Camping, ships and skating: 5 family activities for the weekend
Gazela is Philadelphia’s official Tall Ship. It was built in 1901 in Setubal, Portugal to fish the Grand Banks off Newfoundland. (Photo courtesy of Tall Ships)
This weekend’s lineup is especially robust so head out with your family and enjoy what the region has to offer.
Friday: Finally Friday in Mt. Airy
Hang out along Germantown Avenue for a taste of the sweet life in Mt. Airy. Shops, vendors and eateries will be in their Friday best for this once-a-month celebration. Families can enjoy live music, crafts, free balloon art, a puppet show and outdoor barbecue from the Streetside BBQ truck. At 7 p.m., you can make monster feet and hands and catch an outdoor viewing of “Where the Wild Things Are” Bring blankets and chairs.
Friday through Sunday: Tall Ships! Giant Duckie!
They’re here! I remember seeing the Tall Ships as a kid and being pretty enthralled. My youngest two love big sea vessels, so they will be thrilled, and who wouldn’t love a Giant Rubber Duckie? There are 13 tall ships parading through our waters, and you can tour, ride and explore the ships. They’ll be in port all weekend long, and only come to Philly once every three years, so catch them while they’re here! Try using code VISITPHILLY for half-off multi-day passes.
Friday through Sunday: Roller Skating
Lace up those skates and head to the Blue Cross River Rink. Too warm for ice? No worries, the rink has been converted to a summertime outdoor roller rink. Hanging out at “the lodge” and play area are free, but roller skating is a ticketed event so buying tickets online before heading down is advised.
Hang out on a hot summer evening with the cool kids in University City for June’s 40th Street Summer celebration. Located behind the Walnut Street Library, kids can enjoy the amazing moves of BalletX and the beat of Kyo Daiko’s taiko drumming group. Free pretzels and Ben & Jerry’s, as well as kids face painting, balloon animals, and jugglers!
Saturday: 50th Birthday & Campout!
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is turning 50! Help them celebrate at their summer picnic and barbecue with crafts, interactive art, live music, animal shows, nature hikes, s’mores and more. Why not stay all night and participate in the Great American Backyard Campout?
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