Tarantulas, chemistry and camp: 5 weekend activities for families in Philly

     (<a href=Tarantula photo via ShutterStock) " title="shutterstock_139882240" width="1" height="1"/>

    (Tarantula photo via ShutterStock)

    Since we’ll be blizzard-free this weekend in Philly, it’s a great time to get out of the house and the weekend. 

    Saturday: Chinese New Year

    It’s a Year of the Monkey celebration at the Penn Museum! Hosting their annual lunar New Year celebration, the museum will offer a wide array of family friendly cultural activities and performances throughout the day ending with the Lion Dance Parade. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission.

    Sunday: Plastics Chemistry

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    It’s time for the the 12th Annual Plastics Chemistry Fair! Explore the various uses of plastic through hands-on experiments and special programs at the Franklin Institute. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with general admission.

    Saturday and Sunday: Tarantulas Alive and Up Close

    It’s all about arachnids at the Academy Natural Sciences Museum as the Tarantulas Alive and Up Close exhibit opens this weekend! Expect loads of creepy crawly interactive fun all weekend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with museum admission.

    Saturday and Sunday: American Adventure

    If you’ve ever wondered how early American settlers survived upon arriving to the New World you don’t want to miss the American Adventure exhibit at the Mercer Museum! Experience the ins and outs of settler life through an assortment of hands on activities. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with regular museum admission.

    Saturday: Camp Fair

    Although it’s cold and snowy it’s time to start thinking about summer camp! Springside Chestnut Hill Academy hosts its annual Camp Fair boasting over 80 summer programs with various themes, age and price ranges. Activities, entertainment and refreshments provided throughout the day. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free.

    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