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Top regional attractions
Top Regional Attractions
Philadelphia
Academy of Natural Sciences 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-299-1000. www.ansp.org. Includes Dinosaur Hall, Egyptian mummies, interactive, educational exhibits for children & more. Dr. Ted Daeschler: Cold Hard Science - Lecture on paleontology fieldwork in northern Canada. 4/22 6:30 pm. Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins - Exhibit on the polar regions, featuring artifacts, multimedia displays & interactive elements. Closes 4/27. $10; $8 seniors, students, military, children 3-12; free for children under 3. Mon.-Fri. 10 am-4:30 pm; Sat.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm. American Philosophical Society Museum 104 S. 5th St.; 215-440-3427. www.apsmuseum.org. Roderick Coover: Outside/Inside - Videotaped segments of Brett Keyser's park expeditions; UNDAUNTED: Five American Explorers, 1760-2006 - Explorers with Philly connections who were part of the American Philosophical Society; Winifred Lutz - Mason-Dixon Lines: Past to Present - Parallel bands trace three different ways of looking at the PA/MD boundary line. All close 12/31. Donations accepted. Fri.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm. American Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Ave.; 215-389-1776. www.americanswedish.org. Charles Allmond: Second Nature - Sculpture inspired by the natural world. Closes 7/31. $6; $5 seniors, students & children; free for children under 12. Tue.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm, Sat.-Sun. noon-4 pm. Atwater Kent Museum 15 S. Seventh St.; 215-685-4830. www.philadelphiahistory.org. Partnership for Peace Gallery - Exhibit on the issue of violence in Philadelphia. Closes 9/15. The following all close 12/31: How Philly Works: Streets as Barometers of Urban Life - Historical objects incl. street light, city charter parchment, wampum belt & more; The Wonderful World of Radio - Vintage radios from museum, Philco & RCA Collections. $5; $3 seniors & children 13-17; free for children under 12. Wed.-Sun. 1-5 pm. Bartram's Garden 54th St.; 215-729-5281. www.bartramsgarden.org. Native Plants Discovered in the Wild by the Bartrams - Lecture & garden walk. 4/19 10 am-noon. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Betsy Ross House 239 Arch St.; 215-627-5343. www.betsyrosshouse.org.
Circa 1740 Georgian-style home of flagmaker. Joke & Dagger - Staged sword fight & presentation on stage fighting. Sat.-Sun. 1 & 2 pm. $3; $2 children under 13. Daily 10 am-5 pm.
*FREE* Christ Church 20 N. American St.; 215-922-1695, ext. 30. www.christchurchphila.org. Georgian architectural treasure attended by founding fathers. Talks throughout the day. Declaring Freedom: Slavery in Philadelphia - Stories about slavery & slave owners in colonial Philadelphia & its ties with Christ Church. Closes 12/31. Donations accepted. Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 1-5 pm.
Christ Church Burial Ground 5th & Arch Sts.; 215-922-1695, ext. 30. www.christchurchphila.org. Final resting place of Benjamin Franklin & 4 other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Guided tours on the hr., last tour at 3 pm. Declaring Freedom: Slavery in Philadelphia - Guided tour of burial ground focusing on slavery & slave owners in colonial Philadelphia with stops at the graves of the 5 signers. Closes 12/31. $2; $1 students; $10 groups up to 25. Mon-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. noon-4 pm.
Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum 1805 Pine St.; 215-735-8196. www.cwurmuseum.org. Features the Abraham Lincoln Collection, George Gordon Meade Collection, Ulysses S. Grant Collection & more. $5; $4 seniors; $3 students & ages 3-12; free under 3. Thu.-Sat. 11 am-4:30 pm.
*FREE* Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site Spring Garden St.; 215-597-8780. www.nps.gov/edal. Home of the noted author from 1843-44. Guided tours available. Wed.-Sun. 9 am-5 pm.
*FREE* Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia 100 N. 6th St.; 866-574-3727. www.philadelphiafed.org. Money in Motion - History of banking, money & Federal Reserve; interactive displays on currency circulation, counterfeit detection. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-4:30 pm.
The Franklin Institute 222 N. 20th St.; 215-448-1200. www.fi.edu. Gina Kolata: Rethinking Thin - Featured speaker Gina Kolata is a New York Times reporter & bestselling author. 4/18 10 am. Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination - Artifacts & exhibits exploring the fantastic technology depicted in the George Lucas films. Closes 5/4. $20.50; $16.50 seniors; $15.50 children 4-11 (includes reg. Sci-Pass adm.). Identity: An Exhibition of You - Examines personal identity via cognitive, genetic & social science. Closes 4/28. A Sci-Pass (basic admission) is $13.75 for adults, $11.00 for children & seniors; Sci-Pass plus IMAX is $18.75 for adults/$16.00 for children & seniors. IMAX & other permanent exhibits open daily 9:30 am-5 pm.
Franklin Square Sixth & Race Sts.; 215-629-4026. www.onceuponanation.org. Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel - This 30-horse carousel is a great compliment to the rich history of Philadelphia's carousel making. $3; $2 children. Philly Mini Golf - Features a miniature version of Philadelphia & some of the city's most beloved sites. $8; $6 children. Sun.-Thu. 10 am-6 pm; Fri.-Sat. 10 am-7 pm (hours vary per season).
Independence Hall Chestnut St.; 215-597-8974. www.nps.gov/inde/independence-hall-1.htm. Guided Tour - Explore this historic example of Georgian architecture. Daily 9 am-5 pm.
Independence Living History Center 115 S. Third St.; 215-629-4026. www.onceuponanation.org. Once Upon a Nation: Independence After Hours - Three-course meal at historic City Tavern, evening tour of Independence Hall & Lights of Liberty Show. Fri. & Sat. 5:30 pm. $76; $70 seniors, military & students; $50 children 12 & under. Once Upon a Nation: Tippler's Tour - Guide shares stories of tavern life in Colonial Philadelphia. Sample drinks at colonial & modern day taverns in Old City. Thu. 5:30 pm. $30; $25 seniors, military & students.
Independence National Historical Park 6th & Markets Sts.; 215-965-2305. www.nps.gov/inde. Winifred Lutz: Dock Creek - Grass "river" replicating the old route of Dock Creek. Closes 9/27. Most sites free. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm.
Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-925-5439. www.phillyseaport.org. Transit Adventure Aboard the A.J. Meerwald - Travel to Burlington, N.J. for the annual 'Oyster's Overboard.' One-way passage. For 'Oyster's' tickets: 609-387-7265. $35; $25 seniors; $15 children. 4/18 1 pm. Ian Toll: Six Frigates - Lecture & book signing. 4/20 1 pm. Founder's Favorites - Highlighted items from the museum's founder. Closes 4/27. Morris Rosenfeld & Sons: The Art of the Boat - Nautical photography. Closes 4/27. $9; $8 seniors; $6 children 3-12; free for children under 3; free Sun. 10 am-noon. Daily 10 am-5 pm.
*FREE* Laurel Hill Cemetery: The Underground Museum 3822 Ridge Ave.; 215-228-8200. www.theundergroundmuseum.org. Designing for the Dead: Art & Architecture at Laurel Hill - See the changing tastes in grave markers over the past two centuries. $15; $8 students. 4/20 2 pm. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4:30 pm; Sat.-Sun. 9:30 am-5 pm.
Laurel Hill Mansion East Fairmount Park; 215-235-1776. www.fairmountpark.org/LaurelHill.asp. Georgian-style mansion built in 1767 by Rebecca Rawle. $5 per person. Open 10 am-4 pm weekends thru 6/30.
*FREE* Liberty Bell Center 501 Market St.; 215-965-2305. www.nps.gov/inde. Home of the Liberty Bell & exhibits on its origins & role as symbol of freedom. Daily 9 am-5 pm.
Lights of Liberty Show 6th & Chestnut Sts.; 215-542-3789. www.lightsofliberty.org. Outdoor, nighttime sound & light spectacular with surround sound & images projected on historic buildings telling the story of struggle for independence. $19.50; $16.50 seniors & students; $13 children 12 & under. Ben Franklin's Ghost appears as a dramatic, life-size holographic image who answers questions about his life in this interactive exhibit. Exhibit free, open daily 10 am-6 pm.
Masonic Temple One North Broad St.; 215-988-1900. www.pagrandlodge.org. Open for Tours - Built in 1873, this National Historic Landmark is a magnificent example of architecture, art & history. Tue.-Fri. 11 am, 2 & 3 pm; Sat. 10 am & 11 am. Masonic Temple Library - Esteemed collection for the study of American History & Freemasonry, featuring over 75,000 volumes & 30,000 documents, prints, photos & manuscripts. $8, with individual & group discounts available. Tue.-Fri. 10 am-5 pm; Sat. 10 am-noon.
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania 100 E. Northwestern Ave.; 215-247-5777. www.morrisarboretum.org. 92-acre public garden with an ever-changing display of rare & beautiful plants & trees. Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration - Celebrate the gardens, art & culture inspired by the 35 varieties of cherry trees through workshops, lectures, tours & more. 4/19 11 am-noon, 1-2 pm. $10; $8 seniors; $5 youth 3-18; free for children under 3. Daily 10 am-4 pm.
The Mutter Museum 19 S. 22nd St.; 215-563-3737. www.collphyphil.org. Over 200 wet & dry specimens, lantern slides, x-rays & more. Extraordinary Bodies: Mutter Museum Photographs - Photographs of the human body by 16 contemporary artists & historical photos. Closes 2/28. $12; $8 seniors, students, children 6-17; free for children under 6. Open daily 10 am-5 pm; until 9 pm Fri.
National Constitution Center 525 Arch St.; 215-409-6600. www.constitutioncenter.org. 1787 copy on display plus more than 100 interactive exhibits, Signer's Hall, The Story of We the People (Multimedia presentation featuring live actor, film & video projection, family-oriented exhibits) & more. 18 in '08 Film Screening - Nonpartisan documentary film made by 18 year old director, David Burstein. 4/19 6 & 7 pm. The Red, White, Blue & Green Series - Guest speakers address unique constitutional issues pertaining to environmental policy & stewardship. Reservations required. $15; $6 students K-12 & teachers. 4/22 6:30 pm. Legacy of 1808: Inheriting the Trade - Talk addresses history of the slave trade & its contemporary relevance. $15; $6 K-12 teachers & students. 4/24 8:30 pm. Baseball As America - Examines how baseball has served as both a public reflection of & catalyst for the evolution of American culture & society. Closes 5/11. $12; $11 seniors; $8 children 4-12; free for children under 4 & military. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-5 pm; Sat. 9:30 am-6 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.
National Liberty Museum 321 Chestnut St.; 215-925-2800. www.libertymuseum.org. Only museum in the U.S. that celebrates the concept of freedom by honoring people of vision, creativity & innovation. Jellybean Month - Activities based on the 'Jellybean People' exhibit. Free booklet features games, quizzes, crafts, self-guided tour & more. Closes 4/30. $7; $6 seniors; $5 students; $2 children 5-7; free for children under 5 & for all on Sun. & after 5 pm on Fri. Self guided tours only. Open Tue.-Sun 10 am-5 pm; Fri. evenings 5-8 pm.
*FREE* National Museum of American Jewish History 55 N. Fifth St.; 215-923-3811. www.nmajh.org. Shaping Space, Making Meaning - Visitors assist design team through three interactive experiences. Features design sketches, computer-generated images, video & text. Closes 8/31. Mon.-Thu. 10 am-5 pm; Fri. 10 am-3 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.
The Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W. Girard Ave.; 215-243-1100. www.philadelphiazoo.org. Ongoing exhibits & attractions include the popular PECO Primate Reserve, Dodge Rare Animal Conservation Center, Monkey Junction, Pachyderm House & more. Butterfly Gardens Activity - Create a butterfly habitat to attract local butterflies to your backyard. Reservations required. $25 per family. 4/19 3-4 pm. Earth Day: Party for the Planet - Celebrate all things green & learn what the zoo is doing to protect animals in the wild. 4/19-4/20 11 am-3 pm. Slumber Party for the Planet: Family Overnight at the Zoo - Hike through the Zoo, visit an animal building, chat with a zookeeper, complete a craft & more. $50. Overnight to 10 am. 4/19 7 pm. $12.95-$16.95; free for children under 2. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm.
*FREE* Polish American Cultural Center & Museum 308 Walnut St.; 215-922-1700. www.polishamericancenter.org. Features exhibits on Polish history & culture, including Great Men & Women of Poland; History: A Tradition of Service; Polish Folk Art. Mon.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm.
Ryerss Museum & Library 7370 Central Ave.; 215-685-0544. Asian art & artifacts as well as generations of family heirlooms & paintings. Donations accepted. Fri.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology 3260 South St.; 215-898-4000. www.museum.upenn.edu. Three gallery floors with art & artifacts from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Polynesia & the ancient Mediterranean world. Counterpoint: Anthrolpology & Photography in New Guinea - Color photography of New Guinea natives & written insights on the island's various cultures. Closes 9/14. Surviving: The Body of Evidence - Interactive exhibition explores the process of evolution & its profound impact on humans. Closes 5/3/09. $8; $5 students, seniors; free for children under 6. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun. 1-5 pm.
Wagner Free Institute of Science 1700 W. Montgomery Ave.; 215-763-6529. www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org. Founded 1855. Houses Wagner's natural history collection of skeletons, mounted animals, fossils, Donation suggested: $8. Tue.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm.
Pennsylvania suburbs
American Helicopter Museum & Learning Center 1220 American Blvd., West Chester; 610-436-9600. www.helicoptermuseum.org. Features over 35 civilian & military helicopters, autogiros & convertaplanes. $7; $6 seniors; $5 students; free under 2. Wed.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm. *FREE* Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site Route 1, Chadds Ford; 610-459-3342. www.ushistory.org/brandywine. 52 acres of woodlands, meadows, Washington's headquarters, artifacts, weapons, uniforms. Call for Board Members - Members of the public interested in history are invited to join Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates Board. Call for info. House tours: $5; $3.50 seniors; $2.50 children 6-17; free for children under 6. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm. *FREE* Glencairn Museum 1001 Cathedral Rd., Bryn Athyn; 267-502-2993. www.glencairnmuseum.org. Saturday Highlights Tour - Tour exhibits & collections focusing on religion & its history. Sat. 11 am-1 pm. $7; $6 seniors; $4 students; free for children 5 & under. Hinduism in Pennsylvania - Adapted from Indiana University of Pennsylvania's 'Eastern Religions Come to Western Pennsylvania.' Closes 5/31. Sat. 11 am-2:30 pm. Mon.-Fri. by appt. only. *FREE* Hopewell Furnace 2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson; 610-582-8773. www.nps.gov/hofu. Features many miles of blazed trails & historic roadways. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Longwood Gardens Rte. 1, Kennett Square; 610-388-1000. www.longwoodgardens.org. City Rhythm Orchestra - Big band classics & modern swing. 4/19 1 pm. Delaware Valley Daffodil Society Flower Show. 4/19 1-6 pm. 4/20 9 am-6 pm. Treehouses: The Nuts & Bolts & What Holds Them Up - Lecture on tree selection, construction specifics & the building process. $15. 4/21 7 pm. Kids' Garden Adventure - Wed. at 10 am. Closes 5/21. $16; $14 seniors (ages 62 & over); $6 students (5-22); free for children 4 & under. Open daily 9 am-5 pm.
The Mercer Museum 84 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-345-0210. www.mercermuseum.org. Mercer Museum Spring Auction - Items up for bidding include vacations, tickets to cultural events, children's items, art & more. $45. 4/18 6 pm. Are We Dressed Yet - Accessories worn by Bucks County residents of the past. Includes try-on activities & games. Closes 5/31. $8; $7 seniors; $4 children 5-17; free for children under 5. Mon., Wed.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Tue. 10 am-9 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.
Pearl S. Buck House 520 Dublin Rd., Perkasie; 215-249-0100. www.psbi.org. Walk-In Tours available - Great opportunity to become acquainted with the museum. Volunteer Orientation Session - An overview of Pearl S. Buck International & the Pearl S. Buck Volunteer Association, as well as a brief tour of the facilities. 4/24 6 pm. $7; $6 seniors; free for children under 6. Tue.-Sat. at 11 am, 1 & 2 pm; Sun. at 1 & 2 pm.
Pennsbury Manor 400 Pennsbury Memorial Rd., Morrisville; 215-946-0400. www.pennsburymanor.org. Recreated country home of William Penn; provides a peaceful contrast to the hurry of modern American life. $5; $4.50 seniors; $3 children 6-17; free for children 5 & under. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.
*FREE* Pennypacker Mills 5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville; 610-287-9349. historicsites.montcopa.org. Turn-of-the-century mansion & farm of PA's 25th Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker (1903-1907). Treasured Memories: Scrapbooks, Keepsakes & Souvenirs - Highlights personal keepsakes & memorabilia from the early 1900s. Closes 10/31. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. 1-4 pm.
*FREE* Pottsgrove Manor 100 W. King St., Pottstown; 610-326-4014. www.historicsites.montcopa.org. Built in 1752 for John Potts, ironmaster & founder of Pottstown; reflects lifestyle & times of the Potts family. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm, Sun. 1-4 pm.
Swedish Cabin 9 Creek Rd., Drexel Hill; 610-237-8064. www.swedishcabin.org. This piece of America's past, located along the banks of Darby Creek, was over 100 years old at the time of the American Revolution & is believed to have been built (sometime between 1638 & 1655) by early Swedish settlers as part of the New Sweden colony. Call for group tours or appointments.
*FREE* Valley Forge National Historical Park 1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia; 610-783-1099. www.nps.gov/vafo. Ranger-Led Walking Tours - Learn more about the critical years of the American Revolution (1777-1778) during this 40-minute guided walk. Weather permitting. Daily 11:50 am & 1:50 pm. Living History Demonstrations also offered. Daily 6 am-10 pm.
Washington Crossing Historical Park/ Memorial Building Auditorium 1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing; 215-493-4076. www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing. Tours begin on the hour. $5; $4 seniors; $2 children 6-17. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.
Wharton Esherick Museum 1520 Horseshoe Trl., Malvern; 610-644-5822. Guided Tours of the handcrafted home & studio of the "Dean of American Craftsmen." Special exhibition of Esherick's woodblock prints in the Visitor Center Gallery. $10; $5 children under 12. Reservations required prior to visit. Mon.-Fri. (groups only) 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 1-5 pm.
*FREE* Wings of Freedom Museum 1155 Easton Rd., Willow Grove; 215-672-2277. www.dvhaa.org. See some of the world's rarest aircraft among this collection of over 15 restored jets & helicopters. Highlights include North America's only Messerschmitt Me262B jet trainer, an experimental Navy YF-2Y jet seaplane, world class collections of aircraft models & flight gear, exhibits on women in aviation, 100 years of flight, interactive exhibits for kids. Guided tours available. Wed. 10:30 am-3 pm; Sat.-Sun. 10:30 am-4 pm.
New Jersey
Adventure Aquarium 1 Aquarium Dr., Camden; 866-451-2782. www.adventureaquarium.com. Features a number of interactive attractions including Touch-a-Shark, Creature Feature, Feather Ridge, Rainforest Rendezvous & Interactive Inlet, as well as 4D Theater, West African River Experience (featuring the Aquarium's hippos, Button & Genny) & more. Party for the Planet - Meet zoo animals, receive a free Party for the Planet tote bag, stickers, temporary tattoos & more. 4/22 9:30 am-5 pm. An Evening of No Worries - Dinner, dancing, silent auction. Proceeds benefit Camp No Worries. 856-220-8110 or email: campnoworriesinfo@gmail.com. $50. 4/24 6-10 pm. $17.95; $14.95 children 2-11; free for children under 2. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. Battleship New Jersey Museum 62 Battleship Pl., Camden; 866-877-6262. www.battleshipnewjersey.org. Experience what life was like aboard our nation's most decorated battleship. Self-Guided Tour - Explore the "Big J" at your own pace. Check out newly-opened areas such as the brig & barber shop. $15; $10.50 children 6-11, seniors & veterans; free for children under 6 & active military. The Holocaust & Genocide: The Betrayal of Humanity - History of the Holocaust & its continuing legacy. Closes 6/15. $15-$19; $10.50-$13 veterans, seniors, ages 6-11; free active military in uniform, ages 5 & under. Daily 9 am-5 pm. *FREE* Howell Living History Farm 70 Wooden's La., Lambertville; 609-737-3299. www.howellfarm.org. Spring Hatchery Program - Activities include feeding & watering animals, collecting eggs, storytelling, crafts & a hayride. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. noon-4 pm.
New Jersey State Museum 205 W. State Rd., Trenton; 609-292-6464. www.newjerseystatemuseum.org. On extended view in Auditorium Galleries: Fossil Mysteries, the CSI of Paleontology; Cultures in Competition - Indians & Europeans in Colonial America. Alcove Gallery exhibit: Trenton - Crucial Crossroads. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-4:45 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm. Donations accepted.
South Jersey Museum of American History 123 E. High St., Glassboro; 856-442-0688. Includes artifacts from the Pre-Columbian through the Colonial era, antique hand tools, glass & comprehensive Political History exhibit. $4; $3 children. Wed.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-3pm.
*FREE* Washington Crossing State Park 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville; 609-737-0623. Includes 18th Century Johnson Ferry House (historic farmhouse & tavern site) & Visitor Center Museum featuring exhibits on the Continental Army's crossing of the Delaware River & the Battles of Trenton & Princeton. Daily 9 am-4 pm.
