Want to get out of town for a weekend? These great Philly events will have you heading to Pennsylvania ASAP. Here are some of the BEST museum exhibitions, festivals and special events happening this summer!
JUNE
Family Fun: National Park Fun Zone
Date: Daily June 25- September 5
Price: Free
Take a family trip to the Liberty Bell National Park for a day of learning and fun! Explore the Liberty Bell Center in honor of 100 years of National Parks this summer. Kids will learn fun facts about the historic area, play games and try on a park ranger hat!
Date: June 30
Price: See website
Enjoy a special event at the Please Touch Museum. This museum encourages kids to explore exhibits with their hands, and what's more hands-on than an exclusive meet-and-greet with the monkey Curious George?
Date: June 26
Price: $50-$125, under 10 free
Join the Philly Burger Brawl for a day of gourmet food: burgers and tacos! This event funds technology and literacy projects in local elementary schools. Bring the whole family. Kids under 10 enter for free.
JULY
Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival
Date: July 16
Price: Free
The tenth anniversary festival is celebrating women in jazz. Headliner Sumi Tonooka leads a group of phenomenal performers. And while you enjoy the music, the kids will enjoy the food trucks, vendors, artists and family activities.
Bluegrass and Blueberries Festival
Date: July 16-July 17
Price: $25 for festival package
A weekend of blueberry treats and country music promises fun for the whole family.Entertainment includes live country music. Snack on local blueberries and fresh-baked goods.
Captain Cookie’s High C’s Pirate Feast
Date: July 23
Price: $29/under 11, $9/ages 2-9, under 2 free
Ahoy! Spend a fantastic lunch with Captain Cookie and his crew of Sesame Street friends at Sesame Place. Little pirates will thrill to the themed festivities and time with their favorite characters. Note: Park admission is required to attend this event.
Franklin Square Tenth Birthday Celebration
Date: July 31
Price: Free
Celebrate 10 years of Franklin Square with Ben Franklin! This historic site is a Philly favorite. Enjoy cake, fun games and free activities! Before or after the event, spend time in the square playing mini golf or taking a carousel ride.
AUGUST
Date: August 7
Price: Free
This festival declares itself Philadelphia's biggest block party! Walk around the street to see workshops, art, food, vendors and music. The event is sponsored by over 100 local businesses and brings the whole community together.
Reading Terminal Market’s Pennsylvania Dutch Festival
Date: August 11-13
Price: Free
The 26th Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival is taking place at the Reading Terminal Market. Celebrate the history and tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch while enjoying activities such as buggy rides and a petting zoo. And don't miss the awesome treats like pies and fudge!
Date: August 13-14
Price: See website
The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University holds this event yearly to celebrate insects. Learn from real scientists about insects and even see creepy crawlies from the Academy’s selection.
30th Annual Caribbean Festival
Date: August 21
Price: Free
As a part of Philly’s multicultural series, spend your day at the 30th Annual Caribbean Festival. Join the Cultural Organization of Pennsylvania for this celebration of their culture, with food and lots of fun.
SEPTEMBER
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
Date: September 8
Price: Free
The Baltimore Avenue Business Association showcases local businesses with special one dollar deals on community favorites. Visit old and new businesses!
Date: September 16
Price: Free
Commemorate the day the Constitution was signed at the Constitution Center Museum. Engaging programs make this a celebration to remember. Museum admission is free for the festival, but call in advance to reserve a spot.
ONGOING
Date: Through September 5
Price: $29.95/adult, $24.95/child
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the computer science of Disney Pixar. This exhibition features over 40 interactive elements focusing on the step-by-step process of how the movies are made. Your kids will see their favorite characters’ creation process–including Buzz Lightyear, Dory and Edna Mode.
Date: August 3-October 29
Price: $27/19 and up, $17/ ages 5-18, free up to age 4
Nightscape at Longwood Gardens is back by popular demand. The Garden promises a night you and your family will never forget, as the gorgeous landscape is illuminated by a light and sound experience. Purchase of a ticket includes entrance to the Garden all day, so be sure to stop by early!
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