Go fly a kite!

    With the Spring Equinox turning the corner and the wind now in our favor, what better time to go out and fly a kite? Spring is the best season for kite flying, mainly because winds are at their peak. Kite flying has been around for at least 3,000 years, and in many cultures flying kites are used to:

    give thanks for the coming of spring and return of the sun
    invoke prosperity and health upon birth of a child
    send prayers.

     

    You can also check out the American Kite Flyers Association at: http://www.aka.kite.org/. Or visit their locally based affiliated chapter, Lehigh Valley Kite Society at: http://lehighvalleykitesociety.org/.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

     

    Kite flying is a time to let go of the busy adult world and play with your kids. Learn about boundaries and consequences. Talk to and honor the gift of nature. If the winds are too strong, however, you may find yourself on a wild kite chase. The worst that can happen is you lose your kite in the winds, but you will still have the lessons to hold on to.

     

    While flying kites with your kids won’t guarantee they will follow in the footsteps of Ben Franklin or suddenly develop a passion for aviation, you may discover lasting memories, to say the least.  So… Go. Follow the wind and fly! With your family at playgrounds or open fields away from wires and trees.  Here are some great spots… local and beyond:

    Wissahickon Playground
    Belmont Plateau
    Fairmount Park
    Elkins Park Playground
    Miles Park
    Ocean beaches or shores

     

    Just starting up?  Want some company?  Try flying with other kite enthusiasts at community kite events:

    April 22nd, the 4th annual Great Delaware Kite Festival, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE 

    April 30th, Go Fly A Kite! Day Festival, Berks County Youth Recreation Facility, County and Upper Van Reeds Rds. Leesport, PA 

    My 27-29th, Wildwood International Kite Festival, on the beach, Ocean Ave. at E. Cresse Ave., Wildwood, NJ 

     

    Wherever you do it, have fun and hold on to that string!

    Northwest Philly Parents is a partnership between Newsworks and Germantown Avenue Parents

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal