $29.95 daytime adults, $24.95 daytime kids.