What To Do: Kennett Winterfest is on tap

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times

This is a special time of year in Kennett Square – the time for a popular annual event known as the Kennett Winterfest. Although, if the weather forecast is correct, “Earlyspringfest” might be a more accurate name.

The 14th Annual Kennett Winterfest (www.kennettbrewfest.com) will be held on February 28 from 12:30-4 p.m. in a tented area near 600 South Broad Street in Kennett Square.

Hosted by Kennett Collaborative, Winterfest is a cozy, open-air celebration of craft beer and community.

Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings from regional craft brewers, delicious bites from local restaurants and food trucks, and lively performances throughout the day.

Visitors are invited to enjoy winter brews from more than 60 unique craft breweries. Admission to the festival includes unlimited tastings of delicious craft beer.

This year’s participating breweries are Aldus Brewing, Animated Brewing, Argilla Brewing, Attic Brewing, Bald Birds Brewing, Bellefonte Brewing, Bird Brewing, Big Oyster Brewing, Blake’s Hard Cider, Cinderlands Beer Company, Conshohocken Brewing, East Branch Brewing Company, LaCabra Brewing, Lancaster Brewing Company, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Levante Brewing, Low Level Brewing, Mud Hen Brewing, Neck of the Woods, Not Pizza, Old Stone Cider, Dressler Estate Cidery, Dewey Beer Company, Dew Point Brewing, Evergrain Brewing, Farm Truck Brewing, Farmers and Bankers Brewing, Hidden River Brewing, and Issac’s.

The roster also includes Philadelphia Mead Company, Pilger Ruh Brewing, Poor Man’s Brewing, Rebel Seed Brewing, Requiembier, Revolution Bees Brewing, Ship Bottom Brewing, South County Brewing, Space Cadet Brewing, Stolen Sun Brewing, Stubborn Goat Brewing, Succession Fermentory, Bonesaw Brewing, Braeloch Brewing, Brothers Kershner Brewing, Cartel Brewing, Cartesian Brewing,Sunset Hill Brewing, Ten 7 Brewing, Three 3’s Brewing, Tired Hands Brewing Company, Troubles End Brewing, Twisted Iron Brewing, VK Brewing, Victory Brewing Company, Von C Brewing, Von Trapp Brewing, Well Crafted Beer, Wilmington Brew Works and Yard’s Brewing Company.

This year’s featured food vendors are Claymont Steak Shop, Dia Doce Cupcakes, Hardy Funnel Cakes, Mayday Coffee Shop, Mini Millie’s Pasta Cart, Natalie’s Fine Foods, Toms Hand Crafted Pizza Cones, and Zach’s Street Grill.

There will be live music performed by The Tisburys, Blank Pages and Delco Donny.

Proceeds from Kennett Winterfest directly support Kennett Collaborative’s mission to make Kennett Square a more beautiful and welcoming community through year-round events and placemaking projects.

The Kennett Brewfest is intended to be an opportunity to sample some of the best regional and national craft beers accompanied by great food, great music, and great people.

Anyone displaying malicious, violent, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be removed from the festival grounds — without refund.

No one under the age of 21 will be admitted — including babies. Pets are also on the “not welcome” list.

Winterfest is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets are $60 for general admission and $20 for designated drivers.

If you’re in the mood for flowers – and at this time of year, who isn’t?  – all you need do is take a trip to Center City Philadelphia.

Your destination will be the Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia, www.theflowershow.com) which opens on February 28 and runs through March 8.

The PHS (Philadelphia Horticultural Society) Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event and features stunning displays by the world’s premier floral and landscape designers.

It is just a few years away from entering its third century as a Philadelphia tradition.

First staged in 1829, the show introduces diverse plant varieties and sustainable garden and design concepts.

The theme, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” offers an insightful look at the history of American gardening.

The 197th Annual Philadelphia Flower Show examines horticultural practices that evolved into the present time’s gardening landscapes.

Gardens aren’t just made; they’re passed down through generations, carried across oceans, lifetimes, and lands.

The 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show celebrates the stories that ground us in gardening, whether it’s the nostalgia of a grandparent’s garden, a beloved family recipe that begins with the bright scent of freshly picked herbs and vegetables, or the heritage traditions that shape how we plant, grow, and gather.

Through immersive garden exhibits and stunning floral displays, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” brings to life the personal stories, cultural traditions, and horticultural inspiration that connect us to plants, each other, and shape how we garden today.

The show will feature 10 acres of exhibition halls with floral displays and vendors and provide visitors with all new interactive experiences.

This inviting part of the show will feature garden trends, chats with experts, and hands-on learning sessions for gardeners to become even greener.

The Flower Show also features an exciting competition that brings together thousands of plant lovers who compete in hundreds of categories.

The show’s biggest attraction each year is the massive “Marketplace” featuring over 150 vendors from all over America and several European nations.

They will be selling flowers, orchids, floral-inspired furniture, sheds, artwork and unique garden-related crafts and supplies.

Throughout the week, hundreds of gardening experts will provide learning opportunities in the Lecture Series.

Be prepared for large crowds during the weekend hours. If you want a more leisurely visit, plan to visit the show during the week.

Also, take public transportation if possible. Vehicular traffic in the area is frequently a nightmare and parking lots tend to fill up early even though they are charging exorbitant fees.

Tickets for the Philadelphia Flower Show are $43 for adults, $23 for students (ages 18-24) and $20 for children (ages 5-17) on weekdays and $54 on weekends for adults, $30 for students (ages 18-24) and $25 for children (ages 5-17).

In recent years, the Borough of West Chester has become a destination for those seeking fine dining – and that will be celebrated over the next few days.

West Chester’s “Restaurant Week” for 2026 (www.downtownwestchester.com/restaurantweek) will run through March 1.

This fun-filled weekend is the perfect opportunity for area residents to support your favorite restaurants or explore something new.

West Chester’s culinary masters will be creating special multi-course prix fixe menus that will be featured for one week only. There will be dine-in and takeout options available.

Participating restaurants are 9 Prime, Bar Avalon, Barnaby’s of West Chester, Bierhaul Townhouse, Dolce Zola, Greystone Oyster Bar, Jolene’s, Kooma Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar, LaScala’s FIRE, Limoncello, Manje Caribbean Cuisine, Mas Mexicali Cantina, Mercato Ristorante, Mino Sushi & Ramen, Opa Taverna, Pietro’s Prime, Ryan’s Pub and Saloon 151 Whiskey Bar & Grill.

The roster also includes Santino’s Tap & Table, Sedona Taphouse, Side Bar & Restaurant, Slow Hand, Station 142, Stove & Tap, Teca West Chester, The Mediterranean, Original Spence Café, the Tomato Shack, The Social Lounge, Turks Head Wines and West Chester Seafood Kitchen.

On February 28, the Kennett Symphony (kennettsymphony.org) will perform a special concert from 2-3 p.m.  – “Family Concert with BVS Woodwind Quintet.”

The program is – “Sergei Prokofiev – Peter and the Wolf (Op. 67) – A Musical Tale for Woodwind Quintet, Narrator, and Percussion.

On its website, The Kennett Symphony offers this description –“Introduce children to the woodwind instruments through an interactive, playful performance designed especially for young listeners and their families.

“Musicians will demonstrate each instrument, explain how sound is produced, and invite curiosity through hands-on musical examples and storytelling.

“This family concert will feature Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved ‘Peter and the Wolf’ in a vibrant transcription for woodwind quintet. Narrated by KS Music Director Michael Hall, the performance brings the classic musical tale to life while helping audiences connect each character to a different instrument.

“Prior to the performance, musicians will offer short demonstrations, and a Q&A session at the conclusion invites children to ask questions and engage directly with the performers.

“This approachable and memorable experience makes classical music fun and accessible for all ages. Special discount tickets are available for children under 18.”

The concert will be presented at 2 p.m. at the Kennett Library, which is located at 320 East State Street in Kennett Square.

General Admission is $30. Student tickets (up to age 18) are $10.

On February 28, West Chester University will host the 2026 Philadelphia Flute Day Fair (https://www.philaflutesociety.org/fairevents). The event will be held at Swope Music Building and the Performing Arts Center, which is located at 817 South High Street in West Chester.

The Flute Day Fair will be filled with a variety of events including concerts, flute choirs, master classes, exhibits, workshops and presentations.

The “Headline Guest Artist” will be Martha Conwell Long.

For a family event that is both fun and educational, it’s hard to top the annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Celebration at the Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org).

The popular wintertime event will be held on February 28 from 8 a.m.-noon.

The Pancake Breakfast brings visitors to the arboretum site on a Saturday morning in February each year to dine at an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast — a hearty morning meal featuring hot pancakes, savory sausage, fresh maple syrup, coffee, tea and juice.

After enjoying the tasty morning meal, visitors can go out into the arboretum to learn how real maple syrup — not maple-flavored pancake syrup — is made.

Demonstrations and maple sugaring tours are presented throughout the morning at the old-fashioned maple sugaring festival. The tours show how authentic maple sugar is made — a process that involves tapping the trees and boiling down the sap.

If you’ve ever wondered why real maple syrup is so expensive, look at the numbers. It takes about 40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of syrup, and it takes about 30 years for a sugar maple tree to grow large enough to tap.

Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $25 for adults and $17 for children (ages 3-12).

On February 28, the arboretum will present “Saturday Wildflower Walk: Winter Edition” from 1-3 p.m.

Participants can join wildflower expert Dick Cloud on an informative two-hour hike that takes them through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside.

These walks are designed for individuals with a passion for plants, their role in ecology, or those looking to learn more. Although the focus is on plants, we will talk about whatever we might see while we are out.

In the winter months, we will focus on identification through seeds, berries, foliage, and branches.

“Maple Sugaring at Peter Wentz Farmstead” (2030 Shearer Road, Lansdale, peterwentzfarmstead@montgomerycountypa.gov) will take place on February 28 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Visitors can join the site’s farmers as they create maple sugar from trees right here at the Farmstead.

Guests can watch as they tap the trees, collect the sap, and create the syrup.

They can also learn about the Indigenous origins of maple sugaring and how the process has continued through to today.

Waffles and syrup will be available at Philly Waffle Cabin’s food truck.

This free all-ages event is weather dependent — if the temperature isn’t just right the sap may not flow.

On March 1, the Lancaster County Park Environmental Center (1 Nature’s Way, Lancaster, https://apm.activecommunities.com/LancasterCountyParks) will present a special program titled “Maple Sugaring.”

Visitors can join County Park Naturalists for ongoing maple sugaring demonstrations in the sugar bush of Lancaster County Central Park.

They will be able to see trees tapped, sap boiled to syrup, and candy made from the syrup. Maple products will be on sale. Guests can drop in anytime during the program hours for an educational tour of the maple syrup making process.

If you’re thinking about getting an RV — or any type from a home-away-from-home on wheels — then you should check out the Greater Philadelphia RV Show & Sale which is running now through March 1 at the Greater

Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, www.phillyrvshow.com).

Visitors to the show will be able to shop at exhibits by many of the top dealers of southeastern Pennsylvania without having to drive all around the area to do so. The dealers will all be assembled together under one roof — allowing comparison shopping to be an easy task.

In addition to exhibits displaying all types of RVs, the show will also feature supplier booths, camping information and dealers specializing in parts and accessories.

The roster of participating dealers includes RV Value Mart, Colton RV Pocono, Fretz Enterprises, Indian Valley Camping Center, Campers Inn, Parkview RV Center and General RV.

Show hours are 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $16 with children (under 16) admitted free with a paying adult.

The Philadelphia Comic-Con, which is scheduled to run from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on March 1 at the Clarion Hotel Conference Center (76 Industrial Highway, Essington, 856-217-5737, www.philadelphiacomic-con.com), features comic books, trading cards and other collectibles — both modern and vintage.

The event, which has an admission fee of $4, also features a number of special autograph guests.

The popular collectibles event, which is the area’s longest running comic convention, will host dealers from all over the Northeast with sales booths featuring Gold & Silver Age comics, action figures, non-sport cards (including Topps “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens”).

Also featured will be Japanese Manga, gaming cards such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, original artwork and all the latest issues of today’s popular comic book series.

The roster of top-flight vendors includes veteran dealers and relative newcomers.

As an added attraction, there will be hourly door prizes beginning at 11 a.m. with $100 in show cash to be given away.

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) has started its new year with an enticing special event – “Garden Glow.”

“Garden Glow,” which opened on February 13, will run through March 8.

Nature and light collide in “Garden Glow’ — an enchanting after-hours journey through Longwood’s Conservatory and Main Fountain Garden Districts.

Visitors follow glowing paths of luminaria as they are guided through an evening of discovery.

Inside the historic conservatories, they can explore floral masterworks created by Longwood artists, revealing plants’ hidden beauty as they’re bathed in colors that bring warmth to the winter night.

Guests can experience “Seeking Light: Bonsai Illuminated,” a striking blacklight installation in which the intricate details of bonsai take on an otherworldly dimension, glowing with a captivating intensity.

Visitors can step into a West Conservatory transformed by award-winning floral designer Jennifer Reed, where a suspended installation evokes an ethereal, vibrant dreamscape.

Outside, thousands of shimmering, biodegradable sparks float gracefully skyward — like fireflies dancing at dusk or stars drifting within reach — with “SPARK,” a mesmerizing installation by the visionary artist Daan Roosegaarde.

This isn’t just a garden at night. It’s a luminous dreamscape where every corner promises discovery, and every turn unveils something beautiful.

A “Garden Glow” ticket is required. Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for youth ages 5-18. “Garden Glow” tickets include all-day Gardens Admission and re-entry on that day.

“Garden Glow” is on view from 5-10 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from Feb. 13 through March 8, with “SPARK” on view from 7-10 p.m.

“Garden Glow” is rain or shine. Please note, “SPARK” may be unavailable during sub-freezing temperatures or inclement weather.

Another popular attraction is “Winter Wonder,” which began on January 16 and will run through March 22.

“Winter Wonder” celebrates the beauty of winter. It’s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.

Outside, visitors can find a sense of peace and tranquility as they walk past textural grasses, seed heads and the dramatic silhouettes of trees that stretch up into the sky.

Inside, they can bask in a world of warmth that features an overhead garden of hanging baskets adorned with such vibrant beauties as jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plant.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a paradise of flowers and foliage, bursting with color — all in a beautiful indoor winter wonderland with a tropical twist.

Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site’s Orchid House.

The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 22. Hours change in the spring.

As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.

You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.

Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings – Wine & Chocolate” on select Saturdays and Sundays in February.

Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio.

The selections will be paired alongside locally crafted artisan chocolates from Éclat Chocolate to enhance your tasting experience.

The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.

The following is the 2026 Pairing Line Up –

Tickets cost $40 per person and reservations are required.

The “Wine & Chocolate Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http://www.pennswoodswinery.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.

Penns Woods Winery features a pairing which includes a tasting of four wines perfectly paired with four handcrafted chocolates from Good Good Chocolates.

The mouth-watering tastings will be held February 28 and March 1 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets cost $38 per person and reservations are required.

A well-attended Bucks County attraction is the “The Winter Un-wined” at Shady Brook Farm (931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, www.shadybrookfarm.com).

The event will take place in the Greenhouse and feature live music by local artists. Music is 6:30-9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night now through March 8.

The Stone’s Throw Pub will offer a wide array of locally brewed craft beer, Rose Bank Winery wines, and handcrafted cocktails featuring PA distilled spirits. The free event will also feature hot food items from The Kitchen and Pizza Box.

“The “Winter Farm Festival” will be held every Saturday through February 28 at Rose Bride Farm (1314 North Limekiln Pike, Maple Glen, www.rosebridgefarmsanctuary.com).

The Farm invites visitors to join the staff every weekend this winter for a variety of festive activities and cozy experiences on the site.

Activities Include:
– Baby cuddle areas to snuggle with adorable animals
– An outdoor fire lounge to relax and unwind
– heated Kitten Kafe, where guests can enjoy hot organic tea, coffee, and cocoa while spending time with playful kittens in heated barn.

There are sessions at 4 and 6:30 p.m.

There is one outdoor event which might be a tough choice – even for those who are hardy enough to brave the conditions.

“Astra Lumina Philadelphia” is an enchanted night walk at the Abington Art Center (515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, https://astralumina.com/philadelphia) invites the audience to discover the wonder of visiting stars – to set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song.

Created by the visionary minds at Moment Factory, “Astra Lumina Philadelphia” is the 24th experience in the Lumina Night Walk series.

Located on a historic 27-acre campus, Abington Art Center is a beautiful setting for the enchanting Astra Lumina.  The campus has been transformed to create a magical journey.

Participants wander along specially designed pathways that weave through the forest landscape and immerse themselves in the wonder of Astra Lumina.

Highlights of the tour — Stroll along an enchanted one-mile night walk guiding visitors of all ages on a journey to discover the wonder of visiting stars, experience nature come alive through nine cosmic installations, marvel at the stars falling to your feet from 20 feet above and immerse yourself in a field of thousands of pixel lights.

“Astra Lumina Philadelphia” will run through March 7.

On March 1, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum (500 Museum Road, Reading, www.readingpublicmuseum.org) will host “James Hood’s Beautifica.”

“Beautifica 360 – A Celebration of Life” was created by visionary composer James Hood and acclaimed immersive artists.

Celebrated as a versatile musical pioneer, Grammy-nominated artist James Hood is known for his groundbreaking work, and multi-sensory projects blending music and art.

His extensive musical résumé includes drumming for The Pretenders, more than two decades as the creative force behind the visionary ambient act Moodswings, and a wide array of production and soundtrack projects.

Before “Beautifica,” Hood transformed the world of immersive artistic experiences with “Mesmerica 360,” the record-breaking experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

With “Beautifica 360,” breathtaking worlds of light and sound come alive in this 360° dome experience.

Audiences can lose themselves in mesmerizing constellations and ethereal landscapes.

Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a captivating destination that transports visitors into the depths of space. It is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading.

Shows will be also be presented on March 15 and 29.

Tickets are $39.90.

In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration.

After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first in innovation and first in fun for 250 years.

52 Weeks of Firsts (www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts) is a yearlong, citywide celebration honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.

Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of the country, but it was also the backdrop for many other marvels.

To honor these groundbreaking inventions and firsts, the Philadelphia Historic District is holding a year’s worth of free events to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.

52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals — held every Saturday of 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in more than a dozen neighborhoods.

Firstival: Saturday February 28 will focus on “First Public Protest Against Slavery in America: 1688.”

Long before the Civil War, Philadelphians took a stand. Visitors can commemorate the bold 1688 petition by Mennonites and German Quakers, the first recorded public protest against slavery in America, and reflect on a legacy of conscience and courage.

The event will take place at Historic Germantown Mennonite Meetinghouse, which is located at 6119 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia.

Hours are from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

T

hroughout the month of February, the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, historicphiladelphia.org) will offer free programming on weekends celebrating the contributions Black Americans have made throughout our nation’s history – “Black History Month: History Maker Saturdays & Storytelling Sundays.”

On February 21, the historic site will host “History Maker Saturdays.”

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. each Saturday in February, visitors can meet a History Maker and learn about their fascinating lives and experiences as Black women in colonial Philadelphia.

Each Sunday, visitors can meet Black residents of Colonial Philadelphia and learn about their lives, times and the contributions they made to our nation in its early days.

This weekend is a special time at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, www.ansp.org).

The museum is presenting “Science Story Time: Birds” on February 28 and March 1 starting at 11:30 a.m. each day.

Each week will feature a science story and a hands-on craft to try.

This week’s story is “Birds” by Kevin Henkes.

Other upcoming “Science Storytime” dates are every Saturday and Sunday in March.

Museum admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for children (ages 2-12).

Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.laurelhillphl.com) will present ““Sacred Spaces & Storied Places” on February 28 at 10 a.m.

“Sacred Spaces & Storied Places” is the perfect introductory tour that provides an overview of Laurel Hill West including its architectural artistry, stunning trees and horticulture, and the stories of residents that encompass diverse and fascinating Philadelphia history.

Experienced tour guides offer visitors a unique perspective because no two tours are the same.

The Tour Guide will be Linda Blowney.

Tickets are $18 general admission, $16 for seniors and students and $9 for youth (ages 6-12).

The 2025/2026 Winter in Franklin Square Holiday Festival (200 North Sixth Street, Philadelphia, http://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/holidays-in-franklin-square/)  will run until February 28.

It will be open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

Visitors can play Ben Franklin-themed bingo inside Frosty’s Fireside Lodge heated tent with cocktails available for sale ($5 per bingo card).

Another popular attraction at Franklin Square this season has been ‘Street curling.”

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks, Blue Cross RiverRink (Market Street at the Delaware River, Philadelphia, www.riverrink.com) features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of this ice rink.

This winter, RiverRink takes the ice-skating experience on the Delaware River waterfront to another level by once again transforming the annual rink into a bona fide winter wonderland.

For three decades, Winterfest has been Philadelphia’s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under thousands of sparkling lights.

It is a winter wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River, complete with comforting warming cabins, physically distanced fire pit stations, games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and refreshing drinks, the signature holiday tree and — of course — ice skating on an NHL-sized rink.

Another ice-skating option in downtown Philadelphia is Center City Parks District’s Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http://ccdparks.org/dilworth-park).

It is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia’s center stage in a wonderfully urban and unique setting. Open seven days a week, the rink offers wintery fun for all ages, with a full slate of programs.

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) will host “Wildlife Tracks Walk with Philly Tracks Club” on March 1

Visitors can join the Philly Tracking Club for a special indoor-and-outdoor winter meetup at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Philly Tracking Club is a new, volunteer-led group offering free co-learning experiences in wildlife track & sign — open to anyone curious about nature.

The event will start with a short 30-minute indoor session to introduce basic tracking concepts, build shared vocabulary, and connect as a group.

Then, it will head outside for a relaxed walk on the trail to look for wildlife tracks and signs around the reservoir.

The Walk Leader will be Wendi Wu, a North America Track & Sign Certified Level II Tracker.

“TreeTrails Adventures Trevose” (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com/trevose-pa) is an adventure park full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.

Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park. They will be able to discover the excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.

The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing – TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.

General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $69; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4–7), $23.

Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, newlingristmill.org) and Wild Birds Unlimited (Glen Mills) have teamed up to explore the wonderful world of bird life.

Starting on February 28, they will present “Bird Walks” — monthly naturalist-led walks through the 160-acre park at Newlin Grist Mill.

Participants will meet year-round residents, visit exciting migrants, and learn the basics of bird identification and biology.

Families and beginners are welcome for these free bird walks.

A limited number of binoculars are available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if they have them.

Participants should meet in front of the Visitor Center.

Newlin Grist Mill will also present “1704 Mill Tour” on February 28 and again on March 1.

Visitors can take a guided tour of our 1704 water powered mill. While the Mill is not currently operational, visitors on guided tours will get a rare opportunity to see the process of building a new waterwheel and waterbox.

Visitors must be on a guided tour to go inside the Grist Mill.

Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 12 and under.

Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, is presenting “Innovation in Miniature Exhibition” now through March 31.

Visitors will be able to step into a world where big ideas come in small packages.

Hagley’s miniature model exhibition brings together three fascinating fields — interior design, miniatures, and conservation — and invites guests to explore how they connect in surprising ways.

“Innovation in Miniature” highlights the careers of interior designer William Pahlmann and master miniaturist E.J. Kupjack. Together, they used these tiny models to bring bold ideas about interior decorating to life.

Guests will also discover how Hagley’s conservators work behind the scenes to preserve these delicate treasures for years to come.

The exhibit is included with museum admission

Visitors can also learn about the patent process and see examples of early American ingenuity in the “Nation of Inventors” exhibition.

They also will be able to see robotics and Lego teams demonstrating their amazing creations and pay a visit to the DuPont Discovery Loft to “Tinker and Create.”

Future innovators can take apart electronics, use household “junk” to create their own inventions, and submit their ideas to the “Hagley Patent Office.”

“Nation of Inventors” celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the “golden age” of American invention, in the late 1800s.

The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley’s unique collection — highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.

Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years. “Nation of Inventors” showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.

“Nation of Inventors” includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse.

“

Nation of Inventors” is located on the first two floors of Hagley’s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.

Admission to Hagley is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).

Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.

On March 1, Historic Odessa reopens for spring tours and celebrates the beginning of its 2026 season.

Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.

Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.

Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.  The site is also open Monday by reservation.

March 1 is also a special day in Odessa for another reason.

It will be the Opening Day for Odessa’s new exhibit – “The Return of Odessa’s Artifacts.” It will run through May 17.

When the Historic Odessa Foundation re-opens the doors to its 18th-century museum homes on March 1, the biggest change will not be immediately visible: a significant collection of historic objects has quietly “returned home.”

In late 2025, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library deaccessioned and transferred ownership of 44 artifacts to the foundation, deepening Odessa’s ability to tell its stories through objects that once again belong to the place they were made to serve.

Included in the transfer are 33 objects previously on display at Odessa through a long-term loan agreement, plus 11 others that Winterthur owned and used for display and educational purposes in the Winterthur/University of Delaware graduate-study programs in conservation and American material culture.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com) presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains.

The majority of trains that are running in the display are “O Gauge” trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.

Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia (500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, Https://philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/) is open all winter with its family-oriented rides and play.

Popular attractions are “Imagination Express,” “4-D Cinema,” “The Great LEGO® Race Virtual Reality Experience,” “LEGO® NINJAGO® Training Camp,” “Duplo Park” and “Pirate Adventure Island Spoftplay.”

Admission is $21.99.

Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the winter.

Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers.

The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way.

This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.

Ticket prices start at $38.

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.

The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $28.

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”

Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $28.