Philly Family Weekend Ideas April 12-13

 

 

 

Spring is certainly here!  With trees in full blossom and new kids in town, there are fun, interactive activities that will keep parents as amazed and entertained as the children. 

 

 

 

Saturday, April 13th & Sunday, April 14th 

 

Grand Opening KidZooU

 

Philadelphia Zoo

 

The Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo, the zoo’s largest project to date, officially opens its doors on Saturday morning.  A fully interactive experience, the KidZooU hosts a busy barnyard and stables where (human) kids can watch goats roam up and down bridges, pet and brush sheep, and engage in parallel play with their own climbing structure.  The indoor education center has parakeets, desert ants, coral reef fish and other interesting animals as well as many interactive exhibits teaching children about conserving energy and saving wildlife. 

 

 

 

In addition the Zoo now has a brand new 683-space parking garage at 35th & Girard Avenues (one block from the main entrance) and the entrance to Zoo adjacent to the Frog Parking lot on 34th Street is now open. 

 

 

 

At the opening, visitors are invited to meet Clarabelle, Rambo and other new animal friends in the barnyard at the KidZooU. www.philadelphiazoo.com

 

 

 

Saturday, April 13th 

 

Cherry Blossom Festival at Morris Arboretum 

 

11am-3pm 

 

As part of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, the Morris Arboretum showcases its collection of Japanese plants and gardens and hosts a variety of interesting, fun and educational activities that will appeal to parents and children alike.  Amidst the gorgeous 92-acre Arboretum, guests will find 35 varieties of cherry trees in blossom and during this weekend and next, plenty of great programs celebrating Japanese culture and heritage.  All events are free with Arboretum admission.

 

 

 

Programs:

 

10am-3pm: Pennsylvania Bonsai Society will teach guests about the ancient tradition of bonsai the Japanese are form using miniature trees grown in containers 

 

11am:  Hoh Daiko Drummers: Known for their artful interpretation of both traditional and original music, these artists use beautiful drums handcrafted by group members from wine and whiskey barrels. This is a loud and interactive event where audience participation is strongly encouraged.

 

12Noon: Archery Demonstration: Your Ninjago fans will enjoy the Archery demonstration.  Archery was regarded as the highest discipline of the Samurai warrior. Visitors will learn more about this ancient discipline known as Kyudo and how the qualities of heart and mind combine at the moment the arrow is released. 

 

1pm: Traditional Japanese Tea Demonstration:  With traditional costumes and performed outdoors the Chabako (picnic tea) is a beautiful and unique form of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Weather permitting.  

 

 

 

While you are at the Arboretum, be sure to check out the Big Bugs, oversized natural sculptures made primarily from found materials, are placed throughout the gardens.  You’ll find huge ants, a praying mantis, a dragon fly, spider web, daddy long legs (an adult can stand under) and much more!  www.morrisarboretum.org

 

 

 

Sunday, April 14th  

 

Second Sunday in Chestnut Hill 

 

Main Street Chestnut Hill on Germantown Avenue

 

Enjoy an afternoon in Chestnut Hill on Sunday. Restaurants are offering a wide variety of brunch options from the formal to the very casual.   Check out Chestnut 7 where kids eat FREE on Sunday or Iron Hill Brewery’s brunch options.  Shops along the Avenue have great discounts and deals on Sunday including 15% off all accessories at The Hill Company and a free bottle of bubbles with every $10 purchase at O’Doodles. Weavers Way Co-op Market has samplings and demonstrations and the Northwest Stables is offering free car or horse washes! For complete list of specials visit www.chestnuthillpa.com