Giggle Gang Fun at Springfield Mall

Families with children ages one to five years old are invited to take part in the Springfield Mall’s Giggle Gang, a special complimentary club that teaches important lessons relating to the world around us. Events take place in the mall on the first and third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m.

Mark your Calendars for these great upcoming Giggle Gang events your kids are sure to enjoy:

On Thursday March 1st, Giggle Gang presents “Puppets by Steve” at 10:30am. Local puppeteer and entertainer Steve Ruzansky and his puppet pals return to Giggle Gang with a fun, fast-paced interactive show! Bring your imagination and your sense of adventure for this super silly Giggle Gang event!

And on Thursday Thursday, March 15th, Giggle Gang presents “A St. Patrick's Day Celebration” at 10:30am Everyone experiences the “Luck ‘o the Irish” during a special Giggle Gang St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Be sure to wear green and join us to decorate your very own shamrock – complete with gold glitter – to carry with you all week for extra luck!

To sign up for free membership to the Giggle Gang and access to exclusive benefits when shopping at Springfield Mall visit Customer Service or call 610.328.1200 ext. 0 for more information.

Giggle Gang Fun at Springfield Mall

Weekend phillyfun picks

Don't forget to enter our latest giveaway to win a month of FREE Fencing Classes from Delaware Valley Fencers Club - deadline to enter is Sunday Feb. 26th.

Warm weather this week has us all thinking thoughts of spring. The weather might not be *quite* as warm this weekend but you can still bundle up, get outside and enjoy maple sugaring events, art classes, Seuss celebrations, the circus and other fun family friendly events going on this weekend!

Ringling Bros. And Barnum Bailey Present Dragons
Friday February 24th - Monday February 27th
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, PA

Families will delight in this unique circus-style show honoring the Year of the Dragon from Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey this weekend. Dragons features circus performers from around the world displaying astounding acts of bravery and skill. Shows run Friday February 24th at 10:30am through Monday February 27th at 7pm. Check website for complete showtimes Tickets range from $10-$95.

Art, Actually at Agnes Irwin School
Saturday February 25th
The Agnes Irwin School
Rosemont, PA

Kids ages 3-5 and their parents can take part in Art, Actually an art class session at The Ages Irwin School at 9:30am this Saturday February 25th. Kids have an opportunity to work with art and pre-k teachers to create one of a kind masterpieces. Free.

Dr. Seuss Storytime: Reading of The Lorax
Saturday February 25th
9-11am
All Target Stores

In celebration of NEA”s Read Across America all Target stores will be hosting a free Dr. Seuss Storytime reading of The Lorax from 9-11am on Saturday February 25th. Plus kids receive free goody bags, enjoy fun activities, and more. Free.

Pancake Breakfast & Maple Sugaring Celebration
Saturday February 25th
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tyler Arboretum
Media, PA

Take a tour in the Arboretum and lean how sap is turned into syrup at Tyler Arboretum’s Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Celebration this Saturday February 25th from 8:00am – 1:00pm. Enjoy all you can eat pancakes and sausage as well as coffee and hot cocoa. Tickets $11 adults, $6 children ages 3
12, under 3 free.

Delaware Family Expo
Saturday February 25th
10am - 4pm
Chase Center on the Riverfront
Wilmington, DE

The Delaware Family Expo is taking place this Saturday February 25th from 10am – 4pm at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Waterfront. Families can enjoy an opportunity to discover resources to strengthen, enlighten, encourage and entertain their children including products, services, styles, and ideas for local families. And this year features a new entertainment stage, costumed characters, indoor putt-putt golf, an inflatable slide and much more. Free!

Maple Sugar Day on Forbidden Drive
Saturday February 25th
11am
Wissahickon Environmental Center - The Tree House
Philadelphia, PA

The Wissahickon Environmental Center is host to Maple Sugar Day on Saturday February 25th starting at 11am. Take part in ongoing maple sugaring demonstrations, mini pancakes served with real maple syrup, a sampling of different pancake toppings, and freshly made maple candy to taste, too. Free.

Christmas Tree Maze
Friday February 24th - Sunday February 26th
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is running its Christmas Tree Maze using over a thousand unsold trees to create the world’s largest Christmas Tree Maze for everyone to enjoy. $5 per person.

jkidphgilly Goes to Day Camp! – Willow Grove
Sunday February 26th
2pm
Parkside Shopping Center
Willow Grove, PA

jkidphilly hosts this special camp-themed afternoon of fun at the Parkside Shipping Center in Willow Grove. Kids will enjoy yoga play, camp storytime, crafts, snacks, as well as learn about Jewish day camp programs and meet their directors. Free.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday February 26th
9:30am - 12 Noon
Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the Brandywine River Museum on Sunday February 26th from 9:30am – 12 Noon. Bring the whole family to the beautiful museum featuring classic American art in a 19th-century grist mill. Free on Sunday mornings.

Kids Light Up the Arts
Sunday February 26th
1-3pm
Absecon Light House
Atlantic City, NJ

These 2 hour art classes for kids take place every Sunday through March 11th from 1- 3 pm at the Absecon Light House. Kids enjoy local artists, performers, and crafters on hand to teach their craft and encourage kids to make their own art culminating with an art show for students to display their work. $15 per class, materials included. Call 609-449-1360 to make a reservation.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Happy Presidents Day

Happy Presidents Day!

I'm so proud... When my husband and I asked our 3.5 yr old who the president was this morning she excitedly replied "Barack Obama" so I feel like we succeeded maybe just a little as parents and citizens. At least for today.

We're all off today and enjoying not having to be anywhere at any sort of early hour. No rushing to get dressed, brush teeth, get on coats and shoes and hop in the car. No rushed showers or morning routines. We just finished our homemade pancakes (hubby made 'em - not me) and now are watching SpiderMan and His Amazing Friends and playing ball. In a few hours maybe we'll head out to the Tredyffrin Public Library for the Fancy Nancy Hearts and Flowers Tea Party. Or, maybe we won't. Who knows... If you need some more ideas for fun things to do today check our our weekend phillyfun picks.

But back to Presidents, did you know that several presidents have had fencing hobbies? And even Barack Obama tried his hand at fencing?

And Now your little kids can be like Barack and try their hand at fencing too if you enter to win our latest giveaway of a month of free fencing classes from Delaware Valley Fencers Club! What are you waiting for? Don't you want your kids to grow up and be a president someday?


(photo courtesy TIm Morehouse)

Happy Presidents Day

Weekend phillyfun picks

It’s a long holiday weekend in celebration of our American presidents and there is much to do with families in and around Philadelphia this weekend. So get out and enjoy family fun ranging from hanging out with the Flyers to learning about honeybees and chocolate and of course our country’s famous presidents too!



Historic Chocolate Making at the Betsy Ross House
Friday February 18th - Monday February 20th
Philadelphia, PA

The Betsy Ross House in historic Philadelphia is host to a chocolate making event this weekend February 18th through Monday February 20th. Learn all about this sweet treat and enjoy some delicious samples. Free.

Presidents Day Weekend Celebration
Friday February 18th - Monday February 20th
Historic Philadelphia Center
Philadelphia, PA

Bring the whole family out to the Historic Philadelphia Center this weekend to celebrate our American presidents. Kids will have a chance to make “future president” buttons plus enjoy Once Upon a Nation Storytellers who will share lesser-known historical tales. Plus “save a George” ($1) on any ticket for the Liberty 360 show, too. Free.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday February 19th
9:30am - 12 Noon
Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the Brandywine River Museum on Sunday February 19th from 9:30am – 12 Noon. Bring the whole family to the beautiful museum featuring classic American art in a 19th-century grist mill. Free on Sunday mornings.

Flyers Wives Carnival
Sunday February 19th
12 NOon - 4:30pm
Wells Fargo Center
Philadelphia, PA

The 35th annual Flyers Wives Carnival takes place this Sunday February 19th from 12 Noon – 4:30pm at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Kids will enjoy the opportunity to score a goal on one of the Flyers goaltenders, get autographs, have photo opps with the Stanley Cup and Flyers players all to benefit local charities. Tickets $15-$40.

Christmas Tree Maze
Friday February 19th - Monday February 20th
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is running its Christmas Tree Maze using over a thousand unsold trees to create the world’s largest Christmas Tree Maze for everyone to enjoy. $5 per person.

Honeybee Weekend
Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton, NJ

It’s honeybee weekend at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. Join local honeybee farmers from Herbertsville Honey Company who will teach families all about honey bees, their role in our food supply, and the importance of beekeeping. Visit Grounds for Sculpture all weekend to enjoy this exhibit and lecture free with admission.

Visit from Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax
Saturday February 18th and Sunday February 19th
10am - 2pm
The Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA

The Lorax is coming to The Philadelphia Zoo on Saturday February 18th and Sunday February 19th. Head to the Treehouse to participate in a live reading and have a photo opportunity with The Lorax during his appearances from 10am – 2pm. Free with Zoo admission.

Superheros Who are Super!
Saturday February 18th
1pm
Plays & Players Theater
Philadelphia, PA

Save the Day Productions features a special family performance of Superheros Who Are Super! a staged reading of your favorite classic comic books this Saturday February 18th at 1pm at the Plays & Players Theater. This unique kid-friendly rendition both celebrates and parodies the dramatic nature of classic comic tales with heroes, villains and of course plenty of action. Family friendly show is Saturday February 18th at 1pm. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Wells Fargo Family Concerts
Curtis Institute of Music: Introduction to Voice and Opera
Sunday February 19th
2pm and 4pm
Curtis Institute of Music, Field Concert Hall
Philadelphia, PA

Kids get an expert introduction to voice and opera as part of the Wells Fargo Family Concert Series at the Curtis Institute of Music this Sunday February 19th. Geared for children ages 5-12. Concerts at 2pm and 4pm. Tickets $5, ages 12 and younger free.

School’s Out Monday at Longwood Gardens
Monday February 20th
9am - 5pm
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA

No school? No problem! Take this Monday’s holiday off to visit Longwood Gardens with your little ones. Come to the Children’s Garden dressed as a fairy or wizard for a free cookie! Free with admission, $8-$18, ages 4 and under free.

Fancy Nancy Hearts & Flowers Tea Party
Monday February 20th
1pm
Tredyffrin Public Library
Strafford, PA

It’s a Fancy Nancy tea party at the Tredyffrin Library this Monday February 20th at 1pm. Get out your best costumes and get ready to “parlez vous” a little fancy French, too! Light refreshments will be served. Geared for ages 4-8. Free.

Presidents Day Celebration
Friday February 18th - Monday February 20th
National Constitution Center
Independence Mall
Philadelphia, PA

Philly’s own National Constitution Center will host a Presidents Day Celebration all weekend. Families can learn all about the role of the president, create their own campaign buttons, design presidential seals and other make and take crafts. Plus go on a “presidential tour” of the main exhibit and meet famous presidential re-enactors all weekend. Free with admission, $8-$12. Ages 2 and younger free.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Giveaway: 1 Month of Free Fencing Classes from Delaware Valley Fencers Club

If you have kids between the ages of 8-17 this is a great giveaway you won't want to miss! The Delaware Valley Fencers Club is offering one lucky phillyfun4kids reader a free month of fencing classes at their Conshocken location (valued at $100).

If your kids are bored this winter and need a little excitement as well as a boost in confidence and fun, let them try fencing! It's a fun, exciting combat sport. They'll work up a sweat, trick their friends, and meet their inner fighter! Fencing is a great workout for both body and your mind and allows kids to feed a competitive hunger in a healthy way. Delaware Valley Fencers Club offers a positive environment for students of all ages.

Delware Valley Fencers Club offers classes in two locations:
- Conshohocken (Cedar Grove Barn, Whitemarsh Community Arts Center, 100 Cedar Grove Road, Conshohocken). New students, ages 8 to 17, start the first week of each month. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Newtown Square (Gauntlett Community Center, 20 Media Line Road, Newtown Square). Saturday morning classes for students ages 8 and up start on February 26th.

Congratulations to Rachee! You are the lucky winner of a month of free fencing classes from Delaware Valley Fencers Club!

To win the month of free fencing classes valued at $100 you can enter several ways. Mandatory: Leave a comment below by Sunday February 26th at 11:59 pm Eastern. The winner will be chosen using random.org and announced on Monday February 27th.

Increase your chances to win by:
1. Like phillyfun4kids on facebook
2. Follow phillyfun4kids on twitter
3. Like Delaware Valley Fencers Club on facebook
4. Follow Delaware Valley Fencers Club on twitter
5. Bonus TWO ENTRIES -- You get a bonus two entries if you share the contest via facebook or twitter.
6. Bonus TWO ENTRIES -- Get another two bonus entries if you blog about the contest on your blog.

Just be sure to leave an additional comment for each entry letting us know that you posted/shared/followed/liked, please. If I'm doing my math correctly, that's a total of nine 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 free classes. Good luck!

Note: The free classes are good for students ages 8-17. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Conshohocken from 4-5pm (ages 8-12 years old) and 5:30-6:30 (ages 13-17).

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored giveaway being offered by Delaware Valley Fencers Club. All opinions expressed are our own.

Giveaway: 1 Month of Free Fencing Classes from Delaware Valley Fencers Club

Weekend phillyfun picks

Well the groundhog saw his shadow but that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate this month. February has much to offer families in Philly with everything from Creole Dance Parities to Valentines celebrations and lots more so bundle up and get out to enjoy all the winter fun this time of year has to offer.

Love Your Heart
SMITH Kids Play Place in the Park
Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA

Kids will love this special Love Your Heart Valentine’s Day event with the Junior League of Philadelphia at SMITH the Kids Play Place in the Park this Saturday February 11th starting at 10:00am. Children ages 5 and younger and their caregivers can come out to create their own valentines, listen to their heart beats, enjoy a game of Musical Hearts and other heart related activities. Free.

Philadelphia Orchestra Sound All Around: Percussion
Saturday February 11th
10:00 am and 11:15am
Academy of Music Ballroom
Philadelphia, PA

Children get to explore their passion for percussion with this Sound All Around event on Saturday February 11th at 10:00am and 11:15am at the Academy of Music Ballroom. This family friendly interactive program will feature members of The Philadelphia Orchestra exploring percussion along with award-winning storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston. $8.50.

Tweetheart Social at Nest – Philadelphia
Saturday February 11th
3-5pm
NEST
Philadelphia, PA
215-545-6378

This Valentine’s benefit at NEST Philadelphia on Saturday February 11th from 3-5pm will feature pizza making with celebrity chef Marc Vetri, a silent auction, and other fun children’s activities such as cupcake decorating, a photo kissing booth, live children’s music and open play and movement activities – all to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. $20 per child.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday February 12th
9:30am - 12 Noon
Brandywine River Museum
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission the the Brandywine River Museum on Sunday February 12th from 9:30am – 12 Noon. Bring the whole family to the beautiful museum featuring classic American art in a 19th-century grist mill. Free (Sunday mornings).

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Friday February 10 - Sunday February 12
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA

The 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
Friday February 10 - Sunday February 12
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is the 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.

Mama Mac & Band
Sunday February 12th
10:30am
Milkboy Coffee
Ardmore, PA

Ardmore’s Milkboy Coffee is host to the Mama Mac Band on Sunday February 12th at 10:30am. Get the kiddos out and dancing to the eclectic and interactive kids music show featuring rock and roll, country, reggae and more. $5.

Family Sunday: Egyptian Afterlife
Sunday February 12th
1-4pm
Penn Museum
Philadelphia, PA

Head to the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to get hands on with some Egyptian artifacts associated with the ancient process of mummification, sculpt your own shabti, a figurine placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife, and enjoy a craft and other Egyptian artifacts related to the afterlife in the museum galleries. Drop in anytime between 1-4pm on Sunday February 12th to enjoy Family Sunday. Free with museum admission.

Christmas Tree Maze
Friday February 10th - Sunday February 12th
Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA

Media’s Linvilla Orchards is running a new Christmas Tree Maze using over a thousand unsold trees to create the world’s largest Christmas Tree Maze for everyone to enjoy. $5 per person.

Terrance Simien: Creole for Kidz Dance Party
Sunday February 12th
2pm
Sellersville Theater
24 W. Temple Ave.
Sellersville, PA

It’s a Creole Music Dance party for kids and their families this Sunday February 12th at 2pm at the Sellersville Theater. Come out and enjoy Terrance Simien sharing his Creole culture and his indigenous Zydeco music fun for all. $10.

Hear Again Radio Project’s Valentine’s Va-Va-Voom
Saturday February 11th 7pm
Sunday February 12th 4pm and 7pm
Plays & Players Theater
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with this unique vintage old time radio Valentine's Va-Va-Voom event from the Hear Again Radio Project featuring a classic radio program for the whole family complete with live music and Foley sound effects at the Plays & Players Theatre. Shows run Saturday February 11 at 7pm and Sunday February 12 at 4pm and 7pm. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Great Deal from Living Social Families

Living Social Families has a great deal this week on a discounted art or music class at either the Fairmount Art Center or Queen Village Art Center. $12 gets you one trial class for your aspiring artist age 2 to teen, or your miniature musician 5 years old or younger (regularly $25) at either the Fairmount or Queen Village locations the week of February 20, April 23, or June 11. Recently featured on The 10! Show, the Center's outstanding educators are committed to fostering creative thinking and facilitating self-expression.
Spaces are going fast, browse the online current class schedule and email to reserve your space, today!

And be sure to check out Fairmount Art Center & Queen Village Art Center on Facebook.

Great Deal from Living Social Families

Weekend phillyfun picks

It might be a Superbowl weekend but it’s also a great weekend to get out and enjoy one of these family friendly fun events in and around Philadelphia! There’s something for everyone from the Philadelphia Auto Show to the AC Boat Show and Wildwood Dog Show plus lots more.

Atlantic City Boat Show
Friday February 3 - Sunday February 5
Atlantic City Convention Center
Atlantic City, NJ

The Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show runs this weekend Friday February 3rd through Sunday February 5th at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Bring the whole family out for this taste of summer focusing on all things related to boating including hundreds of boats and thousands of boating accessories on display. Plus take the wheel of the boating simulator, meet teenage sailing adventurer Abby Sunderland, try your hand at Scuba in the “Be a Diver Pool” and much more. Even the little skippers will enjoy the fun by navigating a mini lake in their own little paddle boat, posing for photos with SpongeBob Squarepants (Saturday only) and even building a life size boat while learning about boating and water safety. Admission is $14 for adults and FREE for kids 15 and under. Show runs Friday from 11am – 8pm, Saturday from 10am – 8pm and Sunday from 10am – 5pm.

Boardwalk Kennel Club Dog Show
Friday February 3rd - Sunday February 5th
Wildwoods Convention Center
Wildwood, NJ

Head to Wildwood this weekend for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Boardwalk Kennel Club Dog Show. This year’s show features the Best of Breed Competition, Police K-9 Unit Demonstration, great vendors and other dog themed fun. Tickets $7 for adults, children 12 and under $2. Check website for full schedule and times.

Philadelphia Auto Show
Friday February 3rd - Sunday February 5th
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, PA

The whole family will enjoy the Philadelphia Auto Show running this weekend February 3rd through February 5th with more than 700 hundred vehicles on display including all new cars and concept carts. This year’s show features an indoor ride and drive track, too. Show runs Friday from 12 Noon – 10pm, Saturday from 9am – 10pm and Sunday from 9am – 6pm. Tickets run $6-$12.

Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
Friday February 3rd - Sunday February 5th
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 February 3rd - Sunday February 5th
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.

Irish Festival
Sunday February 5th
Garden State Discovery Museum
Cherry Hill, NJ

Be sure not to miss this annual celebration of the sights and sounds of Ireland at the Irish Festival being held on Sunday February 5th at the Garden State Discovery Museum. Free with museum admission $10.95.

Medieval Festival
Sunday February 5th
1pm
Glencairn Museum
Bryn Athyn, PA

The Medieval Festival at Glencairn Museum will be held on Sunday February 5th starting at 1pm. Watch as stained glass windows are painted by hand and illuminated manuscripts are made. Enjoy medieval music, go on a “pilgramage” and make your own medieval arts. Plus explore the beautiful galleries of Bryn Athyn on your own and have a meal in the Castle Café. Tickets $6-$8. Ages 4 and younger free.

Kids’ Valentine’s Day Workshop
Sunday February 5th
3-5pm
The Handwork Studio
Narberth, PA

This Valentine’s themed workshop will feature a great project taught in a fun, positive environment at The Handwork Studio in Narberth. Workshop runs from 3-5pm on Sunday February 5th. $45 includes all supplies and materials.

Weekend phillyfun picks

Kidz Bounce Free This Week Only

I wish I had known about this one earlier in the week for you all but I just found out that this week only kids get to bounce for free at the new Kidz Bounce at the Marple Sports Arena in Broomall.

Kidz Bounce at Marple Sports Arena is for children 6 and below, where kids can enjoy bounce houses and Marple Mountain from 9:30am - 1:30pm. This is new program and the price will be $5/child but for the fist week from 1/30 though 2/3 it will be completely free.

FIRST WEEK IS FREE! From Jan. 30-Feb. 3, enjoy free admission and complimentary juice and cookies for the kids and coffee for parents. KIDZ BOUNCE is MSA's newest children and toddler program!

Kidz Bounce is open M-F from 9:30am-1:30pm. Parental supervision is required, unless parent is at our 9:30-10:30am Zumba class.

Marple Sports Arena is located at 611 South Park Way, Broomall PA 19008.

Kidz Bounce Free This Week Only