Looking to learn and spend time with your loved ones? We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting historic events to check out with your kids in Philadelphia.
Penn Museum
The Penn Museum located in West Philadelphia focuses on archaeology and anthropology, but the venue also hosts a lot of events that are perfect for all ages. For one, on Sept. 21, local families can head to the cultural institution to check out ‘Unpacking the Past’, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., brings archaeological collections to life for middle school students studying the ancient world. Activities on this particular date include family-friendly tours, hands-on activities, free soft pretzels and more. Museum admission is also included in this event, so after checking it out, families can explore Penn as a whole.
3260 South St., penn.museum
Carpenter’s Hall
There’s plenty to explore at Carpenter’s Hall in Old City, but this weekend also holds a look at a particular anniversary that was born here in Philadelphia. The tradition of prayer — “for better or worse” — in Congress is turning 250, and the origins of this idea was conceived in the historic establishment back in 1774. On Sept. 7, families can head to the Hall to partake in different events, all of which pose the question: What role should faith play in American democracy today?
This Saturday, exactly 250 years since the first prayer in Congress, Carpenters’ Hall will host a free public reading of the invocation, plus there will be a brief reading outside of the Hall at 11 a.m. Following that, attendees will then be welcomed into the venue to explore its grounds and see two versions of a famous painting depicting Rev. Duché and the delegates in Carpenters’ Hall.
The building itself is also an artifact, with plenty of historical events and happenings engrained in the walls’ memories on top of the First Continental Congress. For instance, Carpenters’ Hall was once home to Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society and the First and Second Banks of the United States. Families can explore it all after the event this coming weekend.
320 Chestnut St., carpentershall.org
Morris Arboretum
There are some historic reasons to head to Morris this month, or rather, pre-historic. Firstly, Philadelphians can head to the Garden Railway to check out the end of their Dinos! exhibit. This activation features a display of dinosaurs, including Triceratops, Pteranodon, and Velociraptors, all made from natural materials like bark, leaves, and twigs among the trains and fixtures of the Railway itself.
And on Friday, Sept. 6, Fossil Friday at the Paleontologist’s Cottage will be in full swing where guests will learn about Pennsylvania’s state fossil—the trilobite. Another prehistoric event titled the “Plants in the Age of Dinosaurs Tour” will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. Through this activation, an experienced garden educator will bring guests to explore living examples of trees and plants that were around when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Morris Arboretum will also feature a Storytime event on Sept. 18 and a Corn Moon Craft on Sept. 21. With the former, kids in Kindergarten and up can hear ‘Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn’ by Kenard Pa, then make a 3D tree capturing the changes of the four seasons. With the latter, visitors can celebrate the September full moon, known as the Corn Moon, with a corn paper weaving craft and popcorn table. Both events are free with admission.
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
Museum of the American Revolution
The MoAR has become a staple when looking to learn about our country’s past. There’s a lot to explore, and the venue also regularly offers different events with varied focuses throughout the year. Later this fall, Philadelphians can head to the cultural institution to learn more about Indigenous Peoples Weekend and celebrate the occasion with different activities.
Taking place Oct. 12 to 14, the weekend will include traditional Native American dance performances, hands-on demonstrations, and other special activities for all ages. The performances will be performed by members of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, who will showcase traditional Lenape social dances on the Museum’s outdoor plaza daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
Other activities will take place inside of the Museum, all activities for this particular weekend are included with regular admission.
101 S 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org
Andalusia House
Andalusia is located 13 miles from Philadelphia, and the land and the estate once belonged to the Biddle family. Their 19th-century Greek Revival home is currently surrounded by stunning, native woodlands and spectacular formal gardens, but the land and what it holds date back to the 18th Century.
Next weekend on Sept. 14, the venue will host a Family Fun Day with different events happening throughout the occasion focusing on the ground’s history. Two children’s storytimes will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., both will be run by a children’s librarian with the Bucks County Free Library, plus, locals can find activities for the whole family, craft projects, a scavenger hunt, and craft beers.
Admission to the gardens is $15 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Visitors can also take a one-hour guided tour of the Historic House for an additional $15. Bringing your own picnic gear and relaxing on the grounds for some leisure time is also encouraged.
1237 State Road, Bensalem, andalusiapa.org
