Wawa Welcome America Celebration

Philadelphia does a lot of things right... Cheesesteaks, pretzels, BYOBs, and of course 4th of July Celebrations!! The amazing Wawa Welcome America Celebration is a week long line-up of awesome events for families leading up to one of the biggest 4th of July Celebrations in the country!! Check out this fantastic line-up for the week ahead:

Go Forth and Learn
Tuesday June 28th
10am - 3pm
The Dell Music Center

Go 4th & Learn continues at The Dell Music Center - Learn about music, dance and art!

Wawa Hoagie Day
Wednesday June 29th
12pm - 2pm

Join Mayor Nutter, police officers, firefighters, Wawa associates and hoagie-lovers from all across the region to celebrate Hoagie Day 2011. Wawa will honor our soldiers and local heroes by partnering with the USO and serving a free 4.5-ton hoagie salute.

Independence Day Picnic and Military Change of Command
Thursday June 30th
10am - 4pm
Independence Mall

Wawa Welcome America! continues the celebration with an Independence Picnic and a special military change of command. Visitors are welcome to stop by, bring a picnic lunch and observe the ceremony. Food and cold drinks available at the cafe inside.

Go 4th and Learn
July 2nd
10am - 4pm
The Franklin Institute

Learn about the science of fireworks with the Franklin Institute!
NOTE: Due to space restrictions, this ticketed event will be limited to the first 300 guests. The first 200 participating students will receive a free book. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fireworks
July 2nd
9:30pm
Penn's Landing

Saturday night fireworks at Penn's Landing will set the tone for the holiday Jam and Fireworks Display ahead.

Philly Fourth of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks
July 4th
7pm - 10pm
Ben Franklin Parkway

Four-time Grammy award-winning band The Roots will headline Philly’s 4th of July Jam! The band and the Festival musical director ?uestlove will perform their set as well as sets with special guests Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more! Fireworks display takes place at 11pm from Penn's Landing following the Philly Jam.

Wawa Welcome America Celebration

Weekend phillyfun picks

Last weekend of June already?? How did THAT happen? Lucky for you there is plenty to do on a hot summer weekend so get out and enjoy all of the wonderful summer events taking place in and around Philly this weekend!

Manayunk Arts Festival
Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th
Main Street from Green Lane to Shurs Lane
Philadelphia, PA

The 22nd Annual Manayunk Arts Festival takes place this weekend June 25th – June 26th. Families can peruse some of the area’s best crafts and sample the culinary delights from local restaurants. This year’s festival will feature 275 artists and crafters from across the United States. Free.

Latin Roots and Rhythms Festival
Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th
Settlement Music School
Philadelphia, PA

The Latin Roots and Rhythms Festival is sure to get the whole family on their feet this weekend with Latin music, crafts, entertainment, food and fun. Join for live performances on the various stages, featuring Latin American cultures as we know them today, as well as their roots, primarily in Indigenous, African and Spanish cultures. And Saturday June 25th will feature a family-friendly street fair from Noon – 5pm. $5 for street fair. $12 for daily festival pass, $30 for 3-Day pass.

Taste of Philadelphia
Saturday June 25th
11am - 10pm
Great Plaza Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

Part of the amazing Wawa Welcome America! 11-day 4th of July Celebration, Taste of Philadelphia gives locals and tourists alike the opportunity to sample foods and delights from dozens of notable Philadelphia restaurants at reduced family-friendly prices. Plus enjoy live music from various genres with Aaron Neville headlining on Saturday at 8pm and a fireworks display over the Delaware River to follow. Free.

Mid-Summer Festival
Saturday June 25th
11am
Morgan Log House
Lansdale, PA

Celebrate the official start of summer at this colonial festival on Saturday June 25th starting at 11am at the Morgan Log House. Enjoy 18th century re-enactors, entertainment and crafts. Plus learn about colonial style foods, games and music. $5-$6, ages 5 and under free. Craft fair free.

Magical Friends Tea Parties
Sunday June 26th
1:30pm
Tyler Arboretum
Media, PA

During the Magical Friends Tea Parties, children can take part in an enchanted fairy tea on Sunday June 26th at 1:30pm with cookies, a magical scavenger hunt through the beautiful Tyler Arboretum, create an enchanted halo and take home a make and take craft. Plus kids are encouraged to dress up in their favorite fairy, elf, wizard or goblin attire (though not required). $10.

Butterfly Festival at ShadyBrook Farm
Sunday June 26th
11am - 4pm
Shady Brook Farm
Yardley, PA

Take a drive out to Bucks County’s Shady Brook Farm for their Butterfly Festival this Sunday June 26th from 11am – 4pm. Enjoy food crafts and fun all while learning about butterflies from “the butterfly guy” Rick Mikula. Plus, stay for a live butterfly release of over 100 butterflies at 3:30pm.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Gaggle of Chicks and Deal on Sesame Place Season Passes

Hey, have you guys heard of Gaggle of Chicks yet? It's a relatively new site committed to saving moms time and money by creating and featuring deals of up to 70% off top "mom recommended" products and services. And they're currently running a pretty great deal just in time for the end of the school year...

For three more days only, take 30 % off season passes to Sesame Place. Taking a memorable trip with the kids doesn't always require a plane ticket. Hop in a car and head straight to Sesame Place, the 14-acre Sesame Street theme park located in Langhorne, PA. Normally $94.99, Gaggle of Chicks has partnered with Sesame Place to offer you a special price on season passes at $66.49 per person (the pass is valid thru 10/30/11.) In addition to unlimited admission, The Sesame Season Pass offers a whole host of other benefits, including 30% off food and merchandise at Sesame Place, exclusive member events.

There's only 3 days left to take advantage of this great deal from Gaggle of Chicks so jump on it now if you're at all interested!

Gaggle of Chicks and Deal on Sesame Place Season Passes

Cool Science at the Newtown Library

The Newtown Library is having a special event for kids! It's aimed at families with kids in primary grades, especially K-2. But, anyone of any age is welcome!

It's called "Cool Science" and it's taking place this Thursday June 23rd at 7pm.

What's CoolScience?

Hammer a nail into solid wood with a banana! Blow up a balloon... from the outside! Explore how matter changes from solid to liquid to gas with liquid nitrogen. At 320 degrees below zero, it's the coolest stuff around!

Cool Science is happening at the Newtown Square Public Library located at 201 Bishop Hollow Rd, Newtown Square, PA. And it's brought to you by the Wonderology people.

Cool Science at the Newtown Library

Happy Father's Day Weekend

Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the wonderful daddys out there! To celebrate here are our top picks of fun things to do with your Dad!

2011 Gary Papa Father’s Day Run
Sunday June 19th
Registration starts at 7am
Eakins Oval at the Philadelphia Art Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Register onsite for the 9th annual Gary Papa 5k Walk/Run and 1 mile fun walk on Sunday June 19th starting at 7 am and help raise money to benefit prostate cancer research and awareness. Cost to register is $25.

Johnson’s Popcorn Father’s Day Family Fun Fest
Sunday June 19th
1-3pm
Ocean City, NJ

Are you heading to the shore this Father’s Day weekend? Well, if you aren’t maybe you should make a special trip because on Sunday June 19th, Johnson’s Popcorn will be sponsoring a Family Fun Fest from 1-3pm on the Boardwalk at 11th Street. Families can enjoy trackless train rides, pony rides, strolling entertainment, a pie eating contest and even a Father and Son Look A like Contest! And best of all, it’s free. Activity fees may apply.


Dads Ride and Slide Free
Sunday June 19th
Morey's Piers
Wildwood, NJ

And while you're down the shore you might as well take advantage of the Morey's Pier Dad's Ride and Slide Free promotion for Father's Day! Free!



Family Day at Philly Comic Con
Sunday June 19th
10am - 5pm
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, PA

Now Dads can indulge their love of comics and their kids at Family Day at Philly Comic Con on Sunday June 19th from 10am – 5pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Dads can check out in-person appearances from their childhood heroes and kids can get their faces painted, plus enjoy costume making, comic book writing and other comic themed activities. Free.

Franklin Square Father’s Day
Sunday June 19th
12-3pm
Franklin Square
Philadelphia, PA

Head to historic Franklin Square on Sunday June 19th for Franklin Square Father’s Day from 12- 3pm. Families can take part in a special Father’s Day “craftivity” plus enjoy the attractions of mini-golf, the carousel, and two playgrounds. Don’t forget to treat Dad to a Father’s Day shake and burger at Square Burger, too! Free. Some attractions ticketed.

West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival
Saturday June 18th 10am - 10pm
Sunday June 19th 11am - 8pm
Philadelphia, PA

If Dad likes jazz then the 8th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival is going to be the place for you and your family this weekend. Enjoy the smooth sounds of internationally acclaimed, award-winning, jazz artists as well as up and coming regional talent. And of course there will be cuisine from around the globe, exhibitors with unique artisan wares and even a Children’s Day event on Saturday June 18th from 10am – 1pm. Free.

Portuguese Festival
Sunday June 19th
1-7pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

The PECO Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing continues the summer festival fun this weekend with the annual Portuguese festival on Penn’s Landing this Sunday June 19th starting at 1pm. Live entertainment will include folk dancing and music as well as live music from other Portuguese speaking parts of the globe. Enjoy Portuguese cuisine and beer as well as activities for the kids like a clown, face-painting, a moon bounce and more. Free.

Father Fest
Sunday June 13th
American Helicopter Museum
West Chester, PA

Celebrate Dad with hot rods, helicopters and motorcycles at the American Helicopter Museum’s Father Fest on Sunday June 19th from 11am – 3pm. Take Dad on a special helicopter ride, check out antique toys, vintage cars and more. Plus food and fun for the whole family. Free. Helicopter rides additional.

Happy Father's Day Weekend

A Little Gift for Dads and Moms

You guys have seen this already, right? It was all over facebook recently so I assume you've all seen it but just in case you haven't, you must check this book out!


Yeah, Go The F*ck To Sleep lovingly written by Adam Mansbach, is sure to be a classic for years to come. What parent hasn't struggled with later than should be bedtimes or sat in their child's room after having read stories, gotten the water, checked for scary monsters and STILL the kid is just laying their staring at the ceiling or thrashing around in their bed unwilling to close their sweet little eyes. I know I sure have and it certainly makes me want to poke my eyes out with little toothpicks, you?

Well, Go the F*ckTo Sleep expresses that sentiment perfectly! And now you can download it FREE from Audible.com. Or just check out Samuel L. reading it here if you want a quick preview. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, this audio book will surely delight every sleep deprived parent who just needs a good laugh. Download it for that special Dad as a father's day treat!

PLEASE NOTE: This book and anything I've posted about it here are meant to be for ADULTS only. It is humor. It is not a book to be taken literally or actually read to your children. (But, you all know that already... It just has to be said again so people don't post comments about how very inappropriate this would be if actually read to a child. Duh.)

A Little Gift for Dads and Moms

Weekend phillyfun picks

If you’re in the mood for a festival, this is your lucky weekend as Philly hosts so many festivals we can't even keep track of them all. Here are some highlights of this weekend’s festivals with a little splash of Lemonade – Alex’s Lemonade – that is!!


KidFest: A Day for Kids
Saturday June 11th
10am - 4pm
Delaware State Fairgrounds
Harrington, DE

KidFest: A Day for Kids will take place this Saturday June 11th from 10am – 4pm in Harrington, DE. Kids and families can enjoy rides, crafts, games, a moonbounce, horse show, petting zoo, entertainment and more! Kids free. Adults $3. Free parking. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware.


County Fair at SMITH
Saturday June 11th
10am - 12:30pm
Smith The Kids’ Play Place in the Park
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy the County Fair this Saturday June 11th from 10am – 12:30pm at SMITH The Kids’ Place Place in the Park. County Fair will include bubble blowing, bean bag toss, balloon animals, face-painting and more. Free.


Summertyme Festival
Saturday June 11th
10am - 4pm
Skippack Village
Skippack, PA

Skippack Village will hold its annual Summertyme Festival on Saturday June 11th from 10am – 4pm complete with craft show, magic, character visits, face painting, moon bounce, and much more. Free.


Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand
Saturday June 11th
10am - 3pm
Penn Wynne Elementary School
Wynnewood, PA

Penn Wynne Elementary School in Wynewood, PA will hold the “original” Alex’s Lemonade Stand event this Saturday June 11th from 10am – 3pm. Penn Wynne Elementary was the home to the original Alex Scott whose message of hope and a dream for a cure for families affected by cancer founded the Lemonade Stand Movement and has raised millions of dollars toward a cure for cancer. Families can take part in this commemorative event with fun, food, and a butterfly release at noon. Free. Donations encouraged.


Flag Festival 2011: A Turn of the Century Celebration
Saturday June 11
10am - 5pm
The Betsy Ross House
Philadelphia, PA
215.686.1252


This fourth annual Victorian-style street fair celebrates the grand old flag that Betsy made and all things stars and stripes. Head to the Besty Ross House on Saturday June 11th between 10am – 5pm for the Flag Festival where families can enjoy artisans, midway games, refreshments and Victorian era entertainment. Plus take part in a patriotic pet parade and the debut of the Funicular Aerial Circus as part of this grand event. Free.


Festival of Fairies and Friends
Sunday June 12th
11am - 3pm
Tyler Arboretum
Media, PA
610-566-9134ext212

Tyler Arboretum’s Festival of Fairies and Friends takes place on Sunday June 12th from 11am – 3pm and will delight your littlest winged ones. Fairies and friends can dance in magical bubbles, have their photos taken with the Fairy Queen and princesses, enjoy face painting, games, crafts, fairy-themed story time and more. Free with paid admission to Tyler. $5-$9.


Pride Parade and Day
Sunday June 12th
Noon - 6pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Philadelphia, PA

LGBT families and friends can enjoy this day of celebrating on Sunday June 12th starting with the Pride parade at Noon starting at 13th and Locust Streets and ending at Penn’s Landing for the Pride festival lasting until 6pm. Enjoy 6 hours of entertainment, vendors, food, fun and more complete with a Family Zone and Pet Zone. $10.


Odunde Festival
Sunday June 12th
10am - 8pm
South St. between 21st & 23rd Sts.
Philadelphia, PA

The 36th annual African American Odunde street festival celebrating a Happy New Year takes place on Sunday June 12th from 10am – 8pm and will feature a marketplace, music, entertainment and a colorful parade down to the Schyylkill River where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to the Yoruba goddess of the river, Oshun. Free.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Beat the Heat Ideas

Day two of the second major heatwave of early summer approaches... Do you know what you'll do to keep your little ones (and yourself) cool? And entertained? Try these options to beat the heat this week:


Philadelphia SprayGrounds

Spraygrounds are safe and unique play areas where water is sprayed from mounted structures and geysers. There are four spraygrounds: Waterview Recreation Center, Rittenhouse and McMahon Streets; Smith Playground, 2100 S. 24th Street; Ferko Playground, "J" & Cayuga and at 48th & Woodland. Sprayground hours are Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM until June. From a date to be announced in June to September, all four Spraygrounds will be open everyday 11 AM to 7 PM. [phillyfun4kids note: yeah... I'm not sure whether this means they're open at 11am or 3pm yet either. Sorry! Better get in your air conditioned car and drive over to find out!]

The Mama Mac SnackTime Jam
Thursday June 9th
10:30am
Nuture
Ardmore, PA

Rock out with Mama & Papa Mac! Recently bestowed a 2010 Mom's Best Award for her self-titled CD, Mama Mac makes your kids a part of the band! Kids will get their groove on with favorites like the award-winning "Bongo Baby." $6 per person (cash only), under 1 free.

Summer Family Movie Series at AMC Theaters
Friday June 10th
before Noon
AMC Theater near you

Enjoy Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer at AMC Theaters this Friday June 10th. Go before Noon and enjoy discounted admission (and lots of air conditioning!)

The Little Treehouse
Chestnut Hill, PA

The Little Treehouse offers a large play space filled with high quality wooden toys & play structures, where young children can learn through imaginative play. Open for both lunch and dinner, thier adjacent cafe offers delicious, wholesome food where parents can relax, enjoy a latte, and talk with friends while they watch their children have fun! FREE WI-FI!

Romp N' Roll
Willow Grove, PA

Romp n' Roll Willow Grove offers a huge variety of fun kids classes. And they also offer "Open Gym" times where they do away with class structure and offer unstructured indoor play for kids. Check Romp N' Roll's website for open gym times and prices. Plus Romp N' Roll is a phillyfun4kids sponsor so be sure to tell Allyson we sent you when you head over!!

Children's Music Express Summer Kick-Off Event!
Chestnut Hill at The Cedars House
Huntingdon Valley at The Kid Company

Celebrate the start of summer with free sample classes of Children's Music Expressand Movement classes, Music for Autism class, and Children's Yoga classes at Huntingdon Valley and Chestnut Hill locations. Enjoy sample classes, face painting, balloons & prizes! Pre-register by calling 215-275-5594 or e-mail: tammy@childrensmusicexpress.com. Include your name, the class you’d like to attend, phone or email, and child’s name and age. Reservations required.

And of course, there's always your local library, the Mall, or Target, right??? Stay cool, people!!

Beat the Heat Ideas

Weekend phillyfun picks

It’s June in the city and the heat wave is over (for now)! Time to celebrate this weekend and the beautiful weather with some great happenings in and around Philadelphia for you and the kiddos. From strawberry festivals to super sundays there’s no shortage of fun things that are easy on the wallet and will deliver some fabulous family fun for all.


Strawberry Festival
Saturday June 4th
8am - 4pm
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Linvilla Orchards in Media is home to the annual Strawberry Festival this Saturday June 4th with the picking starting at 8am. Entertainment provided by Makin’ Music begins at 11am. Costumed characters will make appearances at 11:30am, 1pm and 2:15pm. Kids will enjoy a live Birds of Pray demonstration from Raptors on Tour at 3pm. Plus enjoy hayrides, great food, games, ice cream sundaes and more in this “jam-packed” day of family fun! Free. Some events ticketed.


Kids in Center City Playdate
Saturday June 4th
11:30 am - 1:30pm
Shops at Comcast Center
Philadelphia, PA

Join everyone’s favorite Canadian tot Caillou at the Kids In Center City Playdate this Saturday June 4th from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Kids get to take part in this memorable meet-and-greet as well as other fun and a drawing contest. Free but families are encouraged to bring bedtime books and PJs to donate to the Great Sprout Tuck-In to ensure that every child gets a good night. Free.

Haverford Township Heritage Festival
Sunday June 5th
11am - 4pm
Karakung Dr. near Nitre Hall
Haverford, PA
http://www.haverfordhistoricalsociety.org

The Haverford Historical Society will hold its 5th annual family fun event on Sunday June 5th from 11am – 4pm. Families can enjoy tours, historical re- enactors, antique cars, live music, great food a beer tent for the big kids and pony rides and a scavenger hunt for the small set. Free


Super Sunday
Sunday June 5th
11am - 4pm
Gay St. between Matlack & Darlington Sts.
West Chester, PA

Head to West Chester for its Super Sunday event taking place on Sunday June 5th from 11am – 5pm that will include lots of great kid-friendly entertainment and delicious food. Children will see their favorite characters including Dora, Clifford and Scooby-Doo as well as strolling musicians and entertainers. Adults get to enjoy crafts, antique cars and more. Free.

Arts in the Park
Sunday June 5th
High School Park
Elkins Park, PA

This 16th annual Arts in the Park event in Elkins Park on Sunday June 5th from 10am – 5pm is a kids’ dream with face painting, wagon rides, a moon bounce, arts and crafts, music, food, and more. Plus parents will enjoy the plant sale and juried craft show featuring 50 artisans for your shopping pleasure. Suggested $5 donation for adults, nominal fees for children’s activities.


Pay What You Wish Sundays
Sunday June 5th
10am - 5pm
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, PA

The first Sunday of the month means Pay What You Wish Admission at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Sunday June 5th from 10am – 5pm. And take part in the museum’s Family & Children’s programs offering Prints and Patterns from 10am – 3pm. What a great and affordable way to take the whole family to the art museum without worrying that you paid full admission if you have to leave early for naps or one of your little one melts down in one of the exhibits. Free. Donations welcomed.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Baltimore Ave Stroll

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is Thursday June 2nd from 5:30-8:30pm with local merchants offering $1.00 specials. Participating vendors include Dahlak, Desi Chaat House, Dock Street Brewery, Green Line Cafe, Milk & Honey Market and Vientiane Cafe. Head to University City with a few bucks in hand and enjoy this sampling of delicious treats at a fraction of the price. Plus enjoy live music, street performances and giveaways.

Baltimore Ave Stroll