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Weekend Phillyfun Picks: July 11-13

July 11, 2014 - 1 Comment

It’s a weekend of festivities and fun with everything from Bastille Day celebrations, Hispanic Fiestas, Free Sundays on Stage and lots more! Don’t miss a moment of the action – get out and enjoy one of these family fun happenings in and around Philadelphia this weekend!

Art Splash: Arms and Armor
Friday July 11th – Sunday July 13th
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Families can explore, create and play all summer long with the new Art-Splash program running Friday July 11th – Sunday July 13th. Kids and families get to “Meet the Masterpieces” all summer long as ten treasures from the museum’s collection are featured and come to life through play and hands-on activities. Museum admission for kids 12 and under is always free. Adults admission $23.50.

BlobFest
Saturday July 12th
11am – 6pm
The Colonial Theatre
227 Bridge Street
Phoenixville PA

“Don’t walk, run” – to Phoenixville for the annual celebration of the the 1958 classic sci-fi movie, The Blob, during the annual Blob Fest. On Saturday join the StreetFair with live music, a fire extinguisher parade, a hot rod car show, multiple showings of The Blob and other cult classics and meet and greets with the “real” Blob and its caretaker, Wes Shank.

Pirate Splash Day
Saturday July 12th
12pm-4pm
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
3900 N. Sandy Flash Drive
Newtown Square, PA

Bring your swimsuit and old shoes because guaranteed you will get wet at Pirate Splash Day at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation on Saturday July 12th from 12-4pm. Kids will be encouraged to run the maze and the gauntlet while being sprayed with water plus enjoy ducky races in the creek, and lots more. The pirate invasion begins at 12:30pm and continues all day as they control the farm until they are finally repulsed by the local militia. Admission $8.

22nd Annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Arts Festival
Saturday July 12th
11am – 7pm
Downtown Haddonfield
Kings Highway and Tanner Street
Haddonfield, NJ

The 22nd annual Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Arts Festival is taking place this weekend running Saturday July 12th from 11am – 7pm and Sunday July 13th from 12 noon – 5pm. Come out for two days of fun with fine arts, live music and fun. Free.

Bastille Day Celebration
Saturday July 12th
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Let them eat cake – Tastycake!!! The 20th Annual Eastern State Penitentiary Bastille Day Festival takes place this Saturday July 12th starting at 5:30pm. Grab a Super Soaker and storm the walls or just enjoy the free theatrical performance with appearances by Napoleon, Joan of Arc, Benjamin Franklin and more. Afterwards enjoy food and drink specials throughout the area to continue the celebration! Free.

Hispanic Fiesta
Saturday July 12th – Sunday July 13th
2-8pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
101 S. Columbus Blvd. & Market Street
Philadelphia, PA

The annual Hispanic Fiesta takes place this weekend at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing on Saturday July 12th and Sunday July 13th. Enjoy a celebration of Latino culture and community through music, dance, ethnic foods, artisan crafts, and more! Free.

Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy
Saturday July 12th
8:30pm
Trolley Car Diner
7619 Germantown Ave
Mt. Airy, PA

Enjoy a free outdoor family movie at Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy this Saturday July 12th when The Incredibles will be shown on the big screen starting at 8:30pm, with seating starting at 8pm outside the Trolley Car Diner. Free.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday July 13th
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road
Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday July 13th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Sundays on Stage: Music for Young Children
Sunday July 13th
2pm
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA

Join Mary Roth for an interactive music program with an eclectic blend of world music and old favorite songs during the Sundays on Stage: Music for Young Children happening on Sunday July 13th at 2pm in the Montgomery Auditorium of the Parkway Central Library. Free.

Weekend Phillyfun Picks: May 9-11

May 9, 2014 - 1 Comment

Here’s to all the moms out there!! Hope you get out and enjoy a fun weekend with your kiddos. There’s lots to do for the whole family this weekend from country fairs to mother’s day brunches and everything in between! So get out, celebrate Mom and have a fun weekend in Philly this weekend!

Season Kick-Off Carnival
Friday May 9 – Sunday May 11
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd
Norristown, PA

Celebrate the season kick-off at Elmwood Park Zoo this weekend with their Season Kick-Off Carnival featuring rides, games, food and fun right in the zoo parking lot! Carnival is separate from Zoo admission. Rides and games require separate tickets.

40 Hour Opening
Friday May 9th – Saturday May 10th
The Clay Studio
137-139 North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA

The Clay Studio is celebrating its 40th birthday with a free 40 Hours Opening Celebration with programing and fun including activities for kids, too! Kids can make instruments and enjoy a family jam session on Saturday May 10th from 10am – 1pm and then enjoy an Ice Cream Social and Bowl Decorating from 2-4pm. Free.

St. Denis Family Fun Fair
St. Denis Parish
2401 St. Denis Lane
Havertown, PA

The annual St. Denis Family Fun Fair is happening this weekend Friday May 9th – Saturday May 10th with games, food, rides and lots of family fun. Plus adults ages 21 and older will enjoy the beer garden and can take part in the “casino” with table games and great prizes. Entrance is free. All activities and food are ticketed.

National Train Day
Saturday May 10th
30th Street Station
Philadelphia PA

Happy National Train Day! Head to 30th Street Station on Saturday May 10th for the 7th annual National Train Day event from 10am – 3pm. Come out to view train equipment displays, local exhibitors, model train displays and lots of kid friendly activities from Chuggington and more! Free.

Junior Jazz Jamboree
Saturday May 10th
9am – 5pm
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

The only annual festival of its kind in the Philadelphia region, the Junior Jazz Festival at the Please Touch Museum happening Saturday May 10th from 9am – 5pm will introduce young children to the wonderful world of jazz through kid-friendly performances, theater, and activities that focus on musical expression, improve and creativity. Tickets $17.

LOVE Your Park Crafts Day
Washington Ave Green
Washington Ave. and Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Hosted by the Friends of Washington Ave Green and part of Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Love Your Park Week, LOVE Your Park Crafts Day, a free family-friendly event will have kids creating Mother’s Day gifts inspired by nature and will include free crafts, family activities, lunch and more! Free.

Disney Junior Live! On Tour Pirate & Princess Adventure
Saturday May 10th
Liacouras Center
1776 N. Broad St
Philadelphia, PA

Coming to Philly for one day only – don’t miss Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure! at the Liacouras Center this Saturday May 10th with shows at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Catch your favorite Disney Junior pals like Sofia the first and her royal family as well as Jake, Izzy and the crew and of course Minnie and Mickey and other surprise guests too! Tickets $40-$95.

WB Saul Fair Country Fair Day
Saturday May 10th
11am – 4pm
WB Saul High School
7100 Henry Ave
Philadelphia PA

The Free WB Saul Country Fair Day will take place again at WB Saul Agricultural High School Saturday May 10th from 11am – 4pm. Families will enjoy free fun including a petting zoo, food trucks, a moon bounce, plant sale, silent auction, craft sale and cow plop bingo too!! Free.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday May 11th
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road & Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday May 11th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday May 11th
Franklin Square
200 N. 6th Street
Philadelphia PA

The annual Franklin Square Mother’s Day Brunch happening at Franklin Square on Sunday May 11th from 11am – 1pm will feature food, a flower craft activity and tickets to enjoy the Philly Mini Golf and Parx Liberty Carousel, too! Tickets $25.

Weekend Phillyfun Picks: April 11-13

April 11, 2014 - 1 Comment

Egg hunts, bunny visits, Sakura Sunday, warm weather and more! There’s so much fun to be had in and around Philly this weekend you better hop to it, get outside and enjoy all the spring fun for the whole family this weekend.

Easter Bunny Hops a Helicopter
Saturday April 12th
11am – 3pm
American Helicopter Museum
1220 American Boulevard
West Chester, PA

The Easter Bunny flies in for a special appearance and all are welcome to visit at the American Helicopter Museum this Saturday April 12th from 11am – 3pm at the American Helicopter Museum in West Chester, PA. Helicopter rides are $40 per person (no reservations required).

It’s a Small World 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday April 12th
11am
Philadelphia Area Disney Stores

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the timeless Disney Parks attraction, It’s a Small World, at Philadelphia area Disney Stores on Saturday April 12th at 11am. Kids ages 3 and up are invited to take a journey on an imaginary boat ride around the world learning how to say “hello” in various languages along the way and singing It’s a Small World. All participating stores will hold the event at 11am on Saturday April 12th. Free.

Hayrides to Bunnyland
Friday April 11th – Sunday April 13th
9am – 5pm
Linvilla Orchards
598 Linvil Road
Media, PA

Linvilla Orchards offers its ever-popular hayrides to Bunnyland this weekend Saturday April 12th and Sunday April 13th from 9am – 5pm. Hop a hayride to go see the Easter Bunny and get a special Easter treat too. Plus visit with the baby chicks and little lambs and other animals at Linvilla and more.

Pinkalicious, The Musical
Friday April 11th – Sunday April 13th
Walnut Street Theater
824 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA

“Pink, I said! Pink Pink Pink!” Pinkalicous, The Musical is running at the Walnut Street Theater this Friday April 11th at 7:30pm and Saturday April 12th and Sunday April 13th with shows both days at 11am. Children will love the live musical version of this modern classic by Elizabeth & Victoria Kann about the little girl who turned pink and how she got her color back by swearing off the pink cupcakes (at least for now!). Tickets $20.25.

Epic Church Community Egg Hunt
Saturday April 12th
10am
Gorgas Park
Roxborough, PA

The annual Community Egg Hunt in Gorgas Park by Epic Church takes place this Saturday April 12th starting at 10am with egg hunts by age range running every 10 minutes. Plus kids can enjoy a petting zoo, pony rides, face paint, balloon animals and more. Free.

Easter Family Fun Day
Saturday April 12th
1:30pm – 4pm
American Swedish Historical Museum
1900 Pattison Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the Easter Family Fun Day at the American Swedish Historical Museum this Saturday April 12th. Celebrate Swedish Easter traditions as kids get dressed up as Swedish Easter witches, make Easter crafts, enjoy an egg hunt, watch a live dance performance, and more. $8. 2 and under free.

Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt
Sunday April 13th
12:30pm
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd
Norristown, PA

Families and children alike will enjoy a delicious hot brunch buffet, photos with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt and more this Sunday April 13th at 12:30pm at the Elmwood Park Zoo. $25/members, $30/non members. Kids under 3 free.

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday April 13th
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday April 13th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Philly Farm and Food Festival
Sunday April 13th
11am – 4pm
Pennsylvania Convention Center
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

The Philly Farm and Food Festival returns for its 3rd year to the Pennsylvania Convention Center this Sunday April 13th from 11am – 4pm. Come out for over 120 local farmers, food artisans and sustainable businesses and taste, shop and learn your way through a day of food filled fun. Tickets are $25 ($20 in advance). Children ages 12 and under free.

Caring Bunny
Philadelphia Area Malls including:
• Lehigh Valley Mall
• King of Prussia Mall
• Franklin Mills Mall
• Montgomery Mall

Families with special needs children can come out to enjoy the Caring Bunny at the Bunny Photo Experience in the Lehigh Valley Mall this Sunday April 13th where steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers and create a more comforting visit with the Bunny including turning off the in-mall music, dimming the lights and eliminating the line queues.

Sakura Sunday
Sunday April 13th
9:30am – 5pm
Horticulture Center Fairmount Park
Philadelphia, PA

Sakura Sunday, the centerpiece of the Subaru Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival, takes place this Sunday April 13th from 9:30am – 5pm in Fairmount Park. This day long festival will feature a variety of events and activities celebrating Japanese culture and traditions including martial arts demonstrations, live music and dance, karaoke, calligraphy, food and so much more. $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under.

Free Family Day at The Barnes
Sunday April 13th
11am – 3pm
The Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

It’s Free Family Day at The Barnes Foundation this Sunday April 13th from 11am – 3pm. Bring the whole family for all kinds of creative fun and entertainment to celebrate the work of Yinka Shonibare MBE including arts, crafts, a dance performance and a movie too. Free.

Free Water Ice at RIta’s To Celebrate Spring

March 19, 2014 - Leave a Comment

While it’s not at all spring-like weather yet (except for maybe the rainy part) tomorrow is still the first official day of Spring which means… Free Rita’s Water Ice!!

Yep it’s the 22nd Annual First Day of Spring Celebration so swing by your local Rita’s and enjoy a first taste of spring between 12pm – 9pm tomorrow Thursday March 20th. It’s a Rita’s tradition! Just their way of kicking off the season – and spreading a little happiness. (Thanks, Rita’s!)

Stop by on Thursday, March 20 from 12PM-9PM to enjoy your first taste of spring FREE! The First Day of Spring only comes around once a year, so make it delicious! Some of the Philadelphia Rita’s locations in the area include:

Suburban Station
Suburban Concourse Sp 114
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-231-9940

South Street West
2124 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
267-428-3533

South Street
239 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-629-3910

East Passyunk Avenue
1356 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-467-6747

Northern Liberties
800 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
267-639-4602

See their store locator to find a Rita’s near you and get your Free Water Ice!

Giveaway and Discount Code to The Franklin Institute

March 17, 2014 - 23 Comments

Have you been to the Franklin Institute lately? It’s without a doubt one of the most beloved and wonderful places to visit with the kids in the whole city. So many of us locals have fond and deep memories of going to the Franklin Institute on our own school field trips, right? I’m betting that most of us still remember the impact the thump thump of walking through the giant heart had on us as kids and how cool it is to take our own children there to experience it again now as parents.

But did you know that you and your littles can sleep over at the Franklin too? What a cool experience for your kids and for the grown-up science lovers in your family too, right??!

Yes, now you can Sleepover at The Franklin Institute at their very special Camp-In running March 21st and March 28th! Grab your sleeping bag and Camp-In next to the museum’s iconic exhibits. Explore hands- on exhibits and engaging theater presentations, take a ride on the Blue Angels Flight Simulator and sleep next to the Giant Heart or a 350-ton locomotive! On your overnight adventure, you’ll have access to all of the Museum’s offerings AND you’ll earn a souvenir activity patch that entitles you to FREE admission for a year!

Camp-In Activities Include:
– NEW! Live Astronomy show, Eye to Sky
– NEW! A Franklin Institute produced Planetarium show, To Space and Back
– Hands-on Astronomy Workshop – Gravity-defying ride on the Blue Angels Flight Simulator
– Captivating film on the Tuttleman IMAX® Theater’s five-story tall screen.
– Rooftop stargazing through our professional telescopes in the Joel N. Bloom Observatory (weather
permitting).
– Explore and sleep next to The Franklin Institute’s core exhibits—The Giant Heart, Sports Challenge,
Electricity, and more! (Special exhibits not included.)
– Light continental breakfast.
– Exclusive shopping hours in the Sci-Store Gift Shop the next morning

Grab Your Camp-In Discount Code
And now all you lucky phillyfun4kids readers can all take advantage of an exclusive discount when you use code CISM when booking your Camp-In visit and get $5 off Camp-In Rates for March 21st and 28th!

To book your Camp-In visit call, 215.448.1200 (option 5) and be sure to mention code CISM to get $5 off Camp-In rates for March 21st and March 28th. Regular Camp-In tickets are $48.50 per person on Friday night and $54.50 on Saturday nights. See http://www.fi.edu/Camp-In/ for more details

If You Go:
The Franklin Institute is located at 222 N. 20th Street in Philadelphia. Admission is $16.50 for adults, $14 for children ages 3-11. The museum is open daily 9:30am – 5pm.

Family Four-Pack Ticket Giveaway:
In addition to the awesome $5 off discount code for the Camp-In, now one lucky phillyfun4kids reader has a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to visit the Franklin Institute. (Please note, this does not include Camp-In visit.) To enter, simply fill out the simple Rafflecopter Form below. Giveaway ends Sunday March 30th at 11:59pm EDT. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with 4 free tickets to giveaway for the purposes of this post. As always, all opinions expressed about Philly’s most beloved science museum being awesome are our own.

Weekend Phillyfun Picks: March 14-16

March 14, 2014 - Leave a Comment

St. Patty’s Weekend is here which means we’re all lucky this weekend whether you’re Irish or not! Enjoy one of these fun St. Patty’s themed events the whole family can enjoy or get out to just enjoy other great fun in and around the city this weekend including a celebration of Holi, costumed storytelling at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, and so much more!

St. Patty’s Day Parade
Sunday March 16th
12 Noon – 4pm
16th & JFK Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

The 2014 Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Sunday March 16th from 12 Noon -4pm. The parade will feature floats, bands, dance and lots of Irish themed fun and celebration. Free.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Friday March 14th – Sunday March 16th
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Ave.
Oaks, PA

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival returns to Philadelphia at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this Friday March 14 – Sunday March 16th. Check out hundreds of artisans and crafts on display and for purchase at one of the top craft experiences in the country. Plus, children will enjoy costumes and storytelling with Middle Earth Studios all three days of the festival. Tickets $10 at the door (good all three days.) Children ages 12 and under free. Get a $2 off coupon when you buy tix online.

Holi Festival
Saturday March 15th – Sunday March 16th
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road Suite 100
Cherry Hill, NJ

Enjoy the Holi Celebration at the Garden State Discovery Museum this Saturday March 15th and Sunday March 16th from 11a – 3pm. Holi is a vibrant celebration known as the Festival of Colors and will be celebrated at the museum with dance, yoga and other cultural fun and activities. Free with admission. $10.95 for adults and children ages 12 months and over.

Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Friday March 14th – Saturday March 15th
Holy Child Academy
475 Shadeland Ave
Drexel Hill, PA

Don’t miss this family-friendly performance by the students at Holy Child academy of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. running Friday March 14th at 7:30pm and Saturday March 15th at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. Children are invited to come dressed as their favorite princess and princes and enjoy an autography session after the Saturday matinee show, too. Tickets $8 for adults, $6 for kids.

Girl Scouts Day
Saturday March 15th
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
Phila., PA

It’s Girl Scouts Day at the National Constitution Center on Saturday March 15th. Scouts can enjoy a fun-filled day learning about their country and working towards their badges. $14 for Scouts, $12 for adults.

Narberth Great Leprechaun Hunt
Saturday March 15th
1-4pm (or until prizes run out)
Downtown Narberth
Forrest Ave. & Haverford Ave.
Narberth, PA

Families can enjoy the annual Great Leprechaun Hunt in Narberth this Saturday March 15th starting at 1pm. This much anticipated free family event features a scavenger hunt where kids search downtown Narberth for leprechauns, earning a g”old” chocolate coin each time they find one until they fill their pot o’gold! Upon finding all the leprechauns kids get a prize of a shiny golden US Dollar coin to take home. Free.

Kid’s Music Festival
Saturday March 15th
10am – 1pm
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
654 N. Easton Rd.
Glenside, PA

The annual Rubye’s Kids Music Festival is happening this Saturday March 15th from 10am – 1pm at St. Peter’s Church in Glenside, PA. Kids can enjoy great children’s music and dancing plus games, activities, face painting and much more fun for all! Tickets $8.

FORE The Planet Indoor Mini Golf
Friday March 14th – Sunday March 16th
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media PA

Linvilla Orchards indoor mini-golf attraction FORE! The Planet Indoor Mini-Golf continues this weekend Friday March 14th through Sunday March 16th offering 18 holes of serious fun. This highly interactive and playful exhibit is open daily from 9am – 5pm and features info on environmental issues paired with the kid favorite fun of mini-golf. $6.95 for ages 11 and older. $4.95 for ages 10 and under.

Dinosaurs Unearthed
Friday March 14th – Sunday March 16th
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit continues at the Academy of Natural Sciences this Saturday March 15th through Sunday March 16th. Guests enjoy roaring, moving, life-size animatronic dinosaurs inside the Academy of Natural Sciences in this multi-sensory experience for dino lovers of all ages. $3 for members, $5 for non-members plus general admission to the museum ($15 for adults, $13 for kids under 13).

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday March 16th
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday March 16th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Weekend Phillyfun Picks: March 7-9

March 8, 2014 - Leave a Comment

The sun is shining and the countdown to spring is officially on!! Don’t miss the final weekend of the Philadelphia Flower Show plus a kid-friendly flower show at Nest Philly, Star Wars Day at the Brandywine Zoo, celebrations of culture and so much more. And don’t forget to spring forward and change your clocks on Sunday too!

Peter Pan
Friday March 7th – Sunday March 9th
Radnor High School
130 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA

It’s a weekend to celebrate the boy who didn’t want to grow up with the Radnor High School production of Peter Pan running Friday March 7 – Sunday March 9th with evening and matinee performances the whole family can enjoy. Tickets $15 per person.

International Women’s Day
Saturday March 8th – Sunday March 9th
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road Suite 100
Cherry Hill, NJ

Enjoy a weekend long celebration of women’s achievements and influence through history and around the world with fun interactive activities this Saturday March 8th and Sunday March 9th at the Garden State Discovery Museum. Free with admission. $10.95 for adults and children ages 12 months and over.

Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes The Verve Pipe
Saturday March 8th
11am doors, 11:30am show
World Café Live 3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA

Get your groove on this Saturday March 8th at World Café Live as Peanut Butter and Jams Welcomes The Verve Pipe – a family friend concert by this popular band. Doors at 11:00am, show at 11:30am. Tickets $12 for kids and adults.

Concerts For Kids: Music Speaks To Everyone
Saturday March 8th
1:30pm
2212 Spruce Street Trinity Center for Urban Life
Philadelphia, PA

The Trinity Center for Urban Life presents Music Speaks to Everyone: A bilingual concert in Spanish and English with musicians from Independence Charter School on Saturday March 8th at 1:30pm. Stay after the concert to meet the artists and enjoy an ice cream social too. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for children, free for children under 2.

Star Wars Day
Saturday March 8th
12 Noon
Brandywine Zoo
1001 North Park Drive
Wilmington, DE

May the force be with you this Saturday March 8th starting at 12 noon at the Brandywine Zoo at authentic Star Wars characters (including Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Boba Fett) invade the Zoo! Free with admission. $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-16 Under 3 free.

Iraqi Cultural Day
Saturday March 8th
1-4pm
Penn Museum
3250 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the rich sights, arts, flavors, and traditions of Iraq both ancient and modern during Iraqi Cultural Day – a “One Book, One Philadelphia” Event happening on Saturday March 8th from 1-4pm at the Penn Museum. The day will include arts and crafts activities as well as a group reading of The Librarian of Basra, the children’s companion book to the 2014 One Book, One Philadelphia selection, The Yellow Birds. Free with museum admission. $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-17. Free for children 5 and under.

FORE The Planet Indoor Mini Golf
Friday March 7th – Sunday March 9th
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media PA

Linvilla Orchards indoor mini-golf attraction FORE! The Planet Indoor Mini Golf continues this weekend Friday March 7th through Sunday March 9th offering 18 holes of serious fun. This highly interactive and playful exhibit is open daily from 9am – 5pm and features info on environmental issues paired with the kid favorite fun of mini-golf. $6.95 for ages 11 and older. $4.95 for ages 10 and under.

Dinosaurs Unearthed
Saturday March 8th – Sunday March 9th
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit continues at the Academy of Natural Sciences this Saturday March 8th through Sunday March 9th. Guests enjoy roaring, moving, life-size animatronic dinosaurs inside the Academy of Natural Sciences in this multi-sensory experience for dino lovers of all ages. $3 for members, $5 for non-members plus general admission to the museum ($15 for adults, $13 for kids under 13).

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday March 9th
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday March 9th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Nest Flower Show
Sunday March 9th
3-5pm
Nest Philly 1301 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA

The Nest Flower Show happening Sunday March 9th from 3-5pm is the perfect kid-friendly way to welcome spring with opportunities for little ones to burn some energy in Nest’s open gym as well as get their hands dirty by painting their own flower pots and then filling them with flowers. Plus enjoy tissue paper flower crafts and other fun flower themed activities. $20 per family.

Lower Merion Orchestra Symphony Free Performance
Sunday March 9th
3pm
Lower Merion High School
315 E. Montgomery Ave
Ardmore, PA

Head to Lower Merion High School on Sunday March 9th at 3pm for a free performance by the Lower Merion Orchestra Symphony. Free.

President’s Day Weekend Phillyfun Picks: Feb. 14 – Feb. 17

February 14, 2014 - 4 Comments

It’s a perfect trifecta of Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and an extra day off from school so get out and enjoy all that Philly has to offer families this long holiday weekend. There’s everything from Valentine’s Dance parties to lovable animal fun and free admission to all national parks all weekend long, too!

Tweetheart Social
Friday February 14th
4-6pm
Nest Philly
1301 Locus Street
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Tweetheart Social happening this Friday February 14th from 4-6pm at Nest Philly. Families will have a blast together at this special Valentine’s Day soiree featuring heart shaped pizza for the kids, Wolf Street Catering and wine and bear foo the adults, a Valentine’s dance party, make and take Valentine’s crafts, a Kissing Booth and of course plenty of play in the playspace! Tickets $45 per family ($40 for members). All proceeds benefit CHOP.

Free Entrance to All National Parks
Saturday February 15th – Monday February 17th
National Parks Across the region

Celebrate the connections between our country’s leaders and the national parks by visiting any US National Park free during President’s Day Weekend Saturday February 15th – Monday February 17th. National parks in our region include the Independence National Historical Park, Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, Egdar Allen Poe National Historic Site and others. Check website for full list of parks and hours.

Paleopalooza
Saturday February 15th – Sunday February 16th
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Get your fossil on at the ever popular annual Paleopalooza happening this weekend at The Academy of Natural Sciences. It’s a celebration of all things prehistoric with exciting and educational activities and games teaching kids about dinosaurs and more! Free with admission. Admission $15 for adults, $13 for children ages 3-12. Free for 2 and under.

My Fuzzy Valentine Lunch
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA

Treat your little Valentine’s to a very special lunch with their favorite furry friends at My Fuzzy Valentine Lunch at Sesame Place this Saturday Feb. 15th and Sunday Feb. 16th. Enjoy a delicious hot buffet lunch complete with a themed dessert and lots of quality time singing and dancing at this fun party with popular characters from Sesame Street. $27 for adults, $17 for children ages 2-9, infants under 23 months free but require a reservation.

Baby Loves Disco’s Annual Valentine’s Day Ball
Saturday February 15th
11am
World Café Live
3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA http://babylovesdisco.com/

Get your groove on at the always-awesome Baby Loves Disco Annual Valentine’s Day Ball happening Saturday February 15th at World Café Live in Philadelphia starting at 11am. Kids and parents alike can dance their hearts out to a live DJ plus enjoy craft stations and snacks too. Tickets $14 per walking human.

Presidents Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center
Friday February 14th – Monday February 17th
National Constitution Center
535 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA

The National Constitution Center is free courtesy of TD Bank on Monday February 17th but the President’s Weekend Celebration lasts all weekend long. Learn about the role of the president and what it takes to be commander in chief plus children can create their own campaign buttons and presidential seals at craft stations. And visitors can enjoy a special tour of the museum’s main exhibition plus much more. Tickets $8-$14.50. Free admission on Monday February 17th.

Disney Frozen Sing-Along
Friday February 14th – Sunday February 17th
Area Theaters

Disney’s smash hit two-time Oscar nominated Frozen continues in local theaters in its new Sing-Along format this Friday February 14th through Sunday February 16th. Kids of all ages can “Let it Go” and sing along to the bouncing snowflake. Should be a fantastic time for families! Check website for theaters, showtimes and tickets.

Kiss & Tail
Saturday February 15th
1pm
Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd.
Norristown, PA

It’s a Valentine’s Celebration at Kiss and Tail at the Elmwood Park Zoo this Saturday February 15th at 1pm with crafts, dancing, animal enrichment and more. Free with Zoo admission (Winter Zoo admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children).

Ice Skating at the Piazza
Friday February 14th – Sunday February 17th
The Piazza at Schmidt’s
1001 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA

The frozen fun continues at Skate, the pop-up skating rink in Philly, this weekend at The Piazza at Schmidt’s running Friday February 14th – Monday February 17th from 11am – 9pm. $5 per adult, $3 per child, $1 skate rental. Don’t miss Family Day on Sunday February 16th with free admission for kids, too!

That’s Amore Italian Style Valentine’s Celebration
Saturday February 15th – Sunday February 16th
11am – 3pm
Garden State Discovery Museum
2040 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ

Celebrate love Italian style with Garden State Discovery Museum’s That’s Amore event this Saturday February 15th and Sunday February 16th from 11am – 3pm. Enjoy crafts, dances and activities focusing on love and Italian culture, too. Free with Museum admission. $10.95 + tax for adults and children ages 12 months and over.

FORE The Planet
Friday February 14th – Sunday February 17th
Indoor Mini Golf
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media PA

Linvilla Orchards indoor mini-golf attraction FORE! The Planet continues this weekend Friday February 14th through Monday February 17th offering 18 holes of serious fun. This highly interactive and playful exhibit is open daily from 9am – 5pm and features info on environmental issues paired with the kid favorite fun of mini-golf. $6.95 for ages 11 and older. $4.95 for ages 10 and under.

Dinosaurs Unearthed
Friday February 14th – Monday February 17th
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit continues at the Academy of Natural Sciences this Saturday February 15th through Monday February 17th. Guests enjoy roaring, moving, life-size animatronic dinosaurs inside the Academy of Natural Sciences in this multi-sensory experience for dino lovers of all ages. $3 for members, $5 for non-members plus general admission to the museum ($15 for adults, $13 for kids under 13).

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday February 16th
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday February 16th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

Judy Schachner Book Reading Skippyjon Jones!
Sunday Feb. 16th
1:30-3:30pm
Lansdowne Public Library
55 S. Lansdowne Ave
Lansdowne, PA

Join the Animal Friends of Lansdowne and the Lansdowne Library to celebrate Love Your Pet month with a special visit by popular children’s author, Judy Schachner, who will read from her Skippyjon Jones series. Kids will enjoy the book reading plus a visit and book signing with the author and books for purchase too. Proceeds to benefit Animal Friends of Lansdowne. Free.

School’s Out President’s Day Camp
Monday February 17th
9am – 3:30pm
Wayne Art Center
413 Maplewood Ave
Wayne, PA

Kids in grades K-5 will enjoy the President’s Day Camp at Wayne Art Center this Monday February 17th from 9am – 3:30pm. Come in for a half day or full day’s worth of creative fun including trying a number of different art styles including paining, drawing, collage, crafts, and more! $45 for half-day $80 for full-day.

Kitten Party
Monday February 17th
11:15am
Tredyffrin Public Library
582 Upper Gulph Rd.
Strafford, PA

Kitty cat lovers won’t want to miss the feline fun at the Kitten Party at Tredyffrin Public Library on Monday Feb. 17th at 11:15am. Children ages 3 and up are invited to enjoy a short play, mitten game and light refreshments as they practice their own meowing and ultimately help the kittens find their mittens. Free.

Washington’s Birthday Party
Monday February 17th
10am – 2pm
Valley Forge National Historic Park
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA

Head to Valley Forge National Historic Park on Monday February 17th from 10am – 2pm for a celebration of our country’s first president, George Washington. Join George and Mrs. Washington and the members of the Continental Army to celebrate his 282nd birthday with crafts, games, re-enactments and of course birthday cake!

Weekend Phillyfun Picks: Jan 24-26

January 24, 2014 - 4 Comments

Take a break from the snowy fun and get out to enjoy all that Philly has to offer for families this weekend including Chinese New Year Celebrations, the Flyers Wives Carnival and lots of other wintery fun for the whole family.

Ice Skating at the Piazza
Friday January 24th – Sunday January 26th
11am – 9pm
The Piazza at Schmidt’s
1001 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA

The frozen fun continues at Skate at the Piazza, the pop-up skating rink in Philly, this weekend at The Piazza at Schmidt’s running Friday January 24th – Sunday January 28th from 11am – 9pm. $5 per adult, $3 per child, $1 skate rental. Don’t miss Family Day on Sunday January 19th with free admission for kids, too!

FORE The Planet Indoor Mini Golf
9am – 5pm
Friday January 24th – Sunday January 26th
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media PA

Linvilla Orchards indoor mini-golf attraction “FORE! The Planet” continues this weekend Friday January 24th through Sunday January 26th offering 18 holes of serious fun. This highly interactive and playful exhibit is open daily from 9am – 5pm and features info on environmental issues paired with the kid favorite fun of mini-golf. $6.95 for ages 11 and older. $4.95 for ages 10 and under.

33rd Annual Chinese New Year Celebration
Saturday January 25th
11am – 4pm
Penn Museum
3250 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the 33rd Annual Chinese New Year Celebration happening as part of World Cultures Day at the Penn Museum on Saturday January 25th from 11am – 4pm. Learn about how the Lunar New Year is celebrating and the traditions and history of the Chinese Zodiac. Enjoy traditional Chinese music and dance performances plus language presentations, arts and crafts, children’s activities and wrap up the fun with the drum roll, group roar and traditional Lion Parade. Free with Museum admission. $15 adults, $10 for children ages 6 -17. Free for children 5 and under. If you were born in the year of the horse, get free admission with one paying non-Horse guest! (Check website for eligible Horse years.)

Dinosaurs Unearthed
Saturday January 25th – Sunday January 26th
The Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit continues at the Academy of Natural Sciences this Saturday January 25th through Sunday January 26th. Guests enjoy roaring, moving, life-size animatronic dinosaurs inside the Academy of Natural Sciences in this multi-sensory experience for dino lovers of all ages. $3 for members, $5 for non-members plus general admission to the museum ($15 for adults, $13 for kids under 13).

Free Admission on Sunday Mornings
Sunday January 26th
9:30am – 12pm
Brandywine River Museum
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road Route 1
Chadds Ford, PA

Enjoy free admission to the beautiful Brandywine River Museum on Sunday mornings including this Sunday January 26th between 9:30am – 12pm. Free.

37th Annual Flyers Wives Carnival
Sunday January 26th
1:30pm
Wells Fargo Center
3601 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the 37th Annual Flyers Wives Carnival this Sunday January 26th at the Wells Fargo Center starting at 1:30pm (early admission). Flyers fans of all ages can meet and take pix with their favorite Flyers players, collect autographs, play interactive games and activities and much more. Early admission at 1:30pm. General admission at 3pm. Tickets $15-$25. Free admission for children under 2 years old.

Chinese New Year Community Gala
Sunday January 26th
1-5pm
Great Valley High School
225 Phoenixville Pike
Malvern, PA

The free annual Chinese New Year Community Gala is taking place on Sunday January 26th at Great Valley High School from 1-5pm. Come out for Chinese folk dance, traditional Chinese music, martial arts demos and the Chinese Culture Fair from 3-5pm with traditional Chinese art activities, fun games, and more. Free.

Baker’s Passport Review and Giveaway

January 21, 2014 - 4 Comments

Have you guys heard of this fun new Philly based company called Baker’s Passport yet? They recently launched and have created these fun and adorable “baking passports” which combine baking and learning languages into easily downloadable pdf files that include a delicious recipe, step by step baking directions, and puzzles and games that introduce children to reading, writing, and speaking a new language.

There are two kinds of Baking Passports – Little Bites which are beginner recipes geared for children with more limited kitchen experience and with more basic language learning. Big Bites recipes are more challenging and complex for children with more kitchen experience and ready for more advanced language learning. (Note Big Bites recipes are not yet available but will be coming soon.)

Baking passports make baking and learning fun by teaching children how to:

Read and follow a recipe
Use basic math and measurements to complete a recipe
Become confident using kitchen tools and appliances
Read, write, and speak introductory phrases, words, and numbers in a new language

Baking Passports was created by Founder and CEO, Meg who wanted to share her love of baking and joy of being in the kitchen with kids and families combined with her passion for the importance of exposure to other languages and cultures around the world. I share Meg’s passion for this immensely so I’m delighted to learn of a new way to bring new languages and cultures to my two global citizens. My kids already love baking with me (though I wish we did it more often!) and now we’ll get to enjoy this new side of it by incorporating a different country’s language.

Baking passports are the perfect quality time activity for parents to enjoy with their children. And what’s even better is that Baker’s Passport also helps children give back to those in need which I love. For each purchase made, $1 is donated to Action Against Hunger – a non-profit that is working to end world hunger!

To test out Baking Passports my 3 year old and I made these yummy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from the Spanish Baker’s Passport today during the snow day. We had so much fun baking these and learning some Spanish along the way!

My 3 year old measured out the various ingredients and had a blast practicing her “Spanish” which I’m not gonna lie often sounded like jibberish or maybe Greek. But then she picked up on one of the words we were learning like “la cuchara” (spoon) and she was so proud of herself for learning a new word.

When we were done baking the cookies she said she was going to eat one and then start speaking Spanish, too! I think she thought the cookies might make her more bilingual!

What I really loved about the recipe included in this was that it didn’t require a hand beater at all and instructions just included mix by hand 15 times or mix my hand 20 times. Kids of course love this and really got into the mixing part too. The recipe was easy and used ingredients we already had and best of all the cookies were delicious! Not quite oatmeal and yet not quite chocolate chip either. Really tasty! The whole family gave them our two thumbs up!

Giveaway – Your Turn to Try Out Baker’s Passports
Now you all get to try them as well as I’m giving away three Baker’s Passports – one of each language (Spanish, Japanese, and French) to three different readers to try out! And today Bakers Passports are all 30% off for the snow day! Regularly they are $10 each so that’s a great discount. And just for being a fabulous phillyfun4kids reader, you can also use this great discount code for 15% off through the end of the month of January just by using discount code FUN14 if you miss the Snow Day discount today.

To enter the Baker’s Passport giveaway simply fill out this easy rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends on Tuesday January 28 at 11:59pm EST . Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary copy of the Spanish Little Bite passport to try out as well as three passports to giveaway to all of you and a 15% off discount to share as well. Pretty cool, huh? As always, all opinions expressed about spending time in the kitchen with your kids being so priceless or the importance of teaching kids about new cultures through language learning that is actually fun are our own!