With many of Philadelphia’s favorite attractions introducing new activities and expanded facilities, the region has plenty to keep the whole family happily entertained.
Exciting expansions
Cookie Monster and his friendsare excited to welcome their human playmates to visit Cookie’s Monster Land, Sesame Place’s new imaginative attraction featuring five rides, a three-story net climb and a soft play area.
www.sesameplace.com
The Airways to Waterways exhibit at the recently expanded Bucks County Children’s Museum gives kids a giggle while they explore the mysteries of wind and water. That means propelling objects through 20-foot tubes of compressed air and unlocking virtual canal gates using the robotics and video installation.
www.buckskids.org
New animal abodes
Get up close and personal with some big cats at the zoo.
Credit: Philadelphia Zoo
Lions, tigers and more majestic cats now roam Big Cat Crossing, the Philadelphia Zoo’s overhead animal trail and exploration system. Reaching heights of up to 17 feet, the mesh passageway extends from Big Cat Falls above the zoo’s main visitor path, allowing the large felines more freedom to roam while giving visitors a safe and unusual perspective at ground level.
www.philadelphiazoo.org
Genny and Button, the Adventure Aquarium’s celeb hippos, are getting a new pad suited to their star status. Hippo Haven, a colorful landscape of light and sound, depicts the vibrant change of seasons on the African River.
www.adventureaquarium.com
More fun for families
Find out how our brains really work at the Franklin Institute.
Credit: M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
Climb through neurons, solve brain teasers and try other interactive activities are part of “Your Brain,” the centerpiece exhibit at the Franklin Institute’s new Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion, openingJune 14. In addition, “Circus! Science Under the Big Top” (June 14-Sept. 1) and “101 Inventions That Changed the World” (June 14-Oct. 26) will offer plenty of hands-on fun.
www.fi.edu
Who needs a trip to the islands with the Spruce Street Harbor Park popping up on the Delaware River waterfront this summer? FromJune 27 through Aug. 31, visitors can enjoy festivals, concerts and movies, relax in giant hammocks, cool off under the Mist Walk and indulge in their favorite summer foods and beverages at The Oasis.
www.delawareriverwaterfront.
This summer, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will again be transformed into a hot spot for kids during Art Splash,June 27–Sept. 1. Families can Meet the Masterpieces as 10 treasures from the museum’s collection come to life through gallery explorations, studio art creations and imaginative play for visitors of all ages.
www.philamuseum.org
