Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We've got you covered.
National Stingray Day at the Adventure Aquarium
The CAA is offering the perfect way to enjoy this underwater holiday (which is set for Friday, Aug. 15) with their Shark & Ray Encounter. Through this event, swimmers are led by guides into the shark exhibit with wetsuits and masks to a 6-foot wall acting as a barrier between them and the many species of sharks that live in the CAA.
After hanging with the sharks for about 15 minutes, guests then have the opportunity to hang out with stingrays in an adjacent exhibit where they can swim and feed the fish. This particular paid activation is available to book online for anyone 12 years old+ and is limited to Fridays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays/Sundays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
The Shark & Ray Encounter is a fun experience at the CAA.Mason Staudenmayer1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com
F1 Arcade
Speed demons, race enthusiasts and craft cocktail fans now have a combined meeting place with the opening of the F1 Arcade in Philadelphia.
The main draw of the locale is the chance to try out some of the Formula 1 simulators—and there are a few options to choose from. Going “Head to Head” works for groups of two to three people and allows for three to five races. Three races comes out to be about a half hour, while with five, the runtime is around 45 minutes. Prices start at $20 per person and fluctuate based on time and length. “Team Racing”, on the other hand, is perfect for larger groups. Up to three drivers can be on a team, with four races in store for them. For groups of 13 or more, there’s also a way to book private events.
Drink-wise, there’s a cocktail menu (curated in collaboration with mixologist Lauren “LP” O’Brien from Netflix’s ‘Drink Masters’). The sips are complimented by a variety of food options. Appetizers span bites like soft pretzel sticks with honey mustard whipped butter, dynamite fried chicken and grilled tiger shrimp skewers, plus tacos (think spicy ahi tuna and wild mushroom), flatbreads (like Italian sausage and chicken tandoori), burgers, sides and desserts.
1330 Chestnut St., f1arcade.com
International Afternoon Tea Week at The Dandelion
Tea lovers rejoice—this Rittenhouse locale is celebrating International Afternoon Tea Week this year with a multi-day activation, which is in full swing this weekend. The Dandelion's tea hours will expand (11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and will include a slew of new specials: “Tiers for Tots” (which the venue says is perfect for little ones and the "young at heart") and Tea-infused cocktails.
Other snacks available on the tea menu include a pint of prawns, deviled eggs, billingsgate crab croquettes, house made ricotta, cashew hummus, beef tartare, a cheese board and more. All of the added specials will be available until Aug. 18.
Tiers for Tots at The Dandelion is shown.CASHMAN & ASSOCIATES124 S 18th St., thedandelionpub.com
Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival is in full swing at Franklin Square. What Philadelphians can expect is the popular 200-foot-long dragon along with completely new lantern displays and immersive experiences, live cultural stage performances, Asian-themed bites, American comfort food, a cocktail garden, and a front-row seat to the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate while here.
Typical Monday through Thursday tickets will be priced at $26 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free), $24 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.). Friday through Sunday tickets, on the other hand, (timed tickets required) run for $29 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, kids 2 and under are free) and $27 for seniors and active military.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Brunch with Ben
If anyone ever wondered if Benjamin Franklin was a big brunch guy, Red Owl Tavern’s latest offering answers that question. This Sunday, Aug. 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. locals will be able to indulge in different brunch specialties and cocktails at the Old City locale, while Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by one of the nation’s leading historical interpreters, Brian Patrick Mulligan) will peruse around the two-story venue to chat with guests, cite historical facts, and take different photo ops.
Red Owl Tavern’s Chef Charles Vogt oversees the brunch menu, which includes picks like Eggs Benny, with pork roll ($21) or smoked salmon ($24), “1776 Fries” (aka Old City’s take on Disco Fries, $16) with smoked brisket, Grafton cheddar mornay, cowboy candy, and chipotle BBQ, plus, Steak + Egg Chilaquiles ($25) crafted with carne asada, a sunny side egg, ranchero sauce, cotija, and crema.
Reservations for Brunch with Ben at Red Owl Tavern are strongly encouraged and can be made via OpenTable.
Brunch with Ben kicks off this weekendPROVIDED/CHRISTOPHER DEVERN433 Chestnut St., redowltavern.com
