Dinosaurs Around the World

The Academy of Natural Sciences invites you to travel back in time and all over the globe with as they explore Dinosaurs Around the World - a special exhibit on display through January 20, 2020!  The earth has undergone some massive changes over the years with the plant and animal life changing right along with it. Welcome to a time where Antarctica is a tropical beach and you would need a few extra layers to visit the frigidness of Australia.

The exhibit is full interactive with fossils to touch and and artifacts to examine.  There's even a spot to play paleontologist and uncover dinosaur bones using special tools of the trade. The highlight of the whole thing, of course, is the moving, roaring dinosaurs scattering in abundance throughout the exhibit.  Standing in front of giant, cheery postcards, life-sized herbivores and carnivores represent their different areas of the world including the ferocious Velociraptors and the mild mannered Leaellynasaura. 

Save on tickets when you order online!

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes

The world has always needed heroes. Someone to take on the darkness both in the world we live in and within ourselves. We seek out those who make us feel protected and as if good and hope still have a fighting chance. Through the medium of comicbooks, Stan Lee was able to create an alternate reality where even the most vile evil imaginable met it's match at the hands of the good guys. No one else has created superheroes quite like Marvel with their diversity, relatability, and sustained popularity.

This summer, The Franklin Institute is proud to be the East Coast debut location of Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes.  With a huge collection of comic book artifacts and movie props, this special exhibit is sure to thrill everyone from your summer blockbuster enthusiast to the biggest of collectors. Enter a world where superheroes live among us, ready to defend those they love most as well as complete strangers in peril.

The exhibit begins with a look back at the history of how Marvel came to be, and then how it managed to adapt to the changing times over the years. From there visitors get to fully immerse themselves in their favorite characters from the on paper creation to life sized costumes and props. Make sure you pose for a picture with Spiderman, Black Panther, and even the raging Incredible Hulk!

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is only at The Franklin Institute from April 13th through September 2nd!  

For times and ticket information visit www.fi.edu

New at the Philadelphia Zoo: 2019

The Philadelphia Zoo has long been known for its leadership in conservation and zoos worldwide, with its reputation as being America's first zoo as well as its cutting edge Zoo360 experience putting it way ahead of others.  This year, they'll be enhancing the visitor and member experience with a few new additions as well as a return of a beloved zoo memory.

2019 is the year that the ZooKey finally comes back to the Philadelphia Zoo, and zoo goers old and young have been rejoicing over its return.  Just like the old ZooKeys from years past (which will still work, by the way!), the new keys allow visitors to learn even more about the animals, their habitats, and the people who take care of them.  Look for the boxes around the zoo (locations can be found on the map), and listen to a zookeeper share interesting information in either English or Espanol (we LOVE that they are bilingual!).

Another addition for 2019 are the special LEGO brick creations in the Creatures of Habitat exhibit.  These 12 life-sized vignettes highlight various animals, the fragility of their homes, and what we can be doing to preserve their environments.  From the mighty African Lion and Polar Bear to the whimsical Golden Lion Tamarin and Humboldt Penguin, each display is fun to look at and fascinating to learn about.  Creatures of Habitat will be on display through September 30, 2019.

The final new experience at the Philadelphia Zoo is a delicious and welcome addition to the eateries located on the premises.  The Urban Green is an open-air place to chow down and chill out with a fun neighborhood vibe. The menu includes Burgers, Salads, Fry Bowls, and Pressed Sandwiches all created with fresh and tasty ingredients.

www.philadelphiazoo.org

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, & Mermaids

Myths, legends, and stories passed down over generations.  They span history and cross cultures and vary from place to place in the world.  But where did they begin?  Who were these dragons, giant sea monsters, and fairy tale creatures? The Academy of Natural Sciences takes a look at the scientific origins of these legends with Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, & Mermaids on exhibit through June 9.

Every section of the special exhibit is a fun and fascinating look at the animal inspiration behind the lore and legend of various cultures and countries.  From giant squids and interesting narwhals to dinosaur fossils and bizarre reptiles, there's a cool creature or natural phenomenon behind nearly every tale.  The entire exhibit is interactive and immersive with places to design your own dragon, touch fossils, and even dress up like your favorite legendary creature.

One of our favorite parts of the experience was the look at different cultures and animals from around the world.  It was so interesting to see how the myths of dragons, mermaids, and more varied depending on the nature and history of a culture. It's a good lesson in how humans try to explain a new experience when they see or hear about something that is different than what they have always been accustomed to.

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, & Mermaids will be at The Academy of Natural Sciences until June 9th.  Visitors can save $2 on their ticket by purchasing them online ahead of time at ansp.org.

WTS for Kids: GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium

This month, Walnut Street Theatre for Kids continues it's tradition of fun and entertaining performances for families with R.L. Stine's GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium!  Based off of the book series, the show follows two children, Brooke and Zeke, as they try to rehearse for the school play.  Things go a little off script however when they encounter what might be a phantom! The audience will get a kick out of watching the hilarious antics and spooky moments while the cast discovers if ghost stories are true or if someone is just playing a joke on them.

The cast is lead by WST newcomers Leah Senseney and Elias Rivera accompanied by a dynamic group of actors who sing and dance their way through the fun storyline.  GOOSEBUMPS is a great show for all ages with only the smallest bit of spookiness which is heavily balanced out with continuous doses of humor and lots of catchy songs. We always love our experiences at the historic Walnut Street Theatre and GOOSEBUMPS is no exception!

GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium runs

Saturday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 10th

Visit: www.walnutstreettheatre.org for show times and ticket information.

Upcoming WTS for Kids Shows: 

Pinkalicious: The Musical: March 29-April 13

Fly Guy: The Musical: May 31-June 8

Matilda the Musical at the Walnut Street Theatre

The Walnut Street Theatre is known for being the country's oldest theater, and while the building is dripping in fascinating history, there is nothing outdated about the energy and vibrancy of it's theatre company.  Top notch shows and professional performers make their live theater experiences nothing short of endless entertainment.

Running throughout the holiday season, adults and children will enjoy a timeless classic set to music in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical.  Following the ups and downs and eventual triumph of a brave little girl with a huge and magical imagination (a role shared by Ellie Biron and Jemma Bleu Greenbaum), Matilda demonstrates what can happen when you refuse to let the problems in your life dictate who you can become.  It's story of hope that has the audience leaving the theater more determined to see the good and make the good in their own lives.

Running through January 6th, Matilda the Musical is packed full from beginning to end with an unbelievable amount of talent.  From a cast comprised largely of children and teenagers comes singing, dancing, and acting skills that are incredible and almost unbelievable at times! The sheer ability to not break character in moments that keep the audience howling was very impressive.  The adults of the cast also shone as both worthy and unworthy characters with so much comedic energy that even Christopher Sutton and Lyn Philistine as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and Ian Merril Peakes as a truly unforgettable Miss Trunchbull were beloved to the audience.  Heartfelt, heroic, and hysterical, Matilda the Musical is a must-see in Philadelphia this holiday season!

Matilda the Musical

Reserve Tickets

Walnut Street Theatre

2018-2019 Season

Walnut Street Theatre for Kids: 2018/2019 Season

The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids kicked off its 2018/2019 season with a spirited and fun production of Aladdin Jr. - a version that has all the magic of the original story plus some extra twists and bonus characters.  With a strong cast in both main and supporting roles, the young actors and actresses were able to bring to life the tale of a desperate boy and a determined princess and the ways their lives would intersect and change everything for the better.  

Aladdin Jr. focuses a little bit more on friendship and there is a more clear divide between the intents of the "good" and "bad" characters in a way that translates better to a younger audience. We were impressed with the singing chops of the actors (a stand out being the female harmonies in "These Palace Walls"), and were especially blown away by the added task given to the cast to act as their own stage crew.  Every scene change was done seamlessly and the whole show had a great pace and flow to it. Aladdin Jr. seemed to be extremely well received by the enthusiastic audience, and everyone involved in the production should be very proud to have started off the season with such a bang.

We always enjoy the experience of live shows at the Walnut Street Theater!  It's such a historic piece of Philadelphia and live theatre history in general.  Being there and walking and sitting in a building that has housed such legendary actors and shows is a pure pleasure.  We love that they are able to share this amazing history and passion for the stage with very young audiences through their Theatre for Kids program.  The ticket prices are incredibly affordable and the shows are always highly entertaining for a wide range of ages.  

Walnut Street Theatre for Kids 2018/2019 Season:

A Christmas Carol: Dec 1-23

R.L. Stine's GOOSEBUMPS: The Phantom of the Auditorium: Feb 2-10

Pinkalicious: The Musical: March 29-April 13

Fly Guy: The Musical: May 31-June 8

Head to walnutstreettheatre.org for additional information on

more shows, directions and parking, and ticket prices.