Kid-friendly tips for the Chestnut Hill Festival and more this weekend

    One of the best aspects of living in Northwest Philly is the plethora of activities available for families, especially in the warmer months. This weekend offers plenty to choose from for the family.

     

    The Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival is this Sunday, May 6th. The 16th Annual festival appeals to families because there are so many great activities for the kids. Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill is closed from Rex Avenue all the way down to Willow Grove Avenue, and vendors, entertainers and kid activities abound. From 11am to 5pm on Sunday, visitors can stroll the cobblestone streets and visit the over 150 home and garden vendors, enjoy carnival treats, live music and games!

     

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    When you bring the kids, here are some great tips:

    Check out the Booths – Many of the vendors and community organizations exhibiting at the festival offer giveaways and free activities for the children. The B101 (Festival sponsor) always has great treats for the kids and other booths offer balloon art, sand games, treats, tattoos, and other activities to entertain the kids. ESF Summer Camps will have a flower pot painting activity FREE for kids.

    Amusement Area – There are moon bounces and inflatable slides and obstacle courses in the parking lot near Germantown and Gravers Avenue. Kids love these and there are enough options that the lines never get too long. Children can purchase an all-day pass or buy tickets for each inflatable.

    Matt Paul Basketball – A festival favorite, Matt Paul Basketball hosts an adjustable basketball hoop for kids of all ages and levels to practice their shooting. Families can enroll in a drawing for free week of summer camp and kids will receive prizes for different activities. This is FREE and located at Bethlehem Pike close to former location of Borders.

    Face Painting – There are different booths located for this, generally you can find one at East Highland Avenue. Get there early, as there is often a line later in the day. There is a charge for this.

    Train – Pick this FREE train ride up at Bredenbeck’s (8100 block) and enjoy a fun but bumpy ride along Germantown Avenue down to Willow Grove Avenue. The little kids love this and the parents, though tucked in tight, enjoy this as well!

    Rock Climbing Wall – Generally for a charge of $5, kids can challenge themselves to climb up to the top of the popular rock climbing wall. Be sure to put your name in when you get there as the lines are not always clear.

    Live Music – Two stages will host an array of musical talents including City Rhythm Orchestra, The Rich Posmontier Orchestra, The Dukes of Destiny and Melissa Martin & the Mighty Rhythm Kings.

    Kids’ Yoga– As part of the Eco-Alley on West Highland Avenue, kids are welcome to participate in FREE outdoor yoga session. Other booths include planting seeds, electric bikes and recycling games.

     

    Other great events happening this weekend:

    Friday, May 4th

    Star Wars Day: May the 4th Be with You!  at the Please Touch Museum.

    Decorate-a-Cupcake Night at Bredenebeck’s.  Free for kids 12 & under.  6-8pm, weather permitting.

    Pretzel Park First Friday Concert, Roxborough

    Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy the sounds of James Klueh on Friday from 6pm – 8pm in Pretzel Park. Located right off Main Street at the corner of Cotton & Cresson Streets.

    Art Auction for Marissa, Mt. Airy

    Enjoy an art auction and celebration featuring the photography of budding artist Marissa Cornish. The 21 year old was paralyzed following a car accident last year but she continues to take wonderful pictures. Event includes hors d’oeuvres, drinks, raffle and live music by Roots in Groove Friday, 7pm -11pm at Food for All Market 7127 Germantown Avenue. Families welcome.

     

    Saturday, May 5th

    Mt. Airy Day, 6400 Germantown Avenue.  This annual festival is held on the grounds of Cliveden and Upsala and offers something for everyone! Families will enjoy visiting booths hosting local businesses and community organizations as well as two musical stages and a wide variety of food options featuring cuisines from around the globe. The MAD KidZone includes pony rides, games, moon bounce, slide, obstacle course, face painting, arts/crafts and a rock climbing wall.

     

    NW Philly Parents is a partnership between Newsworks and Germantown Avenue Parents.

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