10 fun Presidents Day weekend activities for families in Philly

    Photo Courtesy: Bigstock

    Photo Courtesy: Bigstock

    The third Monday of every February is Presidents Day, a federal holiday—which means a three-day weekend for families.

    More and more public and private schools have been turning the weekend into time for teacher in-services or longer school holidays—which means that many families in the Philly area have a four or even five day weekend coming up. Fortunately, because we live in such a historic city, there are lots of wonderful (and many free) events for families in Philly over the next week. Jump into Philly’s history, culture and arts with these great events—and share more offerings in the comments below:

    • Art: Do you have budding artists in your home? The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts invites families to a free program on Sunday 2/19: “Envision and create a presidential portrait worthy of the museum walls.” This program is part of their ongoing series, Family Arts Academy.

    • Mummers: New Year’s Day is over, but the Mummers return to strut their stuff in a parade down Main Street in Manayunk on 2/18. The theme is Mardi Gras, so bundle up, put on your beads and bring the kids for family fun including photo booths, face painting and more.

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    • National Constitution Center: Special events will be going on all weekend and admission is free on Monday. Kids can come dressed as their favorite President or first lady and enter a Presidential Costume Contest.

    • NMAJH: The National Museum of American Jewish History is celebrating freedom with free admission all month long. Monday features special family events, including story time with George Washington. For children with special needs and their families, there will be sensory-friendly activities from 10am—noon.

    • Benjamin Franklin Museum: Celebrate Philadelphia’s own Founding Father with free admission here on Monday, as well. Check out this short video to preview the museum with your kids.

    • Black History Month: There are many great family events through the month celebrating Black History Month at local libraries and museums but one event that children may appreciate is the Handwork Studio’s workshop on making a peace dove.

    • Happy Birthday George Washington: The National Park Service invites you to a birthday party celebrating our first President. Come meet the Washingtons, enjoy some cake and even learn how to march and drill like a Continental Soldier.

    • Skating: Have you had a chance to check out ice-skating in center city? This season bring the kids to Dilworth Plaza—you can get a bite to eat or warm up with hot chocolate after skating. Or head to BlueCross Riverrink at Penn’s Landing. Open until March 5th, you’ll find skating, fire pits, kids arcade and more winter fun.

    • Camp at the Seaport: Especially helpful for parents who can’t take the day off work on Monday, the Seaport Museum if offering a one-day camp about the history and science behind historic and modern ships.

    • Winter Walk: The weather is predicted to be unseasonably warm this weekend, so it’s a great time to get out everyone’s energy on a hike. Dress in layers, pack healthy snacks and water and check out one of these recommended winter hikes.

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