Fun Summer Activities for Kids in Philadelphia

Looking for some fun summer activities in and around Philadelphia?  Look no further! Here are some highlights to what will be a fun-filled and memorable summer.  The activities cover a broad range of interests, from nature to theater and food.  And by food, I mean the favorite food group of most kids, ice cream!!

The Tyler Arboretum

If you have never visited this 650 acre arboretum, it is time to pack up and take your kids to this natural wonderland, full of walks and short hikes through rare plants, ancient trees and historic buildings.  Need a better reason than that?  The Magical Habitats Exhibition, which will be ongoing through the summer, has been described as a “fantasy come to life.”  Elves, gnomes, wizards and fairies occupy this brand-new neighborhood of natural dwellings.   If this isn’t your cup of tea, check out the Totally Terrific Treehouses Exhibition, back by popular demand for another year of climbing and exploring.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the view from these beautiful treehouses! 515 Painter Road, Media. Call (610) 566-9134 or visit tylerarboretum.org.

Robin Hood at the Media Theater

Who doesn’t enjoy the eternal tale of Robin Hood and his mischievous merry men?  This rendition of the British folk story takes children and adults alike back into the magical Sherwood forest.  This musical adaptation will entertain kids from ages 5 and up.  The children will love the young cast’s humor and be singing songs all the way home!  June 4-July 30. $10/kids, $12/adults. 104 E. State St., Media. Call (610) 891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

Alex’s “Original” Lemonade Stand

Having become a regular summer sighting across the country, Alex’s Lemonade Stand returns to its original location in Wynnewood for a special event.  Here is where a young girl made the best out of her childhood cancer, following the popular optimistic saying -when life give’s you lemons, you make lemonade.  Help raise money for this great cause with fun, food, games and an exciting butterfly release! Last year’s event raised $100,000 and this year they hope to top that.  If you're there by 1pm and like to dance (who doesn’t?), make sure to learn the dance to Katy Perry’s “Fireworks”, found on their website!  June 11. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Penn Wynne Elementary School, 250 Haverford Road, Wynnewood. Call (610) 649-3034 or visit alexslemonade.org.

Super Scooper All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!! Reward your kids, teach them about the negatives of too much dessert and donate to a good cause all at the same time!   Wawa’s Welcome America! Celebration benefits the Joshua Kahan Fund’s fight against pediatric leukemia.  For just a $7 per person, you and your kids can enjoy ice cream from 20 vendors, including Haagen-Dazs, Ben& Jerry’s, Edy’s and Turkey Hill. July 2-4. Noon-5 p.m. daily; 6-9 p.m. July 2. Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia. Call (215) 683-2200 or visit welcomeamerica.com.

Local Sports

For all of you who aren’t Phanatics or are looking for cheaper activities, there are other great sporting events to take your kids to around Philadelphia.  Love tennis? Go check out the WTT’s  Philadelphia Freedoms in action.  Opening July 6^th, the schedule contains highlighted visits from superstars Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Lindsay Davenport and the top-ranked doubles team of the Bryan Brothers.  Better with your feet than your hands? Check out the first-place Philadelphia Union.  Watch them kick around the soccer ball in their brand-new stadium, PPL Park, led by star players Carlos Ruiz and Danny Mwanga.  For a special treat, help them welcome to Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field one of the best teams in the world, Real Madrid, known as “Los Galacticos” (The Superstars) on July 23^rd.  The Freedoms play matches through July 19. $8-$85. 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova. Call (610) 896-2890 or visit philadelphiafreedoms.com for a full schedule.

The Union plays games through August. $25-$150. PPL Park, 1 Stadium Drive, Chester. Call (610) 859-3100 or visit philadelphiaunion.com for a full schedule.

Need some more ideas?  Check out an expanded list of great activities for adults and kids at manlinetoday.com