Last day: 20 things to do during your winter break
The countdown has finally reached its conclusion and winter break is upon us. While the time tends to fly by, The Fordian staff put together a list of places to go and things to do over your break. Make the most of your time and find something new and different for your friends and family to enjoy.
Click through the interactive map (above) or review our list below of the 20 things you need to see and do during your time off.
Find traditional holiday fun:Â
1. Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Celebration
Right over the bridge in New Jersey (accessible by ferry as well) is a unique holiday experience: the Adventure Aquarium Christmas Celebration. The event offers larger-than-life decorations as well as live events including Scuba Santa and “Bumble Lights the Tree.”
6. Franklin Square Mini Golf and Carousel
Now through December 31st, the Electrical Spectacle lights show and Holiday Festival takes place in one of Philadelphia’s original parks: Franklin Square. Also, the park offers a Philadelphia themed mini golf year round as well as a carousel and SquareBurger, where you can get a “Cake Shake,” a milkshake made with Tastykakes.
10. Longwood Gardens, a Longwood Christmas
From now until January 11, see the lush indoor and outdoor spaces of Longwood Gardens adorned with decorations that followed a bird-inspired theme. Timed tickets are required.
20. Valley Forge National Park
Especially when it snows, Valley Forge National Park is a nice place to see history as well as beautiful scenery. Now until December 30 enjoy a 90-minute holiday trolley tour through the park.
Eat delicious foods:
Take a stroll around the Farmer’s Market and enjoy the plethora of free samples. Make sure to stop by Stoltzfus’ for the amazing pretzels and pretzel wrapped hot dogs. Grab a cupcake at The Ultimate Bakery, and find a beautiful bouquet of flowers at The Argyle Bouquet.
3. Barbacoa
Barbacoa is the Spanish word for barbecue, and this Ardmore spot delivers just that. The sit down atmosphere here is just sit down enough to make you feel like an adult, but you won’t feel out of place with the prices and the atmosphere.
If you haven’t made it into the city for these amazingly delicious donuts (ranging in flavors from the more traditional vanilla spice to the “fancy” blueberry mascarpone), now is your chance. Get there early (they open at 7am) as they sell out frequently. Also, the fried chicken is amazing.
The Llanerch Diner skyrocketed to notoriety after it acted as a backdrop for Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in The Silver Linings Playbook, but beyond the chance to sit in the booth where they filmed the now famous scene, you should stop by this “good old” diner for a blast from the past and some delicious burgers and shakes.
13. Nudy’s Cafe
With multiple locations in the area, Nudy’s cafe offers a spot for a decadent brunch that won’t break the bank. Grab some gingerbread pancakes or strawberry cheesecake french toast, or try the belly-warming Irish steel-cut oatmeal with your choice of toppings. The egg dishes and lunch options are equally yummy.
Try a tour or a museum:
Make a day of it and take the hour drive south from Philadelphia to the Herr’s Factory Tour. Get some free samples of the delicious chips and enjoy lunch and some light shopping after.
America’s first museum of medical history and oddities is housed at the University of Pennsylvania. The museum’s display of over 20,000 items is designed to give the public a perspective on what physicians study.
Go for something crafty:Â
18. The Mud RoomÂ
Looking for a more creative, hands-on experience? The Mud Room offers a relaxing environment to paint and have fun. Prices range from $5 to $30 depending on the piece, and there is a $7 firing fee.
Find some thrills:
Grab some food and play arcade games, billiards, shuffleboard, and virtual bowling at this large establishment on the waterfront in Philadelphia.
7. GlowGolf, glow-in-the-dark mini golf
Located on the second level of The Court in the King of Prussia Mall (across from California Pizza Kitchen), GlowGolf offers reasonable prices for rounds of glow-in-the-dark golf or the laser maze.
12. North Bowl
This 17-lane bowling alley in Northern Liberties offers a fun bowling environment with award-winning tater tot concoctions and delicious sliders. Be aware, no one under the age of 21 is allowed after 8PM.
This local paintball course helps raise funds for the Ridley Park Swim Club and the prices are reasonable.
16. RiverRink Winterfest and Ice Skating
The revamped RiverRink includes ice skating, food and drink, fire pits, hot chocolate and shopping on the waterfront.
17. SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park
This indoor trampoline park offers regular jump time, a Skyslam court, and dodgeball (when available).
Sit back and relax:
11. Movie Tavern
Not only can you grab dinner during the movie, but the theater is also offering “Breakfast and a Flick.”
14. Regal Edgmont Movie Theater
One of the most popular movie theaters in the area, it now offers Regal King Size Recliners for even more comfort during the movie watching experience.
Relaxation can also be accomplished in the comfort of your own home, so if you enjoy spending time lounging on the couch and watching Netflix, that’s an option too.
Enjoy your break! School resumes on Monday, January 5.
