By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
St. Patrick’s parade in Wilmington
With spring on the horizon, the schedule of special events and activities in the area is bursting out like daffodils stretching up to the sun.
Tuesday is March 17 — the one day each year when almost everyone seems to be Irish. It is a day when wearing green does not necessarily mean you are an Eagles fan.
The 49th Annual Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade 9 https://www.irishcultureclubde.com/) will take place on March 14 in downtown Wilmington, featuring a festive procession and post-parade Hooley celebration.
It begins at noon at the intersection of 4th and King streets and proceeds north along King Street.
The parade features a vibrant mix of pipe and drum bands, Irish dancers, high school marching bands, first responders, and community organizations.
Spectators often dress in green, wave flags, and cheer as participants march through downtown Wilmington. Traditional Irish music, step dancing, and colorful floats create a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.
The parade is organized by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware, a nonprofit founded in 1976 and dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish culture throughout the region.
In addition to the annual parade, the organization hosts cultural events, dinners, music performances, and educational programs that celebrate Irish history and traditions across Delaware.
The 2026 Grand Marshal is Nora Smith, recognized for her decades of service to the ICCD and dedication to Irish heritage.
At the conclusion of the parade route at 14th and King Streets, the annual Hooley continues the celebration.
Attendees are welcome to enjoy the parade from this location and remain for the festivities that follow.
Alcohol and food will be available for purchase, and the club’s yearly commemorative beer mugs will be sold for $20. The mugs include unlimited refills until the beer runs out.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wilmington might arrive first but it is not the biggest in the area this weekend.
The 2026 Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade (www.PhillyParade.com) will take place on
March 15, with festivities including a 9 a.m. Mass, an 11 a.m. parade start and live television coverage.
The Parade will have a Chester County connection with the Bishop Shanahan High School Choir providing music for the morning procession.Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the second oldest in the United States. First held in 1771, it celebrates more than 250 years of Irish heritage and culture.
The 2026 parade theme is “St. Patrick, Bless Those Dedicated to Serving Others!”
The Parade Mass will be held at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, which is located at 20th and Locust Streets. It will be celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez and Chaplain Father Kevin Gallagher.
The procession is led by the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band. Music will be provided by Bishop Shanahan High School Choir.
The Parade starts at 11 a.m. at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard and proceeds north along 16th Street to Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
On March 14, Newtown Square Historical Society (3716 Goshen Rd, Newtown Square, nshistory.org) will host its annual “Irish History Tour” from noon-4 p.m. at the Square Tavern and Paper Mill House.
The Society is inviting visitors to experience the warm and charming experience of the period-decorated 1700’s Historic Square Tavern. Costumed guides will explain Newtown’s rich history, and visitors can enjoy samplings of Irish cakes, breads, cheeses, ales and mead.
At the Paper Mill House, guests can experience Newtown’s 1800’s history and examine the life of mill workers along the Darby Creek. They can browse more than 10 rooms full of local history and 1800’s decor. Costumed guides will be serving Irish cakes.
The event is free, and donations are welcomed.
The Elmwood Park Zoo (1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, www.elmwoodparkzoo.org) is hosting its “St. Patrick’s Weekend” on Saturday and Sunday. The popular annual event will be held on March 14 and 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.The Zoo has offered this invite — join us for a shamrockin’ good time as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with festive fun for the whole family.
Wear your green and St. Paddy’s attire to score $1 off carousel rides. Sip on specialty drinks at the Zoo Brew Beer Garden, enjoy live music and test your luck on a gold-hunting scavenger hunt.
The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.
Admission fees start at $14.99.
Sesame Place (100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, www.sesameplace.com) is celebrating 2026’s Opening Day on March 14.
Follow the rainbow to Sesame Place and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your favorite Sesame Street friends.
Visitors can enjoy Sesame Street-themed rides and attractions, entertaining shows, dance parties and the Sesame Street Party Parade. They can go on a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt and get one-of-a-kind photos with their favorite furry friends.
There will also be special Irish Dancing shows from the Rince Ri Irish School of Dance.
There will also be a “St. Patrick’s Day Dine.”
Guests can join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster for a special St. Patrick’s Day party as they dance and jig to their favorite Sesame Street songs. They are invited to come dressed in their most festive green attire and enjoy a buffet brunch and desserts for all the wee lads and lassies.
The 77th Annual Chadds Ford Art Sale & Show (http://cfes.ucfsd.org/artshow/) will be held March 14 at the Chadds Ford Elementary School.
Founded in 1949 by Betsy Wyeth, the popular Chadds Ford Art Sale & Show features work by an array of professional artists from the Brandywine Valley and beyond.Artists showcase a variety of works to satisfy every taste and budget.
The popular art show will include more than 60 artists from the Brandywine Valley and beyond.
Many of the participating artists will be available to sign or personalize their work.
Some of the featured artists will be Bruce Poulterer, Carol and Amanda Sapp, Pat Scarano, Nichole Scull, Robin Sesan, Julia Shaternik, Lynnette Shelley, Don Shoffner, Susan Smith, Sarah Snyder-Dinsel, Sheila Startup, Susan Stefanski, Lini Stevens, Rachel Coleman, Rhonda Counts, Fred Swarr, William Sweeney, Patricia Tolton, Sue Ann Cox, Jennifer Domal, Elizabeth Domotor, Gerald Dowling and Denise Drummond.
The list also includes Sungmin Kim Bobyak, Cindy Bilbao, Stephen Brehm, Morgan Broome, Christine Burke, Mike Campagna, Sean Davis, Terri Davis, Tara Donnelly, Francine Dunigan, Carol Fastuca, Shawn Faust, Patricia Flaherty, Mary Holton, Mona Iannaccone, Joe Jacobs, Robert Francis James, Paul Koch, Kimberly Lamarra, Susan Malikowski, Shanthi Manickam, Janet Williams, Katy Winters, Kimberly Wojciechowski and Nina Yocom.
Also on the roster are David Allen, Dave Aquilante, Carol Apicella, Jacalyn Beam, Brian Marshall, Margaret Matuszewski, Martin May, Sara McKelvey, Diane Micklin, Adrienne Morella, Al Moretti, Steve Oliver, Jill Pearson, Michael Thomas, Karen Trimble, Linda Turoczi, Nicole Wandersee, Rick Phillips, Ivy Egger, Herb Eilertsen, Judith McCabe Jarvis, Gwenn Knapp, Karen Kuhrt, Nicole Plockmeyer, Susan Roberts and Kathy Ruck.
The show, which features free admission, will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday will not just be another Saturday in March, it will be a day to enjoy pie – especially cherry pie if you’re a fan of “Twin Peaks.”
March 14 is “π Day (Pi Day).”
Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π.
Celebrations often involve eating pie or holding pi recitation competitions. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of “Pi Day.”
Pi (often represented by the lower-case Greek letter π), one of the most well-known mathematical constants, is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. For any circle, the distance around the edge is a little more than three times the distance.
The current world record for memorizing the most digits of pi belongs to Akira Haraguchi, a retired Japanese engineer, who recited an astounding 100,000 digits of pi in 2006.
Haraguchi spent over 16 hours reciting the digits from memory at a public event in Tokyo, showcasing his incredible memory and dedication to the mathematical constant.
On March 14, Laurel Hill Cemetery (3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, www.thelaurelhillphl.com) will present “Hot Spots and Storied Plots” walking tour at 10 a.m.
In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead?
This tour provides an informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long history, which includes many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views, and legendary stories about Laurel Hill.
“Hot Spots and Storied Plots” is the perfect introduction for anyone who enjoys beautiful art, scenic nature, and fascinating history. An experienced graveyard guide will offer a unique perspective.
The Tour Guide will be Russ Dodge.
Tickets are $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors and $9 for children (ages 6-12).
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Avenue, Oaks, phillyexpocenter.com) will have several attractive events this weekend.
On March 13 and 14, the venue will host “Antique and Collector Fair,” which was formerly known as “Antiques at Kimberton.”
The fair is offering a more diverse selection of merchandise for the antique and collector enthusiast.
With this new approach, the event will have offerings for the seasoned antique collector as well as the newcomers to the exciting field of collecting.
The show will feature more than 65 vetted dealers from all over the Mid-Atlantic region with exhibit booths filling more than 10,000 square feet of space.
Every dealer is hand-selected to make sure that authentic, quality antiques are always showcased. Visitors will be able to browse and make selections from a wide array of top-quality antiques and collectibles.
The long list of featured categories includes furniture, primitives, art, collectibles, textiles, pottery, glassware and a variety of other items from the past. The show, which has been in existence since the 1960s, is known for its diversity and the willingness of the dealers to discuss the items they are selling.
Tickets are $10 and there is free parking. Additionally, there will be a variety of food available for purchase during show hours.
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is also hosting the 27th Annual Greater Philadelphia Boat Show now through March 15.
The boat show’s website offered the following reasons to purchase a boat there now —
Manufacturer Incentives: Many dealers have special incentives and financing programs available from their manufacturers that are available ONLY at shows. This can include rebates, low interest financing, etc.
Selection: At boat shows you’ll see all different types and sizes of boats at one time in one place. You’ll save time and gas money by shopping and comparing dozens of dealers and hundreds of boats all together side by side. At the Greater Philadelphia Boat Show you’ll see dealers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. Imagine how long it would take you to visit 10, 15 or 20 different boat dealers in 4 states!
Value: Any time you get this many competitors together it means consumers are the winners. At winter boat shows dealers are eager to begin the boat selling season. Buying your boat early means you can get your boat delivered when you want it. As the boating season nears and demands increase, so do prices… so, buying at the Greater Philadelphia Boat Show can save you money.
The show will be open on Friday from noon-7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission is $12. Children (ages 16 and under) are admitted free.
On March 15, the Expo Center will host “Plantella X: Greater Philadelphia Houseplant eXpo” from 1-5 p.m.
“Plantella X: Greater Philadelphia Houseplant eXpo” is a high-energy, highly curated indoor plant experience bringing together some of the most exciting plant shops, growers, and botanical creatives from across the Northeast.
The expo floor comes alive with lush displays, rare and crowd-favorite houseplants, statement planters, terrariums, and incredible one-of-a-kind plant-inspired goods you won’t find anywhere else.
Plantella X is designed for discovery. It is a place to wander, ask questions, connect with real experts, and experience plants up close in an atmosphere that feels vibrant, welcoming, and fun.
Every vendor is hand-selected to ensure quality, variety, and healthy plants — whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your plant journey.
Admission is $15. Kids 12 and under are free.
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) is presenting “Winter Wonder” now through March 22.
“Winter Wonder” celebrates the beauty of winter. It’s all about outdoor spacious, indoor oasis, and the power of story.
Outside, visitors can find a sense of peace and tranquility as they walk past textural grasses, seed heads and the dramatic silhouettes of trees that stretch up into the sky.
Inside, they can bask in a world of warmth that features an overhead garden of hanging baskets adorned with such vibrant beauties as jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plant.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a paradise of flowers and foliage, bursting with color — all in a beautiful indoor winter wonderland with a tropical twist.
Inside Longwood’s Conservatory, visitors can check out nearly 300 blooming orchids on display in the site’s Orchid House.
The gardens are open from Wednesdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 22. Hours change in the spring.
As always, admission by “Timed Ticket” — tickets issued for specific dates and times. Timed ticketing limits the number of people in the Gardens at any given time and allows guests to enjoy minimal lines and a better viewing experience.
You may enter the Gardens up to 30 minutes prior and 30 minutes after your designated time. Make every effort to arrive at your designated reservation time. Earlier or later arrivals may not be accommodated.
Newlin Grist Mill (219 South Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, newlingristmill.org) will present its “1704 Mill Tour” on March 14 and again on March 15.
Visitors can take a guided tour of our 1704 water powered mill. While the Mill is not currently operational, visitors on guided tours will get a rare opportunity to see the process of building a new waterwheel and waterbox.
Visitors must be on a guided tour to go inside the Grist Mill.
Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors and children 12 and under.
Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media, 610-566-9134, tylerarboretum.org) will present “Saturday Wildflower Walk: Early Spring Edition” from 1-3 p.m.
Explore the Arboretum with wildflower expert Dick Cloud. Slow down and look closely at what’s growing along meadows, wooded paths, and occasional streamside spots. Enjoy the simple pleasure of seeing the landscape in detail and notice the Arboretum with fresh eyes.
In March, look for newly emerging spring ephemerals and listen to the chorus of frogs and birds.
Cloud will lead an informative two-hour hike that takes you through meadows, woods, and occasionally streamside.
On March 14 at 9 a.m., the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz) will host “Bird Walk with Debbie Beer.”
Participants will be able to discover the 300+ species of birds that use the Refuge during their migration routes — each week guarantee different species.
Walk will meet by the Visitor Center and take place at a relaxed pace on flat surfaces.
A similar walk will be held on March 15 at 9 a.m. with Cliff and Nancy Hence.
Throughout the month of March, the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, historicphiladelphia.org) will offer free programming on weekends celebrating Women’s History Month.
Award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytellers shed light on women’s contributions to our nation’s history that our history books missed.
As always, visitors will meet Betsy Ross as she works in her upholstery shop. She can share the story of the first flag and so much more.
Ross was a business owner, patriot, single mother, and entrepreneur and led a fascinating life during exciting times.
On March 14, Fort Mifflin (Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, 215-685-4167, www.fortmifflin.us) will host a special event — “Battle of Verdun — WW1 Reenactment.”
Visitors will get a look at the harsh the conditions French and German soldiers would have experienced in the cramped confines of the tunnels of the fortresses of Verdun (transported to Fort Mifflin’s casemates).
Visitors can take a tour and explore our casemates and go back in time to feel like you are really there.
They will hear the stories of soldiers who fought room to room for inches of ground at a time.
The event starts at noon.
The Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard (1124 East Seventh Street, Wilmington, Delaware, www.kalmarnyckel.org) is hosting “Second Saturdays 2026 — Let Your Voice Be Heard” on March 14 from 1-4 p.m.
On its web page, the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation posted —
arch is Women’s History Month, and you can MARCH for what matters! Come get creative, get loud, and celebrate history in the most awesome way.
What you believe in is important! Here’s a fun, hands-on activity:
Create your own megaphone or marching sign. Then show off your masterpiece and let the world know what you stand for!
Crafts and activities are included with admission.
Winter admission fees: $5/adult, $3/ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3.
Future Second Saturday events are scheduled for April 10, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, October 10, November 14, and December 10.
Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, www.chaddsford.com) is presenting “Reserve Tastings –Spring Sips” on select Saturdays and Sundays in March.
Guests will join the CFW Crew for an intimate and educational 60-minute experience in the Barrel Room. The trained staff will guide them through a pre-selected tasting of five widely diverse and award-winning wines from across our portfolio.
The staff will also discuss topics such as grape growing conditions at our partner vineyards and the onsite winemaking process from production to aging and bottling.
The following is the 2026 Pairing Line Up –
Greeting Drink: Cherry Blossom Spritz featuring Sparkling White
Vidal Blanc with Fresh Chèvre and Lemon Infused Olive Oil
Painted Rosé with Radish Salsa
Noiret with Bresaola and Mint Chimichurri on Baguette
Sunset Blush with Lavender Chocolate Truffle from Éclat Chocolate.
There are three seatings per day – noon, 2 and 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $40 per person and reservations are required.
The “Wine & Cupcake Pairings at Penns Woods” at Penns Wood Winery (124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, www.pennswoodswinery.com) provide a nice way for visitors to enjoy a winter weekend day.
In March, Penns Woods Winery features its annual Wine & Cupcake pairing which includes a tasting of four wines perfectly paired with four gourmet miniature cupcakes from Dia Doce.
The mouth-watering tastings will be held March 7 and 8 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets cost $38 per person and reservations are required.
Harvest Ridge Winery (1140 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, www.harvestridgewinery.com) will present “Live Music with Max and Denise” on A.J. Love” on March 14 at 4 p.m.
The event will feature live acoustic music that will let you sit back and relax while sipping on wine.
On March 15, the winery is presenting a “Mead & Cheese Pairing.”
The event, which costs $20, will start at 1 p.m.
In 2026, America turns 250, and Philadelphia is throwing the ultimate yearlong celebration.
After all, we’ve been first in freedom, first in innovation and first in fun for 250 years.
52 Weeks of Firsts (www.visitphilly.com/52-weeks-of-firsts) is a yearlong, citywide celebration honoring Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation produced by the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee.
Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of the country, but it was also the backdrop for many other marvels.
To honor these groundbreaking inventions and firsts, the Philadelphia Historic District is holding a year’s worth of free events to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
52 Weeks of Firsts shines a light on different Philly-born Firsts each week through a series of free public events called Saturday Firstivals — held every Saturday of 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in more than a dozen neighborhoods.
Firstival: Saturday March 14 will focus on “First Women’s Medical College: 1850.”
Visitors can celebrate the women who broke barriers (and a few norms) at the first degree-granting medical school for women. This is where women took medicine into their own hands.
The event will take place at Drexel University Health Sciences Building, which is located at 60 North 36th Street in Philadelphia.
This weekend is a special time at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, www.ansp.org).
The museum is presenting “Science Story Time” on March 14 and 15 starting at 11:30 a.m. each day.
Each week will feature a science story and a hands-on craft to try.
This week’s story is “Spring After Spring” by Stephanie Roth Sisson.
Other upcoming “Science Storytime” dates are every Saturday and Sunday in March.
Museum admission is $22 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for children (ages 2-12).
On March 14 and 29, the Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum (500 Museum Road, Reading, www.readingpublicmuseum.org) will host “James Hood’s Beautifica.”
“Beautifica 360 – A Celebration of Life” was created by visionary composer James Hood and acclaimed immersive artists.
Celebrated as a versatile musical pioneer, Grammy-nominated artist James Hood is known for his groundbreaking work, and multi-sensory projects blending music and art.
His extensive musical résumé includes drumming for The Pretenders, more than two decades as the creative force behind the visionary ambient act Moodswings, and a wide array of production and soundtrack projects.
Before “Beautifica,” Hood transformed the world of immersive artistic experiences with “Mesmerica 360,” the record-breaking experience that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
With “Beautifica 360,” breathtaking worlds of light and sound come alive in this 360° dome experience.
Audiences can lose themselves in mesmerizing constellations and ethereal landscapes.
Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, the Neag Planetarium is a captivating destination that transports visitors into the depths of space. It is located at 500 Museum Road in Reading.
Tickets are $39.90.
Hagley Museum and Library (Buck Road East entrance via Route 100, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org), a 230-acre historical village on the site of the original du Pont Company gunpowder mills in northern Delaware, is presenting “Innovation in Miniature Exhibition” now through March 31.
Visitors will be able to step into a world where big ideas come in small packages.
Hagley’s miniature model exhibition brings together three fascinating fields — interior design, miniatures, and conservation — and invites guests to explore how they connect in surprising ways.
“Innovation in Miniature” highlights the careers of interior designer William Pahlmann and master miniaturist E.J. Kupjack. Together, they used these tiny models to bring bold ideas about interior decorating to life.
Guests will also discover how Hagley’s conservators work behind the scenes to preserve these delicate treasures for years to come.
The exhibit is included with museum admission
Visitors can also learn about the patent process and see examples of early American ingenuity in the “Nation of Inventors” exhibition.
They also will be able to see robotics and Lego teams demonstrating their amazing creations and pay a visit to the DuPont Discovery Loft to “Tinker and Create.”
Future innovators can take apart electronics, use household “junk” to create their own inventions, and submit their ideas to the “Hagley Patent Office.”
“Nation of Inventors” celebrates the American spirit of ingenuity by taking visitors on a journey from the early years of the patent system, in the 1790s, through the “golden age” of American invention, in the late 1800s.
The exhibit features more than 120 patent models from Hagley’s unique collection — highlighting the diverse stories of inventors from all walks of life.
Patent models are scaled representations of inventions and were part of the patent application process for nearly 100 years. “Nation of Inventors” showcases patent models representing innovations in a variety of industries from transportation and manufacturing to food preservation and medical devices.
“Nation of Inventors” includes patent models from well-known inventors and companies like Ball (Mason Jars), Jim Beam, Bissell, Corliss, Steinway, and Westinghouse.
“Nation of Inventors” is located on the first two floors of Hagley’s Visitor Center. Visitors can plan to spend about 30 minutes on their self-guided tour of the exhibition.
Admission to Hagley is $22 for adults, $18 for students and seniors (62+) and $12 for children (6-14).
Historic Odessa (Main Street, Odessa, Delaware, 302-378-4119, www.historicodessa.org) is both a scenic and an historic site in Delaware.
This month, Historic Odessa reopened for spring tours and celebrated the beginning of its 2026 season.
Known in the 18th-century as Cantwell’s Bridge, Odessa played a vital role in commercial life along the Delaware River as a busy grain shipping port.
Today, visitors can stroll along tree-lined streets and admire examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in one of the best-preserved towns in Delaware. They can also tour a remarkable collection of antiques and Americana preserved in period room settings and quaint exhibits.
Historic Odessa is open to the public from March through December, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. The site is also open Monday by reservation.
March 1 was the Opening Day for Odessa’s new exhibit – “The Return of Odessa’s Artifacts.” It will run through May 17.
When the Historic Odessa Foundation re-opens the doors to its 18th-century museum homes on March 1, the biggest change will not be immediately visible: a significant collection of historic objects has quietly “returned home.”
In late 2025, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library deaccessioned and transferred ownership of 44 artifacts to the foundation, deepening Odessa’s ability to tell its stories through objects that once again belong to the place they were made to serve.
Included in the transfer are 33 objects previously on display at Odessa through a long-term loan agreement, plus 11 others that Winterthur owned and used for display and educational purposes in the Winterthur/University of Delaware graduate-study programs in conservation and American material culture.
Founded more than 50 years ago, Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A. (Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, 717-687-7911, www.choochoobarn.com) presents a 1,700-square-foot train layout featuring over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles and 22 operating trains.
The majority of trains that are running in the display are “O Gauge” trains but there are also some HO Gauge trains as well as one N Gauge train.
Several of the original pieces and animations are still on the display today, including the ski slope, ski lodge and ice skaters, Dutch Haven, the Willows, the two-lane moving highway (in front of Dutch Haven), the farm with the tobacco barn, the Strasburg Fire House, the church beside Dutch Haven and a few other houses.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3 and under) at Choo Choo Barn — Traintown U.S.A.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia (500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, Https://philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/) is open all winter with its family-oriented rides and play.
Popular attractions are “Imagination Express,” “4-D Cinema,” “The Great LEGO® Race Virtual Reality Experience,” “LEGO® NINJAGO® Training Camp,” “Duplo Park” and “Pirate Adventure Island Spoftplay.”
Admission is $21.99.
Grim Philly’s “Dark Philly History Tour” (www.grimphilly.com) will be held every evening throughout the winter.
Participants can walk with tour guides from the grounds of America’s first White House, Congress, and Liberty Bell to homes and sites of Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and more than 10 other Founding-Fathers.
The surprising dirt of espionage, murder, sexual license and blackmail highlight the secrets of 1776 with a ghost story or two along the way.
This tour is highly researched. And your guide is a historian.
Ticket prices start at $38.
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (215-413-1997, www.ghosttour.com), Ghost Tour of Lancaster (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) and Ghost Tour of Strasburg (717-687-6687, www.ghosttour.com) operate throughout the winter and offer an eerily entertaining evening of true ghost stories and real haunted houses.
The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, which is based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Philadelphia, PA.,” is a candlelight walking tour along the back streets and secret gardens of Independence Park, Society Hill, and Old City, where ghostly spirits, haunted houses, and eerie graveyards abound.
Participants can discover the ghost lore of America’s most historic and most haunted city with stories from the founding of William Penn’s colony to present-day hauntings.
The activity is open year-round – weekends, December-February; every night, March-November. Tickets are $28.
The Ghost Tour of Lancaster and the Ghost Tour of Strasburg are based on the book, “Ghost Stories of Lancaster, PA.”
Participants in the Ghost Tour of Lancaster explore the long-forgotten mysteries of one of America’s oldest cities, with haunting tales of otherworldly vigils, fatal curses, and star-crossed lovers. The tour provides the opportunity to experience 300 years of haunted history from the Red Rose City’s thorny past. Tickets are $28.
The Ghost Tour of Strasburg is a candlelight walking tour of the quaint and historic town of Strasburg in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Visitors will experience an entertaining evening with a costumed tour guide spinning tales of haunted mansions, eerie graveyards, and spirits that roam the night … in a town lost in time. Tickets are $28.
“TreeTrails Adventures Trevose” (301 West Bristol Pike, Trevose, treetrails.com/trevose-pa) is an adventure park full of fun challenges for outdoor adventurers of all ages.
Participants can experience the rush of TreeTrails Adventures as they swing through the trees of the new adventure park. They will be able to discover the excitement of climbing and zip lining above the forest floor with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates.
The park, which is based at Phoenix Sport Club in Bucks County, offers two ways to experience climbing – TreeTrails Adventure Park and KidTrails Park. Young explorers can enjoy miniaturized courses in the adjacent KidTrails Park.
General Park Admission prices are: Main Park Adult Tickets (Ages 12+), $69; KidTrails Tickets (Ages 4–7), $23.
