- At Giggleberry Fair, found within Bucks County’s historic Peddler’s Village, families can experience Giggleberry’s magnificent Grand Carousel and Giggleberry Mountain. The indoor, three-story obstacle course and maze is complete with thousands of foam berries, powerful berry blasters and side-by-side racing slides. In Discovery Land, imagination and creativity rule. Here, kids can pretend to be a farmer on a full-size wooden pick-up truck, go fishing in a multilevel waterway and shop for produce at the fruit stand. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-8960, www.peddlersvillage.com
- The Philadelphia Zoo unveils three new exhibits this summer. The bravest of the family bunch will enjoy Cobras!, an intimate exhibit featuring the largest collection of venomous snakes ever at the Zoo. Not only can visitors get up close and personal with the serpents, they can also "be the reptile" by standing at the helm of a customized super-soaker that simulates a spitting cobra. Through September 2004. The Children's Zoo has reopened with a whimsical new look, a miniature bunny village and a life-size farming tractor. Families can discover how to survive in a real jungle with the PECO Jungle Trek. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org
Outdoor Attractions
- Watching the Philadelphia Phillies play in their new 43,500-seat Citizens Bank Park is only one of many ways for fans to pass the time at the new ballpark. Along Ashburn Alley, the outfield entertainment area named after Phillies’ great Richie Ashburn, fans can learn about Phillies history, while taking a shot at being a baseball great themselves through several interactive experiences. Created especially for kids, the Phanatic Phun Zone gives children ages eight and under the opportunity to climb, explore, play and have the slide of their lives as they venture through the largest Softplay area in Major League Baseball. One Citizens Bank Way, (215) 463-5000, http://www.phillies.com
- Festivals at Penn’s Landing are a Philly summertime tradition like no other. Each year, the warm-weather season unofficially kicks off with Jam on the River, Memorial Day’s biggest party. The summer swings into high gear for kids with multicultural festivals from June 6-September 12, 2004; and Children’s Special Sundays, every Sunday in July and August. In addition to learning about their ethnic heritage, kids can enjoy games, food, activities and fun along the scenic Delaware River. (215) 922-2FUN, www.pennslandingcorp.com
Tours
- Made famous in London town, Big Bus Tours continue service on the streets of Philadelphia with multiple stops at city sights and hotels, plus new covered bus service and complimentary hotel shuttle service. Big Bus Tours are a great way to see the city’s most popular sites, but they’re also a fun way to learn some Philly fun facts. The two-floor coaches depart from 6th & Market Streets. (866) 3BIG-BUS, www.bigbustours.com
- In Philadelphia, the walls of buildings, community centers and recreational facilities are literally an artist’s canvas - thanks to the Mural Arts Program, responsible for creating more than 2,300 works of art for the city. Mural Arts Tours make seeing the many inspirational works a fun task for families. The trolley ride takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes look at these artistic expressions, as much a part of the cityscape as Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 685-0754, www.muralarts.org
- The Neighborhood Tourism Network hosts popular ride-and-walk adventures through some of the city’s most vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, making this a great way for the whole family to learn and explore together. Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours for 2004 include Philadelphia's Civil Rights Struggle with a stop at Girard College, where families can enjoy a special educational exhibit to commemorate the anniversary of Brown versus the Board of Education ruling. Tours are recommended for ages eight and above. (215) 599-2295, www.gophila.com
- Ride the Ducks, World War II-era amphibious Army vehicles converted into fun sightseeing vessels, offer some of the most popular tickets in town - especially for families. The Ducks have added two more vehicles to their fleet and continue to quack, play music and ride on land - through Old City and South Street - and water - along the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing. The luckiest "duck" in the family may even get to navigate the boat on the river. Tours depart from 6th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 227-DUCK, www.phillyducks.com