Fun Friday

Well, I've had a great week. My husband was on vacation last week, we took lots of day trips and spent time with the kids, so believe it or not, I don't have much to Flip Off this week. But Flip Offs are the best thing since, well, chocolate, so if you are interested check out Kludgy Mom and her other Flip off participants, click here. I'm sure I'll have something to Flip Off next week, so see you then.

In the meantime, I'll bring back a post I used to do here every Friday, that I now do on my other blog, Get.Out.And.Play. dedicated solely for things to do in the tri state area, Fun Friday drum roll please.....

1.Put down that game controller and turn off the TV! Promote a healthy and happy lifestyle with the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia Sunday August 29th with their Stroller in the Park. Following a 5k path through the park and ending at the Please Touch Museum, the event will feature a Family Fun Pavilion and Healthy Food Tent, activities to get your body moving, a special appearance by the Philly Phanatic, medals for all children participating along admission and morning access to the Please Touch Museum, for all participants, before it opens to the public at 11:00am.Nice. Stroll s tarts at 8:00am.

2. Trains, Trains and the Circus? It's Circus Week at the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia. From Saturday August 28th to September 6th stroll through the Arboretum and stop at the Garden Railway as circus trains take over the track. First Thomas, now Circus Trains? The fun just keeps on rolling through the Arboretum. Since visiting this a couple weeks ago, the Arboretum has become one of our favorite places to go. No wonder it was voted by Philadelphia Magazine as the Best Stroll Through a Forest, you'll have to visit to find out why. It's peaceful, beautiful and breathtaking. Fun for the entire family. Click here for admission and hours of operation.

3. Chocolate or Vanilla? Can't make up your mind? You can enjoy both this weekend at the Camden Children's Garden Chocolate and Vanilla Family Festival. This event is dedicated to two of nature’s most flavorful plants. Vote for you favorite flavor, and take a tropical smell test.  Make crafts, participate in educational activities, and enjoy the Flavors of the Forest concession stand.  Enjoy chocolate and vanilla treats as you learn about these tropical flavors. Event runs both Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.

4."Well, Blow Me Down Matey!" Arrrrr...I can't believe me eyes!" It's Pirate Invasion Weekend at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair this weekend. Let the little pirate in your life polish their pirate skills. Learn how to talk pirate talk, brandish a sword, take part in treasure hunts and much much m ore.

"What is that you say Lass? Shiver Me Timbers!"

5. The Philly Phanatic really does get around! The Phanatic is at the Please Touch Museum Sunday morning and then later on you can catch the him at the Elmwood Zoo for Phillies Day at the Zoo. The Phanatic will join the All-Star Cheerleaders for a bash that includes a cookout and special activities for kids that include an inflatable speed pitch, tee ball batting cage and an obstacle course. Enter a raffle for Phillies tickets and a jersey and gift bags will be given to every child courtesy of Citizens Bank Park.Nice. The festivities run Sunday from 10am to 2pm. 

Looking for Free?

*Don't forget about the Lakeshore Learning Store's Free Craft at stores nationwide on Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Click here for a location near you. This weeks craft, a Royal Crown, fit for a king or a queen!

*And Lowe's Home Improvement Store is hold their Free Kids Build and Grow workshop this Saturday at a Lowe's near you. The wooden craft this week, A School Bus that can hold crayons, chalk, stickers and much more. Nice timing. For more information click here.

Looking ahead:

*Your child's favorite little blue friend is taking over the tracks at the Strasburg Railroad. Join them in celebrating Day Out with Thomas September 11th-19th. Click here for more information.

*A special way to say thanks. I may be behind the boat on this one, but did you know that throughout the summer admission for Military Personnel is Free at  more than 700 museums across the country - including The Academy of Natural Sciences, the Please Touch Museum and the Brandywine River Museum, and many other area institutions. Participating -  in Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families (of up to five immediate family members). Click here for a complete list of participating museums.

Join me every Friday for Fun Friday where I list my top things to do in the area for the coming weekend. 

Have something on the calendar you'd like to advertise? Or just want to let other's know about your favorite family friendly place? Send me a message or leave a comment below.

Also join me Sundays as we preview the week ahead!

Happy Friday!