We normally hate long goodbyes in Philadelphia โ but when it comes to summer, we make an exception. In the mood for music? Thinking about dinner before the show? Experience the Year of the Dragon one last time: The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival invites you to explore Franklin Square under the light of massive, glowing lanterns depicting fantastical creatures, familiar critters and more โ all created in awe-inspiring detail. As you roam, learn and buy from expert artisans, take in cultural performances, and indulge in classic Asian cuisine and American comfort food.
Where: Franklin Square, N. The Under the Canopy exhibition, for students of all ages and presented in both English and Spanish, features plants and rainforest ecology including an encounter with a live sloth, boa constrictor and other animals that call these habitats home, plus life-size climbable animal sculptures including a gorilla, tortoise, crocodile, red-eye tree frog and Banyan tree , interactive discovery stations, dynamic displays and engaging programming.
Admission is free, everything else is pay-as-you-go, and note that the roller rink itself is closed for construction. Every sculpture in the hugely impressive display is the handiwork of contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, the first artist ever to create an exhibition solely of LEGO art.
Want complimentary access to the exhibition? Where: The Franklin Institute, N. Award-winning storytellers offer secrets about the history of Philadelphia and our nation through three- to five-minute stories told at special benches near several historic sites in Old City. Uniformed storytellers share fun and interactive tales from 11 a. Summer in Philly means good times with good friends, preferably with a breeze at your back and a cold drink in your hand.
Looking for even more outdoor options? Where: Liberty Point, S. The Mary Cassatt at Work exhibition celebrates the Philadelphia-raised impressionist artist who explored gender, labor and feminine agency via more than prints, paintings and pastels.
