Fun Friday

1. Who doesn't like Free? I'll do anything for free, well...almost anything. How about visit some of our National Parks for Free? No problem. In one of "America's best idea's yet", entrance to over 100 national parks that usually charge admission is free this weekend, August 14th and 15th. To make it an even better deal, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.

So that means in the following parks are free in New Jersey:
 Edison National Historical Site
Morristown National Historical Park.

And in Pennsylvania visit:
Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Johnstown Flood National Museum
Steamtown National Historic Site
Valley Forge National Historic Site

You don't live in this area, check out their website there are still 92 National Parks on the list! Click here to check out the U.S. National parks website. Can't make it this weekend? They are offering fee-free weekends in September and November too! Nice.

2. I know I mentioned this one a couple days ago, but I didn't want you to forget. Visit the Reading Terminal Market, one of my favorite places, for the Pennsylvania Dutch Festival this weekend. Celebrate the traditions, foods, and crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch including handmade quilts, cedar chests, and wooden toys, as well as delectable treats like homemade ice cream, donuts, fudge, and funnel cakes.


On Saturday, the market's Arch Street sidewalk is transformed into a petting zoo with sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys, calves, horses, pigs, and other farm animals. Amish buggy rides and horse-drawn wagon rides around the market are offered to all at no charge, and country and bluegrass bands round out the entertainment.   

For a fun idea, make a day of it and take the train into the city.    

George and Sophia with cousin Thomas
waiting to catch a glimpse of
Thomas and Friends at the Garden Railway.

3. Looks like our little blue friend is back and he's making his appearance at the Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania.  Thomas the Train and friends will be riding the rails at the Garden Railway at the Arboretum's Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Weekend, this Saturday and Sunday. We saw this about a month ago, the kids loved it and so did we. The Garden railway has amazing bridges and architecture, as it makes intricate turns around and down the hills of this garden section of the arboretum! Definitely worth the trip. This weekend, the weather is supposed to be beautiful so while your there take in the sites of the arboretum such as Out on a Limb, The beautiful Rose Gardens,  The Summer Palace and much more.                 

4. Jam to the beats at The Garden State Discovery Museum's Mad Hatter's Music Jamboree Saturday August 14th at 11:00am and 3:00pm. The event formerly known as Kidsrock takes on a magical Wonderland theme this year. Special guest Larry the Hat Man, armed with a zillion chapeaus and a single guitar, blends crazy comedy and standard sing-a-longs into a show for all ages. Also watch a roaming musician, sing some karaoke and make magical crafts.


5. Don't miss The Annual Montgomery County 4H Fair at the 4H center in Creamery, Pa. Friday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, Saturday from 9:30am to 9:30pm and Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:00pm. Enjoy crafts, animals, baked goods, contests, demonstrations and much, much more! Check out their website for a fun filled schedule of events.

Looking at the Week ahead:

Free Summer Family Movies at Regal Theatres Tuesday and Wednesday.

Free Summer Family movies at Frank Theatres on Tuesday and Thursday.

Milk and Cookies variety Show on Monday and Tuesday.

Mommy and Me Morning at Kidz Rule on Wednesday's.

Bounce U in Cherry Hill, NJ is having fun some events, Tell a Joke Day and get $2 off open bounce admission on Monday August 16th and August 19th is Aviation Day, special cosmic bounce. Check out their website for more information.