This Weekend...

After the recent heat we've experienced, my first bit of advice would be to stick by a pool, ocean, or at least a some large water fountain.  I personally recommend the Swann Memorial Fountain downtown in Logan's Circle.  Love that place!

no swimming or wading allowed.  oops.

Speaking of fountains, and also fitting in under our "worth the drive" category, Sunday night is Longwood Garden's Firework and Fountain Show.  If you've never been to Longwood, it makes for a fabulous day trip.  It's a bit less than an hour's drive.  Once there, you'll find over 1000 acres of gardens and inviting children's spaces, with fireworks and fountain light shows that have long been crowd pleasers for my crew:
http://www.longwoodgardens.org/FireworksandFountains.html

And another one "worth the drive" (if you like horses and/or carnival rides): The Devon Horse Show runs all weekend and is only a 30-45 minute drive away.  Horses, carnival rides, yummy treats, clothing and household item booths.  The show runs from 8am-10pm all weekend long (and for another week after that).  This Saturday, the first 700 kids twelve and under are free!  http://www.thedevonhorseshow.org/country-fair-hours.php

And sadly, this is the last Friday night to grab and decorate a free cupcake from Bredenbeck's Bakery in CH.  From 6-8pm, weather permitting, though last week they were cool enough to still be serving in the rain- maybe the rainbow inspired them?

But when one door closes, another opens, right?  This weekend is the start of the Morris Arboretum's Garden Railway exhibit.  The theme for 2011 is Painted Ladies, replicas of Victorian Homes.  Why fight the shore traffic to see Cape May's beauties when you can spot some right here in GAP's backyard?  Saturday is the Grand Opening of the exhibit with free ice cream and crafts for kids starting at 1pm.  Included with membership or admission.
http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/gardens_railway.shtml