Romance Philadelphia

Romance Philadelphia

There's plenty of romance in the air, whether you're in the mood to escape to a romantic restaurant, a gorgeous outdoor oasis or a private rendezvous -- Philadelphia  has them all.

Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport has a menu of overnight packages that  compliment the Romantic Spots and Activities in Philadelphia

Click Here or call  215-365-4500 and begin Romance Philadelphia

from visit philly.com

Top Romantic Spots and 

Activities in Philadelphia

There’s lots to adore, including hotel packages, spa treatments & restaurants

Philadelphia, aptly dubbed the City of Brotherly Love, caters to lovers looking to re-energize their relationships at cultural sites, romantic eateries, outdoor attractions and other swoon-worthy spots. Set out and explore the city’s romantic side with our top date ideas and see what Philadelphia is like after dark.

Couples can make it a weekend—or longer—with one of several romantic hotel packages, including our popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package which includes two nights and free parking.

Here are a few suggestions for embracing the region’s romantic side:

Blue Cross Riverrink

In the winter, starry-eyed skaters glide hand-in-hand outside at the Blue Cross RiverRink on the Delaware River waterfront at Penn’s Landing. When couples need a break from the cold, they can huddle around a cup of cocoa together in the warming pavilion.

Details: Columbus Boulevard at Market Street | (215) 925-RINK

Cozy Cuisine

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Tucked in a corner brownstone a few blocks off Rittenhouse Square, Friday Saturday Sunday has long been a local favorite of amorous couples craving traditional American cuisine and great reasonably priced wines.

Details: 261 S. 21st Street | (215) 546-4232

Birchrunville Store Café

After a day in the Chester County countryside, foodies favor the Birchrunville Store Café, a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) spot known for its contemporary French-Italian cuisine, located inside a former general store with a lovely front porch. The drive to this tucked-away spot will put anyone in the mood, and the candlelit dining room encourages whispery tête-à-têtes.

Details: 1403 Hollow Road, Birchrunville | (610) 827-9002

Frank Borda’s High Note Cafe

Pianists and opera singers serenade sweethearts every Saturday and Sunday night at “Singing Chef” Frank Borda’s High Note Cafe, where sumptuous sounds and passed-down Italian recipes make this South Philly mainstay so special.

Details: 1549 S. 13th Street | (215) 755-8903

Bistro Romano

What was once an 18th-century granary is now a cozy Italian restaurant, with a sought-after secluded dining spot nestled within its wine cellar. With seating for two, dinner by candlelight and an after-dinner limoncello libation, the private table at Society Hill’s Bistro Romano is as intimate as it gets.

Details: 120 Lombard Street | (215) 925-8880

Dilworthtown Inn

Built as a private home in 1754, the elegant Dilworthtown Inn in Chester County was nearly destroyed by the British in the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. The residence became an inn in 1780, and proprietors Jim Barnes and Bob Rafetto restored it in 1972. Today, romantics adore it for its well-crafted New American cuisine, 900-bottle wine cellar and Old World setting.

Details: 1390 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester | (610) 399-1390

Romantic Restaurant Views

Water Works Restaurant and Lounge

In the shadow of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Water Works Restaurant and Lounge is perfect for a riverside cocktail on the patio overlooking Boathouse Row or an intimate contemporary American meal inside. It opened in 2006 following a remodeling of the city’s historic fresh water delivery facility, and Saveur magazine named it one of the “Top 100 Experiences in the World,” and AOL CityGuide named it the “Best Romantic Restaurant” and “Best Restaurant with a View.”

Details: 640 Water Works Drive | (215) 236-9000

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Romance

La Cucina at the Market

Anna Maria Florio shares her Italian heritage during weekend and weeknight cooking classes that range from topics like handmade pasta and desserts to knife skills and seasonal wines. Held at her La Cucina at the Market inside the historic Reading Terminal Market, the classes combine the culinary know-how of Anna—or one of the many other talented instructors—with colorful discussions and lessons in cooking traditions.

Details: 11th & Arch Streets | (215) 922-1170

Date Night at The Clay Studio

For some hands-on action, the monthly Date Night at The Clay Studio is just the place to bring or meet a special someone. To make the clay creations, the staff fires up the kilns and couples share a wheel.

Details: 139 N. 2nd Street | (215) 925-3453

Tria Fermentation School

At Tria Fermentation School, cheese, wine and beer make up the syllabus for one-night classes with names like “Fortified Wine: Only the Strong Survive.” Brewers, vintners, cheese makers, importers and authors share their knowledge with gastronomy- and oenology-loving students in a low-pressure environment.

Details: 1601 Walnut Street, Suite 620 | (215) 972-7076

The Wine School

People looking to put a little spring in their step can find it at the Society Hill Dance Academy, where $20 buys entry into a lively, drop-in dance class at the Manayunk or Center City locations. No experience or reservation is necessary to join a 45-minute group introduction to dances like the salsa, cha-cha, foxtrot and rumba. Classes are offered nightly Monday through Friday, and an open house dance party takes place every Friday night, 8:30-10:00 p.m.

Details: 409 S. 2nd Street | (215) 574-3574; 4401 Cresson Street | (215) 482-1611

Loving The Outdoors

Longwood Gardens

Couples can walk hand-in-hand through 1,077 acres of beauty at Longwood Gardens. If the weather’s uncooperative, more than four acres of glass-enclosed conservatories, with tropical gardens and 16 waterfalls, make the perfect indoor paradise.

Details: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square | (610) 388-1000

Morris Arboretum

A lavish Victorian garden, Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania occupies 92 acres in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. Visitors stroll the garden and enjoy quiet moments in romantic settings such as the Springhouse and the Mercury Loggia Grotto.

Details: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue | (215) 247-5777

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

Perfect for a hike and a picnic lunch, Bucks County’s 134-acre Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve comprises nearly 1,000 species of native plants, a meadow, pond and creek.

Details: 1635 River Road (Route 32), New Hope | (215) 862-2924

Chanticleer

Duos leave the stress of daily life behind when they visit Delaware County’s Chanticleer. Filled with innovation and whimsical touches, it’s one of the most exquisite horticultural showplaces on the East Coast.

Details: 786 Church Road, Wayne | (610) 687-4163

Schuylkill River

Partners can bike, blade or walk along the city’s Schuylkill River on Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Fairmount Park, taking in the views of Boathouse Row (illuminated at night) or waving at the early-morning scullers. From the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a complete loop via the Falls Bridge is about eight-and-a-half miles.

Wissahickon Valley Park

For some peace and quiet, the outdoorsy types can take a hike—literally—on one of the many trails of the Wissahickon Valley Park, where rugged paths offer some seriously secluded space with picturesque views.

Details: 300 Northwestern Avenue | (215) 247-0417

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail

Twosomes take in the beauty and the beverages of the wineries along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and the Bucks County Wine Trail. With tastings, concerts, fairs, wine dinners and many other activities, there are plenty of excuses to spend an afternoon or evening sipping in the sunlight or under the stars.

Belmont Plateau

Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park attracts runners, bikers, frisbee enthusiasts and softball players, but it’s the dramatic view of the Center City skyline and the breathtaking sunsets that make this a romantic hotspot.

Details: Montgomery Drive & Belmont Avenue

Night Skies at The Franklin Institute

It’s not exactly outside, but stargazing is a traditional lovers’ pastime. On the second Thursday of each month, Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts guides visitors through Night Skies in the Observatory at The Franklin Institute, using one of the world’s only examples of a cutting-edge Zeiss refractor.

Details: 222 N. 20th Street | (215) 448-1200

Fall For The Arts

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Since 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) has counted Impressionist Mary Cassatt, luminous painter/illustrator Maxfield Parrish and romantic realist Daniel Garber, among others, as students. PAFA’s historic Victorian Gothic building, designed by Frank Furness, is ornamental and elegant, yet perfectly sized for a casual, hand-held stroll. Outside, art lovers can grab a seat at Lenfest Plaza, complete with Claes Oldenburg’s 51-foot Paint Torch.

Details: 118 N. Broad Street | (215) 972-7600

James A. Michener Art Museum

The James A. Michener Art Museum in Bucks County houses one of the finest public collections of Pennsylvania Impressionist works, showcases regional artists and hosts nationally touring exhibitions. The outdoor Pfundt Sculpture Garden is a must-see for amorous couples in warm weather, with its welcoming reflecting pools, fountains and paths.

Details: 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown | (215) 340-9800

Art After 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Visitors can start the weekend with style and sophistication at Art After 5 every Friday at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This weekly evening series showcases an eclectic mix of world and jazz music, plus extra hours to explore the galleries.

Details: 26th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway | (215) 763-8100

Whispering Benches

Couples can proclaim their love at Fairmount Park’s Whispering Benches. One sweetheart takes a seat on the stone bench in the curve of the Smith Memorial Arch, while the other sits on the bench across the street. When they whisper into the monument, love carries their tender words.

Details: Avenue of the Republic, near Memorial Hall

Love Park

Those in search of lovely public art can steal a kiss in front of Philly’s swoon-worthy structures. Robert Indiana’s 1976 Love sculpture has become such an icon that its location, JFK Plaza, is now better known as Love Park. And while the 45-foot-tall steel Clothespin across from City Hall resembles a giant—well, clothespin—artist Claes Oldenburg compared the form to Constantin Brancusi’s The Kiss, which shows two separate bodies joined in an embrace.

Details: Love, 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard | Clothespin, 15th & Market Streets

Tantalizing Tours

Mural Arts Love Letter Tour

Nothing says love like a ride on the El train—at least since the Mural Arts Program and renowned artist Stephen Powers teamed up to create Love Letter, a series of 50 rooftop murals that read like love notes from a boy to a girl. Passengers on the El—the elevated train that runs along Market Street, called the Market-Frankford Line or the Blue Line—can follow the messages from 45th to 63rd Streets. Each Saturday at 10:00 a.m., a Mural Arts Program guide leads participants on a tour of Love Letter. Reservations required. Tours meet at the welcome center at Love Park. 16th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, (215) 685-0754, muralarts.org

City Food Tour

Adoring foodies savor the moment during City Food Tours’ three-hour Decadent Gourmet Tour. The weekend gourmet tasting adventure features sweet and savory morsels from five of the city’s favorites, including Flying Monkey Bakery and Di Bruno Brothers.

Details: Starts at Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Arch Streets | (800) 979-3370

Philadelphia Chocolate Tour

Six days a week, chocolate lovers satisfy their craving for sweets by joining the Philadelphia Chocolate Tour, during which tour-goers indulge in some of the most mouthwatering sweets in the city while learning the history and health benefits of the treat. Stops include Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, Capogiro Gelato Artisans and Famous 4th Street Cookie Company. Calorie counters need not worry—it’s a walking tour. Private tours are available.

Details: Starts at Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Arch Streets | (215) 833-0044

76 Carriage Company

For romance that steps back in time, couples can relax to the sounds of the clip-clop echoing through the cobblestone streets of Society Hill during a 76 Carriage Company horse-drawn carriage ride.

Details: 5th & Chestnut Streets | (215) 923-8516

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From: Jan 24th, 2014 - 05:00 pm

To: Jan 26th, 2014 - 03:00 pm

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Holiday Lights of Philadelphia - City of Brotherly "Bright"

from visitphilly.com

Top Places To View Holiday Lights in Philadelphia

The region glows bright during the holiday season

Winter nights turn glittery and bright with holiday lights that shimmer and shine all across Philadelphia and The Countryside. New displays at Franklin Square and the Blue Cross RiverRink join traditional favorites like the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City and The Comcast Holiday Spectacular.

Below, find our favorite local attractions and neighborhoods lighting up the skies with sparkling colors and elaborate light displays this holiday season.

City Lights

Christmas Light Show at Macy’s Center City

Dates: November 29-December 31

A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights and finishes with sounds from the Wanamaker Organ. Performances take place at the top of the hours.

Comcast Holiday Spectacular

Dates: November 28, 2013-January 1, 2014

It’s year six for Philadelphia’s high-tech holiday show, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, shown on The Comcast Experience video wall, one of the world’s highest-resolution LED (light-emitting diode) displays, in the lobby of the 58-story Comcast Center. Set to the music of a 64-piece orchestra, this year’s show includes new scenes featuring Olympic-caliber ice skaters and performers from the Walnut Street Theatre. The free 15-minute show occurs at the top of the hour, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (except 5:00 p.m. on weekdays).

Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle

Dates: November 14-December 31

The holiday magic at Ben Franklin’s namesake park begins with the new Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle – A Holiday Light Show, featuring a 10-foot-tall kite made of lights that sparkle and spread the glow to lights throughout the square. The show runs every 30 minutes between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Bright Lights, Big Santa at the Blue Cross RiverRink

Dates: November 29, 2013-January 5, 2014

All new for the Blue Cross RiverRink’s 20th-anniversary season at Penn’s Landing, Bright Lights, Big Santa introduces a festive mash-up of color, lights, hip-hop beats and dancing elves that all come together in 3-D light show accompanied by holiday music. Part of the Waterfront Winterfest—complete with pine trees, fire pits, a heated pop-up restaurant, craft market and other activities—the light show runs every hour between 5:00-11:00 p.m.

Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum

Dates: November 22, 2013-January 5, 2014

A miniature winter wonderland amid the evergreens awaits visitors to Morris Arboretum. The Holiday Garden Railway display is a quarter mile of model train track featuring seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines, two cable cars, nine bridges and trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia-area landmarks made from all-natural materials.

Holiday Lights at Boathouse Row

One of Philadelphia’s most memorable nighttime vistas is that of Boathouse Row, made up of a dozen sculling clubs that line the Schuylkill River behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 2009, new full-color, energy-efficient LED light nodes were hung to showcase the intricate architectural details of the clubs. Now a drive or stroll along the river results in an eye-popping lighting marvel that normally glows white but can change to celebrate a holiday or civic celebration, a charity appeal or a significant professional sporting win.

Seaport Parade of Lights

Date: December 14, 2013

The Independence Seaport Museum will be parading boats doused in illuminated color just outside its doors on the Delaware River on Saturday, December 14. For the price of museum admission, guests will get a look at the magical holiday display and even get to hear some carolers sing, meet and greet with Santa and enjoy some light refreshments at this all-inclusive seaport spectacle.

Smedley Street Christmas Light Spectacular

Venture into South Philly, specifically the 2700 Block of Smedley Street between 16th and 17th Streets and Moyamensing and Oregon Avenues, for a peak at a hidden holiday gem. You’ll see trees covered from head to toe in glowing color-shifting lights, gigantic blow-up Santas and all of the neighborly holiday cheer one could ask for this time of year.

Christmas in the Countryside

A Longwood Gardens Christmas

Dates: November 28, 2013-January 12, 2014

No holiday is complete without a visit to Longwood Gardens, where more than 500,000 twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows compose a brilliant wonderland your family is sure to love. Starting at 3:30 p.m. every day through January 12, gaze upon the large, starry snowflakes and icicles that sparkle throughout the gardens before warming up in heated conservatory with twenty “rooms” featuring festive displays of floral garlands, sparkling trees and more. Timed advance tickets are required and sell out quickly, so get yours here

Christmas in Peddler’s Village

Peddler’s Village will light up your holiday season with a fantastic display of nearly one million holiday lights. While you’re in a festive mood, explore more than 70 specialty shops — perfect for your holiday shopping — and eight restaurants. While you’re there, check out the spectacular Gingerbread House Competition and Display.

Christmas Around the Farm at Linvilla Orchards

Dates: November 23-December 23, 2013

For the holidays, Linvilla Orchards transforms into the North Pole — farm style. Get into the holiday spirit by cutting your own Christmas tree and doing a little shopping at the market that’s stocked with tasty holiday treats like hot mulled cider. Santa makes a guest appearance every Saturday and Sunday in December, and on select afternoons, visitors can sing along during Caroling Hayrides, complete with live music and apple cider.

Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm

Dates: November 22, 2013-January 5, 2014

Millions of lights sparkle at Shady Brook Farm during the incredible Holiday Light Show. Experience the magical drive in your own car or hop on a moonlit hayride or horse and buggy. Monday through Thursday is when the real tractor hayrides will happen, but then Thursdays through Sundays, you’ll ride around the display in a horse-drawn carriage. Also, don’t forget to stop and get your picture taken with Santa at Santa’s Village. Reservations are recommended.

Bonus: Herr’s Snack Factory Tour 12 Days of Christmas

Dates: December 9-21, 2013

Responsible for one of the region’s most celebrated snack foods, the Herr’s Factory is fully decked out for the holidays. Each year, Herr’s hosts all manner of Christmas-themed events centered around their fantastic light display. The annual light display features more than 400,000 lights arranged throughout the complex. Also, be sure you don’t miss “Big Red,” a 60-foot-tall Norway Spruce decorated with more than 1,500 red lights.

Holiday Travel Tips from AARP.org

Holiday Travel Tips

5 HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS

These simple steps can save you time and headaches with air travel, baggage and crowds
by: Alexis Flippin, Frommer’s Travel, from: AARP.org


'Tis the season to be traveling, whether you're jetting off to far-flung places or taking a road trip to see family. Crowded airports and gridlocked roads — not to mention free-floating anxiety — can make holiday travel a headache. With our holiday travel tips, though, it doesn't have to be.

These holiday travel tips will make your journey a breeze.

1. Avoid Flying at Peak Times
If your travel schedule is flexible, avoid flying on the busiest days of the season: the day before Thanksgiving and the two days immediately preceding and following Christmas and New Year's. Also, book flights at off-peak times, such as early morning. If at all possible, fly on the holiday itself, when airports have an almost empty, tumbleweed-blowing-in-the-desert feel.


2. Hit the Road With Technology by Your Side
Portable GPS navigators are wondrous things, providing the fastest and most direct routes to your destination — and voice auto-commands help keep your eyes on the road. Upgraded models offer real-time traffic information, but unless your car has built-in GPS capability, these can be pricey. A much more economical alternative — as infree — is Google Maps, available on most smartphones. It not only provides driving directions but also has color-coded lines indicating the severity of traffic ahead: green lines indicate good conditions, yellow means fair, and red or red/black signal poor conditions.

3. Travel Light
Don't be weighed down with packages. Order gifts online, and have them sent directly to the recipient, or mail your packages ahead of time. If you're a procrastinator, you can take advantage of the annual Free Shipping Day on December 17, when some 1,500 merchants guarantee free delivery by Christmas Eve. And, if you're flying, don't wrap the gifts you bring — airlines have the right to open any wrapped package.

4. Don't Check Your Bags
The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are traditionally the busiest times to fly, which means the odds of losing your luggage rise exponentially with the increased air traffic. Not to mention the expense of paying $25 or more per bag. (Consider shipping your luggage ahead of time with these tips from AARP money expert Sid Kirchheimer.) Be on the safe side: carry on your luggage.

5. Take the Back Roads
Driving the interstates can be dull at any time, but holiday travel often adds big-time gridlock to the mix. If you have some time on your hands, why not leave the major highways behind, and hit the back roads for serendipitous pleasures? (These 7 iconic drives are some of the best in the U.S. any time of year.) Of all the holiday travel tips, this one will help you to focus on the joys of the season most of all.

Hey Philly! Time To Get Your Skate On!

from uwishunew.com

December 5, 2013

Roundup: A Guide To Public Ice Skating In The Philadelphia Region 2013

Posted by Jillian Wilson

Filed in: ATTRACTIONS SPORTS

2

 

Ice skating is synonyms with the winter months and a number of sites throughout Philadelphia invite winter enthusiasts to show off their finest twirl at public ice skating rinks in the region. (Photo by Matt Stanley for DRWC)

Embrace the winter chill with open arms (for balance, of course) by showing off your finest ice skating moves at a number of public ice skating rinks in the Philadelphia region.

The well-loved Blue Cross RiverRink celebrates its 20th year of fine ice skating with a special addition to its Penn’s Landing grounds, Waterfront Winterfest, a pop-up holiday village with a heated restaurant and beer garden, fire pits for s’mores, a holiday light show and much more. So now there’s even more of a reason to head to Penn’s Landing for an evening of ice skating.

This year, Philadelphia welcomes a brand-new ice skating rink, Skate at The Piazza, a 5,000-square-foot pop-up rink complete with live DJs, classic winter movies and more all season long — dust off your ice skates and head to the new attraction!

Beyond the city limits, popular rinks reign in towns like Ardmore and Aston and provide skaters with everything from hockey leagues to free skating sessions throughout the day.

Read on for our picks for public ice skating rinks in the area, below.

• Blue Cross RiverRink: Old City, Market Street & Columbus Boulevard, November 29-March 2. At theBlue Cross RiverRink, an open-air Olympic-size rink on Penn’s Landing, skaters take in a spectacular view of the city while gliding alongside the Delaware River. Debuting this year, a pop-up holiday winter garden and village called Waterfront Winterfest features craft vendors, music, food and drinks. A new holiday-themed light show dazzles every hour from 5 to 11 p.m. Plus, under a massive 400-person warming tent created from recycled shipping containers, folks enjoy comfort food, holiday cocktails and local beers. The rink offers special events throughout the season.

• Skate at The Piazza: Northern Liberties, 1001 N. 2nd Street, November 30-February 23. The city’s newest outdoor rink offers 5,000 square feet of artificial ice for skaters who want to show off their best moves. Through the end of the Sochi Olympics in February, the pop-up rink at Northern Liberties’ Piazza at Schmidts will buzz with activity — live DJs, classic winter movies, a weeknight curling league and a winter market headlined by some of Philadelphia’s most popular food trucks and craft vendors.

• Class of 1923 Rink: University City, 3130 Walnut Street, Open year-round. In addition to being home ice for several local collegiate hockey teams, the Class of 1923 Rink, a NHL-size ice skating rink, hosts a number of youth and adult hockey programs. The rink also offers group and singles freestyle skating lessons, public skating sessions and freestyle sessions. Take note, the rink is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the complete schedule, click here.

• Rizzo Rink: Pennsport, 1001 S. Front Street, November 29-mid-March. Rizzo Rink, a covered outdoor rink, is devoted mostly to youth hockey. However, people can take advantage of public skating and skating lessons during various sessions, as well as time slots for open hockey and adult hockey.

• Laura Sims Skate House: West Philadelphia, 200 S. 63rd Street, Open year-round. Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider, Mayor Nutter and other community leaders celebrated the re-opening of a newly converted indoor ice rink in West Philadelphia two years ago. The Laura Sims Skate House, which is located in the Cobbs Creek Park Ice Skating Rink, is open to the public all year long. Enjoy learn to skate programs, public skating sessions, ice hockey instruction and league play.

• Flyers’ Skate Zone: Northeast, 10990 Decatur Road, Open year-round. The draws at this hockey-centric rink — public skating sessions and plenty of opportunities (practice sessions, clinics, teams at various levels) for hockey players to hone their skills on two NHL-size surfaces.

• Simons Ice Rink: West Oak Lane, 7200 Woolston Avenue, Open until February. Simons Ice Rink has everything from chess to spoken word, to art and sewing to ice skating. The rink is open every day through February and is an affordable winter escape as it provides skaters with free admission and $2 skate rental. For public skating times, click here.

• Wissahickon Skating Rink: Northwest, 550 W. Willow Grove Avenue, Open year-round. Freestyle, synchronized skating, hockey and public skating sessions and lessons keep Wissahickon Skating Rink, a family-focused rink, active all throughout the year. For skating enthusiasts, the pro shop specializes in equipment and custom blade sharpening.

• IceWorks Skating Complex: Delaware County, 3100 W. Dutton’s Mill Road, Open year-round.IceWorks Skating Complex boasts four skating surfaces — one Olympic-size and three NHL-size — keep hockey players and figure skaters on ice all year long. Lessons cover all disciplines and skill levels, and the pro shop sells a full line of equipment. Just watching? Guests can catch the action from the cafe or pub.

• Oaks Center Ice: Montgomery County, 100 Pennco Road, Oaks, Open year-round. Skaters of all levels flock to the three NHL-size rinks during dozens of public skating, freestyle and hockey sessions at Oaks Center Ice. Youngsters can get in on the fun of team synchronized skating or compete in the Broadway-style Theater on Ice program.

• Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society Rink: Montgomery County, 220 Holland Road, Open year-round. Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society Rink, America’s first skating club is still one of the finest with high-quality ice for skaters of all levels. The former training center for several national and Olympic champs (including Scott Hamilton), PSCHS welcomes skaters for public lessons, synchronized skating and lessons for beginners to elite levels.

• Skatium: Delaware County, 1002 Darby Road, Open year-round. Staying true to its family-friendly reputation, the Skatium offers programs for all ages and skill levels — hockey clinics, open hockey sessions, figure skating lessons and public skating.

Philly Family-Friendly New Year’s Celebrations

Philly Family-Friendly New Year’s Celebrations

Philadelphia is the perfect destination for families searching for kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Revelers of all ages can ring in 2014. with a “Countdown to Noon” at the Please Touch Museum or party with the fishes at Adventure Aquarium before the explosive fireworks show at Penn’s Landing at 6 p.m.

Check out more of the top Philly Family-Friendly celebrations, below:

Franklin Square

6th and Race Streets | (215) 629-4026

Franklin Square is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a free, kid-friendly dropping “square” in lieu of the famous ball. Take a spin on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, putt through the Liberty Bell at Philly Mini Golf, enjoy SquareBurger’s hearty winter menu and watch Penn’s Landing’s Fireworks early show at 6 p.m., visible from Franklin Square!

Please Touch Museum

 4231 Avenue of the Republic | (215) 581-3181

The Please Touch Museum rings in 2013 early with Countdown to Noon on December 31. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. and holds “Noon Year” party activities with music and confetti. Countdowns take place at 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.

Blue Cross RiverRink

Columbus Boulevard & Market Street | (215) 925-RINK

Winter sports enthusiasts celebrate at the Blue Cross RiverRink’s New Year’s Eve Party on Ice, a family-friendly affair that boasts one of the best views of the city’s breathtaking fireworks displays over the Delaware River. Skaters can catch one of two sparkling shows during the early (5-7 p.m.) and late (11 p.m.-1 a.m.) parties. Tickets are $35 for skaters and $25 for spectators.

Independence Seaport Museum

 Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street | (215) 413-8655

A maritime New Year’s Eve celebration is on deck at the Independence Seaport Museum along the Philadelphia waterfront. Grab a complimentary party hat and noisemaker before heading outside to the second-floor terrace to watch the fireworks spectacular over the Delaware River at 6 p.m.

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ | (856) 365-3300

Party with the fishes at Adventure Aquarium’s first annual New Year’s Eve Splash. Families can celebrate the New Year with the Aquarium’s shark mascot Gill while enjoying a special New Year’s Eve “Countdown” Dance Party from 5-8:30 p.m. with access to the entire aquarium, stunning views of the
fireworks. free parking, a free 4×6 family photo and free plush gift for children 12 and under.

Battleship New Jersey

 62 Battleship Place | (856) 966-1652

Over on the other side of the river, revelers test their sea legs on the Battleship New Jersey, docked on the Camden waterfront. Enjoy music, food and bar concessions, as well as a unique view of both fireworks shows at 6 p.m. and midnight.

Mummers Parade

Since 1901, this parade has included 4 major divisions, comics, fancy division, string bands and fancy brigades. Hundred of units march down Broad Street in one of the world's most famous New Year's Day Parades with over 20,000 costumed Mummers in a day long celebration.

Where to Stay?
Parent's Magazine named Embassy Suites Brands as one of the best Family Friendly Hotels.

Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Airport is proud to be "Philly" Family Friendly offering all guests:

• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suites
• Free Internet
• Free Parking 12/31/13
• Late Checkout on 1/1/13

Cyber Monday Sale Philadelphia

Philadelphia our blog special offers things to do holiday travel tips cyber monday hotel sale Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport Cyber Monday is December 2, 2013 and the countdown has begun for one of the biggest Cyber Monday Hotel sales in Philadelphia. For one day, enjoy 20% off regular hotel rates through December 31, 2014 at Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. * Can't wait till December 2? Check out our other offers that include free cooked to order breakfast, complimentary evening reception, free high speed internet access gift cards, bonus points and more. more nights = more points With the Hilton HHonors™ More Nights, More Points, you can earn free nights faster than ever. Stay two nights and double your points for your entire stay. Stay three nights to triple your points, or four nights to quadruple your points. Book and stay with us before January 31, 2014, and earn points fast. It’s a quick ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences. ...LEARN MORE MILITARY FAMILY HOLIDAY SPECIAL Our way of saying, "Thank You". For active & retired military and their families enjoy exclusive savings of 10%. And of course with every stay at Embassy Suites Hotels, guests enjoy two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary drinks and snacks at the nightly Evening Reception. ...LEARN MORE Visiting friends and Family for the holidays? If you're going out of town for the Holidays, avoid the hassle  of driving and parking at Philadelphia International Airport. Spend the night before your trip with us and take our complimentary airport shuttle when it's time to go.  With our Stay n Fly Package * begin your vacation in one of our spacious two-room suites, enjoy our free cooked-to-order breakfast and relax at the Complimentary Evening Reception.   *Trip and vehicle information must be given at check-in. Vehicle parking is available a maximum of seven days with this package.  ...LEARN MORE BOOK NOW CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL* FOR STAYS FROM DECEMBER 2013 THROUGH DECEMBER  2014 20 % off regular rate Free Internet Access Free cooked to order breakfast Complimentary Evening Reception Two Room Suite   PHOTO GALLERY Book Online or Call (215) 365-4500 to reserve your package today! Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Airport 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153 TEL: 215-365-4500 | FAX: 215-365-4803 info@embassysuites.com Visit hotel website