Collins Penn Jersey

Learn about the natural world at the Wagner Free Institute of Science, established in 1855 by William Wagner. Wagner created this natural history museum as a way to offer free educational courses to the public. Today, the Institute continues to offer free science courses as well as public access to their library, lecture hall and museum.

Set aside some time to visit the oldest surviving botanical garden in the United States. Bartram’s Garden covers 46 acres in Fairmount Park, and is open to the public for free admission. Try taking a tour inside the historic garden area (the original 8-acre garden begun in 1728), the historic stone house, through the elaborate grove and the largest variety of North American plants in the world.

Catch your favorite musical performances at the Theatre of the Living Arts. This popular music and entertainment venue once served as a single-screen movie theater, a repertory theater and an art film/grind house. Nowadays you can get up close and personal with some of your favorite local and national bands or enjoy a throwback to its movie days with special screenings.

You can bike, run, picnic or even skateboard along the Schuylkill Banks, or you can take to the serene Schuylkill River itself. The Schuylkill Banks provide excellent access to the river for recreation and watersports. Explore the city from a kayak, relax at this popular fishing spot or even take a motorized or large boat out for a spin.