Top Regional Attractions

Top Regional Attractions

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-299-1000.

» READ MORE: www.ansp.org

. The North American Print Conference 2007 - Impressions of Philadelphia: 1683-1960 - Focuses on historical prints & maps of & from Philadelphia. Registration: 215-242-4750. E-mail:

» READ MORE: Lucas@philaprintshop.com

. $40. 9/28 9 am-noon. Telluride Mountainfilm Festival - Films on varying mountain-themed subjects: adventure, the environment, mountaineering, more. $14, $11 students advance; $17, $13 students day of event. 9/29 7:30 pm. Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes & Other Riches - Exhibit on biodiversity, field research, resource management & Amazon culture. Closes 12/31. $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 Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Ave.; 215-389-1776. www.americanswedish.org. Ongoing: New Sweden Colony - Swedish American History from 1638-1655. $6; $5 seniors, students; 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. A Great Company in a Great City - Lithographs & paintings from the Cigna Corp. (formerly Ins. Co. of N. America). Closes 12/31. $5; $3 seniors & children 13-17; free for children under 12. Wed.-Sun. 1 pm-5 pm.

Bartram's Garden 54th St.; 215-729-5281. www.bartramsgarden.org. Fall Garden Color Lecture & Walk - Discussion of fall garden colors, followed by a garden tour. 9/29 10 am-noon. Grounds: Daily 10 am-5 pm. Tours: noon-4 pm.

Christ Church Burial Ground 5th & Arch Sts.; 215-922-1695, ext. 30. www.oldchristchurch.org. Final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, other founding fathers, Revolutionary War heroes & famous Philadelphians. Through 12/31 - Revolutionary Women Tour; walking tour of the burial ground. Tours on the hour, last tour at 3 pm. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. noon-4 pm, weather permitting.

Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum 1805 Pine St.; 215-735-8196. www.cwurmuseum.org. Ongoing: Abraham Lincoln Collection; The Armory Room; George Gordon Meade Collection; Medical & Surgical Collection; Military Escutcheons; Music & Other Leisure Pastimes; Portraits & Other Art Works; Ulysses S. Grant Collection; $5; $4 seniors; $3 students & ages 3-12; free under 3. Thu.-Sat. 11 am-4:30 pm.

Eastern State Penitentiary 2124 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-3300. www.easternstate.org. Terror Behind the Walls - Elaborate haunted house setup staged within a real prison. Closes 11/3. $30. Ongoing: Historic Tours of Eastern State Penitentary - Tours begin on the hour. Alexa Hoyer: I Always Wanted To Go To Paris France. Ann Messner: Penitentiary. Dayton Castleman: The End of the Tunnel. Judy Taylor: My Glass House. Linda Brenner: Ghost Cats. Matthew & Jonathan Stemler: Juxtaposition. Michael Grothusen: Midway of Another Day. Susan Hagen: Untitled. William Cromar: GTMO. $7.50; $7 students; $6.50 seniors; $4 children over 7. Daily through November, 10 am-5 pm, last entry for most tours at 4 pm.

*FREE* Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site Spring Garden St.; 215-597-8780. www.nps.gov/edal. Guided Tours - Home of the author, 1843-44. Wed.-Sun. 9 am-5 pm.

Elfreth's Alley Second St.; 215-574-0560. www.elfrethsalley.org. Windsor Chairmaking Demonstrations. 9/29 noon-5 pm. $2; $1 children 6-18. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-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. Tutankhamun & the Golden Age of the Pharaohs - More than 130 artifacts from tombs including burial objects, royal diadem, coffinettes. Open 9 am-9 pm. Timed tickets. Closes 9/30 (Note: exhibit will stay open continuously until 11 pm on Sun., 9/30). World Space Week - Space-themed demonstrations, live show, experiments & more. 10/4 9:30 am-5 pm. $27.50 weekdays, $32.50 weekends. Discounts for seniors, students, military & children. IMAX & other permanent exhibits open daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

Franklin Square 6th & Race Sts.; 215-629-4026. www.onceuponanation.org. Ongoing: Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel - 30-horse carousel is a great compliment to the rich history of Philadelphia's carousel making. Philly Mini Golf - Features a miniature version of Philadelphia & some of the city's most beloved sites. Fri. noon-8 pm; Sat.-Sun. 10 am-6 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 and under. 9/28-9/29 5:30 pm. 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; tastings & gratuity included. 10/4 5:30 pm.

Independence National Historical Park 6th & Markets Sts.; 215-965-2305. www.nps.gov/inde. National Public Lands Day - Art exhibit, volunteer opportunities & educational activities for kids. 9/29 9:30 am. Carpenters' Hall - (Tue.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Congress Hall - (Daily 9 am-5 pm). Looking Through Franklin's Eyes - Celebrates Franklin's 300 birthday. Old City Hall - (Daily 11 am-5 pm). Visitor Center - Information on programs, activities, tours. (Daily 8:30 am-5 pm). Most sites free. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm.

Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-925-5439. www.phillyseaport.org. Ongoing: Coming to America - Exhibition about immigration; Olympia: Launching the American Century - Exhibit about historical naval life; What Floats Your Boat? - Interactive science exhibit about boats. $9; $8 seniors; $6 children 3-12; free for children under 3; free Sun. 10 am-noon. Open daily 10 am-5 pm.

*FREE* Laurel Hill Cemetery: The Underground Museum 3822 Ridge Ave.; 215-228-8200. www.theundergroundmuseum.org. Classy Broads & Daring Dames - Meet a few of the ladies who now call the cemetery home. $15. 9/30 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. Tours available. $5.

*FREE* Liberty Bell Center 501 Market St.; 215-965-2305. www.nps.gov/inde. Home of the Liberty Bell - Exhibits on bell's origins & role as symbol of freedom. Twilight Walking Tour - Meet on Chestnut Street between 5th & 6th Streets; Call for info: 877-444-6777. 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. Ongoing. Masonic Temple Egyptian Tour - Learn about the splendor of the Masonic Temple's Egyptian Hall & the building's other treasures. Fri. at noon. Closes 9/28. 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.

Museum of the American Philosophical Society 104 S. 5th St.; 215-440-3400. www.amphilsoc.org. UNDAUNTED: Five American Explorers, 1760-2006 - Five notable explorers with Philly connections who were also part of the American Philosophical Society. Closes 12/28. Fri.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.

The Mutter Museum 19 S. 22nd St.; 215-563-3737. www.collphyphil.org. Ongoing: Gretchen Worden Gallery - Over 200 wet & dry specimens, lantern slides, x-rays. $12; $8 seniors, students, children 6-17; free for children under 6. Daily 10 am-5 pm, Fri. until 9 pm.

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, American Natl Tree, theater. Is the Constitution Outdated? - Debate & discussion about this nation's founding document. 10/1 6:30 pm. Artifact Cart - Learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that goes on at the museum (Call for program times & locations). $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. We the People - Musical tribute to the spirit, ideas & energy that have defined America. Call for specific performance times & reservations: 800-822-8487 x441. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month - Visitors receive Hispanic Heritage Activity Booklet to guide them on a tour of the exhibits honoring Hispanic or Latino heroes. 9/28-9/30 10 am-5 pm. Craft Corner - Craft projects change every month to reflect a special theme. 9/29-9/30 10 am-5 pm. Glass Now Weekend & Auction - Explore Philadelphia-area treasures, visits to private collections & studios, special programs, discussions, auction & more. Call Museum for details. Reservations required: 215-925-2800. 10/4-10/7. $7; $6 seniors; $5 students; $2 children 5-7; free for children under 5. Free admission every Sun. Open 7 days a week. Self-guided tours only.

*FREE* Polish American Cultural Center & Museum 308 Walnut St.; 215-922-1700. www.polishamericancenter.org. Poland at Arms - Pictorial display of World War II photographs. Closes 11/30. Treasured Customs Celebrated by the Polish People - Closes 11/30. Ongoing: Great Men & Women of Poland - Paintings & Displays. Mon.-Sat. 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 - Morris Arboretum 100 Northwestern Ave.; 215-247-5777. www.morrisarboretum.org. Beer Tasting - Guided beer tasting with three brew masters. Foods that complement beer will be served. 9/28 6:30 pm. Wellness Walks - Sat. 10:30 am. Yoga in the Garden - Thu. 7 pm. Please bring a mat or blanket & wear comfortable clothes. Choose 4 or 8 sessions. Garden Railway: Great American Train Stations - Miniature world of model trains features historic buildings created entirely of natural materials. Closes 10/8. $10; $8 seniors; $5 students, children 3-18; free for children under 3. Daily 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. World Culture Day: Celebrate Japan - Japanese drumming, anime screenings, crafts, games & more. 9/29 11 am-4 pm. Evolution of Mind, Brain & Culture - Lecture & panel discussion. 9/30 2-5 pm. Exploring Iran: The Photography of Erich F. Schmidt - 1930-1940 - Photographs, ancient artifacts, painted pottery, bronze jewelry. Closes 12/9. River of Gold: Precolumbian Treasures From Sitio Conte - Precolumbian gold objects, photographs, drawings, film footage, ceramic & more. Closes 12/16. Ongoing: Amarna, Ancient Egypt's Place in the Sun - More than 100 artifacts, incl. statuary of gods, goddesses, royalty, jewelry, personal items from royal family; Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur - Selected objects from world famous collection. $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, Institute houses Wagner's natural history collection of skeletons, mounted animals, fossils, minerals. $8 donation. Guided tours: $15; $10 seniors; $5 children. Tue.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site

Route 1, Chadds Ford; 610-459-3342.

» READ MORE: www.ushistory.org/brandywine

. 52 acres of woodlands, meadows, Washington's headquarters, artifacts, weapons, uniforms. House tours: $5; $3.50 seniors; $2.50 children 6-17; free for children under 6. Park free. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

Glencairn Museum 1001 Cathedral Rd., Bryn Athyn; 267-502-2993. www.glencairnmuseum.org. Saturday Highlights Tour - Tour exhibits & collections focusing on religious history. Sat. 11 am-2:30 pm.

The Mercer Museum 84 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-345-0210. www.mercermuseum.org. Colonial Foodways: Basic Open Hearth Cooking - Participants prepare a full 18th-century meal. $45. 9/30 11 am-4 pm. Are We Dressed Yet: Accessories & the Stories They Tell - Exhibit on accessories worn by Bucks County residents of the past. Includes try-on activities & games. Closes 5/31. Ongoing: Animals on the Loose!: A Mercer Menagerie - Join Mercer's dog, Rollo, in an interactive adventure to find missing artifacts from the collection. $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.

Parry Mansion Museum S. Main & Ferry Sts., New Hope; 215-862-5652. www.newhopehistoricalsociety.org. Guided Tours - Historical home of Parry family from 1784 to 1966. Tours feature rooms decorated with period furnishings & art from 1775-1899. $6; $5 seniors & students 12 & over; $1 students under 12. Open Sat. & Sun. until last weekend in Oct.

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. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.

*FREE* Pennypacker Mills 5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville; 610-287-9349. historicsites.montcopa.org. Guided Tour of Pennypacker Mills - Turn-of-the-century mansion & farm of PA's 25th Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker (1903-1907). I Lived Here Too: Hired Help at a Country Gentleman's Estate - Learn what the servants did here long ago. Closes 1/31. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. 1-4 pm.

Pottsgrove Manor 100 W. King St., Pottstown; 610-326-4014. www.historicsites.montcopa.org. Guided Tours of Pottsgrove Manor - Built in 1752 for John Potts, ironmaster & founder of Pottstown; reflects lifestyle & times of the Potts family. Camp Pottsgrove - Costumed historians will recreate a Revolutionary War encampment. 9/29 1-4 pm. Cures That Kill - Exhibit on the treatment of illness/injury pre-modern medicine. Closes 10/7. 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.

Thomas Massey House Intersection of Lawrence & Springhouse Rd., Broomall; 610-353-3644. www.thomasmasseyhouse.org. One of the oldest English Quaker homes in PA, built in 1696 by an indentured servant turned landowner. Donations accepted. Open for tours Apr.-Oct., Sun. 1-4 pm or by appointment.

Tyler Arboretum 515 Painter Rd., Media; 610-566-9134. www.tylerarboretum.org. Guided History Tour. 9/30 1-4 pm. $5; $3 children 3-15; free for children under 3. Daily 8 am-dusk.

Washington Crossing Historical Park/Memorial Building Auditorium 1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing; 215-493-4076. www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing. Ongoing: Tour of Washington Crossing Historical Park - Tours begin on the hour. $5; $4 seniors; $2 children 6-17. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-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.

Adventure Aquarium

1 Aquarium Dr., Camden; 866-451-2782.

» READ MORE: www.adventureaquarium.com

. Ongoing: 4D Theater - Call for film titles & screening times; Aquarium Adventures - Call for times & prices; Caribbean Currents; Creature Feature; Interactive Inlet; Irazu Falls; Jules Verne Gallery; Ocean Realm; Rainforest Rendezvous; Seal Shores; Shark Realm; Touch-a-Shark; West African River Experience (featuring the Aquarium's hippos, Button & Genny). $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. 4D Flight Simulator Ride. Firepower Tour. Guided & Self-Guided Tours Available. Ongoing: Stars Over New Jersey - Historical exhibit about William F. Halsey. $15-$19; $10.50-$13 veterans, seniors, ages 6-11; free active military in uniform, ages 5 & under. Daily 9 am-5 pm.

Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead 1605 Daniel Bray Hwy. (Rte. 29), north of Lambertville (first exit off Rte. 202 toll bridge); 609-397-2752. www.holcombe-jimison.org. Agricultural museum in old barn displays 19th-early 20th century artifacts. Exhibits include weaving, kitchen/household, dairy, poultry, garden & woodworking. Other buildings include general store, post office, barbershop & more. Also features vintage tractors, farming equipment & a restored 1850s hearse. Donation suggested: $5; $3 seniors & students. May-Oct.: Sun. 1-4 pm; Wed. 9 am-noon. Call on Wed. for info & to arrange group/class tours.

New Jersey State Museum 205 W. State Rd., Trenton; 609-292-6464. www.newjerseystatemuseum.org. Fancy Rockingham Pottery: The Modeller & Ceramics in 19th Century America - Features relief-molded ceramics largely from NJ, MD, OH & New England. Closes 4/30. 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.

Washington Crossing State Park 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville; 609-737-0623. Features 18th Century Johnson Ferry House, 140-acre natural area & Washington Crossing Visitor Center Museum - Historic exhibits on the Continental Army's crossing of the Delaware River & the Battles of Trenton & Princeton. Wed.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm, Sun. 1-4 pm.

Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center 1501 Glasstown Rd., Millville; 800-998-4552. www.wheatonarts.org. Paul Stankard & Stankard Studio Exhibition & Sale - Glass art & sculpture. Closes 10/21. Celebrating Connections: Contemporary Glass by Mid Atlantic Artists - Works by over 60 artists on display in the Museum of American Glass. Closes 12/30. Contemporary Glass Beads by Mid-Atlantic Artists - Exhibit features over 50 beads created by artists who are members of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers. Closes 12/30. Symbols & Colors of Life: Beadwork Traditions - Focuses on techniques used by folk & traditional artists of different cultural backgrounds. Closes 12/31. Beads From Venice: Exhibit & Sale - Venetian glass beadmakers including the internationally recognzied work of Leslie Genninger. Closes 12/31. Ongoing: Folklore & Folklife Traditions in Down Jersey - Explores some of the many folk traditions one might encounter in South Jersey; $10; $9 seniors; $7 students; free for children 5 & under. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 302-658-9111.

» READ MORE: www.delmnh.org

. Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies - Opening celebration 9/29. Closes 1/6. Ongoing: Coral Reef Exhibit; Life-Size Model of Giant Squid. $6; $5 children 3-17; $4 seniors; free for children under 3. Mon.-Sat. 9:30 am-4:30 pm; Sun. noon-4:30 pm.

Hagley Museum & Library Rte. 100 & Buck Rd., Wilmington; 302-658-2400. www.hagley.org. Golden Pheasants Harvest Party - Event includes hayrides, bluegrass band, food by Wilmington Club, pumpkin carving & games. Rain date 9/30. Res. required. $40; $15 children 15-20, $5 children 5-14; free for children 4 & under. 9/29 4-7 pm. Hagley at Fifty: Exploding With History - Retrospective exhibit. Closes 12/31. Surprising Artistry: Francis B. Crowninshield Watercolors - Images of the three homes where Frank & Louise du Pont Crowninshield dwelt. Closes 12/31. $11; $9 seniors, students; $4 ages 6-14; free under 6. Daily 9:30 am-4:30 pm.

Winterthur Museum & Country Estate Route 52, Winterthur; 800-448-3883. www.winterthur.org. K is for Kids Family Day - Meet Mother Goose, sign up for New Castle County library card, make alphabet crafts, read stories to service animals. 9/29 10 am-3 pm. Touch-It Room - Children can immerse themselves in early American life by trying out objects commonly found in kitchens, stores & parlors of long ago. Closes 9/30. Wednesdays at Winterthur - Garden walks, talks &/or demonstrations. Call for information on specific programs. 10/3 11:30 am. K is for Kids - Family-friendly exhibition explores intriguing objects in the Winterthur collection & studies early methods of reading education. Closes 7/13. Ongoing: The Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens - Treasure trove of artfully crafted tureens. $15; $13 students & seniors; $5 children 2-11; free for children under 2. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.