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Looking for some 4th of July deals for the tragically hip, underfunded, and child bearing? We've got you covered. Phillyist has been blessed with a bevy of tips for families looking for a great time in the city, but not looking to spend an insane amount of cash... or stay up till midnight.
Shut up! Leave us alone! We have kids—we HAVE to go to bed by ten! If we don't, the baby turns into a gremlin and spawns MORE babies. You don't want that. Believe me.
Summer is here and so is a huge array of fantastic events sponsored by Historic Philadelphia Summer Nights. While there are dozens of specials and attractions, we wanted to focus on the "Music on the Mall" series at the Independence Visitor Center, starting July 2nd. It'll take place the first Thursday of every month through September, with the concert running from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy free, live, local music on the Mall. This Thursday's concert is a "Tribute to America's Music with The Accords, South Jersey's premier Oldies vocal group," at 6:00 p.m. and Final Cut at 7:00 p.m. This is a great way to kick off the 4th of July weekend. There is a SuperFresh on 5th and Spruce where you can pick up dinner or just some ice cream.
When this Phillyist was little, my brother Ryan took apart our neighbor Matthew's hugely expensive remote control car to see how it worked. Needless to say, Matthew's mother soon made a call to my mother and Ryan went without allowance for a whole year to pay the Robbinson's back. If this situation sounds familiar, you might want to enroll your future engineer in the Charles Santore's Robotics Workshop running Wednesday, July 1 at 3:00. Focusing on basics, this lecture will cover the ideas and principles behind robotics and computer programming. Discussion and enthusiasm is encouraged, so children are encouraged to bring their imagination and excitement to take part in organizing and designing applications to be run on ACTUAL ROBOTS! Designed for students ages 12 to 16, kids can expect to take an active hand in programming a series of tasks into a little metal man which will follow these commands to the letter. Workshops are limited to 12 registrants so call 215-686-1766 for information or visit the public library's website.
Speaking of the scientifically inclined, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, or CHF, is participating in the next round of First Fridays by honoring one of Philly's most ingenious sons, Benjamin Franklin. Don't worry, they won't be sending your children out into fields holding kites with keys tied to them. Instead, museum attendees will be challenged to create batteries out of household items that would have been (mostly) available in Franklin's day. Where's all this going down, you may ask. Well, CHF is housed at 315 Chestnut Street—just adjacent to Franklin Court, Benjamin Franklin's old address! The special Independence Day First Friday hours are 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. with demonstrations every hour from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. For more information about this event or for any information about the Chemical Heritage Foundation, visit the website or call (215) 925 -2222.
Want to open your child's eyes to a different culture? Have you ever wished your child could be bilingual? The Independence branch of the Philadelphia Free Public Library is offering free tutoring in Chinese, starting July 2nd. Lessons are held at 1:00 p.m., and anyone, and that includes mom, dad, big sister, and little brother, is welcome to come on in and begin his/her journey in the most widely spread language on the planet. For more information, you can call the branch directly at 215-685-1633.
Got little ones who just won't be able to make it to the fireworks? Looking for something really different to do over the 4th of July weekend? Then come and help this Phillyist and her husband move! What? You'd rather not help us schlep a house full of stuff across town? Whatever. Maybe the Feel the Freedom Festival at the Constitution Center is more your speed. Running Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 5, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m, visitors will honor Abraham Lincoln, who, along with fellow freedom fighters Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, used the Fourth of July to unite people across races and creeds. Battles will be waged on the front lawn of the Center and the Center's Emancipation Proclamation will be on display. A scavenger hunt to find 200 Lincolns throughout history will also be afoot, and you'll be able to take part in the Independence Day Show. Admission is free with museum admission and since many of the events take place on the lawn of the museum, you get a chance to participate without having to purchase a ticket. This is a great deal for families interested in history and wondering about the origins of our most patriotic of holidays.
That's all for now, and remember, if you have a tip or a gripe about a "family friendly" happening, email me at amym@phillyist.com. Help a mother out.
Image Credit: Flickr User JSmith
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