School's just about out and the weather is beautiful. That must mean summer is here! This weekend be inspired by all Philadelphia has to offer families in Fairmount Park or stop by the Comcast Center to enjoy story time with none other than the Phillie Phanatic! This week also includes an old fashioned picnic, Fete Days in both the City and suburbs, and a celebration of Where the Wild Things Are. Next week, we celebrate Dad!

Weekend Spotlight:

It’s a free morning playdate at the Comcast Center featuring the Phillie Phanatic. Scott Palmer will conduct the first public reading of the book: The Philly Phanatic’s Friendly Games. Kids will also receive a rally towel (while supplies last). West Park Art! Featuring over 30 cultural institutions throughout Fairmount Park including Please Touch Museum, The Philly Zoo, MANN Center, the Art Museum and More. Day includes a main stage for performances and a jam-packed schedule. 

Saturday, June 9th: 

WHYY Kids’ Club invites families to their Summer Kickoff with Super WHY! and Woofster. This around the world adventure includes crafts, games, dancing and an exciting scavenger hunt. Get a temporary tattoo, collect Super Why! stickers, and enjoy delicious Bassett’s Ice Cream and more. Cost is $10, $5 for members. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.

It’s Primate Days at the Philadelphia Zoo sponsored by PECO. Primate Days includes arts and crafts, keeper chats, and much more at this weekend-long celebration of all things primates.

Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion hosts an Old Fashioned Picnic in Mt. Airy. Picnic features a scavenger hunt, croquet, ring toss, and face painting. Guests will have the opportunity to dress in Victorian clothing for a photograph to take home. A juggler from Give & Take Jugglers will perform juggling routines and interact with children of all ages. Hot dogs, root beer and ice cream sundaes will be served. Admission is free, picnic runs 9 am – 3 pm.

Tyler Arboretum celebrates reading with a Storybook Celebration. Listen to storytellers weave their tales, Give-a-Book-Get-a-Book in a gently used book exchange, enjoy "Book, Beast and Puppet," a puppet show with a parade of favorite animal characters including the Cat and the Fiddle and Br'er Rabbit, discover the joy of reading in interactive discovery stations and make crafts to take home. Cost is $5 - $9, children under 3 are free. Event runs 10 am – 2 pm.

Our nation’s oldest street celebrates with Elfreth’s Alley Fete Day. Tour the Alley's private homes adorned with patriotic decorations. Highlights include children's games, colonial music, foods that celebrate the Alley's diverse ethnic heritage, colonial-style arts and crafts, and Dr. Benjamin Franklin. Cost is $20 adults, $10 for children or $55 for families. All proceeds benefit preservation, event runs 12 – 5 pm.

It’s an ARTspiration Festival at Fleisher Art Center on Catharine Street. Enjoy free art-making, music, dance activities. Community partners and neighborhood businesses will also be present with additional activities. Event runs 10 am – 4 pm. 
   

Sunday, June 10th:

It’s a StrawBEARy Surprise and Nature in Art Family Festival at Camden Children’s Garden. In celebration of summer’s favorite fruit, families will enjoy nature crafts, a planting activity and birthday party for Mum Bear; the Garden’s mascot. Event runs 1 – 4 pm, cost is $6.

Please Touch Museum celebrates Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. Day includes a special reading and a meet and greet with Wild Thing himself. Times are 12:30 and 3:30 pm, event is free with $15 admission.

In honor of Flag Day, The Betsy Ross House kicks off Flag Fest 2012. This week-long celebration includes flag ceremonies, a meet-and-greet with George Washington, musket demonstrations, and a day-long event next Saturday for families featuring a puppet show, aerial circus and jugglers. For a full schedule of events, visit here.

The Abington Art Center hosts EUREKA! Family Art Workshop. Inspired by a work in one of the Center’s exhibitions, families are invited to create their own masterpiece together. Cost is $5 per project, pre-registration is not required. Drop-in anytime between 11 am – 3 pm. 

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