Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Mess Fest, Educational Fun July 25-26

7/22/15 - By Kristen Sullivan

Are you the "mean mom" or the "unfair dad" who makes your kid practice math flashcards and keep a reading log over the summer? There certainly is no harm in learning during these hot, hazy and humid summer months. (It's actually good for them.) But, why not try out an activity that will keep kids learning without them even realizing it? Mommy Poppins' Events Calendar is overflowing with activities that allow kids the fun they want while providing the educational component that parents seek.

Spend the weekend at the Franklin Institute's Mess Fest where science experiences get sloppy. Learn about the history of planes during war times at Fort Mifflin's Airplane Day. Discover the world of fine arts at the Kimmel Center's PNC Grow Up Great or Organ Demonstration. Or, explore being a sustainable design engineer at the Delaware Children's Museum's Junior Engineer workshop.

Continue reading for the top picks for the weekend ahead. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and like us on Pinterest and Facebook and follow us on Twitter. No matter what you do this weekend, we hope you and your kids will learn something new!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All Weekend

Disney's Aladdin, Jr.- New Hope, PA
Take a magic carpet ride to a whole new world as Bucks County Playhouse proudly presents Aladdin Jr.

Mess Fest- Philadelphia, PA
Be prepared to get messy at the Franklin Institute's Mess Fest. Saturday's theme is Nasty Nature while Sunday's theme is Art and Design.

Junior Engineers- Wilmington, DE
Visit the Delaware Children's Museum for its monthly workshop where children are inspired by hands-on activities focusing on engineering. This month's theme is "Be A Sustainable Design Engineer."

Storybook Celebration- Camden, NJ
Fairytales come alive at Camden Children's Garden. Guests can plant a magic bean, participate in crafts and read stories during this weekend event.

Saturday, July 25

PNC Grow Up Great- Philadelphia, PA
Introduce children to the world of musical theater as the Kimmel Center hosts this free event. Guest artists perform songs from classic musicals as well as share some new tunes with the audience. Stay to see an Organ Demonstration performed by Michael Stairs at 1 PM.

Sweet Corn and Blackberry Festival- Media, PA
Enjoy live music, costumed characters, a magic show and tasty foods at Linvilla Orchards' summertime festival featuring sweet corn and blackberries.

Smith's Birthday Party- Philadelphia, PA
Happy birthday to you! Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse celebrates its 116th birthday with cake and party festivities.

Annual Beekeeping and Honey Festival- Bryn Mawr, PA
Learn about the life cycle of bees, see an active bee hive and watch as their liquid gold is extracted at the Harriton House.

Christmas in July- Chalfont, PA
Visitors to Byers' Choice can get ready for Christmas by participating in a melted snowstorm foam party, making reindeer food, taking pictures in the FA-LA-LA photo booth and watching Frosty the Snowman.

Airplane Day- Philadelphia, PA
Learn about airplanes and the basics of flying at Fort Mifflin's Airplane Day. Children can build a glider and watch the planes land and depart from Philadelphia International Airport.

Sunday, July 26

Wild West Robbery Train Ride- Wilmington, DE
Take a ride on Wilmington & Western Railroad, but beware. Train robbers are looking for valuables as visitors journey to Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove.

Flick and Float- Lansdale, PA
Watch a flick and take a float at Towamencin Township pool. The featured film is Big Hero 6.

Summer Festival Concerts- Media, PA
Bring a blanket, some chairs, snacks and water bottles to listen to an outdoor concert under the stars at Rose Tree Park.

 

Photo credit: Franklin Institute