Science, history and art: 5 family fun activities for the weekend
A scene from last year's Juneteenth festival in Germantown. (Natavan Werbock/for NewsWorks, file)
School might be out, but this weekend offers opportunities for science, history, art and architecture.
Friday: Wagner Free Institute of Science
Explore the ecosystem while having a blast completing outdoor activities. Be sure to be ready to become a citizen scientist and help Cornell University count birds. You may also embark on a scavenger hunt to find how many insects and bees you can see in Wagner’s yard. This is completely free, and each group will go for about one hour. From 1 to 2 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: Juneteeth Celebration
If you are into historic Philadelphia, this annual free family festival allows your family to experience some amazing activities and performances celebrating the abolition of slavery. There will be a Freedom Walk in the morning followed by African drumming and dancing, historical re-enactments, tours and much more. Join the Johnson House and several other historic spots for this important day.
Saturday and Sunday: Manayunk Arts Festival
The wait is over, and the annual Manayunk Arts Festival is here. This is the largest outdoor, juried arts festival in region. So head on down to Main street and have a wonderful experience with some of the most amazing local and non-local artists. Food, music, art, and family-friendly fun. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Sunday: Please Touch Museums Summer Block Party
Celebrate the first day of summer with your favorite characters at the Summer Block Party. Have fun with summertime activities like bubble play, chalk drawing, family relays and more. You can also catch Disney princesses giving out free ice cream cups, which of course will be “Frozen.”
Sunday: Art of the Brick, Design and Build
Join the Franklin Institute this Fathers Day, and compete in the architecture challenge. Have a nice parent-child competition to see who can construct a famous building, bridge or other structure. Great for the young LEGO builders and even for the older LEGO builders. Event starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m.
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