SURVIVING THE END OF SUMMER
How to Train Your Dragon: Flight Academy
Friday–Sunday • Timed reservations
The Universal Sphere, Comcast Technology Center
This free, 15-minute immersive experience sends children flying to the Isle of Berk with Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid and Stormfly. Details
Back-to-School Bash at Sesame Place
Sunday, August 30 • Park hours
Langhorne
Celebrate the final stretch of summer with rides, water attractions, Sesame Street characters and special back-to-school entertainment. Details
Visit the Kids Kastle
Seven days a week. Sunrise to sundown.
Doylestown
Extensive, super-duper playground for kids of all ages, designed particularly for children with disabilities. Details
Butterfly Celebration
Saturday, August 29 • 9 AM – 12 PM
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park, Royersford
This informative celebration will provide attendees with knowledge on how to tag, feed, and raise butterflies. Weather permitting, the tagged butterflies will be released to begin their journey to warmer climates. Details
Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip
Friday–Sunday • Open throughout the day
Peddler’s Village, New Hope
See enormous sand sculptures portraying landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore and the Golden Gate Bridge. The outdoor display is free and closes August 31. Details
Turkey Hill Ice Cream Factory
Open daily
Columbia
A little far afield but worth it for a dream come true day for the kids or any ice cream lover. See how ice cream is made from farm to scoop and create your own flavor. Interactive exhibits and games. Unlimited free samples. Details
Drive-In Zoovie: Jumanji
Friday, August 28 • 7–10 PM
Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
Watch the original Jumanji from the car in the zoo’s parking lot. A fun way to squeeze in one final outdoor movie night. Details
Free Admission on Labor Day
September 7 • 10 AM - 5 PM
Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
Details
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival—Final Weekend
Friday–Sunday • 6–11 PM
Franklin Square, Philadelphia
Walk through enormous illuminated displays, see live cultural performances and catch the fountain show. Sunday is the festival’s final night. Details
Revolutionary Science
Saturday, August 29 • 11 AM–4 PM
Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, Newtown Square
Discover how baking is chemistry, experiment with simple machines, meet farm animals and explore the science hidden in everyday colonial life. Details
Become a Valley Forge Junior Ranger
Friday–Sunday • 9 AM–5 PM
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Pick up a free activity booklet, complete hands-on challenges around the park and return it to a ranger to earn an official Junior Ranger badge. Best for ages 7–12, but open to everyone. Details
Take the Valley Forge Trolley Tour
Friday–Sunday • Various departure times
Valley Forge National Historical Park
The 90-minute tour is an easy, entertaining introduction to the park for families—and eliminates complaints about walking the whole encampment. Reservations are recommended. Details
Build, Ride and Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Friday–Sunday • 10 AM–5 PM
Plymouth Meeting Mall
Families can explore MINILAND Philadelphia, ride the Imagination Express, watch a LEGO 4D movie and build with millions of bricks. Best for ages 3–10. This one is slightly beyond the original 10-mile radius, but close enough to be worth including. Details
Explore Chanticleer Garden
Friday–Sunday
Wayne
Give the kids a camera and challenge them to photograph the most unusual flower, biggest leaf, hidden pathway and best water feature. It turns a garden visit into a mini scavenger hunt. Details
Take a Family Nature Walk at Jenkins Arboretum
Friday–Sunday
Devon
Walk the woodland paths, look for frogs around the ponds and see how many butterflies and late-summer blooms the kids can find. Admission is free. Details
ART & MUSIC
Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival
Saturday, August 29 • 11 AM–4 PM
More than 30 artists and makers—including some of the zoo’s animals—share nature-inspired artwork. There will also be live music and family activities. Included with zoo admission. Details
Chronicles of Rock & Roll
Thursday, September 3 • 7 PM
Wilson Farm Park, Wayne
Bring a blanket or chair and take a musical journey through the history of rock and roll from the 50’s – 80’s. Beverages and sweets will be available for purchase. Details
First Friday at the Barnes Museum
Friday, September 4 • 6PM - 9PM
Pianist and composer/scholar Guthrie P. Ramsey performances celebrating the rich history of music through sound over the past 250 years. Details
Mike Disfarmer: Portraitist of the American Heartland 1915 to 1959
Through December 6
Haverford College
Photographer and portraitist of the American Heart Land.1915-1959. Recognized for his exquisite artistry in documenting small town America. Details
Spafford: Concerts Under the Stars
Friday, August 28 • 7 PM
King of Prussia
An outdoor performance by the improvisational rock band Spafford. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Details
BACK TO SCHOOL
Gladwyne Sit N’ Stitch
Fridays starting September 4, 11 and 18th
1- 2:30 PM
Gladwyne Public Library, Gladwyne
Spend time, share ideas and get advice from with others knitters, crocheters and other fiber artists. Free to all. Details
Fall for Learning: A Community Day with MLSN
Saturday, September 19 • 12 PM – 4 PM
Creutzburg Center, Radnor
A free afternoon of fun, flavor, and community with tasty bites, local artisans, live music, games, dance, and hands-on demos from MLSN instructors! Details
Pressed Flower Workshop
Saturday, August 29 • 10 AM or 6 PM
Maivie Studio, Ardmore
Instructions and all the flowers you’ll need to create your own frameable pressed flower masterpiece. Details
Wire Tree Art Workshop
Saturday, August 29 • 3–5:30 PM
6 Berkley Road, Devon
Create a decorative wire tree in a guided, hands-on art workshop. Materials are included. Details
BACK TO NATURE
Free Family Fishing
Thursday, August 27 • 5–7 PM
Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia
Children and adults can learn to fish along the Schuylkill River. Equipment and instruction are provided, making it accessible to first-timers. Details
Jenkins Juniors: Fall Outdoor Fun for Ages 2–5
Tuesdays, September 8–29 • 10 –11 AM
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Devon
Get your little ones outside this fall for a four-week series. Each class features a story, a scenic stroll through the gardens, and a creative craft inspired by a different weekly theme. Details
Sunflower Festival
Weekends thru September 13 • 10 AM – 6 PM
Bellmont Farm, Lambertville
Celebrate the featured flower of August, the sunflower, with photo-ops, family activities, and live music. Details
Bee Day at Historic Sugartown
Saturday, September 12 • 10 AM – 1 PM
Historic Sugartown, Malvern
Bee-themed activities and educational events will take place. Details
Arts in the Garden
Saturday, September 12 •1 PM - 5PM
The Inn at Villanova, Wayne
Spend the day wandering through stunning gardens. Enjoy the artworks and various vendors. Live music and eats. Details
Bird Walk at Newlin Grist Mill
Saturday, August 29 • 8–11 AM
Glen Mills
Wild Birds Unlimited and Newlin Grist Mill lead families through the 160-acre preserve to look for resident birds and seasonal migrants. Bring binoculars. Details
Nurturing Minds 2026 Gala: Together for Education
Friday, September 11 • 6:30 PM
The Merion Tribute House, Merion Station
Gather for a special evening honoring Laurie Marshall, Libby King, and Sarah Schmader of the 1830 Family Foundation for their extraordinary commitment to Nurturing Minds, SEGA, and girls’ education in Tanzania. Details
IT'S TRADITION
Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show & Country Fair
September 5–7
Ludwig’s Corner Show Grounds, Glenmoore
A Labor Day weekend tradition since 1943! Beyond the show rings, enjoy rides and games, food trucks, a beer garden, live music and plenty of local vendors to browse. Details
12th Annual Oxford Mainstreet Car Show
Friday, September 4 • 4–8 PM
Downtown Oxford
300 cars, trucks and motorcycles lining the streets. Stroll through the displays, grab dinner from one of 12 food trucks, shop local vendors and enjoy live entertainment while checking out everything from classics to imports. Details
PUT ON YOUR RADAR!
Canine Partners for Life Fall Festival
Saturday, September 26 • 12 PM – 4 PM
Canine Partners for Life Campus, Cochranville
A free, family-friendly event featuring puppy kissing booth, campus tours and service dog demonstrations, basket raffle, pie baking contest, vendors, live music, food trucks, and more! Details
Twilight on the Terrace 2026
Saturday, October 10 • 6 PM
Willows Mansion, Villanova
Celebrate a beautiful fall evening at the historic Willows Mansion with live music, drinks, roving food, raffles and fun under the twilight sky. This annual fundraiser supports Willows Park Preserve’s work to restore the mansion and create a welcoming community space. Details
