Outdoor art, superheroes and more: 5 family-friendly events for the weekend
The Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill is back this weekend. (Natavan Werbock/for NewsWorks, file)
Summer is here! Well, maybe not officially, but definitely lots-of-fun-things-to-do-in-warm-weather, so it feels like summer. Here’s a rundown of our five family-friendly weekend picks.
Friday through Monday: Summerfest
If you’ve journeyed to the Blue Cross River Rink for Winterfest, you know what an immersive and fun family experience it can be. Well this year, Summeriest will include an “boathouse” under the big tent, with food, refreshments, air conditioning, and arcade games. The ice rink will be transformed for the first time ever into a roller skating rink! Roller skating has become a lost art lately, so here’s the chance to make sure future generations carry on the tradition! Daily through the end of September.
Friday through Monday: The Lion King
I will admit to not being much of a Disney fan, but this production is really stunning on so many levels. The music is amazing, the costumes and scenery are award-winning, and the performers are exquisitely talented in bringing the beloved tale to the stage. We’ve seen this show once in Philly and twice in New York City, and the Philly productions are top-notch. Runs at the Kimmel Center through June 14.
Friday though Monday: Superhero Weekend!
When you’re a kid, any chance to dress up in your favorite superhero costume is welcome, and this weekend, there’s a great reason. The Please Touch Museum is hosting Superhero Weekend! You can catch real-life superheroes from CHOP, Captain America, Spiderman, Star-Lord, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye & Black Widow, Shadow Cat, and Scarlet Spider. And for the canine fans, therapy Dog Morty will make an appearance! Lots of related activities and events… check the full schedule for details.
Friday though Monday: Art Outside!
Have you noticed famous works of art popping up along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy? Maybe you spotted the Renoir or the Van Gogh or spied a piece from Warhol? If you haven’t, yet, head over to these neighboring Northwest Philly areas and walk along the avenue, looking along sidewalks, in parks, and on walls of businesses for the masterpieces. This would make for a fantastic seek-and-find with the kiddos!
Piggybbacking on the Art Outside, Saturday is the Grand Opening of the Morris Arboretum’s beloved Garden Railway. From 1 to 3 p.m. kids and their grownups can enjoy the sights and sounds of the trains rolling again, as well as a kids craft, free ice cream, and pretzels! Thomas and Friends have been known to make an appearance on the tracks.
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