Family friendly events: Nov 25-27

Each Friday NewsWorks and Germantown Avenue Parents present this list of family-friendly activities happening in the Delaware Valley.

Well, maybe you were able to avoid it last weekend, but we are now officially in full holiday season mode.  So jump in… lots to do this weekend… whether you have company or just your usual crew to entertain.

The Philadelphia Zoo is offering admission discount for Friday, Saturday and Sunday- Zoo admission is just $10/person (and children under two are free).  This weekend should be wonderfully mild and sunny, so why not run your little animals around at the zoo?  To buy tickets online with the discount, choose the “Thanksgiving Promotion” ticket: http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/

Running Friday & Saturday- The Nutcracker with local flair!  The Philadelphia Dance Theater will have three performances with local dancers and backdrops from Germantown, Mt. Airy & Chestnut Hill. You can read our full post here.  Shows are held at the gorgeous Kurtz Performing Arts Center at Penn Charter and begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, and at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.  Ticket pricing: Adults: $25, College Students w/ ID and Seniors: $20, Children 12 and under: $20. www.philadancetheatre.org

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The Holiday Garden Railway opens this Friday at the Morris Arboretum!  Check out our favorite little railway, all lit up for the season.  On Saturday, the real party begins with the Grand Opening Celebration from 1-3pm.  Enjoy crafts and the sounds of carolers roaming throughout the garden: http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/holidayGardenRailway.shtml

From little trains to BIG TRAINS: Even SEPTA is getting into the spirit!  We all know Santa ditched his sleigh long ago in favor of our very own regional rail lines, but this year, SEPTA is offering you a FREE ride into the city with Santa!  SEPTA’s Black Friday gift to you is that your family can enjoy a free, one-way ride on the specially designated Santa Express trains.  Join the big guy himself, Mrs. Claus, and his helpers as they ride Santa Express trains and then parade to the throne at The Gallery.  Although the R7 and R8 didn’t make the list of decorated trains, this still would be a fun event for the kids: http://www.septa.org/events/santa.html

If you love family, quilting, Faith Ringgold, or all of the above, you’ll enjoy this weekend’s workshop at the Family Arts Academy at the PA Museum of Fine Arts.  Create your own Family Memory Quilt on Sunday from 2-3:30pm.  If you’re not familiar with faith Ringgold’s AMAZING story quilts and children’s books, check her out at http://www.faithringgold.com/  This workshop will have family members creating pocket quilts in keeping with Ringgold’s style.  You may want to bring favorite photos, small trinkets and other non-valuable items to use for the project.  What a fun way to remember why you’re grateful this season!  Workshops are FREE for families in the School District of Philadelphia: http://www.pafa.org/Museum/Education/Families-and-Children/Family-Arts-Academy/787/

Jan Bradley is the editor of Germantown Avenue Parents

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