Let’s make merry music for the holidays! Join the party with our fabulous local guitarist/songwriter, Chris Adams and TCLR teachers, and enjoy a festive storytime, sing-a-long to your favorite songs and make holiday decorations too, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.



This event is free -and open to the public. Donations Appreciated.

No reservations are necessary. Bring your Friends!


For more information: www.thecreativelivingroom.com

Location: 15 Chester Road Swarthmore

This event is appropriate for: ages 2 and older

Friday, June 25

Taste of Philadelphia
5:00 p.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street

Interested in sampling cuisine from the region’s best chefs? Join us for the opening of three days of Taste of Philadelphia. Come and try amazing dishes from some of the most popular restaurants in the city and find new favorite menu items! Stroll the waterfront while you’re “dining” and listen to local musical performers.


Saturday, June 26

Taste of Philadelphia

&

Free Concert and Fireworks
11:00 a.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street

Taste of Philadelphia continues with its first full day of music, food and fun! Sample some of the best cuisine in the city and receive an autograph from “The Last Airbender”’s Jackson Rathbone and Nicola Peltz. Also, enter to win tickets to the red carpet New York premier of “The Last Airbender.” There’s music all day to enjoy and help you keep your appetite up. Stay for the fabulous fireworks display and participate in the Watch! Count! Win! contest for the chance to win VIP tickets to the July 4th musical finale staring the Goo Goo Dolls.



Morris Day & The Time

8:00 p.m. Concert

Penn’s Landing

Brush off your bird dance, take one last look in the mirror and head to Penn’s Landing to hear Morris Day & The Time perform “The Bird”, “Jungle Love” and all their greatest

hits. Following the concert will be a fabulous fireworks show, presented by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.



Sunday, June 27

Taste of Philadelphia
11:00 a.m.
Penn’s Landing
Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street
Don’t miss the final day to sample delicious bites from Philadelphia’s many restaurants. There’s more music and fun to be had, so bring your family and friends!



Monday, June 28

Go 4th and Learn – About History
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Franklin Square
200 N. 6th Street

Mayor Nutter and local celebrities will share Historical Story Time with children from across the region. Bring the little ones to this morning event also featuring face painting, crafts, interactive games as well as chances to take your photo with a 1918 Wawa Antique Dairy Truck.



Tuesday, June 29

Go 4th and Learn – About Science
10:30 a.m.

Franklin Institute/Franklin Theatre

222 North 20th Street

Children will participate in an interactive program on the Science of Fireworks. After this exciting program, participants are invited to enjoy the museum’s exhibits. Note: Admission will be first-come-first-served as there is limited availability for this event. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Philly @ the Movies

Grease

LOVE Park

15th & JFK Boulevard

9:00 p.m.

Join us for the sing-along version of this musical favorite and groove along to hits from this classic tale of romance and teen angst.



Wednesday, June 30

Go 4th & Learn - About Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art

26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

10:00 a.m.

Local youth will participate in a story time presentation by 2010 Caldecott Medal winner illustrator and Philadelphia native, Jerry Pinkney, and will enjoy interactive arts activities exploring summer scenery and the Philadelphia landscape. Note: Admission will be first-come-first-served as there is limited availability for this event. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wawa Hoagie Day

&

Philly @ the Movies: Rocky

Philadelphia Museum of Art

7:00 p.m. Hoagie Day

9:00 p.m. Movie

Join Wawa for an epic Philadelphia double feature: the famed Hoagie Day celebration followed by a special screening of Rocky. Wawa will serve a culinary masterpiece fit for display in one of the museum’s galleries - a mile-long hoagie! Enjoy a party atmosphere and fun before settling down for Philly @ the Movies at the foot of the “Rocky steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It's a one-two combo that can't be beat!



Thursday, July 1

Screening Under the Stars: Avatar

Penn’s Landing

8:30 p.m.

See one of this year’s blockbuster movies on the biggest screen we could find!



Movie Premier: The Last Airbender

Pearl Theatre

1600 North Broad Street

7:30 PM



Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Four nations tied by destiny when the Fire Nation launches a brutal war against the others. A century has passed with no hope in sight to change the path of this destruction. Caught between combat and courage, Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the lone Avatar with the power to manipulate all four elements. Aang teams with Katara (Nicola Peltz), a waterbender, and her brother, Sokka (Jackson Rathbone), to restore balance to their war-torn world. Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film “The Last Airbender” is the opening chapter in Aang’s struggle to survive.



Friday, July 2

Picturing Liberty: Philadelphia’s Legendary Bell

Philadelphia International Airport

8000 Essington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153

Whether heading into or out of town, check out this amazing new photography exhibit which highlights one of the most recognized symbols of America’s freedom. (TICKETED PASSENGERS ONLY)



Independence Picnic

Historic Philadelphia

Come and celebrate Dietz and Watson Hot Dog Day in Historic Philadelphia and meet Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and a host of other historic characters. While you’re here, visit other uniquely Philadelphia attractions like the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center, all located in this remarkably historic area. Stick around for live music in the evening and the pre-opening of Liberty 360, the new 3-D, HD, 360 degree indoor show at the new Historic Philadelphia Center.



“POPS on Independence”

Independence Hall

8:00 p.m.

Peter Nero and the Philly Pops® celebrates America’s birthday with “POPS on Independence,” an annual free concert at Independence Hall. Come join the celebration and participate in one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions. “POPS on Independence” is presented by Amway Global. Note: Seating is first come, first served. Concert goers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.



Saturday, July 3

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival $

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (break from 5p to 6p)

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard at Penn's Landing

Nothing beats ice cream on a hot summer day! Make a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and help find a cure for Pediatric Leukemia while enjoying all of the cold stuff you can eat.



Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company, presents the Philadelphia Orchestra Free Neighborhood Concert at Penn's Landing

7:30 p.m.

Great Plaza at Penn's Landing

Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street

The incomparable Philadelphia Orchestra delights you with their world-renowned symphonic music followed by a brilliant fireworks display presented by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.



Chinatown Block Party

Chinatown at 10th and Arch Streets

Come and experience a taste of Philadelphia’s Asian culture at the Chinatown Block Party, returning to Welcome America! after 15 years. Visitors can sample dishes from various types of Asian cuisine or watch a dance performed in colorful costumes during this event.



Sunday, July 4

Celebration of Freedom
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Independence Hall
520 Chestnut Street
Join Mayor Michael A. Nutter and other local dignitaries as they kick off the day’s festivities at a ceremony honoring America’s 234th birthday.



The Philadelphia Independence Day Parade: Life, Liberty & You
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Historic Philadelphia

Bring your flags, patriotic spirit and plenty of energy to America’s best 4th of July parade and revel in the pageantry that has made this march through Historic Philadelphia a new local tradition.



Bell Tapping Ceremony

1:30 p.m

Liberty Bell Center

500 Market Street

Descendents of the original Declaration of Independence signers honor their ancestors by ceremonially tapping this symbol of American freedom.



Party on the Parkway
12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval
The whole family will enjoy this afternoon of fun, free entertainment and of course, lots of food! Stay for the Life, Liberty & You concert starring The Goo Goo Dolls and jaw dropping fireworks later in the evening. More information can be found at: www.WelcomeAmerica.com.



Life, Liberty & You Concert Followed By Fireworks

8:00 p.m: Concert

The Goo Goo Dolls

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Eakins Oval

Fireworks following Concerts

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Get ready to rock out to music from the Goo Goo Dolls’ latest album and all their best hits. But come early, because you won’t want to miss hearing the other great main stage acts The Roots, with special guest R&B and soul singer Chrisette Michele, and jazz funk guitarist and vocalist Chuck Brown.



Monday, July 5

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival $

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard at Penn's Landing

Don’t miss out on your last chance to make a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and take advantage of all the free ice cream you can eat.



Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival featuring fun, fireworks, food, history and entertainment as part of the nation’s premier July 4th showcase. Welcome America! boasts the largest free concert in America, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate all of the patriotic pageantry on America’s birthday in America’s birthplace. The event is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, visit www.welcomeamerica.com

Summer 2010 Family Fun in the City of Brotherly Love! Here are a few places you may want to visit this summer with the kids that won't break the bank!


Christ Church

Christ Church, located at 2nd and Market Streets, is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thursday in June and July until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Complimentary admission; donations are encouraged.



* Historic Christ Church Tours: Woven into guided tours of “The Nation’s Church” are stories about famous Revolutionary-era leaders who worshipped at Christ Church including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Absalom Jones. Daily; 20 minute tours throughout the day.



* Patriots and Heroes Church Tour: This guided tour emphasizes the military contributions of Benjamin Franklin and the Associators; Brigadier General John Forbes and Fort DuQuesne; and Revolutionary War heroes. Daily; 20 minute tours at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:30 p.m.



* Storytellers from “Once Upon a Nation:” Hear compelling stories about those associated with Christ Church, including Peggy Shippen, Fanny Kemble, Alice, Jacob Duché and George Washington. “Once Upon a Nation” is Historic Philadelphia’s storytelling program. Daily; throughout the day.



* Colonial Music: Listen to the peaceful sounds of the dulcimer played by John Lionarons in the courtyard. Hours vary, weather permitting.

For more information call (215) 922-1695, 32 or visit www.christchurchphila.org.

Christ Church Burial Ground

Christ Church Burial Ground, located at 5th and Arch Streets, is open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; weather permitting. Admission is $2 per adult, $1 per child and $10 for groups up to 25 people. All proceeds benefit the preservation of Christ Church and the burial grounds.



* Patriots and Heroes Burial Ground Tour: The burial ground is the final resting place of five Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin. The guided tour features patriots and heroes with connections to Christ Church including military notables Commodore William Bainbridge, Colonel Edward Buncombe, Joseph Hews and General McCall. Daily; 20 minute tours on the hour, last tour at 3 p.m.



* History Hunt!: Children embark on an engaging hunt through history and solve the clues that can only be discovered at the graves of the seven signers of the Declaration of Independence buried on Christ Church grounds. Children who complete the History Hunt receive a special prize. Free with admission; Saturdays and Sundays in June and July, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.



* Fridays with Franklin: Have you ever wondered what stories Benjamin Franklin would tell if he were alive today? Join Dr. Franklin as he strolls the historic burial ground recalling stories of his life and of other revered and influential Americans buried on the grounds. Fridays in July and August from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., beginning July 9.


For more information call 215-922-1695 x32 or visit www.christchurchphila.org.

If your looking for field trip to take your little ones too, check out the Please Touch Museum. Recently I had the chance to visit the museum during the opening of the ABC Games which runs until the end of the month.

This kid friendly event encourages an interest in physical fitness and sportsmanship and helps to build self confidence. Some of our favorites were the rock climbing wall and the obstacle course. They even have a section for kids under the age of 3 to try out some treadmills and exercise bikes that are the perfect size for them!



For more information: www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Location: Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
This event is appropriate for: kids ages 8 and under
Cost:Admission is $15 for adults and children age one and over.

* We were given complementary tickets to visit the museum.

Saturday May 8, 2010


11am-4pm

Amtrak hosts a National Train Day celebration that includes an expo with a variety of train exhibitions and equipment, live musical performances, special guests, raffles, giveaways, a train marketplace, and more. An AmtraKids Depot offers a dance party with the Radio Disney Road Crew, interactive games, magicians, face painters, hands-on educational activities, and appearances by real Amtrak employees such as train engineers and conductors.


For more information: Details and a complete entertainment schedule are available online: http://www.nationaltrainday.com/
Location: 30th and Market Streets Philadelphia, PA 19104
This event is appropriate for the whole family
Cost: free

Last month I had the chance to check out the Saturday Play date sponsored by Kids In Center City at the Comcast building. This was a great family field trip because we took the train into the city and since it was the weekend when we were having torrential downpours we never had to step foot outside!

We got to meet Kelly and Chica from the Sprout Channel, my youngest is a huge fan! Also The Franklin Institute, The Art Museum, The Constitution Center and The Philadelphia Art Alliance will have kids friendly activities.

Here's a clip of last months fun:



This Saturday April 17th there will be another Play date and a chance to meet Chica and participate in more kids friendly activities.


For more information: www.kidsincentercity.com
Location: The Market and Shops in the Comcast Building
This event is appropriate for the whole family
Cost: free

If you are looking to take a field trip, try checking out the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival in Philadelphia this weekend.The Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia celebrates the arrival of spring and the beauty of delicate, pink cherry blossoms with the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, held at venues throughout the Philadelphia area. Many events are free, but some do have fees associated with them.


If you visit on Sunday April 11th it is Sakura Sunday,which is a day of picnicking and performances favored by families in the Delaware Valley. Sakura Sunday will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Fairmount Park’s Horticulture Center, Sakura Sunday is a daylong extravaganza of art, food and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy cultural and martial arts demonstrations, sudoku, and live musical performances. Shofuso, a 16th Century Japanese house and garden beloved by Fairmount Park visitors, is also open throughout the day. A $5 donation for adults, free for children under 14.

Click here for a list of the days events



For more information: www.jasgp.org/cherryblossomfestival/
Location: venues throughout the city
This event is appropriate for the whole family
Cost:it depends on the events, check website for details

Springfield Township St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday March 13th it kicks off at 11:30 with Irish music on Saxer Avenue. The parade starts at 12:00 PM at Springfield High School 49 W. Leamy Avenue Springfield, PA 19064.


Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade Sunday March 14th at 12pm - check website for route information http://www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com/index.asp


Don't forget to wear your green!

The Philadelphia Zoo and Walmart have kicked off a limited time $10 Walmart Wednesdays promotion available on March 10, 17 and 24. The promotion, which features a $10.00 ticket, includes admission and parking at the Zoo on these dates and represents an approximate 60% discount for individual guests.

The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia, PA and operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM everyday. For more information on the Philadelphia Zoo and the $10 Walmart Wednesdays promotion please visit www.philadelphiazoo.org.

If you have had enough of the snow and you want a taste of spring head to the Philadelphia Flower Show at the PA Convention Center. February 28th-March 7th.




This years theme is Passport to the World friendly. and they have made the Flower Show more kid Show organizers have arranged a specially priced $65 Family Fun Pak of discounted tickets offering two adults and two children admission to the Show and free membership in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Fisher Price Family Lounge

Families have fun with your toddlers in the Family Lounge. Children can create crafty projects, play with new toys, put on a puppet show, or watch their favorite movies. Pick up a Kid's Passport to learn new things and find great surprises throughout the Flower Show gardens.

To make the day extra special for the kids, kick off your Flower Show visit with a brunch with the Little People characters at the Loews Hotel, across the street from the Show on 12th and Market, Sunday Feb 28 at 9:30am. Click here for details.

Join in Girl Scout Day

Girl Scouts who have completed part or all of the new PHS patch program, “Planting Seeds, Growing Lives: Grow, Explore, Lead,” will be honored at a special Girl Scout Day ceremony at the 2010 Philadelphia International Flower Show.

The program will be held Sunday, March 7, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., in Room 107 in the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Girl Scouts who come in uniform will be admitted to the Flower Show on that day at half-price ($7). Adult tickets are $26 on March 7, students (ages 17-24) $18.

There is no admission charge for anyone who wants to attend the Girl Scout Day event in Room 107 only.

Admission:

Tickets at the Box Office: Adults - $23 (prices vary by the day)

Students (ages 17-24) any day - $18 (must have valid student ID; proof of age)

Children (ages 2-16) any day - $13


Family Fun Pak $65 includes 2 adult, 2 child tickets plus one free year PHS membership




For more information: http://www.theflowershow.com/home/index.html
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets Philadelphia, PA 19107-2299

Activities Include*:

» FREE access to all of The Franklin Institute’s hand-on exhibits, like Sports Challenge and The Giant Heart!

» FREE tickets to the Tuttleman IMAX Theater!**
» FREE 3D Shows in The Franklin Theater!
» FREE awe-inspiring LIVE Science Shows!
» FREE Fels Planetarium Shows!
» FREE access to the Joel N. Bloom Observatory!

Target Community Nights are from 5:00PM-8:00PM. You'll be asked to register when you arrive.

The registration desk opens at 5:00PM.

Light Show




You can now see the the light show in the old Wanamaker's building, which is now Macys. The show runs every house stating at 10am. During the light show, more than 100,000 bright, energy-efficient LED lights combine to create fantastic holiday images. The lighting display is accompanied by festive music from the world-renowned Wanamaker Grand Organ.Academy Award-winner Julie Andrews narrates the Holiday Light Show.



Once your done watching the show head up to the 3rd floor and check out the Dickens village. Where Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol comes to life with more than 100 fully animated figures reenacting 26 of the story's most memorable moments.When your done walking through the village you can met Santa and tell him everything on you list.

Lobby of the Comcast Building


Beginning of the show

Once your are done at Macy's head over to the new Comcast building for the Holiday Spectacular, that runs everyday from 10 am to 8pm (there is no show at 5pm). You don't want to miss the 15 minute show, that includes The Nutcracker, to a fantastic sleigh ride through snow covered rural Pennsylvania into downtown Philadelphia, from the holiday sounds of a 64-piece orchestra, to the harmony of the Commonwealth Youth Choir’s Keystone State Boy choir and Pennsylvania Girl choir,






Nutcracker


Dancing on the Art Museum Steps



Location: Parts of Philly
This event is appropriate for all ages
Cost: The only thing you have to pay for is the train, check the Septa site for cost