The un-official start of Summer has been, whew, hot! But this weekend we’re due for sun and 70 degrees.  We’re looking forward to the Irish Festival at Penn’s Landing, celebrating the season at the Piazza with our favorite Sesame Street characters, and, yes, really, free airplane rides for Doylestown’s 200th birthday. We have our eye on a tethered balloon ride, too. There’s so much to do in Philly + surrounding this week!

Weekend Spotlight:

In its 14^th year, the Irish Festival at Penn’s Landing is a family-friendly event that includes musical performances, dancing, crafts face painting and a kids zone. Over 40 different vendors will be selling authentic and traditional Irish goods and crafts. Help celebrate the start of a new season with a fun-filled morning at FreePlay on the Parkway. Festivities include an art activity by Fairmount & Queen Village Art Center, a performance by the Lara and Joe Show, and, of course, lots of free play with gigantic foam blocks. 

Saturday, June 2nd: 

Doylestown celebrates their bi-centennial with free airplane rides (yes, really!), an afternoon picnic, tethered hot air balloon rides, a firefighter parade and a firework spectacular.

The Dragon Boat Regatta arrives on the Schuylkill River. Hundreds of boats will flood the river to compete for boasting rights. The event also includes family activities like live entertainment, vendors, and more. Race is free, parking is $5. Event begins at 8 am.

It’s a Saturday dedicated to Strawberries at Linvilla Orchards. Enjoy all the orchard has to offer like hayrides to pick your own strawberries, games, contests, pony rides, face painting, and a performance by Makin’ Music. Strawberry Fest runs 8 am – 4 pm.

Weccacoe Playground in Queen Village on Catherine Street hosts a family fun daycomplete with live music, food, raffles, arts and crafts for kids, face painting and environmental education for a good cause. All proceeds benefit playground renovations. Event runs 11 am – 3 pm. Admission is free.

It’s Plymouth Day in Plymouth Township. Celebrate with inflatables, games, remote controlled racing, a live DJ. Then, try your hand at Hip Hop Soccer, a plunge down Captain Hook’s water slide, hula-hooping and bubble gum blowing contests. Cost is $10 in advance or $12 at event, which runs 4 – 8 pm.

The Little Treehouse in Chestnut Hill kicks off their concert series Treehouse ROCKS!with a performance by Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band. Performance begins at 6 pm, cost is $5 for adults and $10 for kids. Pre-registration is suggested. 
  

Sunday, June 3rd:

Bank of America offers free museum admission to card holders. Participating museums include Garden State Discovery, the Art Museum, African American Museum, PAFA and the Constitution Center. Free admission is also good on Saturday.

Chica from Sunny Side Up and the Super Why! superheroes stop by Sesame Place. This exclusive meet-and-greet includes story time, singing and pictures. Children are encouraged to dress as their favorite character. Reservations are required for seatings at 11 am, 1:45 and 4 pm.

Elkins Park hosts Arts in the Park. In its 17^th year, this art festival includes 50 artisans, live music, a plant sale, children’s crafts, face painting, moon bounces, wagon rides and more. A $3 donation is suggested with a small fee for crafts and wagon rides. Event runs 10 am – 5 pm.

Temple Sholom in Broomall welcomes the public to their Family Fun Fair featuring Mama Mac. Family activities also include a mini Zumba class, face painting, book sale, and refreshments. Cost is $10 per child, event runs 10 am – 12 pm.

It’s Pay-What-You-Wish-Sunday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Make sure to stop by the Family Studio where this month families get to make silly sculptures. Family Studio runs 10 am – 3 pm and is free. 

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