Weekend phillyfun picks

What a beautiful day and weekend to get outside and enjoy one of these great events!!


PIFA Street Fair
Saturday April 30th
11:30am - 8:30pm
Broad Street (Chestnut to Lombard)
Philadelphia, PA

The Avenue of the Arts is transformed today into a Parisian Street Fair with French street performers and vendors, a grass park with a childrens area, musical entertainment all day long, and a giant feris wheel all culminating with a breathtaking routine by La Compagnie Transe Express performing 100 feet in the air. Free.

Communiversity: Festival of the Arts
Saturday April 30th
12 Noon - 5pm
Princeton, NJ

Head to Princeton University and the surrounding area to enjoy Communiversity. This popular arts festival features more than 200 artists, crafters & merchants from around the tri-state area, live entertainment, children’s activities & games, local businesses & organizations and food. Presented by the Arts Council of Princeton and the students of Princeton University, the event originated as “The Art People’s Party” on the lawn of Nassau Hall in 1970. Later renamed Communiversity to capture the Town-Gown spirit of the event, the popular arts festival has grown to attract more than 35,000 visitors to Princeton, NJ each spring. Free.





22nd Annual Civil War Re-Enactment
Saturday April 30th - Sunday May 1
9am - 4pm
Neshaminy State Park
Bensalem, PA

The 22nd annual Civil War Re-enactment will be held this weekend Saturday-Sunday, April 30 - May 1, 2011 at Neshaminy State Park, located on 3401 State Road in Bensalem, PA, from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, rain or shine. Admission is free. This event is the largest Civil War re-enactment on the East Coast outside of Gettysburg and this year the re-enactment takes on added significance because it is 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The theme for this year’s re-enactment is “The Campaign of Fall 1861 – Bolivar Heights and Ball’s Bluff”. Over 1,000 re-enactors will converge on the park for this event featuring: authentic battle re-enactments, camp life scenarios, military and civilian life demonstrations, and performances by the Camptown Shakers, a band specializing in Civil War era music. Free.


42nd Annual Strawberry Festival
Saturday April 30th - Sunday May 1
10am - 6pm
Peddler's Village
Lahaska, PA

Head to Lahaska for strawberries of all kinds in this Peddler's Village 42nd annual strawberry festival -- fresh, chocolate-dipped, pies, pastries and jam to fritters, smoothies and shortcakes -- plus family entertainment, artisans & strawberry pie-eating contests round out this traditional spring celebration. Plus, juried Artisans show their wares and demonstrate their skills at the Street Road Green Artisan Area. Free.


Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival
Sunday May 1st
11am - 5pm
Germandtown Ave
Chestnut Hill, PA

Chestnut Hill is host to this fun-filled outdoor 15th Annual Home and Garden Festival with vendors, music, amusement rides, free train ride for kids, festival foods, maypole dance & more. Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill blossoms into an outdoor garden marketplace on Sunday, May 1st , from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. when Chestnut Hill hosts its 15th Annual Home & Garden Festival.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Philly Peeps!! Hope you all have wonderful days spent with family enjoying great meals and happy times with your kiddos. Oh, and may the sugar crashes of your sweet tots be gentle and not make you all too insane today, too...

Happy Easter

Weekend phillyfun picks

Easter weekend is here but even if you’re not celebrating there are lots of great family fun options including the Philadelphia Science Festival, Earth Day celebrations and more. Don't let the weather rain on your Easter parade - get out and have some fun!!

Nano Day
Saturday April 23rd
10am
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

Part of Philadelphia’s International Science Festival, Nano Day at The Franklin Institute takes place on Saturday April 23rd starting at 10am and will help teach kids about the coolest science that’s too small to see. Live shows and hands-on activities with educators and from Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania will help kids understand the properties of materials when zoomed to nanoscale. Free with paid admission to the museum $12- $15.50.

Egg Hunts - If it’s egg hunts you’re after, check out these most eggxcelent ideas:

Nature Camoflage Egg Hunt
Saturday April 23rd
10:30am
Buttinger Nature Center
Pennington, NJ

Head into fields and forests at the Nature Camouflage Egg Hunt at the Buttinger Nature Center on Saturday April 23rd at 10:30am in search of naturally died eggs. Geared for ages 4-11. Cost $10. Adults free. Be sure to bring your own basket or bag for eggs!

Easter Egg Hunt on the Farm
Saturday April 23rd
11am
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Ridley Creek State Park
Media, PA

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation hosts an egg hunt on the farm on Saturday April 23rd at 11am. Kids can also see baby chickens, pigs and other farm animals. Cost $8-$10, ages 3 and younger free.

Shady Brook Farm Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 23rd
11am
Shady Brook Farm
Yardley, PA

Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, PA will host the farm easter egg hunt on Saturday April 23rd starting at 11am. Children can take a hayride to the fields for the egg hunt and receive eggs with candy and a prize. Bring your camera for photo opp with the Bunny!

Discovery Egg Hunt
Sunday April 24th
11am - 3pm
Garden State Discovery Museum
Cherry Hill, NJ

Children are invited to search the museum high and low for eggs on Sunday April 24td from 11am – 3pm at the Garden State Discovery Museum. Everyone’s a winner. Free with paid admission $10.95.

Gladiator Day
Saturday April 23rd
1-4pm
Penn Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate Rome’s birthday at the Penn Museum on Saturday April 23rd from 1-4pm as part of PECO’s World Culture Days. Families can enjoy gladiatorial bouts, try on helmets and other Roman gear and even re-enact battle formations. Plus lectures, dancing, food and more. Free with admission. $6-$10, free for ages 5 and younger.

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA)
Saturday April 23rd and Sunday April 24th
Kimmel Center
Philadelphia, PA

The first annual Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) continues this weekend (and all weekends in April) through May 1st. There are free and family-friendly events for all to enjoy. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower light show at Commonwealth Plaza for spectacular views of the 81-foot replica – adorned with thousands of light bulbs for a twice-nightly light show at 7pm and 10pm. And as always, the Plaza will be the activity-filled epicenter of the festival with happy hours, French lessons, and daily free performances. Some events ticketed. Check website for full schedule and details.

South Street Headhouse District’s Annual Easter Parade
Sunday April 24th
1pm
South Street Headhouse District
South St. at Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

Get out your Easter bonnets!! Families are invited to participate in the South Street Headhouse District’s Annual Easter Parade on Sunday April 24th at 1pm. This year’s parade will feature circus performers, mummers, artists, a car show, and much more. Parade begins on Passyunk Ave and travels towards Head House Square on South Street. Free.

Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Museum
Sunday April 24th
9:30-12 Noon
Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

It’s free Sunday mornings at the Brandywine River Museum this Sunday April 24th from 9:30am -12 Noon. Enjoy regional and American art from masters including three generations of Wyeths. Free.

Story Time Sundays with Betsy
Sunday April 24th
11am
The Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA

Gather round and sit with Betsy herself at the Betsy Ross House as she shares a Colonial tale and leads a craft activity for kids at 11am this Sunday April 24th. Free.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day everyone!! Here are some ways to celebrate our planet with the kiddos:

Children's Earth Day Celebration
Thursday April 21st
10am
Smithville Park
Eastampton, NJ

Participate in conservation-minded activities, including “Recycling Olympics” at Smithville Park in Eastampton, NJ on Thursday April 21st. Ages 5 & up accompanied by an adult. Meet at Smith’s Woods parking lot off East Railroad Ave.

Celebrate Earth Day Live with Landsat!
Thursday April 21st
11am
Virtual

Check out the live webstream event "Celebrate Earth Day Live with Landsat!" from NASA's Digitial Learning Network if you don't feel like leaving the house. The live webstream is offered by NASA DLN from 11:00-11:30am EDT.

Home School Club: Going Green
Friday April 22
10am
Tyler Arboretum
Media, PA

Join the Home School Club to Celebrate Earth Day at Tyler Arboretum this Friday April 22nd by participating in planting projects in the North Woods or in the garden. Take home your own recycled piece of art. Ages 5-9.

Tredyffrin Kids: Earth Day!
Friday April 22nd
11:30am-12noon
Tredyffin Public Library
Strafford, PA

Help Miss Joy celebrate Earth Day in a musical way at the Tredyffin Public Library on Friday April 22nd. Use shakers, rhythm sticks & other instruments to perform songs about our world & its inhabitants. Ages 3-6. Free. 1-2pm: Go green by planting seeds with Miss Michele. Ages 3-6. Free.

Earth Day Celebration at the National Constitution Center
Friday April 22
10am
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, PA

Local community organizations discuss the environment & share tips on going green at Philly's own National Constitution Center this Friday April 22nd. Make recycled paper & crafts and learn how environmentally friendly our nation was when the Constitution was founded. Free with admission, $8-$12

Earth Day Festival
Friday April 22nd
10am
Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, PA

Meet the Academy of Natural Sciences’ chemists, engineers & other scientists and find out how they monitor pollution & other environmental hazards affecting the Philadelphia region. Discover ways to help the environment through hands-on activities all day. Free with paid admission, $10-$12.

Earth Day Hike
Friday April 22nd
1pm
Buttinger Nature Center
Pennington, NJ

Celebrate Earth Day on a hike to the Stony Brook. Families & adults. $5 per person.

The Little Treehouse Celebrates Earth Day
Friday April 22nd
4pm
The Little Treehouse
Chestnut Hill, PA

Honor the earth & nature with a special Earth Day craft for children along with an outdoor gardening event (weather-permitting) at The Little Treehouse Play Cafe. Each child will get a special Earth Day gift. Free with admission, $8.50, siblings half-price.

Happy Earth Day

Reach Out and Read

Do ya'all know about Reach Out and Read??? Well, neither did I until recently when I got to know Judith Forman, Public Awareness Manager for Reach Out and Read via twitter and facebook, but I'm soooo glad I heard about it and am happy to pass the information on to you all, too.

Reach Out and Read prepares America’s youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. Reach Out and Read is a national organization based in Boston that works with 27,000 doctors and serves nearly 4 million children a year.

The idea is very simple….

Pediatric healthcare providers (including pediatricians, family physicians, and pediatric nurse practitioners) are trained in the three-part Reach Out and Read model to promote early literacy and school readiness:

· In the exam room, doctors and nurses speak with parents about the importance of reading aloud to their young children every day, and offer age-appropriate tips and encouragement.
· The pediatric primary care provider gives every child 6 months through 5 years old a new, developmentally-appropriate children's book to take home and keep. Over the course of five years, the children receive 10 books (two visits a year). For many children, these are the only books they own.
· In the waiting room, displays, information, and books create a literacy-rich environment. Where possible, volunteer readers entertain the children, modeling for parents the pleasures - and techniques - of reading aloud.

There is no cost to the parents/families for the books. Reach Out and Read is funded by a combination of federal/state funding, foundations, organizations (including Scholastic) and private donors.

Check out all their sites in Pennsylvania. And here is the Philly site.

And if you want to get involved you can do so in many ways:
1) Donate
2) Volunteer
3) Give Books

Honestly, reading is such an important part of life in our family. My older daughter loves loves loves to read and truly the sight of her reading to herself at 3 years old warms my heart and makes me feel like I might have done right by her afterall, you know? The thought of a house with no books or children who don't get read to is so sad and to learn through this program that there are so many families where this is the norm is just heartbreaking to me. I'm thrilled that this program is bringing books to children and families through their pediatricians and health-care providers. What an amazing program!!!

And check out Reach Out and Read on twitter and facebook, too. Thanks Judith for spreading the good word about this wonderful program!

Reach Out and Read

Weekend phillyfun picks

Take your pick of fun Philadelphia festivals this weekend or if you're inclined to see the Easter Bunny there are lots of opportunities for bunny sightings plus check out life-size replicas of the stars of Cars2 and more! With so much to do, how will you ever choose?

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA)
Saturday April 16th and Sunday April 17th
Noon
Kimmel Center, Hamilton Garden
Philadelphia, PA

The first annual Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) continues this weekend (and all weekends in April) through May 1st. There are free and family-friendly events for all to enjoy. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower light show at Commonwealth Plaza for spectacular views of the 81-foot replica – adorned with thousands of light bulbs for a twice-nightly light show at 7pm and 10pm. The Plaza will be the activity-filled epicenter of the festival with happy hours, French lessons, and daily free performances. Then on Saturday April 16th enjoy the PIFA Franco-Fun tent at the Philadelphia Book Festival Street Fair. On Saturday April 16th and Sunday April 17th at Noon enjoy The Green Fairy Cabaret at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. Fly with the Green Fairy as she presents aerial and acrobatic feats plus comedy, juggling and fantastic feats. Tickets $16-$20.

Philadelphia Science Festival Carnival
Saturday April 16th
10am - 5pm
Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Philadelphia, PA

Starting this Saturday April 16th at 10am, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be home to more than 80 exhibitors showcasing science themed experiments, activities, games and live entertainment as part of the Philadelphia Science Festival Carnival. Come out to meet live zoo animals, tour a helicopter, discover the inner-workings of robots and much more. Free! Rain or shine.

Philadelphia Book Festival Street Fair
Saturday April 16th
10am - 5pm
Parkway Central Library
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

One of the largest literary street festivals in the region, the Philadelphia Free Public Library will host the 5th annual Philadelphia Book Festival Street Fair this Saturday April 16th from 10am – 5pm. Head out to enjoy more than 90 authors and literary exhibitors as well as interactive exhibits, family-friendly events and live entertainment on multiple stages. Buy books, meet authors and more while you enjoy great music, food and fun. Free!

Brunch with the Bunny at the Market at DelVal
Saturday April 16th
8:30am and 10;30am
The Market at DelVal
Doylestown, PA

Kick off your spring break right by enjoying Brunch with the Bunny this Saturday April 16th at The Market at DelVal. Two seatings at 8:30am and 10:30am. $9 for adults, $7 for children. Ages 2 and under free. Reservations required.

Hayrides to Bunnyland
Saturday April 16th - Sunday April 17th
11am - 4pm
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Hayrides to Bunnyland in Media, PA at Linvilla Orchards continue this weekend Saturday and Sunday April 16th – 17th. Kids get to take a hayride through the woods out to the Easter Bunny’s home where the Bunny emerges to great children, take photos and hand out a little bag of Easter candy for each child. Hayrides to Bunnyland runs April 16th and 17th from 11am – 4p. Tickets are $8 per person.

Sheep Shearing and Fiber Arts Day
Saturday April 16th
10am
Newlin Grist Mill
Glen Mills, PA

Watch sheep shearing & see demonstrations of fiber arts techniques such as spinning, weaving, knitting & other forms of needlework this Saturday April 16th starting at 10am at the Newlin Grist Mill. Tickets $5.

International Spring Festival
Saturday April 16th
11am - 5pm
North Penn High School
Lansdale, PA

The International Club of the Lansdale Library presents this 20th annual International Spring Festival event that celebrates cultural diversity. Free.

Byers Choice Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 16th
11am
Byers' Choice Ltd
Chalfont, PA

Head to the Byers' Choice Ltd. store this Saturday April 16th to meet the Easter Bunny, enjoy face painting, crafts & egg hunts. Free.

Berks County EGGstravaganza
Saturday April 16th
12 Noon - 3pm
Grings Mill Recreation Area
Wyomissing, PA

Families will enjoy egg dyeing, crafts, bunny, jugglers, pony rides, petting zoo, model train display & more during the EGGstrvaganza event at the Grings Mill Recreation Center this Saturday April 16th from 12 Noon - 3pm. Hop on over for some. Rain or shine. Most activities indoors. Don’t forget your camera! Free!

Treehouse Rocks
Saturday April 16th
6:00pm - 6:45 pm
The Little Treehouse
Chestnut Hill, PA

Families can have their own “date night” this Saturday April 16th as part of The Little Treehouse’s Treehouse Rocks Children’s Concert Series featuring award-winning family rock band, BAZE and his Silly Friends. Families can rock out, have dinner and enjoy all the silly fun! Tickets $5 for adults. $15 for children (includes a Treehouse Kid’s Meal). Show runs 6-6:45pm. Reservations required.

Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Museum
Sunday April 17th
9:30am - 12 Noon
Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

It’s free Sunday mornings at the Brandywine River Museum this Sunday April 17th from 9:30am -12 Noon. Enjoy regional and American art from masters including three generations of Wyeths. Free.

Story Time Sundays with Betsy
Sunday April 17th
11am
The Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA

Gather round and sit with Betsy herself at the Betsy Ross House as she shares a Colonial tale and leads a craft activity for kids at 11am this Sunday April 17th. Free.

Cars 2 “Agents on a Mission” Tour
Sunday April 17th
11am - 5:30pm
Citizens Bank Ball Park (outside the ballpark)
Corner of Pattison Ave and Citizens Bank Way

Are you looking forward to the Cars sequel as much as we are in my family? Well, this weekend you can enjoy the Cars 2 pre-event tour "Agents on Mission" coming to Philly's Citizens Bank Ball Park (outside the ball park) this Sunday April 17th from 11 am - 5:30 pm. Your kids will be amazed at the life-size remote-controlled replicas of Cars 2 stars Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Finn McMissile as part of a multi-city tour in partnership with State Farm Insurance. Enjoy this FREE! event courtesy of Disney and State Farm and have fun gearing up for the most anticipated children's movie of the summer!

Weekend phillyfun picks

Cars 2 Agents on a Mission Tour

Are you looking forward to the Cars sequel as much as we are in my family? It's the Cars 2 pre-event tour "Agents on Mission" coming to Philly's Citizens Bank Ball Park (outside the ball park) this Sunday April 17th from 11 am - 5:30 pm and Monday April 18th from 4-7:30pm.

Your kids will be amazed at the life-size remote-controlled replicas of Cars 2 stars Lightning McQueen, Mater, and Finn McMissile as part of a multi-city tour in partnership with State Farm Insurance.

Enjoy this FREE! event courtesy of Disney and State Farm and have fun gearing up for the most anticipated children's movie of the summer! See you there!

Cars 2 Agents on a Mission Tour

Wiggles Pre-Sale Offer

The Wiggles are celebrating their 20th Birthday and you're all invited!!

If you were thinking about taking your kiddos to see The Wiggles when they come to Philly this summer for two shows on Saturday July 16th, make sure you take advantage of this pre-sale offer exclusively for attendees of the Imagination Movers shows at the Tower this past weekend and by extension to our amazing phillyfun4kids readers. Just enter the code "Birthday" to get $5 off your Wiggles tickets before they go on sale to the general public on Saturday April 16th at 10am. $5 off "Birthday" sale runs from Tuesday April 12 at 10am to Friday April 15th at 10pm. Tickets available through LiveNation.com.

Wake up, Jeff!!!

Wiggles Pre-Sale Offer

Weekend phillyfun picks

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA)
Saturday April 9th at Noon
Sunday April 10th at 11am
Kimmel Center
Commonwealth Plaza
Philadelphia, PA

The first annual Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) opened on Thursday April 7th and runs this weekend (and all weekends in April) through May 1st. There are free and family-friendly events for all to enjoy. Don’t miss the Eiffel Tower light show at Commonwealth Plaza for spectacular views of the 81-foot replica – adorned with thousands of light bulbs for a twice-nightly light show at 7pm and 10pm. The Plaza will be the activity-filled epicenter of the festival with happy hours, French lessons, and daily free performances. Then on Saturday April 9th enjoy Chip & Annie at Commonwealth Plaza at Noon for an interactive, hands-on show featuring original “family folk” tunes and beloved favorites. On Sunday April 10th it’s Bill & Tammy’s Children’s World Music Express at 11am. Bill & Tammy engage children in songs, dance and rhythms from around the world. Free.

Spring Fun Day for Kids
Saturday April 9th
12 Noon - 4pm
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
Ridley Creek State Park
Media, PA

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is host to the Spring Fun Day for Kids this Saturday April 9th from 12 Noon – 4pm. Families will get to take part in games, crafts and activities on a working 18th century colonial farm complete with baby pigs, chicks and their new draft horse. Tickets $8, children under 4 are free. No credit cards accepted.

Easter (Bug) Egg Hunt
Saturday April 9th
1pm
Insectarium
Philadelphia, PA

In what will surely be the most unique Egg hunt you and your family attend this Easter holiday, don’t miss the Insectarium’s museum-wide bug egg hunt on Saturday April 9th at 1pm. Bug prizes for the lucky winners! Free with admission, $7.

Lenape Indian Village “See-kaw-ning” Festival
Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th
1-4pm
Churchville Nature Center
Churchville, PA

Celebrate the opening of Churchville’s Lenape Indian Village for the season and Earth Day during this two day celebration to include Native American social dancing, tours of the village and the educational learning experience about life as a Plains Indian. Bring the whole family for food, fun and fellowship. Tickets $6.00 per person. Runs Saturday and Sunday April 9th and 10th from 1-4pm.


Children’s International Festival
Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Philadelphia PA

The 27th annual Philadelphia International Children’s Festival is here this weekend at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Families can relax and enjoy kid-friendly music, theater, and dance performances as well as access to the outdoor FUN ZONE area on the Outdoor Plaza which includes face painting, crafts, jugglers, and much more. Events are ticketed with costs between $10-$15 and include access to the FUN ZONE. Check the website for full schedule and details.


Hayrides to Bunnyland
Saturday April 9th - Sunday April 10th
11am - 4pm
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Hayrides to Bunnyland in Media, PA at Linvilla Orchards kick off this weekend Saturday and Sunday April 9th – 10th. Kids get to take a hayride through the woods out to the Easter Bunny’s home where the Bunny emerges to great children, take photos and hand out a little bag of Easter candy for each child. Hayrides to Bunnyland runs April 9th and 10th from 11am – 4p. Tickets are $8 per person.

Sakura Sunday
Sunday April 10
10:30am - 4pm
Fairmount Park
Philadelphia PA

Sakura Sunday takes place this Sunday April 19th in beautiful Fairmount Park. The centerpiece of the Subarbu Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Philadelphia, Sakura Sunday is packed with a celebration of Japanese arts and culture to include performances of Taiko drumming and dance as well as demonstrations of oragmi, karate, sword cutting, tea ceremony and more. Events kick-off at 10:30am and go until 4pm. Adults $5, children 14 and under free.

Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Museum
Sunday April 10th
9:30am - 12 Noon Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

It’s free Sunday mornings at the Brandywine River Museum this Sunday April 10th from 9:30am -12 Noon. Enjoy regional and American art from masters including three generations of Wyeths. Free.

Story Time Sundays with Betsy
Sunday April 10th
11am
The Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA

Gather round and sit with Betsy herself at the Betsy Ross House as she shares a Colonial tale and leads a craft activity for kids at 11am this Sunday April 10th. Free.

Chestnut Hill Bunny Hop
Sunday April 10th
11am - 5pm
Chestnut Hill
Philadelphia, PA
215-247-6696

From 11am – 5pm, head to the Hill (Chestnut Hill that is!) for some hopping good fun! Families can enjoy face painting, an Easter egg hunt, a DJ, a special community Bunny hop and of course an appearance by the Bunny himself. Free.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts = Free Culture and Free Fun for Families!

PIFA is coming! The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts is now only hours away with many kick-off events taking place tomorrow April 7th!

Eiffel Tower Lighting daily at 7pm and 10pm
Stop by Commonwealth Plaza and take a look at the 81-foot replica – adorned with thousands of light bulbs for a twice-nightly light show. The Plaza will be the activity-filled epicenter of the festival with happy hours, French lessons, and daily free performances. Pick up a PIFA guide book while you're there.

Family Programming April 9th - May 1st
Spend your weekends enjoying interactive family activities in the Kimmel Center Plaza. With origami classes, PNC's Grow Up Great concerts, an Easter Egg Hunt and more. Check the PIFA Family Fun webpage for full details.

Lunchtime Tunes April 11 - 28 Monday - Thursday, 12pm - 2pm
Piano music fills the Kimmel Center Plaza during lunchtime as students and professional musicians play classical and pop tunes. Piano furnished by Jacobs Music.

For the full line-up of free and ticketed events for families and kids see the PIFA Kids and Families Event Calendar.

Inspired by the cultural explosion in Paris from 1910 to 1920, PIFA highlights the creativity and innovation of artists from Philadelphia and around the globe. With hundreds of performances, parties that go well into the midnight hours, fantastic cocktails paired with the finest French cuisine, and FREE programming across the city... there is something for art-lovers of every generation! Where will you start?

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts = Free Culture and Free Fun for Families!

Ultimate Blog Party 2011

It's the 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party and you're all invited!! Stop on in and say hello! I wish I had gotten this party party post up sooner (or at least before tonight's twitter party) but I'm so glad to be participating and meeting all the wonderful moms and dads out there!! Oh well.. better late than never, huh?

phillyfun4kids was started in January 2010 but it had been a thought incubating in my mind since right after my daughter was born and I was home with her for the first time during my maternity leave. The first twelve weeks of my maternity leave were a little rough because she cried all. the. time. but then when I quit my day job to be home with her full time when she was about six months old, I started realizing that by golly, there really wasn't a central repository of all the great resources and places out there for new moms and dads. Here I was trying to find story times, playgroups, list servs, support any and every which way I could find it. And I felt like I was the only one. This information just wasn't out there and it was going to be on me to create it. Turns out, it IS out there and lots of moms and dads are essentially doing the exact same things in their cities!! I wanted to create a calendar of all the story times I was finding, a list of all the wonderful museums and attractions and deals for families in this great city, a collection of all the classes, support groups and specialty childrens stores and sites that just made life even the tiniest bit easier for the new parent. Because lord knows, new parents need help, now don't we?

So I started phillyfun4kids with some help from my marketing goddess buddy Amelia and here we are today - 15 months later and going strong. There is so much we have learned and so many amazing folks we have met. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the mommy blogging community in Philly and globally and so wish I had you all by my side when my first daughter was just born and everything seemed so uncertain and a little daunting. I have learned so much in these past 15 months and I am grateful to each of you for helping me learn about blogging, social media, mommying and more. And now that I'm on daughter number 2 (who will definitely be the last of the children to be born of my limbs mind you) I'm happy to help spread the good word - about Philly, about mommying, and of course blogging, too!

Great to meet you all and thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to read your stories about mommying and daddying and why you started blogging or reading blogs. And while you're here I hope you'll pop over and like us on facebook and follow us on twitter while you're visiting!

Ultimate Blog Party 2011

Weekend phillyfun picks

Welcome April…We’ve been waiting for you! It’s finally an official full spring month and there are so many exciting events indoors and out that it’s going to be tough to choose which ones to take your kiddos out to this weekend. Enjoy!

Play-A-Palooza
Saturday April 2nd
10am - 1pm
SMITH The Kid’s Playplace in the Park
East Fairmount Park
Philadlephia, PA

Head to SMITH The Kid’s Playplace in the Park this Saturday April 2nd from 10am – 1pm for it annual re-opening of the 6 acres of outside play areas complete with more than 50 pieces of age appropriate outside play equipment for children up to 10 years of age. Of course, SMITH also has the Giant Wooden Slide which your kids will delight in riding down and then climbing back up the walk with their burlap sacks to ride again and again and again. The best part is - it's FREE! Enjoy Play-A-Palooza this Saturday to mark the re-opening with games, crafts and lots of fun. Co-sponsored by the Junior League of Philadelphia.


Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday April 2nd
11am - 4pm
Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, PA

In conjunction with the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, Morris Arboretum will again host its Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival this Saturday April 2nd from 11am – 4pm. Families can enjoy origami for kids, the Hoh Daiko Drummers, a Japanese garden elements tour and more. Free with paid admission. Adults $16, Youth 3-17 yrs $7.00, Children under 3 free.

Sleeping Beauty for Young Audiences
Saturday April 2nd
11am
Trinity Center for Urban Life
Philadelphia, PA

Trinity Center for Urban Life presents Pages to Pirouettes in the ballet Sleeping Beauty, adapted for young audiences. Tickets at the door: $10 adult, $5 children under 12; children under 2 free.

Free Sunday Mornings at the Brandywine River Museum
Sunday April 3rd
Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

It’s free Sunday mornings at the Brandywine River Museum this Sunday April 3rd from 9:30am -12 Noon. Enjoy regional and American art from masters including three generations of Wyeths. Free.

Story Time Sundays with Betsy
Sunday April 3rd
The Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA

Gather round and sit with Betsy herself at the Betsy Ross House as she shares a Colonial tale and leads a craft activity for kids at 11am this Sunday April 3rd. Free.

"Pay What You Wish" First Sunday of the Month
Sunday April 3rd
10am - 5pm
Philadelphia Art Museum
Philadelphia, PA

It's the first Sunday of the month so that means "Pay What You Wish" Admission at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Sunday April 2nd. Through PNC Arts Alive support, families from the region and beyond will enjoy the treasures of the Philadelphia Museum of Art—regardless of their ability to pay full Museum admission fees—on "Pay What You Wish First Sundays."
While children twelve and under always enjoy free admission, "Pay What You Wish First Sundays" enable the entire family to share in the Museum experience. Free.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Imagination Movers Family 4 Pack Giveaway!!

Congratulations to our lucky winner of a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Imagination Movers this Sunday April 10th at 4:30pm. Cristina is our lucky winner!! Thanks to everyone who entered and to Imagination Movers for the great giveaway!!

Some of you may know that we had been trying to score tickets for the upcoming Imagination Movers show at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby next weekend and despite entering no less than I think five contests to try and win tix, I had pretty much giving up on us taking my three year old who of course, loves the Movers. But then the Rue Philadelphia deal came out recently and we posted it for ya'all to take advantage of like we did. Finally, we scored some cheap tix and I'm thrilled to be taking our daughter to the show next Sunday. Now, it's YOUR TURN!! One lucky phillyfun4kids reader will receive a family 4 pack of tickets to the 4:30pm Imagination Movers show at the Tower Theater on Sunday April 10th for FREE!! Yep, four (4) tickets valued at over $230.00 -- all for free and for you! All you have to do is enter to be eligible.

To enter the contest, just leave a comment below by Thursday April 7 at 11:59 pm Eastern. The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced and notified about how to claim their tickets on Friday April 8th. Increase your chances to win by liking us on facebook and/or following us on twitter (and then leave another comment below to say you are now following us). If you already follow, just leave another comment for each below that you already follow us for your extra chances. And bonus -- if you tweet about the contest using the hashtag #phillyfun4kids, you get yet another chance to win. Make sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win. Good luck!!

Imagination Movers Family 4 Pack Giveaway!!

phillyfun4kids readers get a 25% Discount to Mary Poppins at the Academy

As we mentioned earlier this week, Mary Poppins is running now through April 17th at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The New York Daily News hails Mary Poppins as "a roof-raising, toe-tapping, high-flying extravaganza!" Let your imagination take flight at this perfectly magical musical! And now phillyfun4kids readers can enjoy a 25% discount on Family Circle and Amphitheater tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday shows by using the code MARYMANIA. Wow! What great way to try taking the little ones to the theater for this beloved Children's Classic.

Mary Poppins, a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006. Based on P.L. Travers' cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins the stage play features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics. Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre leads the award-winning creative team, with co-direction and choreography by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne.

Tickets for Mary Poppins start at $20 and can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office (open during performances only). Be sure to enter or mention the SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE MARYMANIA to get 25% off Family Circle and Amphitheater seats for select shows Tuesday - Friday.

phillyfun4kids readers get a 25% Discount to Mary Poppins at the Academy