{"id":34956,"date":"2024-02-16T17:45:49","date_gmt":"2024-02-16T22:45:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=34956"},"modified":"2024-02-16T17:45:50","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T22:45:50","slug":"what-to-do-george-washingtons-birthday-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=34956","title":{"rendered":"What To Do: George Washington’s birthday party"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"This weekend will feature many special family events dealing with history and nature \u2013 including an annual Presidents Day event at a national park.<\/p>\n

On February 19, Valley Forge National Historical Park (1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, www.nps.gov<\/a>) is hosting \u201cGeorge Washington\u2019s Birthday Party\u201d from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.<\/p>\n

The site of one of the most storied struggles of the American Revolution pays tribute to Gen. George Washington with a fun-filled birthday party. Indoor and outdoor activities at Valley Forge National Historical Park take place around the visitor center and include games and crafts for kids, as well as a chance for the little ones to join the Continental Army. Washington stops by for a visit, and all guests can enjoy a celebratory birthday cupcake.<\/p>\n

The first public celebration of Washington’s Birthday was at Valley Forge in 1778. Now in 2023, you can join Mrs. Washington, members of the Continental Army, and others to celebrate His Excellency\u2019s 290th birthday.<\/p>\n

George and Martha Washington will meet the public for pictures in the main tent and kids can show their appreciation to the General by creating a birthday card for him in the main tent.<\/p>\n

Volunteers will be distributing free cupcakes at the pavilion just outside the Visitor Center. Cupcakes are courtesy of the faculty and students of the Culinary School at Montgomery County Community College.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Hagley Museum<\/p><\/div>\n

Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org<\/a>), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, has a popular attraction \u2013 \u201cNation of Inventors.\u201d<\/p>\n

This weekend, there will be special attractions \u2013 \u201cKids Inventors Weekend\u201d and \u201cScience Sparks\u201d from February 16-19.<\/p>\n

Hagley will celebrate Kid Inventors’ Weekend (postponed from January)\u00a0by offering activities that will tap into kids\u2019 creativity and curiosity.<\/p>\n

Participate in activities\u00a0that celebrate the genius behind design. Learn about the patent process and see examples of early American ingenuity in the\u00a0Nation of Inventors\u00a0exhibit. Visit the DuPont Discovery Loft to \u201cTinker and Create.\u201d Take apart electronics, use household \u201cjunk\u201d to create your own patent model, and submit your patent application at Hagley\u2019s Patent Office.<\/p>\n

Science Sparks is a drop-in family program encouraging innovation and creativity as visitors are given a hands-on engineering challenge to complete. Visitors may build, test, and redesign their creation as they take on the role of engineer!<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the \u201cgolden age\u201d of American invention, in the late 1800s. The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley\u2019s unique collection highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years.\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.<\/p>\n

In the exhibition, visitors will enjoy engaging experiences around every corner, testing their knowledge of innovation and hearing personal accounts from inventors.<\/p>\n

The patent models in\u00a0\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d\u00a0were created between 1833 and 1886. \u201cNation of Inventors\u201d not only features patent models submitted by inventors from the United States, but also models from inventors in England, France, Ireland, Russia, and Spain, demonstrating an international interest in America\u2019s intellectual property system.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse. The exhibit presents important topics and timely themes including women inventors, Black inventors, immigrant inventors, improvements in urban living, and the ways Americans learn about and understand progress and change.<\/p>\n

\u201cNation of Inventors\u201d is located on the first two floors of Hagley\u2019s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.<\/p>\n

Admission to Hagley is $20 for adults, $16 for students and seniors (62+) and $10 for children (6-14).<\/p>\n

\"\"This is \u201cUnder the Canopy\u201d Opening Weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, ansp.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder the Canopy: Animals of the Rainforest,\u201d which will run from February 17\u2013September 2,\u00a0is an immersive exhibition introducing visitors to the fascinating world of rainforests and the animals that inhabit them.<\/p>\n

You can learn about unique plants and rainforest ecology as you encounter a live sloth, boa constrictor and other animals that call these habitats home. You will see the importance of rainforests to the planet as you explore interactive discovery stations, dynamic displays and engaging programming.<\/p>\n

Presented in English and Spanish,\u00a0\u201cUnder the Canopy\u201d\u00a0will engage students of all ages, with accompanying curriculums on rainforests, water cycles, the science of diversity, deforestation and soil, how kids can save the planet and so much more. Hands-on interactives are complemented by life-size, climbable animal sculptures, including a gorilla, tortoise, crocodile, red-eye tree frog and Banyan tree.<\/p>\n

All exhibits are included with the purchase of a general admission ticket.<\/p>\n

Admission prices are — Adults (Age 13 and above), $22; Children (Age 2 – 12), $18.<\/p>\n

\"\"\u201cThe 13th Annual Ribstock,\u201d an all-day benefit music event, will be held on February 19 at The Bridgeport Ribhouse (1049 Ford Street, Bridgeport, 610-278-8066, http:\/\/ribhouse.net\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The festivities kick off at 1 p.m. and will feature performances by some of the top local artists.<\/p>\n

This popular event was created by The Bridgeport Ribhouse staff, Philadelphia musicians Brian Quinn and Paul Hammond, sound engineer Dave Anderson, and dmk Publicity owner Denise Kovalevich as a way to give back to the community.<\/p>\n

The 2024 \u201cRibstock\u201d will feature performances by Mostly Harmless, Stone Attic, Former Strangers, Nat Attack,<\/p>\n

Hot Sauce Junkies, Old School, Basic Cable, Pure Jerry, and\u00a0Paul Hammond & Friends.<\/p>\n

Affectionally known as the \u201cDay of Peace and Music,\u201d this much-anticipated event will benefit the Bridgeport Little League, Upper Merion Cupboard, and Norristown\u2019s Expressive Path, a\u00a0non-profit organization committed to enriching, educating, and inspiring adolescents by providing resources in the areas of theater, dance, music, humanities and the visual arts.<\/p>\n

In addition to the live music located inside the bar, sandwiches and other food items will be served outside in the tented area in the Ribhouse parking lot.<\/p>\n

A $10 entry fee is required for the event and specials will be offered throughout the day and evening.<\/p>\n

Another special attraction at The Bridgeport Ribhouse this week is a repeat performance by Brian Quinn & Danny Beissel. The two veteran musicians \u2013 each with impressive national act CVs \u2013 will perform on February 21 from 7-10 p.m.<\/p>\n

And there is never a cover at The Bridgeport Ribhouse.<\/p>\n

For a family event that is both fun and educational, it\u2019s hard to top the annual Pancake Breakfast and Maple Sugaring Celebration at the Tyler\u00a0Arboretum\u00a0(515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, www.<\/a>tyler<\/a>arboretum.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The popular wintertime event will be held on February 17 from 8 a.m.-noon.<\/p>\n

The Pancake Breakfast brings visitors to the arboretum\u00a0site 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.<\/p>\n

After enjoying the tasty morning meal, visitors can go out into the arboretum\u00a0to 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.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever wondered why real maple syrup is such an expensive item, 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.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the Pancake Breakfast are $20 for adults and $12 for children (ages 3-12).<\/p>\n

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, 484-754-3976, www.phillyexpocenter.com<\/a>) is hosting the \u201cPhilly Fishing Show\u201d on February 16, 17, and 18.<\/p>\n

The event will feature free seminars — saltwater, freshwater and fly \u2013 and a wide array of vendor booths.<\/p>\n

Special attractions include the \u201cHawg Trough\u201d, a 5000-gallon aquarium full of local freshwater gamefish, a trout fishing pond, and a fly-fishing pond.<\/p>\n

There will be professional anglers and lure makers sharing the stage on the tank giving seminars and demonstrating different lures.<\/p>\n

Tournament Anglers such as Nick Honachefsky, Gabe Farina and Khoa Nguyenwill be sharing secrets that have put them in the money.<\/p>\n

Hours are noon-7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children (6-12) and free for children (five and under).<\/p>\n

On February 17, Fort Mifflin\u00a0(Fort Mifflin\u00a0and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us<\/a>) will host a special event called \u201cFamily Fire Pit Festival.\u201d<\/p>\n

Visitors are invited to gather around the fire pit and enjoy a wintertime adventure. They\u2019ll be able to explore the whole site to discover unique activities at each of the fort\u2019s special fire pits and fireplaces.<\/p>\n

Participants can also listen to a ghost story and meet a Revolutionary War or Civil War soldier.<\/p>\n

Guests can bring their own camp chairs and refreshments or visit our Hot Chocolate Bar in the Cannonball Tavern for coffee, cocoa and s\u2019mores kits.<\/p>\n

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and veterans and $8 for children (ages 6-12).<\/p>\n

Now through February 25, the town of Lititz is hosting its annual Fire & Ice Festival (lititzfireandice.com<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Featured attractions will be live ice carvings around town and sculptures out for view all over Broad Street and Main Street (which will be closed to vehicular traffic).<\/p>\n

Food trucks will be located around town and retailers will be open late for shopping.<\/p>\n

Ice sculptures are available for viewing from dawn to dusk in the Lititz Springs Park and throughout downtown Lititz.<\/p>\n

Guests are invited to walk around downtown Lititz and enjoy the ice sculptures, dine at local restaurants, and shop at the local stores.<\/p>\n

Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822\u00a0Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-228-8200, www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org<\/a>) will have two special events this weekend.<\/p>\n

The first will be \u201cThe Great Backyard Bird Count\u201d from 9-11 a.m. on February 17.<\/p>\n

This will be a free global birding event with guided walks at Laurel Hill West and Laurel Hill East.<\/p>\n

Every February globally, countless people spend time in their favorite outdoor spaces watching, identifying, and counting the birds they see to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Laurel Hill can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count<\/a>\u00a0this year by joining the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club<\/a>\u00a0for guided walks to count, identify, and learn about the birds of Laurel Hill East and Laurel Hill West.<\/p>\n

The second will be \u201cAll Thorns, No Roses: Love Gone Wrong\u201d on February 17 from 10-11:30 a.m<\/p>\n

With more than a century of burial records, biographies, letters, and press clippings of those buried at Laurel Hill West, there is a wealth of stories about love lost, betrayed, or gotten with guise.<\/p>\n

On this walking tour, participants will hear more about love and abandonment, affairs and revenge, and all the stories of love gone wrong that put the bitter in bittersweet.<\/p>\n

Each participant will take home specialty chocolate from\u00a0Mueller Chocolate Company<\/p>\n

Tour Guide will be Sarah Hamill. Tickets are $17, general admission; $15, seniors; and $8.50, youth.<\/p>\n

The focus will also be on birds this weekend at Peace Valley Nature Center (170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, http:\/\/www.peacevalleynaturecenter.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The site is presenting its \u201cGreat Backyard Bird Count\u201d on February 17 at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

The center is inviting visitors of all ages to join in on a free, global event and help it count birds at its feeders for science.<\/p>\n

The data collected helps create a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent. Binoculars aren\u2019t necessary, but helpful.<\/p>\n

Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com<\/a>) may be closed for park rides and activities but there\u2019s still furry fun to be had.<\/p>\n

This weekend\u2019s special event will be \u201cMardi Gras Celebration,\u201d which will be held from February 17-March 17.<\/p>\n

Visitors can let the good times roll at Sesame Place\u2019s family-friendly Mardi Gras Celebration.<\/p>\n

Guests can join in the festivities and celebrate by dancing along with special strolling entertainment, participating in the Mardi Gras Mask Scavenger Hunt, and much more. They also can enjoy Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions for guests of all ages.<\/p>\n

The Sesame Street Mardi Gras Parade is a celebration with everyone\u2019s favorite Sesame Street friends dressed up and ready to shine, and features lively tunes, fancy dancing, and floats decked out in Mardi Gras colors of sparkly purple, green, and gold.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Sesame Place can enjoy mouth-watering menu items made famous by the city of New Orleans like beignets and jambalaya. Come celebrate with us as we take the celebration of Mardi Gras from New Orleans to Sesame Place.<\/p>\n

Every Saturday and Sunday in February, the Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, http:\/\/www.chaddsford.com<\/a>) is presenting \u201cReserve Tastings \u2013 Wine & Chocolate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room.\u00a0The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across the portfolio. The selections will be paired alongside seasonal local cheeses and other accoutrements to enhance your tasting experience.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The 2024 Pairing Line Up is: Sparkling White\u00a0paired with Spiced Pear Bonbon; Dry Ros\u00e9: Redux\u00a0paired with Passion Fruit Bonbon; Harbinger Red Blend\u00a0paired with Star Anise Bonbon; Good Vibes Only\u00a0paired with Pennsylvania Dutch Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bar; and Revolution (fortified, port-style wine)\u00a0paired with Bolivian Nacional Bonbon.<\/p>\n

Reserved seatings are $35 per person.<\/p>\n

The \u201cWine & Chocolate Pairings at Penns Woods\u201d at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, 610-459-0808, http:\/\/www.pennswoodswinery.com<\/a>) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.<\/p>\n

Penns Woods Winery is featuring a pairing which includes a tasting of four wines perfectly paired with four handcrafted chocolates from Good Good Chocolates.<\/p>\n

The mouth-watering tastings will be held every weekend in February from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.<\/p>\n

Tickets cost $36 per person and reservations are required.<\/p>\n

The Berks County Wine Trail (www.berkscountywinetrail.com<\/a>) will present \u201cChocolate & Wine Pairing Event\u00a0Weekends\u201d on February 17 and 18 from noon-5 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n

Visitors can treat themselves on the wine trail by sampling sumptuous chocolates and confections paired with featured wines of the region. They can visit each of the 10 participating wineries along the Berks County Wine Trail to determine their favorite pairing combo.<\/p>\n

The list of wineries and featured tastings includes: Deerfoot Winery (Shoemakersville); Manatawny Creek Winery (Douglassville); Kog Hill Winery (Morgantown); Long Trout Winery (Auburn); Stoudt\u2019s Winery (Shartlesville); Setter Ridge Vineyards (Kutztown); Stonekeep Meadery (Fleetwood); Bouchette Vineyards (Bethel); Lily\u2019s Winery & Vineyard (Reading); Blue Mountain Winery (New Tripoli) and Ridgewood Winery (Birdsboro).<\/p>\n

The ticket price includes a wine and chocolate pairing at each of the participating wineries.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $15 and are good for all event\u00a0days.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Colebrookdale\u00a0Railroad (South Washington Street, Boyertown, www.colebrookdalerailroad.com<\/a>)\u00a0is running its \u201cValentine\u2019s Day \u2014 Romance on the Rails\u201d excursions on February 16 and 17.<\/p>\n

The Edwardian splendor of the Secret Valley Expedition\u00a0will surely kindle romantic fires as the train journeys into the night. The rail line has taken care of all of the details so that you and your love can sit back, relax, and let the world fade away as you focus on each other. This Valentine\u2019s Day do something different \u2014 get aboard a 1920\u2019s era train and enjoy a hand prepared meal as you leisurely wind your way through the Secret Valley.<\/p>\n

The specials excursions will run on February 16 at 6 p.m. and February 17 at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n

Ticket prices are $40 for adults, $36 for seniors and $25 for children.<\/p>\n

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>) is celebrating the new year with one of its annual special events \u2013 \u201cWinter Wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWinter Wonder,\u201d which runs now through March 24, celebrates the beauty of winter. It\u2019s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Inside Longwood\u2019s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site\u2019s Orchid House. There will also be rare blue poppies blooming in March but for only about 10 to 15 days.<\/p>\n

Another popular attraction this year is Longwood Gardens\u2019 \u201cScience Saturdays\u201d series.<\/p>\n

Topics for Science Saturday events are \u201cLongwood Research, Down to a Science\u201d on February 24, \u201cManaging Our Natural Lands\u201d on March 9 and \u201cSeed Science\u201d on April 20.<\/p>\n

Longwood custom grows a staggering 1,300 (and counting) types of plants each year for seasonal indoor displays and outdoor gardens \u2026 and each type has its own needs. While Longwood\u2019s team utilizes its horticulture expertise to grow this diverse palette of plants, its innovative greenhouses further the capabilities to grow them precisely and efficiently, all while attending to each plant type\u2019s individual needs.<\/p>\n

The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, March 31. Hours change in the spring.<\/p>\n

As always, admission by \u201cTimed Ticket\u201d — 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (ages 62 and older) and college students, $18 for active military and veterans and $13 for youth (ages 5-18).<\/p>\n

The Philadelphia Zoo has been a habitat for an amazing array of animals ever since its opening day in July 1874. Now, for the next two-and-one-half months, the Zoo will be home to a sextet of Trolls.<\/p>\n

Now through April 15, the Philadelphia Zoo (3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia) is hosting the East Coast debut of Thomas Dambo\u2019s \u201cTROLLS: Save the Humans,\u201d produced by Imagine Exhibitions. This represents the first-ever winter feature experience at Philadelphia Zoo.<\/p>\n

The world\u2019s leading \u201crecycle\u201d artist has created these six, folklore-inspired Trolls using repurposed wood. The Trolls are on a mission to inspire humans to take better care of nature. The Trolls, ranging up to 15 feet tall, will be located throughout the Zoo\u2019s 42-acre campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cTROLLS\u201d were created by artist Thomas Dambo, who currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.\u00a0 Born in Odense, Denmark in 1979, Dambo’s mission is to create art that inspires people to explore, have adventures in nature, and show that recycled goods can be turned into something beautiful.<\/p>\n

Before embarking on the path of building larger-than-life troll sculptures, Dambo led a multi-faceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School in Kolding, Denmark, with a master\u2019s degree in interactive design, Thomas began his journey of using recycled materials to create colorful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today.<\/p>\n

Dambo\u2019s colossal troll sculptures range in height from 16-50 feet and \u2018live\u2019 as permanent or semi-permanent installations in parks, greenspaces, industrial parks, and in other site-specific locations around the world. Each folklore-inspired sculpture is imbued with expression and character and is built entirely from reclaimed materials.
\nIn the Spring of 2018, Dambo unveiled a temporary exhibition of \u201cTROLLS\u201d at The Morton Arboretum just outside of Chicago, IL. The exhibition was an enormous success, leading to the garden\u2019s two highest attended years in its nearly 100-year history. During the run of the exhibition, 1.26 million people visited the arboretum.<\/p>\n

Each Troll has a unique name and story.<\/p>\n

They all believe rethinking how we live our daily lives will help save the planet for all animals, including humans, and they want to share their ideas. They want all humans to reduce trash, reuse everything, and recycle when they can. The Trolls believe that these actions and others to protect wildlife and wild places are important steps to help save the planet for all animals, including humans.
\nThere are six Trolls who will be taking up residence at the Philadelphia Zoo through April 15.<\/p>\n

Ronja Redeye is The Trolls\u2019 fearless leader who is ready to welcome guests to Philadelphia Zoo. Her mission is to encourage guests to rethink ways to minimize trash.
\nRosa Sunfinger is the Troll with a green thumb. She wants guests to find ways to renew the habitats around them and plant native plants wherever they can to create habitats for pollinators.
\nSofus Lotus is the Troll who loves to listen. He likes to get down on the ground to hear the sounds of all wild things. His mission is to inspire guests to reconnect and learn from nature.
\nIbbi Pip is the Troll in charge of finding new uses for old things. Her passion is reusing old wood to create bird houses, providing a home for these animals to feel safe and raise their chicks.
\nKamma Can is the Troll who\u2019s a pro at recycling. She created her beautiful jewelry from plastic that would otherwise pollute wild places.<\/p>\n

Basse Buller is the Troll who refuses to give up on protecting the planet. He is on a mission to motivate guests to refuse the habits humans have that hurt nature.
\n\u201cTROLLS\u201d are stomping through the Zoo through April 15. The exhibition is included in admission to the Zoo. Admission prices start at $19 for adults and children. Tickets are now available on philadelphiazoo.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a fun family activity \u2013 an indoor activity unaffected by the weather — Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media, 610-876-7116, www.linvilla.com<\/a>) has something just for you — the\u00a0miniature golf course \u201cFore! the Planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linvilla Orchard\u2019s\u00a0\u201cFore! The Planet\u201d\u00a0is a highly interactive and playful museum exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. This exhibition pairs important environmental issues with the fun of miniature golf.<\/p>\n

It features nine unique educational holes — explore butterfly metamorphosis, a tropical rain forest, evolution, dinosaur extinction, food chains, and more. It\u2019s perfect for kids of all ages. The entire family will enjoy playing miniature golf while learning about our environment \u2013 every step of the way.<\/p>\n

The mini-course is open daily from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. through April 1. Tickets are $8.<\/p>\n

Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>),\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) and\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com<\/a>) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true\u00a0ghost\u00a0stories and real haunted houses.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,\u201d is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where\u00a0ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.<\/p>\n

Participants can discover the ghost lore of America\u2019s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn\u2019s colony to present-day hauntings.<\/p>\n

The activity is open year-round \u2013 weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $24.<\/p>\n

The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, \u201cGhost Stories of Lancaster, PA.\u201d<\/p>\n

Participants in the\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America\u2019s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The\u00a0tour\u00a0provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City\u2019s thorny past. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ghost\u00a0Tour\u00a0of Strasburg is a candlelight walking\u00a0tour\u00a0of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed\u00a0tour\u00a0guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night \u2026 in a town lost in time. Tickets are $20.<\/p>\n

Grim\u00a0Philly\u2019s \u201cDark Philly History Tour\u201d (www.grimphilly.com<\/a>) will be held every evening throughout the winter.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $35.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0at the Fashion District (27 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, philadelphia.wonderspaces.com<\/a>) is an experiential, interactive arts venue.<\/p>\n

Building on the success of annual pop-up shows in San Diego, and its first permanent location in Scottsdale, Arizona,\u00a0Wonderspaces\u00a0opened a 24,000 square foot gallery space in Philly a year ago.<\/p>\n

Wonderspaces\u00a0features 14 art installations that all play with the idea of perspective.\u00a0 The artwork ranges from award-winning virtual reality short film about a dinner party-turned-alien abduction, to a room where visitors digitally paint the walls with the movement of their bodies.<\/p>\n

New artworks rotate in every few months, creating an ever-evolving, year-round show.<\/p>\n

Tickets are for entry at a specific date and time. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they please during operating hours.\u00a0The average time spent experiencing the show is 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

A few installations contain flashing lights, images, and patterns that may trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy. All visitors must sign a waiver prior to being admitted into the space. Adult supervision is required for visitors under 16.<\/p>\n

\u201cTreeTrails Adventures Trevose\u201d (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com\/trevose-pa<\/a>) is an adventure park\u00a0full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.<\/p>\n

Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures\u00a0as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park.\u00a0They will be able to discover the\u00a0excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor\u00a0with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.<\/p>\n

The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing \u2013 TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.<\/p>\n

General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $59; Main Park Youth Tickets (Ages 7\u201311), $51; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4\u20137), $12.<\/p>\n

Blue Cross RiverRink (Market Street at the Delaware River, Philadelphia, www.riverrink.com<\/a>) is a great place to enjoy a pleasant winter skate.<\/p>\n

Unlike most of the suburban ice rinks,\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0features public skating. Ice skating is the only use of this ice rink.<\/p>\n

This winter,\u00a0RiverRink\u00a0takes 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.<\/p>\n

For three decades, Winterfest has been Philadelphia\u2019s favorite Winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, inviting\u00a0visitors for a chance to indulge in flights of fancy under\u00a0thousands of sparkling lights in a\u00a0winter 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 \u2014 of course \u2014 ice skating on an NHL-sized rink.<\/p>\n

Another ice-skating option in downtown Philadelphia is Center City Parks District\u2019s Rothman Orthopaedics Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia, http:\/\/ccdparks.org\/dilworth-park<\/a>).<\/p>\n

It is an unparalleled entertainment experience on Philadelphia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This weekend will feature many special family events dealing with history and nature \u2013 including an annual Presidents Day event at a national park. On February 19, Valley Forge National Historical Park (1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, www.nps.gov) is hosting \u201cGeorge Washington\u2019s Birthday Party\u201d from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34952,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[11844,3912,3852,6183,11090],"class_list":["post-34956","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","tag-academy-of-natural-sciences-of-drexel-university","tag-featured","tag-hagley-museum","tag-ribstock","tag-valley-forge-national-historical-park"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34956","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34956"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34956\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34957,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34956\/revisions\/34957"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34956"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34956"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34956"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}