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City Kids

Philadelphia loves to educate and enchant its young visitors, whether it’s with a visit to a museum, the zoo or any other venue with special offerings just for kids.

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Young minds can ponder the intriguing dinosaur, fossil and insect worlds at the Wagner Free Institute of Science (215-763-6529).

A Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus, one of the largest carnivores ever discovered, as well as a simulated rain forest with a live tropical butterfly exhibit can be found at The Academy of Natural Sciences (215-299-1000).

The Franklin Institute Science Museum (215-448-1208) invites visitors to explore a cave and marvel at four floors of interactive exhibits.

Discover why boats float at the Independence Seaport Museum (215-925-5439). Or make a mask and find out what a mummer is at the Mummers Museum (215-336-3050).

History, art and culture are defined at the African American Museum (215-574-0380). What is a whirligig? ChildrenYou can find the answer at the Please Touch Museum (215-963-0667), home to theater performances and interactive exhibits.

At the National Liberty Museum (215-925-2800), young visitors cast their votes on national issues and use a paper shredder to dispose of unkind words — an unconventional way to learn about democracy, diversity and liberty.

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (215-482-7300) offers opportunities to observe metamorphosis in the Butterfly House.

Tours and history programs are offered at Valley Forge National Historical Park (610-783-1077), which includes a display of guns and cannon.

Meet Big Bird and the other Sesame Street characters at Sesame Place (215-752-7070).

Young visitors can view the evolution of the fire department — from the time of Benjamin Franklin — at Fireman’s Hall (215-923-1438).

Hear the cannon blast and cook 18th century-style soldier stew at Fort Mifflin on the Delaware (215-491-1881).

Take the “Call to Arms” at the family oriented Betsy Ross House (215-686-1252) and be inducted into the Continental Army.

Philadelphia Zoo Youngsters are dazzled by animals and cultures from around the world at The Philadelphia Zoo (215-243-1100).

From May through October, the Lights of Liberty show (215-542-3789) shines in its high-tech presentation of the story of American independence.

Youngsters get personal with spider crabs and stare with wonder at the coypu (quirky, South American beaver-like creatures with bright orange-yellow teeth) at the New Jersey State Aquarium (856-365-3300).

Forty minutes from Philadelphia, in New Jersey, are two amusement parks — Six Flags Great Adventure (732-928-1821), promising thrill rides and an animal safari, and Clementon Amusement Park & Splash World Waterpark (856-783-0263), where old-fashioned charm and high-tech thrill rides converge.

   
Skating is Healthy!

 

Ice Skating is the Healthy Way for Kids to Enjoy Winter

Healthy Kids Fest At the Blue Cross RiverRink

Want to find a great way to beat the winter blues or cabin fever? Get the family off the couch and take them ice skating outdoors; it is the healthy way to enjoy winter!

The Independence Blue Cross Ninth Annual HEALTHY KIDS FEST celebrates ways to have fun that are also good for you too. With panoramic views of the Delaware River, Philadelphia City Skyline and the majestic Benjamin Franklin Bridge, ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink is the perfect outdoor activity for exercising this winter. The celebration will take place on Sunday, January 15 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, new location, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.

Partners in this important event promoting health awareness will be the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society. The PAL Dance Team and Cheerleading team will be on-site to participate along with various health experts. The Philadelphia Skating Club will provide ice skating demonstrations at 12:20 p.m. and 2:20 p.m., showing everyone that ice skating is the healthy way to enjoy winter!

HEALTHY KIDS FEST will feature information and tips for Moms, Dads, and Kids on how to stay healthy during these tough winter months. There will be interactive games and useful free information. One of the party rooms inside the heated facility will be turned into a live workout center or mini-gym.

The West Chester University Athletic Training Club will be on hand to conduct blood pressure screenings, pulse readings, and stethoscope monitoring for the children participating in the day's activities.

Added to the entertainment will be FREE activities including face-painting, make and take crafts, and balloon artistry. There will be various games set up for the kids to try, designed to increase coordination and promote good sportsmanship.

B101 radio will visit the Blue Cross RiverRink as part of this event celebrating kids. They will have crafts and special giveaways along with their mascot Buzzbee on Sunday from 2:30-4 p.m. Kids will also have a chance to run, jump, stretch and play as part of physical fitness demonstrations and winter workout challenges. Penn Maid Dairy, Philly's favorite dairy since 1927, will be on hand with their spokescow, Queenie and healthy samples and snacks for kids. Penn Maid Dairy will conduct an educational and interactive program on the benefits of healthy eating with milk and dairy products with prizes for everyone that participates. Cabot Creamery will also provide samples of their award-winning cheeses, exhibiting that healthy snacks can help build healthy kids.

HEALTHY KIDS FEST activities are free to the public. Skating sessions cost $6 per person and are available during HEALTHY KIDS FEST from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Skate rental is $3 and there is convenient parking available for just $8.

Public Skating Sessions are as follows: Mondays through Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., and 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Skate to a live DJ every Friday and Saturday Night from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight.






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Kids Activities

The Crayola FACTORY® at Two Rivers Landing
Easton, PA
Bring your kids to the factory where creativity begins. Only Crayola ® could bring you and your family fantastic entertainment alive with color and creativity. There are hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and even a tour to see how crayons are made. Learning is fun at The Crayola FACTORY®.

Discovery Center of Science and Technology 
Bethlehem, PA
Explore a world where science, technology and learning are great fun at The Discovery Center. Designed to capture the imagination and challenge the mind with interactive exhibits about science and technology, The Learning Center is an excellent destination for children. They will learn through play at the science playground, invent and build at the Workbench, and learn about anatomy at the Bodyworks.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom 
Allentown, PA
Splash along the water rides, zoom down hills, and enjoy the sights. Where else can you hang out with Snoopy and his friends? Try to conquer all of the amazing thrill rides. You will love the spectacular live shows, along with the many attractions for the entire family.

Please Touch Museum 
Philadelphia, PA
Kids can learn while they play at the Please Touch Museum. This interactive museum is a perfect day trip. Each exhibit encourages exploration through seeing, hearing and touching. Children can experience "adult" activities, such as grocery shopping and driving. Children of all ages will enjoy the exhibits and shows that the museum has to offer.

Ride the Ducks 
Philadelphia, PA
An amphibious sightseeing company, with over 30 years experience, departs at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and takes you on an unique land and water tour of the Historic District and the Delaware River.

Sesame Place 
Langhorne, PA
Start your day off by eating breakfast with Big Bird and his friends. Next, explore the place where all your favorite friends live and play. Watch Sesame Street's characters come alive during their great family shows. Sesame Place even has water rides and the Vapor Trail roller coaster. Bring the whole family for great fun with the Sesame Street gang.