Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
All Weekend
Looking for some Greater Philadelphia area DAY TRIP ideas? Check out this full list HERE for some inspiration!
The Official Draken Experience – Philadelphia, PA
August 31st – September 6th
at Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
The world’s largest operating Viking ship, Draken Harald Hårfagre continues the East Coast Tour with a stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from August 29 – September 6.
Climb on board, and discover your #VikingSpirit with inspiring ship tours, engaging crew demonstrations, and insta-worthy moments. Tickets are available now at https://www.drakenhh.com/philadelphia.
Hosted in partnership with the Independence Seaport Museum, the Draken will dock in the Penn’s Landing Marina next to Spruce Street Harbor Park and Paddle Penn’s Landing, and will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors relive the Viking discovery of the New World more than 1,000 years ago.
The Draken Experience in Philadelphia
Friday, August 31, 3:30 PM
Draken Arrival Ceremony
Guests are invited to greet the Draken ship as she sails into port with a display of Viking valor and excitement. Captain Björn Ahlander and his crew will step ashore to welcome the crowd and introduce the Draken. This event is free and open to the public. A small, private welcome reception will follow.
Draken Village & Deck Tours
Saturday, September 1 – Thursday, September 6
Weekend & Labor Day Tour Hours: 10 AM – 8 PM
Tuesday Tour Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday Tour Hours: 2 PM – 5 PM
Thursday Tour Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
The Draken will be open for timed, ticketed deck tours. Tour tickets, which run $7 for kids (ages 5 to 15, free admission for ages 4 and under); $14 for adults (ages 16 and over); and $35 for a family pack (includes two adults, and up to three children) can be purchased online at https://www.drakenhh.com/philadelphia, or on-site at the Draken Village. During each 30-minute tour, guests are guided through the ship and offered a look at a day-in-the-life of the crew and the historic craftsmanship used to build the ship with oak, tar, hemp, iron, and silk.
Within the Draken Village, which is free and open to the public, guests can experience a photo and video exhibition illustrating Viking history, modern explorers, and the adventures of the Draken; land-side views of the ship; the Highland Park Whisky hospitality tent; local food and beverage vendors; official Draken merchandise, and more.
Additional events coming soon:
LECTURE
Come and listen to Captain Björn Ahlander talk about his experience with preparing and sailing Draken across the North Atlantic.
Date and time: Sept. 1, 4 PM
Venue: Independence Seaport Museum
Tickets will be available online at https://www.drakenhh.com/philadelphia
SCREENING
Be among the first audiences to enjoy a screening of the newly released Draken documentary: Expedition America – a Modern Viking Adventure. Following the film, members of the crew will be on hand for a Q&A session.
Date and time: Sept. 1 & 2, 2:30 PM
Venue: Independence Seaport Museum
Tickets will be available online at https://www.drakenhh.com/philadelphia
The Draken is scheduled to depart at 9 AM on Friday, September 7.
Details HERE
The Maryland Renaissance Festival
September 1st – October 21st
1821 Crownsville Rd, Annapolis, Maryland
Time travel to fun! King Henry VIII and Queen Katherine of Aragon welcome you to the village of Revel Grove for a full day of feasting, fun, and frivolity. Shop for one of a kind craft items handmade by the most talented craftspeople in the county! Feast on giant turkey legs, steak on a stake and every type of tasty treat imaginable. Try your hand at games of skill. Jugglers, comedy shows, magic, music, Shakespeare, kids shows – there is something for everyone! Leave your 21st century cares behind as you enjoy a festive day in a Tudor village
Details and ticket info HERE and HERE
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest (LAST WEEKEND!!)
Thursday, May 24 – Monday, September 3
General Park Hours
Monday through Thursday: 1pm – 11pm
Friday: 1pm – 1am
Saturday: 11am – 1am
Sunday: 11am – 11pm
Skating, Mini Golf & Midway Rides end 30 minutes prior to close.
The Bar at the Waterfront Crabshack
Monday through Thursday: 5pm-10pm
Friday: 5pm-12am
Saturday: 11am-12am
Sunday: 11am-10pm
Chickie’s & Pete’s Waterfront Crabshack
Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 10pm
Friday: 1pm – Midnight
Saturday: 11am – Midnight
Sunday: 11am – 10pm
Franklin Fountain Clubhouse Cabin
Friday: 5pm-12am
Saturday: 11am-12am
Sunday: 11am-10:30pm
Entrance to the park is free and open to the public. Roller skating, mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go.
Details HERE
Labor Day Celebration in Franklin Square
Saturday – Monday, September 1 – 3, 12 – 3 pm
All aboard! Take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children) in the Square to help us celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer!
Details HERE
Lansdowne Landing
7 AM – 10 PM
30 North Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA
What is The Landing?
Inspired by awesome outdoor gathering places like Philadelphia’s own The Porch or Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Lansdowne Landing is a fun, festive spot that’s open from 7am to 10pm.
Visit www.lansdownelanding.com for a full schedule of events, updated regularly, so check by often for fun from family-friendly fun to live music to food trucks and more!
Details HERE
Linvilla Orchards
Details HERE
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
Details and ticket info HERE
Please Touch Museum
Details HERE
The Franklin Institute
Game Masters Exhibit (through September 3rd)
Details HERE
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art Splash (through Sept 3rd)
“Art Splash is bringing a little piece of the big city inside. Explore the shapes and colors, sights and sounds of Modern Times and play in our own mini metropolis. Kids and their grown-ups can experience the exhibition through tours, art making, and imaginative play.”
Details HERE
Academy of Natural Sciences
Details and ticket info HERE
Philadelphia Zoo
Details and Ticket Info HERE
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Details, ticket info and more HERE
Longwood Gardens
Details HERE
The Crayola Experience
Easton, PA
Details HERE
Purchase discount tickets HERE and get $4 off admission price (Regular Price: $19.99 Your Price: $15.99)
Garden State Discovery Museum
Details HERE
Delaware Children’s Museum
Details HERE
Brandywine Zoo
Details HERE
Sahara Sam’s Indoor Water Park
Details HERE
Studio Movie Grill Upper Darby
Movie, Food, Bar, comfy seats and more!
Details HERE
AMC Dine In Movie Theater – Painters Crossing – West Chester
Movie, Food, Bar, comfy reclining seats and more!
** Best to purchase tickets online through amctheaters.com
See my review and more info HERE
Dutch Wonderland
Details and ticket info HERE
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
Details HERE
Diggerland
Details HERE
Sahara Sams Indoor & Outdoor Water Park
Details HERE
Friday August 31, 2018
For a calendar of Various Infant and Toddler Programs at local Delco Libraries, Go HERE
Kia’s Coming To America Birthday Party
8 AM – 5 PM
at Kia’s Cakes & Cafe 16 S Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne PA
There will be major discounts on our specialty theme cupcakes for the day (regular price $3.50-$4 each, as low as $2.50 when you buy a 4 pack!), punch made with the finest juices and berries and homemade zebra cakes!
Please note, we will be open until 5pm this Friday.
Details HERE
Build Day at Middletown Free Library
10 AM – 5 PM
All Day Long and for All Ages! Mr. Jason will have out a lot of the Middletown Free Library’s various building kits and toys. LEGO, K’NEX, Lincoln Logs, Wooden Blocks, Snap Car Kit, Marble Maze, Magic Tracks, just to name a few for builders of all ages and abilities to enjoy in the library!
Registration is not required.
Details HERE
Haircuts for Vincent! (Get Your Haircut while Supporting a Great Cause!) #VincenttheConqueror
10 AM – 7 PM
at Salon Avana 248 N.Governor Printz Blvd, Lester, PA
Vincent is a local baby boy who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer and we want to help support his family during this hard time so please come out and join us for great cause!!!!!
Details HERE
Celebrate 31 at participating Baskin Robbins
11 AM – 9 PM
$1.50 scoops* got me walking on air every 31st of the month! Don’t forget to stop by Baskin-Robbins on Friday, 8/31/18 to Celebrate 31!
**Offer varies in Houston TX, Fresno CA, San Jose CA, and Detroit, MI Call store for details.
Details HERE
Star Wars Science at Delaware Children’s Museum
12 PM – 3 PM
Meet your favorite Star Wars characters at the DCM! Enjoy space science and Star Wars related programming in the DCM Studio and STEM Room.
Admission is $8.75 per person; FREE for DCM Members.
Online tickets for Star Wars Day are closed! Limited tickets will be available on Saturday for the event at 12 pm.
Details HERE
Creekside’s Bingo Night
6 PM – 7 PM
On select Friday nights, join us for some friendly games of Bingo!
$5 per game card (each game card has 4 games)
Open to the public, but non-members will need to pay the pool’s guest fee
Details HERE
Family Outdoor Movie Night: Peter Rabbit
7 PM – 11 PM
at Bartram’s Garden 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Join us after sundown in the courtyard for a free screening of Peter Rabbit.
There will also be a guided, family-friendly tour of the garden starting at 6:30 pm.
Movie starts at 7:30 PM.
Presented by Elwyn Seeds.
FREE and open to all!
FREE popcorn, lemonade, and water!
Bring a blanket to sit on
Details HERE
Roller Boogie
7 PM – 11 PM
at BlueCross RiverRink 101 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to boogie your way through the FINAL weekend of Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest with a throwback skate party. Local mix master Universal Cave will be bringing the classics on original vinyl records. A great event for all ages, join us for a roller-boogie good time. No cover charge.
For skate admission and skate rental information visit www. riverrink.com!
Discounts:
* Independence Blue Cross cardholder get FREE admission for themselves + three guests with card
*Military and first-responders get FREE skate admission for themselves + three guests with ID
(Skate rental not included)
Details HERE
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Bank of America and Merill Lynch Card Holders – FREE Museum Admission
Saturday and Sunday – September 1st & 2nd
Get free admission to over 100 participating Museums, Zoos, Science Centers, and Botanical Gardens across the US!
Head HERE for all of the details and to find a participating museum near you!
Made in America Festival
Ben Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA
Details and ticket info HERE
Opening Day at Charming Star Playroom
9 AM
4627 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square PA
(Next to the Goodwill Drop off/True Beauty. Enter upstairs. Off Alice Grim Blvd. (Veterans Memorial))
Details HERE
Home Depot Kids Workshop – Field Goal Game
9 AM – 12 PM
Registration required
Details HERE
Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday 9am-1pm (open year round)
in the Amtrak Parking Lot
at the intersection of Lancaster & Bryn Mawr Avenues
Details HERE
Lansdowne Farmers Market
9 AM – 1 PM
30 N Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA
Details HERE
West Chester Growers Market
9 AM
Corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, West Chester, PA
Details HERE
Swarthmore Farmers Market
9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore PA
Details HERE
Kids Club – Adorable Hedgehogs
10 AM – 12 PM
at participating Michaels Craft Stores
Cost: $2, ages 3-8, supplies
Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Details and registration info HERE
Kids Club – Adorable Hedgehogs
10 AM – 12 PM
at participating Michaels Craft Stores
Cost: $5, ages 6+, supplies
Parent or guardian must remain on premises during the event.
Details and registration info HERE
Chess Club
11 AM
at Lansdowne Library
No matter your age or experience, all are welcome to play and learn chess with us!
Details HERE
Storytime and Activities Featuring Pig the Fibber
11 AM
at Barnes & Noble, Lawrence Park Shopping Center, Broomall
Pig the Pug gets Trevor the dog in trouble so he can enjoy the snacks on his own, but then gets more than he bargained for when a bowling ball rolls in. Join us for Storytime and get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4!
Details HERE
Back to School Science Day
11 AM – 4 PM
at Colonial Plantation 3900 North Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, PA
The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is hosting its popular “Back to School Science Day” on Saturday, September 1, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Did you know that colonial people experimented with science every day? From making butter, to getting water from the well, to dyeing their clothes, every day was Science Day. Join us on the farm to conduct your own scientific experiments—dye a handkerchief using indigo and madder root; churn butter and discover how baking is like chemistry; create and use simple machines to perform chores, use a tape measure to calculate the weight of our oxen, and more!
To find the Plantation, please use GPS address 3900 North Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, PA 19073.
Admission: Admission is $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for children ages 4 to 12. Children under age 4 are free, as are members. Last admission is at 3:00pm. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Details HERE
Gaming After Dark
6:30 PM – 9 PM
at Haverford Twp. Free Library
Teens take over the library during this monthly, after hours club. Join us for video games, board games, music, and art. Hang out with friends in this super-chill teens only space. Five dollars for a group order of pizza is optional.
This program is free and open to those entering grades 6-12.
No registration is required.
Details HERE
Labor Day Concert with Fireworks
8 PM – 10 PM
at Penns Landing
Celebrate the traditional end-of-summer with a FREE concert by The U.S. Army Band Downrange at 8PM followed by fireworks at 9:30PM. End the night at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest or Spruce Street Harbor ParkSustained by Univest Corporation.
Details HERE
Fireworks & Fountains: Be Our Guest
8:15 PM – 9 PM
at Longwood Gardens
Our Fireworks & Fountain Shows return on six spectacular evenings. Themes from your favorite animated movie classics—including Aladdin, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and more—delight the young, and young at heart, during this magical performance.
Lawn Seating:
Bring your own chair to the show, blankets not permitted. Chairs may be set up beginning at noon. Strollers are not permitted, stroller parking will be provided at the Topiary Garden during the show.
Ages 19 & over: $42
Members ages 19 & over: $38
Gardens Preferred/Gardens Premium ages 19 & over: $34
Ages 18 & under: $22
Members ages 18 & under: $20
Gardens Preferred/Gardens Premium ages 18 & under: $18
Reserved Seating:
No need to bring your chair. Reserved seating allows you to select your seat for the show, then arrive to your chair already placed and waiting for you.
All ages: $50
Members all ages: $45
Gardens Preferred/Gardens Premium all ages: $40
The Fireworks & Fountains Shows are rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, every effort will be made to hold the performance. The decision to delay or cancel the show due to dangerous weather (lightning or high winds) will be made at the time of the show; please plan to arrive as normal. Please note, umbrellas must be closed at the time of the show so as to not obstruct the view. Rain gear (such as ponchos) is permitted. Fireworks tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for another date or time. Should we experience extreme weather conditions, the show will be rescheduled for the next day at the same time and ticketholders will be notified.
Details and ticket info HERE
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Bank of America and Merill Lynch Card Holders – FREE Museum Admission
Saturday and Sunday – September 1st & 2nd
Get free admission to over 100 participating Museums, Zoos, Science Centers, and Botanical Gardens across the US!
Head HERE for all of the details and to find a participating museum near you!
Made in America Festival
Ben Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA
Details and ticket info HERE
Media Farmers Market
9 AM – 1 PM
at Edgemont Street Between Barrall Field and Media Elementary Playground
The Media Farmer’s Market is proud to announce that the Market will be returning May 13! We have been working hard to find many great new vendors, as well as some of the old favorites, to bring you the best and freshest local fruits, vegetables, bread, meats, and much more! Join us for our opening market on Sunday, May 13 from 9am to 1pm on Edgemont St. between State and Front Streets.
Details HERE
Butterfly Walk with Cliff Hence
10 AM – 12 PM
at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia PA
Come discover the butterflies of the Refuge! Walk will meet by visitor center and be at a relaxed paced on flat surfaces. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Binoculars can be loaned from the front desk before the walk. No registration required
Details HERE
Upper Chichester Parade & Car Show
11 AM – 3 PM
3601 Chichester Ave, Upper Chichester Twp, PA
This is a FREE event and fun for both children and adults. We will have inflatable rides, live entertainment, door prizes, awards, and a professional fireworks show at dusk. Bring the kids…Wave to the crowd while riding in the parade….Enjoy a homemade lunch….Ride the zip line….And enjoy a beautiful park setting. This will be a premier event and a fun day for both adults and children.
Please note that if you choose to forgo the parade, you can proceed directly to the fairgrounds located on Furey Road in Aston PA.
Details HERE
Sundays with PopUpPlay
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
at Spruce Street Harbor Park, 401 South Columbus, Philadelphia, PA
Sundays, May 13th – September 30th
In conjunction with PopUpPlay and other great Philly nonprofits, this program will offer a variety of free kids activities with monthly themes. Children and families will engage in interactive activities through art, music, science, and physical movement that revolve around themes like water science, civic engagement, building, and more
Details HERE
West Chester Railroad Summer Picnic Special
Every Sun June 3 – Sept 23
12 PM ONLY
Details and ticket info HERE
Free Bubble Festival at Upper Chichester Community Day
2 PM – 6 PM
8400 Furey Rd, Upper Chichester Twp, PA
Upper Chichester Township will sponsor GRANDPOP BUBBLES™ and his amazing “Bubble Festival,” where kids from 12-months to 1200-months will make the BIGGEST bubbles of their lives!
Grandpop Bubbles will bring his bubble wands, poles, basins, buckets, and 90 Gallons of SPECIAL BUBBLE JUICE for as many as possible to enjoy bubbling with #GPOPB.
You’ll share Grandpop Bubbles’ bubble juice and 4′ bubble wands and his 3′ bubble “Tristrings” (two sticks and strings) to make bubbles. He guarantees that you will make the BIGGEST bubbles of your life — whatever your age. See photos at facebook.com/GrandpopBubbles/photos.
(After the event, send your photos to GPOPB or post here to WIN a Free Bubble Party… each photo is a chance to win!)
All will be amazed by the giant bubbles from Grandpop Bubbles’ 8′, 10′, and 16’. Bubbles can be 10′, 20′, 30′, and even 75′! Some adults may want to try the long poles.
There will be so many things for the kids and kids-at-heart to do…
~~ Make BUBBLES and BUBBLE RAINBOWS!
~~ Try to escape the GHOST OF BLOB.
~~ Run away from Bubble GHOSTS, DRAGONS, WHALES, and DINOSAURS!
~~ Pop all the cars of a BUBBLE TRAIN if you can reach them!
~~ Hit the floor with DANCING BUBBLES!
~~ Rain goes through my bubbles, so I will be there unless co-sponsor must cancel event.
~~ Weather forecasts won’t tell you, but Grandpop Bubbles predicts that the weather phenomenon he calls the BUBBLE BLIZZARD may occur… (about every half hour). Poppers will freak out!
Grandpop Bubbles loves to bubble in a light rain or drizzle, but Upper Chichester Township will have final say regarding the weather if the weather is miserable. If the event is cancelled, I might be allowed to continue with the bubbling portion of the event… Stay posted.
Details HERE
Monday, September 3, 2018
HAPPY LABOR DAY!!
Philadelphia Labor Day Parade & Family Festival
8:30 AM – 2 PM
1301 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA
8:30am: Tri-State Labor Day Parade Gathering (at Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 19 Union Hall – 1301 S. Columbus Blvd.)
9:15am: Pre-Parade Kickoff Rally
10:00am: Parade to Penn’s Landing Great Plaza (Columbus Blvd. & Market St.)
11:00am-2:00pm: Philadelphia AFL-CIO Family Celebration, Food, Refreshments, Kids Activities, Crafts, and Live Music
Details HERE
Kids Eat Free at Applebees (9/3 Only)
Must be accompanied by adult. Limit of one free kids meal per adult entree purchase. For kids 12 and under. Kids must order from the kids menu. Valid at participating locations only (Folsom PA Ridley location is participating)
Offer expires 9/3/2018. Dine-in only. Not available for online orders. See participating Applebees for full details.
Storytime in the Square
Mondays, Now – Labor Day, 10 – 11 am
Librarian Margaret Bernardi of the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia reads free stories to children in the Franklin Square Pavilion.
Details HERE
Labor Day Celebration in Franklin Square
Saturday – Monday, September 1 – 3, 12 – 3 pm
All aboard! Take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Express Train ($5 adults, $4 children) in the Square to help us celebrate Labor Day and the end of summer!
Details HERE
