Weekend phillyfun picks

Enjoy this unseasonably warm (if a little wet) weekend in Philly this weekend. So much to do for the whole family from winter festivals to character sightings, live family entertainment, and much more!


Lambertville New Hope Winter Festival
Friday January 27 - Sunday January 29th
New Hope, PA

It’s the 2012 Lambertvile New Hope Winter Festival taking place this weekend January 25th – 29th. This family friendly winter fun event includes a line-up of special events for the kiddos including story times celebrating winter, a special performance of Sleeping Beauty, a live Glee choir performance and more and all completely free! Plus enjoy snow folk art, ice sculpture competition, a parade and of course great food and drinks. See website for full details of festival event info and times. Free.

Oliver!
Friday January 27th 7:30pm
Saturday January 28th 4pm
The Hedgerow Theater
Media, PA

Your kiddos will love this classical musical Oliver! based on the 1838 novel by Dickens. Oliver! at Hedgerow Theater kicks-off this weekend with shows running Friday January 27th at 7:30pm and Saturday January 28th at 4pm. Celebrate Dickens’ 200th birthday by enjoying this family friendly showing of this classic tale. Tickets $10 for children and $20 for adults.

All Hands On Deck Winter Sort of Thing Performance
Friday January 27th - Sunday January 29th
Eastern University McInnis Auditorium
St. David’s PA

It’s high time for hi-jinx on the high seas at this unique and lively “All Hands On Deck” performance sponsored by Yes! And… and the Collaborative Arts & Eastern University Theater. Families will delight in this tale of imaginary friends, pirates, and swash-buckling good fun! Show runs Friday January 27th at 7pm, Sat. January 28th at 1pm and 7pm and Sunday January 20th at 1pm. Tickets are $5-$10.

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Friday January 27th - Sunday January 29th
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

This new Giant Dinosaur Exhibit at The Franklin Institute features two dozen humongous actual skeletons, dinosaur recreations, and full sized robotics. Kids will love the hands-on “dino-dig” too! $18-$25 includes general museum admission.

Fore! The Planet Indoor Golf
Friday January 27th - Sunday January 29th
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is the new home to Fore! The Planet – 18 holes of mini golf that teaches about the environment in an interactive miniature golf course. Fore! The Planet runs Friday through Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm. $4.95 for ages 10 and under. $6.95 for ages 11 and up.

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes
Bill + Tammy’s Children’s World Music Express
Saturday January 28
11:30am
World Café Live
Philadelphia, PA

Philly’s World Café Live is host to Bill + Tammy’s Children’s World Music Express on Saturday January 28th at 11:30am for a lively kids music show that is sure to get the whole family moving and featuring music from around the world using instruments from Greece, Africa, India, South America, Middle East and Asia. Tickets $7-$10.

Slide! & The Gingerbread Gift Reading and Craft Activity
with Author Cynthia Kreliick
Saturday January 28th
1:00 pm
Big Blue Marble Bookstore
Mt. Airy, PA

Slide! a bilingual children’s book about the historic wooden slide at SMITH Playground in Philadelphia invites children to coast with Samira down this amazing Philly landmark structure. And The Gingerbread Gift tells the tale of a gingerbread man who builds a house in the forest for his best friend. Author Cynthia Kreilick will read from both books at the Big Blue Marble this Saturday January 28th at 1pm. And each child will receive a loose-leaf coloring book of The Gingerbread Gift after the reading. Intended for children ages 3-7. Free.

Storytime with Max from Max & Ruby
Sunday January 29th
Please Touch Museum
Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

If your kiddos are Max & Ruby fans, you should head on over to Philly’s Please Touch Museum on Sunday January 29th for visits with the rambunctious and determined rabbit, Max, for visits in the Story Castle at 12:30m and 3:30pm. In honor of Max & Ruby author Rosemary Wells birthday, Max will be reading stories and visiting with children. Free with paid admission to the museum. $15 for children and adults. Under 1 year are free.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Sunday Family Programs
Sunday January 29th
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, PA

Take part in the Philadelphia Art Museum’s Family & Children’s programs this Sunday January 29th including:
• Early Bird Read and Look program on The Snow Day for ages 3-5 starting at 10:15am (tour meets in the West Lobby at the Family Cart)
• Family Gallery Tour for ages 6-10 featuring Discover Design (tour meets at 11:30am in the West Lobby at the Family Cart).
• Tours for Tots for ages 3-5 on Painting Nature (tour meets at 11:30am in the West Lobby at the Family Cart)
• Drawing Together for all ages from 12-3pm
All family events are free after museum admission. Adults $16. Children ages 13018 $12. Ages 12 and under Free.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Giveaway: Family 4 Pack and 2 VIP Upgrades for the Kids to Winter Sort of Thing All Hands On Deck

This wet January weekend is rich with opportunities for checking out some amazing local family-friendly theater including Yes! And… Collaborative Arts & Eastern University Theatre’s Winter Sort of Thing presenting All Hands on Deck this weekend January 27th through the 29, 2012

It's Hi-jinx on the high seas with imaginary friends, pirates, and more swash-buckling fun than you can shake a canoe at! In a world... where Imaginary Friends are real, Pirates are tricksters and Canoe-Dancing is a fine art, this year’s Winter Sort of Thing, All Hands on Deck, answers one of the great mysteries of the universe: Why are bananas SO darn funny? Join Yes! And... Collaborative Arts & Eastern University Theatre as we present our FIFTH annual Winter Sort of Thing, All Hands on Deck.

Lights up on two of our most favorite childhood themes: pirates and imaginary friends for this year’s Winter Sort of Thing. All Hands on Deck is written by Brooke Sexton and assisted by the children in Yes! And… Collaborative Arts’ programming. Germantown resident and composer Sarah C. Butts-Manzo, has written six new songs as this show maintains the Winter Sort of Thing's high level of artistry while reflecting the joyful and fun loving storytelling audiences have come to expect. All Hands on Deck challenges adults and kids alike to value the magic of imagination and importance of friendship.

All Hands on Deck runs one weekend only closing January 29. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors and $5 for students and are available to reserve at the box office at 215-951-0330 x2117 or on-line at www.wintersortofthing.com. The show runs approximately 60-70 minutes, is performed with an intermission and is appropriate for all ages.

One lucky phillyfun4kids reader can win a family 4 pack of tickets with 2 VIP upgrades for the kids for either Saturday or Sunday's shows!! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below by Saturday January 28th at 7:30 am Eastern. The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on Saturday morning before 9am.

Congratulations Lm317!!! You are our lucky winner! Please check your email.

Increase your chances to win by:
1. Like phillyfun4kids on facebook
2. Follow phillyfun4kids on twitter
3. Follow us on pinterest
4. And bonus -- if you tweet/re-tweet about the contest using the hashtag #phillyfun4kids, you get yet another chance to win.

Just be sure to leave an additional comment for each entry, please. If I'm doing my math correctly, that's a total of five chances to win!!

Don't forget to leave your name and email address so we can contact you Saturday am with details on how to claim your tickets if you win. Good luck!!

Note: VIP Upgrades are only available at the 1pm shows on Saturday and Sunday. VIP Upgrade includes the opportunity to Meet the Cast, play theater games, tour the set, an exclusive Q&A with the actors and a special goodie bag for each VIP kid!

Restrictions: Giveaway is limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

Disclaimer: Giveaway tickets for this giveaway were provided by the Yes! And... and Eastern University Theater. All opinions expressed about pirates, theater, free-tickets or bananas are our own.

More Information:
The director of All Hands on Deck, Jake Miller is a Philadelphia based director and choreographer and a founder of Yes! And… Collaborative Arts. He has previously directed three Winter Sort of Thing shows and is joined on the creative staff by Kevin Monaghan, a recent graduate of Eastern University as the music director, Mark Duska as Technical Director/Set Design, along with Brooke Sexton and Mark Hallen, co-producers. All Hands on Deck stars area actors Shannon Flannery, Meredith Sexton, Natalie Cisternas, Anna Sweeny, Julia Shields and features Dr. Betsy Morgan. However, the real stars of the performance are the children and teens that participate in Yes! And... Collaborative Arts programs throughout the year. The children hail from Philadelphia neighborhoods in Kensington, Southwest, Brewerytown, Germantown and others. The Winter Sort of Thing allows them to use, refine and amplify the skills they are taught. The students also benefit from being a part of a professional production and collaborating with college students and professional actors and artists. Several high school performers were last seen at this summer’s Philadelphia Fringe Festival performing as SHADOW Company with the original piece, Green People.

Brooke Sexton, writer and producer of the Winter Sort of Thing and director of programming for Yes! And… Collaborative Arts has this to say about the production, “This is, by far my favorite Winter Sort of Thing. It explores themes that our kids imagined about all summer long and the songs featured will have the audience humming for weeks to come.” Fittingly, audience feedback is always so positive the Winter Sort of Thing garners rave reviews from old and young alike as they leave a performance.
About Yes! And… Collaborative Arts

Yes! And... Collaborative Arts’ mission is to: Equip children and young people with the tools to be better learners, to believe in themselves and to realize their dreams through the work of creating collaboratively with peers and professional artists. We work with children and youth from across Philadelphia in the collaborative and imaginative arts through Summer Theatre Camps, after school programs, SHADOW Company high school leadership and arts training, and (with Eastern University Theatre) the Winter Sort of Thing.

Giveaway: Family 4 Pack and 2 VIP Upgrades for the Kids to Winter Sort of Thing All Hands On Deck

Giveaway: Family Four Pack of Tickets to Atlantic City Boat Show

I don't know about you but as soon as the craziness of Christmas and the holidays was over I immediately started thinking about the shore. Can't wait to get back down to the Jersey shore and think about summertime and sand and surf and fun in the sun. Which is why I'm so excited about our next giveaway: tickets to the Atlantic City Boat Show! Two lucky phillyfun4kids readers will each receive a family four pack of tickets to the upcoming Atlantic City Boatshow taking place February 1-5, 2012.

The Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show returns to its port of call, the Atlantic City Convention Center, February 1-5, to entertain, inform and equip families for a summer on the water. New and experienced boaters are invited to escape the winter chill and bask in the warmth of a 30 percent larger show with hundreds of boats of all types and sizes as well as thousands of boating accessories. And this year there are lots of events appropriate for all ages so the whole family can enjoy the show.

In addition to the swell of boats and accessories, this year’s show provides entertainment for anyone looking to enjoy the boating lifestyle. Visitors can test their maritime moxie in the new Boating Simulator, beat the clock to the dock in the Power Boat Docking Challenge, scuba dive (for real!), and hear riveting tales of rogue waves from a world-famous teenage sailing adventurer, Abby Sunderland.

Highlights of the 2012 Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show include:

New! Take the Wheel at the Boating Simulator: Visitors can take the helm and experience some of the most ferocious (or tranquil) sea conditions at the interactive Boating Simulator, brought to the show by the Annapolis School of Seamanship. Guests can drive boats ranging from cruise ships to coast guard vessels in lifelike boating settings and any weather condition, all shown on three giant flat screens.

New! Meet Famous Teenage Sailing Adventurer, Abby Sunderland: You may not recognize her name, but you know her story. At age of sixteen, Abby Sunderland set sail in a quest to become the youngest solo sailor ever to circumnavigate the globe, only to be thwarted by a rogue wave that left her lost at sea for two days. Visitors can meet Abby, learn the importance of training and faith, and get signed copies of her book, Unsinkable.

Try Scuba in the DEMA ‘Be a Diver Pool’: Try scuba in a heated pool! During the past seven years tens of thousands of people have been introduced to scuba diving in the DEMA 'Be a Diver Pool.” Anyone age 10 and older can discover the fun and exciting sport of scuba diving in the comfort of the tropically-warm pool. Not only can visitors scuba dive for free, but they can test some of the latest scuba equipment and have a photo taken underwater as a keepsake of their diving adventure.

New! Power Boat Docking Challenge: Novice and veteran boaters alike can become more confident at the helm at the Power Boat Docking Challenge. Participants will compete against the clock, steering and docking a 4-ft, twin engine, remote-controlled power boat from a life-size boat helm down a 20-ft.pool into a marina and ultimately a slip, for a chance to win prizes.

Miss GEICO Race Boat: The undisputed Offshore World Champion! Visitors to the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show will have the chance to see four-time World Champion, famous offshore powerboat Miss GEICO. It’s not a boat; it’s a neon green catamaran missile!

New! Paddlepalooza: Paddle sports are taking the nation by storm, with fitness benefits and fun for all ages. Visitors new to the sensation or those looking for the latest paddle techniques, will find information on land paddling, board education, stroke techniques, and fitness paddling classes that this section of the show.

For the Little Skippers: Kids can join the fun at the Atlantic City Boat show navigating a mini lake in their own paddle boat and on Saturday, pose for photos with SpongeBob Squarepants, Bikini Bottom’s favorite resident. Inventive young boaters can Build A Boat! Presented by Sea Quest Kids, with the chance to build a life-size boat with their own hands while also learning about boating and water safety.

To enter to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Atlantic City Boat Show, check out the show website at http://www.acboatshow.com/ and leave a comment below by Tuesday January 31st at 11:59 pm Eastern. The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on Wednesday February 1st.

Increase your chances to win by:
1. Like phillyfun4kids on facebook
2. Follow phillyfun4kids on twitter
3. Follow us on pinterest
4. Like the Atlantic City Boatshow facebook page
5. Follow the Atlantic City Boatshow on twitter
6. And bonus -- if you tweet/re-tweet about the contest using the hashtag #phillyfun4kids, you get yet another chance to win.

Just be sure to leave an additional comment for each entry, please.
If I'm doing my math correctly, that's a total of seven chances to win!!

Don't forget to leave your name and email address so we can contact you with details on how to claim your tickets if you win. Good luck!!

Restrictions: Giveaway is limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

Disclaimer: Giveaway tickets for this giveaway were provided by the Atlantic City Boat Show. All opinions expressed about boating or the shore are our own.

Giveaway: Family Four Pack of Tickets to Atlantic City Boat Show

Weekend phillyfun picks

Don’t let a little snow stop you from enjoying one of these fun family-friendly events this weekend. Get out and enjoy the start of Chinese New Year celebrations plus an ice sculpture competition and other winter fun for all!

Oliver!
Friday January 20th - Sunday January 22nd
The Hedgerow Theater
Media, PA

Your kiddos will love this classical musical Oliver! based on the 1838 novel by Dickens. Oliver! at Hedgerow Theater kicks-off this weekend with shows running Friday January 20th at 7:30pm through Sunday January 22nd at 2pm. See website for full show schedule. Celebrate Dickens’ 200th birthday by enjoying this family friendly showing of this classic tale. Tickets $10 for children and $20 for adults.


Ice Sculpture Demonstration at Grounds for Sculpture
Sunday January 22nd
2pm
Hamilton, NJ

Bundle ‘em up and bring the whole family out for this ice sculpture demonstration at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ this Sunday January 22nd starting at 2pm. Watch artists carve amazing displays from blocks of ice. Free with admission. $8-$12. Ages 4 and younger free.

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Friday January 20th - Sunday January 22nd
10am - 5pm
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

This new exhibit at The Franklin Institute features two dozen humongous actual skeletons, dinosaur recreations, and full sized robotics. Kids will love the hands-on “dino-dig” too! $18-$25 includes general museum admission.

Fore! The Planet Indoor Golf
Friday January 20th - Sunday January 22nd
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is the new home to Fore! The Planet – 18 holes of mini golf that teaches about the environment in an interactive miniature golf course. Fore! The Planet runs Friday through Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm. $4.95 for ages 10 and under. $6.95 for ages 11 and up.

EUREKA! Family Art Workshop at Abington Art Center
Sunday January 22nd
11am
Jenkintown, PA

This fun family art workshop at the Abington Art Center brings together families around a new art project each month designed for all skill and age levels and inspired by the art featured in the Abington Art Center galleries. This month’s workshop runs Sunday January 22nd starting at 11am. Cost is $10 per family.

Chinese New Year Community Gala
Sunday January 22nd
1-5pm
Main Line Chinese Culture Center
Great Valley High School
Malvern, PA

Join hundreds of families from around the region in this free annual Chinese New Year Community Gala celebration on Sunday January 22nd from 1-5pm at Great Valley High School. Complete with entertainment, cultural games and prizes, refreshment and fun this annual gala will be fun for families with kids of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Valentine's Day Crafts 4 Kids

If you're anything like us, now that the holiday decorations are finally all down and the doldrums of winter have really set in, we find ourselves turning our inner Martha to decorating for Valentine's Day. It's not much - maybe some lace hearts on the window which always seem to brighten it up a bit at least. Or a wreath here and there. This year, I've searched for some other great ways to brighten up your winter abode with Valentine's inspired crafts for the kiddos. Check out these cute Valentine's Day crafts that are easy enough to make with your kids and sure to brighten your winter walls and windows to help get you through the next few weeks of winter blahs.


Paper Love Bug - This cute little paper love bug is easy and sweet and sure to bring a smile to your little's face.


Stained Glass Hearts - Imagine making many of these stained glass hearts to hang around the house or even just one single one for your little Valentine to enjoy.


Salt dough heart pins and magnets - What kid doesn't love playing with salt dough? These Valentine inspired salt dough pins and magnets will be easy and fun for you littles to make and give.


Paper Conversation Heart Wreath - This paper conversation heart wreath is so super easy and can make lots of rooms in your house festive and fun to brighten up these cold winter months.


Stained Glue Valentine's Hearts - A little more complicated of a craft but sure to brighten any winter window, these stained glue valentine's hearts are too cute.


Sweet Spot Hearts - If you have a little candy fiend (like I do) these button candy hearts will be a huge hit. And so easy, too!

Crayon Hearts - Can you tell I'm a little obsessed with hearts on the windows? Here's yet another craft to help brighten up those winter windows! Check out these lovely crayon hearts, too!

Love Bug Card Holder - This cute little Love Bug Valentines Holder is easy and can be used for decoration or to hold your little's Valentine's.

Valentine's Day Crafts 4 Kids

MLK Day 2nd Annual Peace Up, Link Up

Our blogging friend Brandi from Mama Knows It All has inspired us to join her Martin Luther King 2nd Annual Peace Up, Link Up this year. Her challenge to us all was to: write a post on what you believe defines peace based on the following quote by Dr. King:

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension. It is the presence of justice."

To me this quote inspires me to think of that better world, the world we sadly do not live in now. The world where:

~ U.S. Soldiers would never dare to urinate on another person's body or humiliate them in any way, shape or form. Because at a basic human level that is so very wrong and sad and ugly.

~ Children would never have to worry that the adults in their lives would harm them, physically, emotionally or sexually in unthinkable and unspeakable ways. Because children are precious gifts bestowed to all of our care and this trust with the adults in their lives should never be broken in such unthinkable ways.

~ The government would never for the sake of a pretty penny allow (or even encourage) chemicals and inhumane handling of food that our babies and and children eat. Because people deserve to not be exposed to unnecessary toxic chemicals that could seriously harm them or their children for the rest of their lives.

~ Quality education would be an inalienable right provided to all children regardless of income or socioeconomic status. Because education should be uniformly offered across the board so that all of the children get the same opportunities to become intelligent, responsible, contributing members to our global society.

~ All people everywhere had food to eat. Period. Because no man, woman or child should be forced to endure the pain of starvation and famine.

~ Research to cure diseases like cancer and HIV AIDS would be a top priority for all countries that had resources, facilities, and scientists working on these global health problems. Because with enough funding and resources, these deadly diseases that have taken so many of our loved ones can and will be cured.

- Affordable, quality healthcare would be available for all people. Period. Because everyone deserves access to the healthcare they need regardless of income or status.

- Banks would spend more time helping families and seniors stay in their homes than kicking them to the curbs and forcing foreclosures. Because banks and businesses would realize that putting people out on the street out of the homes they grew up in and raised their babies in is bad business even if it does improve the bottom line.

- Countries would stop being blind to the changes in the climate that will have serious impact on the lives of our children and their children for years to come. Because the future of our planet is important and and should not be swept under the rug or politely ignored.

- People all around the globe would be tolerant of each other and embrace and encourage differences. Because we are each other's brothers and sisters in this great big world and by helping each other and loving each other we build a stronger societal family for generations to come.

I know this is a simplistic view but to me this would be the presence of justice that best exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy and dream.

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to everyone. I hope the 2nd Annual Peace Up, Link Up has maybe inspired you to think for a moment about what the presence of justice means for you. And thanks to Mama Brandi for the great Link Up! If you'd like to join the 2nd Annual Peace Up, Link Up head on over to Mama Knows It All today Monday, January 16th and link up! You can share your posts, and read others by following the hashtag #peaceup on twitter. Let's keep Dr. King's dream going by spreading peace!

MLK Day 2nd Annual Peace Up, Link Up

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Most kids and many parents have off this Monday for the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Philadelphia is rich with opportunities to serve in ways that suit you and your family and help your own community. Check out these fantastic events to honor this important American and his dream. All events take place on Monday January 16th unless otherwise noted.

17th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service
Philadelphia

Join over 75,000 volunteers in the greater Philadelphia who will be donating their time and energies to the 17th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Find a project, register your local project and volunteer at http://www.mlkdayofservice.org/

OrKID Day at Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA

OrKID Day at Longwood Gardens which takes place during Longwood Gardens spectacular Orchid Extravaganza, is a special day filled with crafts, a kid‘s performance by Sharon Katz & the Peace Train, specially planned activities such as a “Dreams for Our World” activity where kids can share their dreams for peace and beauty in the world. OrKID day runs Monday January 16th from 12 pm – 3pm. Free with paid admission.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service Celebration
National Constitution Center
Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA

Philly’s own National Constitution Center is host to a day of celebration with events to include a quilting service project for the Women Against Abuse shelter and learn how quilting has brought communities together throughout history. Take part in a MLK-related sing-a-long concert with Two of a Kind featuring songs, sign language, movement and stories. Plus college students from local universities will read aloud from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legendary “I Have A Dream” speech. Enjoy a performance by The International Opera Theater in partnership with ValueDIversity.org and more. Free with admission, $8-$12.

Martin Luther King Weekend
Dream and Draw Peace Mural
Please Touch Museum
Memorial Hall
Philadelphia, PA

Kids can help create a peace mural at the Please Touch Museum by drawing ideas, wishes and stories about peace using stamps and markers. Plus visitors can fill out special “I Have a Dream” cards to share a wish for peace which they can hang on the wall, share or take home. Free with paid admission. $15. Children under 1 free.

University of Pennsylvania’s Day of Service
Across Penn Campus
Philadelphia, PA

Take part in the University of Pennsylvania’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of service with events running from 8:30am – 9pm on Monday January 16th. Join your neighbors for a Community Breakfast served at 8:30am inside Houston Hall’s Hall of Flags and featuring a community beautification project, children’s banner painting and more. For full details and event schedule see http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/news/penn-honors-martin-luther-king-jr-day-service.

Citizens Bank presents Sharing the Heritage
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA

The African American Museum of Philadelphia, Citizens Bank and other local partners present this day of service and celebration of the life and principles of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday January 16th from 10am - 5 pm. Various activities throughout the day including historical reenactments, storytelling, a scavenger hunts, a food drive, cultural entertainment and more will entertain and educate while offering opportunities for children to learn an important message about service.

Free Concert by the Philadelphia Orchestra
Martin Luther King High School
Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform its 22nd annual FREE Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert at Martin Luther King High School on Monday January 16th at 3pm. Celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining members of the community for this free cultural event which will combine the traditions of African-American culture and Western classical music. The concert pays tribute to King’s vision of a society free of prejudice and racial divisions, and his belief in the power of music to help create positive change. Free.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
National Museum of American Jewish History
Philadelphia, PA

Everyone can take part in this free day of family-friendly celebration and activity at the National Museum of American Jewish History on Monday January 16th from 10am – 5pm featuring self-guided tours, a special screening of episodes of “Eyes on the Prize”, a special freedom-themed watercolor project for children ages 5 and up and other special exhibit and activities designed to educate and pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. King. Free.

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Weekend phillyfun picks

It’s a long holiday weekend for most kids this weekend – hooray! Enjoy that extra day with your kids either in service to honor Martin Luther King Jr. or at one of these fun family friendly events taking place in and around Philly this weekend.

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog
Saturday January 14th
10am - 2pm
The Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA

Come out to the Treehouse at the Philadelphia Zoo this weekend to enjoy a weekend of meet and greets with everyone’s favorite big red dog, Clifford! Learn why dogs make good pets (and why orangutans do not!) Clifford will be on hand for visits with the kids and story readings from 10am – 2pm on Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th. Free with Zoo admission.

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

This new Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibit at The Franklin Institute features two dozen humongous actual skeletons, dinosaur recreations, and full sized robotics. Kids will love the hands-on “dino-dig” too! $18-$25 includes general museum admission.

Fore! The Planet Indoor Golf
Saturday January 14th 9am - 8pm
Sunday January 15th 9am - 5pm
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is the new home to Fore! The Planet – 18 holes of mini golf that teaches about the environment in an interactive miniature golf course. Fore! The Planet runs Friday through Saturday 9am – 8pm, Sunday 9am – 5pm. $4.95 for ages 10 and under. $6.95 for ages 11 and up.

Heat Wave Weekend
Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th
Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, PA

Get away from that winter chill this weekend by taking part in Heat Wave Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences this weekend. Learn about expeditions to the hottest places on Earth. Conduct a climate change experiment and get to know animals that have developed unique ways of coping with the heat. Plus make a sun catcher craft to capture some of that sunshine and bring home with you. Free with admission. $10-$12, ages 2 and younger free.

The Three Little Kittens
Saturday January 14th
11am
The Hedgerow Theater
Media, PA

Your kiddos will love The Three Little Kittens which kicks-off this Saturday January 14th at Media’s Hedgerow Theater. Can these poor kittens find their mittens and will they get their pie? Find out this and more at this family friendly children’s theater experience at 11am. Tickets $9 for children and $11 for adults. Plus bring old towels or cans and bags of cat and dog food for donation to the Delaware Valley S.P.C.A.

The Philadelphia Inquirer Travel Show
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Exhibit Hall E
Philadelphia PA

Winter blues got you dreaming of getting away? Well, check out this weekend’s Philadelphia Inquirer Travel Show running Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center where you will find national travel experts as well as local celeb chefs wine tastings, entertainment and family fun like live appearances from Philadelphia Zoo animals, a moonbounce, and a balloon artists. $8 online in advance. $10 at the door. Ages 16 and younger free.

Kids’ Winter Handwork Workshop
Sunday January 15th
3pm
The Handwork Studio
Narberth, PA

Kids will love this project-based winter workshop at Narberth’s Handwork Studio on Sunday January 15th at 3:00pm where they’ll learn sewing, embroidery and more in a fun, engaging, educational and creative atmosphere! Geared for Grades K-6. $45

Caring Community Carnival
Sunday January 15th
2-4:30pm
The Haverford School
Haverford, PA

In memory of Martin Luther King Jr. variety, the children’s charity will host a free Caring Community Carnival for children with developmental disabilities on Sunday January 15th from 2-4:30pm. Volunteers from The Haverford School, Baldwin School, and the Agnes Irwin School will come together to suppor this wonderful event featuring games, sports, clowns, jugglers, arts and crafts, refreshments and more. Free. Register at the door.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Philly Zoo

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Philadelphia Zoo this weekend on Saturday January 14th and Sunday January 15th from 10am - 2pm. Kids will be thrilled to meet their favorite character while visiting the amazing Philadelphia Zoo. Stop by the Treehouse to meet Clifford and enjoy storytimes, too! Learn why dogs make good pets (and why orangutans do not!), listen to Clifford stories and sign up for the WHYY Kids Club. Free with Zoo admission.

Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog at the Philly Zoo

New Year, New You Giveaway

How are you all holding up with your New Year's Resolutions? I know I'm still working on making mine. (I have them in my head but never put them down on paper. Maybe I'm better off that way and now don't have to worry about not living up to my own expectations, huh?)

But, I know many of you are a heck of a lot more organized and motivated than I am so to help you with your New Year's resolution to build in some quality "mommy" time and pampering for yourself in this new year, we're offering phillyfun4kids readers a pretty awesome giveway that we hope you'll enjoy.

Enter to win a full sized ANEW Clinical Advanced Retexturing Peel valued at $25. Trust me - this peel is amazing. It's the closest thing you can come to getting a glycolic peel without going to the dermatologist's office. And, it's the winner of Allure Magazine's Best of Beauty Award for Best Peel. Now, in 1 easy step! See results superior to a professional 35% glycolic peel. At home. No appointment necessary. The advanced exfoliator safely retexturizes and resurfaces skin. Formulated with soothing botanicals, it helps nourish and calm skin. Peels away dullness and visible age damage so healthier skin cells can surface. Full sized product contains 30 unscented pads.

Trust me, I've demo'ed this product to groups of women and everyone loves it. When you use it, you will get compliments on your skin and I guarantee you will see a difference. (Ok, well maybe I don't exactly guarantee it but I'm more than willing to bet that you will!)

To enter just leave a comment below telling us what your New Year's Resolution to yourself is by Sunday January 22nd at 11:59 pm Eastern. The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on Monday January 23rd.

CONGRATULATIONS Nancy Vecchione! You are the lucky winner!!

Increase your chances to win by:
1. Like phillyfun4kids on facebook (and leave a comment that you did or already like us below)
2. Follow phillyfun4kids on twitter (and leave another comment below to say you follow us)
3. Follow us on pinterest (and leave a comment below to say that you follow us)
4. Like my "Not Your Mamma's AVON" facebook page" (and leave a comment below to say that you liked it)
5. And bonus -- if you tweet/re-tweet about the contest using the hashtag #phillyfun4kids, you get yet another chance to win.

If I'm doing my math correctly, that's a total of six chances to win!!

You must leave your name and email address so we can contact you about shipping your prize if you win. Good luck!!

Restrictions: Giveaway is limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

Disclaimer: This giveaway is provided solely by me and sponsored my own Independent AVON Sales business. I happen to love Avon products and am happy to share this product purchased by me with you all!

New Year, New You Giveaway

Weekend phillyfun picks

It’s the first full weekend of 2012 with lots to do in and around Philadelphia for families. Enjoy “pay what you wish” Sunday at the Philadelphia Art Museum, check out “Fore! The Planet” Indoor Mini-Golf at Linvilla Orchards, take part in the family-friendly Archaeology Fair at the Franklin Institute, search for Grecian Vessels at the Penn Museum, enjoy a concert by kindie rock star Gustafer Yellowgold at World Café Live! and much more. Whatever you do, just get out there and have some fun!

Fore! The Planet Indoor Mini Golf
Saturday January 7th
9am - 8pm
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Rd.
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is the new home to Fore! The Planet – 18 holes of mini golf that teaches about the environment in an interactive miniature golf course. Fore! The Planet runs this weekend Friday through Saturday 9am – 8pm. $4.95 for ages 10 and under. $6.95 for ages 11 and up.

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Saturday January 7th and Sunday January 8th
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

This new Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs exhibit at The Franklin Institute features two dozen humongous actual skeletons, dinosaur recreations, and full sized robotics. Kids will love the hands-on “dino-dig” too! $18-$25 includes general museum admission.

12th Annual Archaeology Fair
Saturday January 7th
10am - 4pm
Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

The 12th Annual Archaeology Fair sponsored by The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) takes place this Saturday January 7th from 10am – 4pm at the Franklin Institute and promises to be fun and educational for all ages. The event will features archaeology themed programs and interactive activities for the whole family. This is your chance to dig into archaeology and uncover the past! Free with paid admission to the Franklin Institute.

Cheer for a Healthy New Year
Saturday January 7th
10am - 12:30pm
SMITH The Kids Playplace
Philadelphia, PA

Kids 5 and under are welcome to attend SMITH's free Cheer for a Healthier New Year on Saturday January 7th from 10am - 12:30pm. Join the Junior League of Philadelphia for a healthy celebration complete with fruit and vegetable themed games, crafts, and more. Free.

Kids in Center City Saturday Play Date
Saturday January 7th
11am - 1pm
Market & Shops at Comcast Center
Lower Level
Philadelphia, PA

Head out to the Shops at Comcast Center this Saturday January 7th from 11am – 1pm for some free family fun at the Kids In Center City Saturday Playdate with music by Music Monkey Jungle, a live musical and interactive movement class for the littlest monkeys and the parents who love them. Plus kids get to enjoy balloon animals, face painting, make and take crafts and kid-friendly lunch specials. Free.

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes Gustafer Yellowgold
Saturday January 7th
11:30am
World Café Live
Philadelphia, PA

Kids will have a blast at the Peanut Butter and Jams featured show at the World Café Live in Philadelphia this Saturday January 7th at 11:30am. Kindie rock star, Gustafer Yellowgold, presents a truly unique multimedia experience that is equal parts rock concert and animated storybook and will entertain children and adults alike. Tickets $12 adults, $9 for kids.

Family Sunday: Grecian Vessels at the Penn Museum
Sunday January 8th
1pm
The Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Families will enjoy this hands-on drop in program featuring the objects of the Grecian Gallery at the Penn Museum this Sunday January 8th at 1pm. Go on a scavenger hunt throughout the gallery to reveal different shapes and uses of vases. Illustrate your own 2-D Greek pottery shape to take home and more! Free with Museum admission $6-$10. Ages 5 and under free.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Sunday Family Programs & Pay What You Wish
Sunday January 8th
10:00 am - 3pm
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 January 8th from 10am – 5pm. And take part in the museum’s Family & Children’s programs offering:
• Early Bird Read and Look program on The Snow Day for ages 3-5 starting at 10:15am (tour meets in the West Lobby at the Family Cart)
• Family Gallery Tour for ages 6-10 featuring Discover Design (tour meets at 11:30am in the West Lobby at the Family Cart).
• Tours for Tots for ages 3-5 on Painting Nature (tour meets at 11:30am in the West Lobby at the Family Cart)
• Drawing Together for all ages from 12-3pm
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