Spotlight On: Delaware State Fair

July 1 wednesday

Event

Kalmar Nyckel Pirate Sail. Dravo Plaza, Wilmington. DE Board the ship for a sail along the Christina River. 2pm sail is pirate- themed. 2pm $20-$35. Pre-register 302-429-7447, www.kalmarnyckel.org

Museum

Target First Wednesday. Please Touch Museum, Phila. Evening includes a theatre show, puppet performances, storytimes & other activities. 5pm $2 reduced admission. 215-963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum. org

Performances

Stage-Struck Celebration & Picnic presented by Clear Space Productions. Rehoboth Elementary Front Lawn, 500 Stockley St., Rehoboth Beach. DE Enjoy an outdoor picnic & musical theatre show for all ages. Picnic, 4:30pm; show, 6pm. 4:30pm $25. 302-644-3810, www. clearspaceproductions.org

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July 2 thursday

Event

Sunoco Welcome America: Go 4th & Learn. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Phila. PA Listen to stories about Lenape Native Americans, learn how to speak their language & visit the Lenape exhibit. 10am www. welcomeamerica.com

Lincoln 200. Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Sts., Phila. Celebrate the weekend of Lincoln's 200th birthday with exhibits, live performances & living history programs. Activities for kids include play tables, crafts, face painting, balloon art & street entertainers. Complete schedule available at www.lincoln200philly.org 4:30pm www.lincoln200philly. org

Nature

Tiny Trackers: Scales & Claws. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Learn about amphibians & reptiles. Program incldues a lesson, outdoor walk & craft. Ages 4-5, adults are welcome to accompany children. 1pm $8. Pre-register. Pre-register 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

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July 3 friday

Event

Kalmar Nyckel Pirate Sail. Dravo Plaza. DE See 7/1.

Sunoco Welcome America: Pops on Independence. Independence Mall, 5th & Market Sts., Phila. PA Peter Nero & the Philly Pops perform an outdoor patriotic concert. Bring blankets & chairs. 8:30pm www. welcomeamerica.com

Museum

Happy Birthday, America! Garden State Discovery Museum, Cherry Hill. NJ Celebrate Independence Day weekend with special silent fireworks, patriotic crafts & sing-alongs. 9:30am Free with admission. 856-424-1233, www.discoverymuseum.com

Feel the Freedom Festival: Celebrating Lincoln. National Constitution Center, Phila. Lincoln-focused weekend celebration includes a Civil War battle scene re-enactment, living history characters, interactive presentations, a scavenger hunt & patriotic crafts. 10am Free with admission. 215-409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org

First Friday: First Look Party! Award Winners. Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover. DE Enjoy festive food & be one of the first to see the Individual Artists fellows. All ages, 4pm 302-674-2111, www.biggsmuseum. org

Nature

Tiny Trackers: Scales & Claws. Tyler Arboretum. See 7/2. 1pm $8. Pre-register. Pre-register

Full Moon Friday: Owl Prowl. White Clay Creek State Park, 1475 Creek Rd., Newark. DE Learn about local owls & go on an outdoor exploration. Weather-permitting. 7pm $4-$5. Pre-register 302-368-6900, www.destateparks. com

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July 4 saturday

Event

Dover 4th of July. Throughout downtown Dover. Day of historic reenactments & programs at First State Heritage Park, starting at 9am; amusements, pony rides, tractor-train rides at West End of Legislative Mall, 5-8:30pm; parade down State St., 6pm; performances, starting at 6:30pm & fireworks, approx. 9:20pm. 9am 302-674-7579, www.dover4thofjuly. com

First Saturdays in the First State. First State Heritage Park, 102 S. State St., Dover. Enjoy site tours, activities at Museum Square, historical stories & more. 9am 302-739-9194, www.destateparks.com

Sunoco Welcome America: Independence Day Ceremony. Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut St., Phila. PA Mayor Michael Nutter & other dignitaries present a ceremony honoring America's 233rd birthday. 10am www. welcomeamerica.com

Sunoco Welcome America: Independence Day Parade. Throughout historic Phila. district. Parade includes marching bands, re-enactment organizations, antique cars & Radio Disney artist Joey Page. 10am www.welcomeamerica.com

Kalmar Nyckel Pirate Sail. Dravo Plaza, Wilmington. DE Board the ship for a sail along the Christina River. 10am sail is pirate- themed. 10am $20-$35. Pre-register 302-429-7447, www.kalmarnyckel.org

Sunoco Welcome America: Party on the Parkway. Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Phila. Festival features inflatable rides, Phila. Zoo animals, "Aussie Experience" live animals & educational programs, children's theater, multicultural performances, face painting, crafts & food. 12pm www.welcomeamerica.com

Sunoco Welcome America: Bell Tapping Ceremony. Liberty Bell Center, 500 Market St., Phila. Descendants of those who sign the Declaration of Independence tap the Liberty Bell. 1:30pm www. welcomeamerica.com

Celebrate Independence Day. Boardwalk & Bandstand Pavilion, Rehoboth Beach. DE Enjoy live concerts before & after the fireworks display (approx. 9:15pm). 8pm 302-227-2772, www.downtownrehoboth. com

Sunoco Welcome America: Life, Liberty & You Concert & Fireworks. Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. outside the Phila. Museum of Art, Phila. Watch Sheryl Crow perform live then enjoy a fireworks display. 8pm www.welcomeamerica.com

Fireworks & Fountains Show: Founder's Favorites. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square. PA Show features the Garden's illuminated fountains & fireworks set to orchestra & operatic music. Come for a BBQ before the show, 3-7:30pm (requires extra tickets, $15- $27); reservations recommended for BBQ. 9:15pm $18-$34. 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.

Museum

Feel the Freedom Festival: Celebrating Lincoln. National Constitution Center. See 7/3. ,

Happy Birthday, America! Garden State Discovery Museum. See 7/3.

Celebrate Our Nation's Birthday. Please Touch Museum, Phila. Join a marching band for a holiday parade (12noon, 2pm & 4pm), make a flag, decorate a star or design a firework craft. Kids can also host their own play barbecue. 12pm Free with admission. 215-963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum. org

Biggs Kids: Stars & Stripes. Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover. DE Create flags. Ages 5-10, 2pm 302-674-2111, www.biggsmuseum.org

Nature

Creek Valley Picnic Stroll. White Clay Creek State Park, 1475 Creek Rd., Newark. DE Go on a relaxing stroll. Bring a blanket & pack a picnic lunch. Call for meeting location & trail difficulty level. All ages, 10am 302-368-6900, www.destateparks.com

The 4th Festival. Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd., Felton. DE Celebrate Independence Day with hayrides, crafts, tie-dye & face painting. 4pm $5. 302-284-4526, www.destateparks.com

Performances

Dirty Sock Funtime Band. Freeman Stage at Bayside, On Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Pkwy. & Lakeview Dr., West of Fenwick Island. DE This rock band for kids performs. 10am 302-436-3015, wwwfreemanstageorg

Zoo

American Celebration. Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. DE Wear red, white & blue & enjoy patriotic games, crafts & live animal presentations. All ages, 10am $6, Free admission for military personell with ID & their immediate family. 302-571-7788, www.brandywinezoo.org

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July 5 sunday

Event

Kalmar Nyckel Pirate Sail. Dravo Plaza. See 7/4.

Steamin' Day. Auburn Heights Preserve, Rte. 82, Yorklyn. DE Ride trains pulled by the 1/8-size steam locomotive or go for a spin on an antique Stanley Mountain Wagon. Other highlights include an electric train exhibit & fresh popcorn. 12:30pm $7-$10. 302-239-2385, www.auburnheights. org

Museum

Feel the Freedom Festival: Celebrating Lincoln. National Constitution Center. See 7/3. ,

Happy Birthday, America! Garden State Discovery Museum. See 7/3.

Tours for Tots: Clay Creations. Phila. Museum of Art, Phila. Tour includes movement, play & hands-on activities. Ages 3-5 & parent(s), 11:30am Free with admission. 215-684-7605, www. philamuseum.org

Nature

Children's Fishing Tournament. Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd., Felton. DE Day includes a kids' tournament, craft & story hour & hayride. 9am 302-284-4526, www.destateparks.com

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July 7 tuesday

Event

Picture Stories with Dawn Harris. Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. Ninth St., Wilmington. DE Draw a picture while Dawn tells a story. Ages 3 & up, 10:30am 302-571-7425, www.nccde.org/woodlawn

Family Night. Riverfront Wilmington River Taxi, 815 Justison St., Wilmington. DE Go on a boat cruise & enjoy ice cream for a discount. All children receive a free gift. 5pm $12 per family of 4. 302 -530-5069, www. riverfrontwilm.com

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July 8 wednesday

Event

Kalmar Nyckel Pirate Sail. Dravo Plaza. See 7/1.

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July 9 thursday

Arts

Raggedy Ann & Andy presented by The Village Players. Freeman Stage at Bayside, On Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Pkwy. & Lakeview Dr., West of Fenwick Island. DE The folk doll Raggedy Ann comes to life in this interactive show. 7pm 302-436-3015, Museum

Celebrate Author Todd Parr's Birthday. Please Touch Museum, Phila. Special storytime in City Park Gazebo. 2pm Free with admission. 215-963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

Night Skies in the Observatory. The Franklin, Phila. The Joel N. Bloom Observatory is open for families to look through 5 different telescopes, enjoy a Fels Planetarium show & listen to a lecture or presentation. 7pm $5. 215-448-1200, www.fi.edu

Nature

Terrific Toddlers: Fun in the Summer Sun. Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. DE Play games in the sun & shade. Walk-ins welcome if space is available. Dress for outdoor activities. Ages 2-3, 9:30am $5. Pre-register. Pre-register 302-577-3534, www.destateparks.com

Nature Explorers Club: Sizzling Summertime. Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. DE Learn why summer weather is so hot. Walk-ins welcome if space is available. Ages 4-6, 1:30pm $5. Pre- register. Pre-register 302-577-3534, www.destateparks.com

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July 10 friday

Performances

Family Fun Concert. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square. PA Milkshake performs. Ice cream & other family treats available for purchase. 7pm Free with admission. 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens. org

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July 11 saturday

Arts

One Canvas, Many Artists: Let's Paint Together! presented by the Rehoboth Art League. Freeman Stage at Bayside, On Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Pkwy. & Lakeview Dr., West of Fenwick Island. DE Family art program. 10am 302-436-3015,

Blueberry Festival. Linvilla Orchards, Media. PA Go on hayrides, pick your own blueberries, play games, enjoy face painting, pony rides & music. Costumed characters will visit. Rain date: 7/12. 9am 610-876-7116, www.linvilla. com

Sandcastle Contest. Delaware Seashore State Park, 39415 Inlet Rd., Rehoboth Beach. DE Annual contest open to all ages. Prizes awarded. Register day-of event. Rain date: July 18. 9:30am Free with park entrance fee. 302-227-2800, www.destateparks.com

P.O.W. Weekend. Fort Delaware, Delaware City. DE Interactive history program brings "fresh fish" (new prisoners) to the Fort. 10am 302-834-7941, www. destateparks.com

Colonial Dancing. First State Heritage Park, 102 S. State St., Dover. Join costumed interpreters on The Green to learn 18th century dances. 12:30pm 302-739-9194, www.destateparks.com

Museum

Bastille Day. National Constitution Center, Phila. Learn all about the American & French Revolutions. 11am Free with admission. 215-409-6700, www.constitutioncenter.org

Nature

Junior Naturalists: Creepy Garden Helpers. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Learn how to invite creepy crawlers into the garden. Program incldues a lesson & outdoor exploration. Ages 6-8, adults are welcome to accompany children. 10am $12. Pre-register. Pre-register 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

Rockwood Goes Wild. Rockwood Mansion & Park, south of Shipley Rd. on Washington St. Extension, Wilmington. DE Bird watching program for kids & parents, 11am. Look at animal artifacts then explore nature & make a craft, 2pm. 11am 302-761-4340, www.co.new-castle.de. us/rockwood

BlueBEARy Blast & Celebrate NJ. Camden Childrens Garden, 3 Riverside Dr., Camden. NJ Join Mum Bear for crafts, planting & tasting blueberries, NJ's official state fruit. 12pm Free with admission. 856-365-8733, www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

Performances

Alice in Wonderland Junior. Premier Centre for the Arts, 27 Anderson St., Middletown. DE Students perform the full production. For families, 1pm $8. 302-378-1384, www.pca-de.com

Zoo

Wild About Wings. Phila. Zoo, Phila. Meet feathered friends in the new McNeil Avian Center, learn about birds in your backyard, make related crafts & play games. 11am Free with admission. Pre-register. 215-243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org

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July 12 sunday

Event

P.O.W. Weekend. Fort Delaware. See 7/11.

Museum

Bastille Day. National Constitution Center. See 7/11.

Nature

BlueBEARy Blast & Celebrate NJ. Camden Childrens Garden. See 7/11.

Crafty Kids: Pot People. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Create a whimsical garden structure out of terracotta flower pots. 1pm $12. Pre-register. Pre-register 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

Folk Arts in Action. Alapocas Run State Park, in the Blue Ball Barn, 1914 W. Park Dr., Wilmington. DE Learn how drums have been used by different cultures throughout history then create your own drum. 1pm 302-577-1164, www.destateparks.com

Performances

Alice in Wonderland Junior. Premier Centre for the Arts. See 7/11.

Zoo

Wild About Wings. Phila. Zoo. See 7/11. 11am Pre- register.

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July 13 monday

Museum

Bastille Day. National Constitution Center. See 7/11.

Nature

Teeny Tiny Trackers: Stream Hunt. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Look for dragonfly babies, water bugs & salamanders by the stream. Program includes an outdoor walk & story. Ages 3 accompanied by an adult, 9:45am $8. Pre-register. Pre-register 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

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July 14 tuesday

Event

Family Night. Riverfront Wilmington River Taxi. See 7/7.

Secrets of Light, Exposed! Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. Ninth St., Wilmington. DE Photography workshop for all ages & interest levels. 7pm 302-571-7425, www.nccde.org/woodlawn

Museum

Bastille Day. National Constitution Center. See 7/11.

Nature

Squid Dissection: From Pen to Ink. Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach. DE Dissect a squid & learn about the species, then cook them to make calamari. Ages 8 & up, 10:30am $8. Pre-register 302-227-6991, www.destateparks.com

Zoo

Pint Sized Planeteers: The Frog Prince. Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. DE Stretch your imagination in this program about a make- believe frog prince. Walk-ins welcome if space is available. Ages 18mos. -6 yrs., 10am $8, 1 adult free per paid child. Pre-register 302-571 -7788, www. brandywinezoo.org

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July 15 wednesday

Museum

Mini-Masters: How Does Your Garden Grow? Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover. DE Create garden stakes to mark flowers or vegetables in pots or a garden at home. Ages 3-5, 1pm 302 -674-2111, www. biggsmuseum.org

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July 16 thursday

Event

Barnyard Secrets. Coverdale Farm, 543 Way Rd., Greenville. DE Explore the farm to discover the secrets in the barns, pastures & gardens. Ages 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 accompanied by an adult, 9:30am $15. Pre-register 302-239-2334, www.delawarenaturesociety.org

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July 18 saturday

Event

Colonial Life. First State Heritage Park, 102 S. State St., Dover. Learn about colonial life by examining artifacts & playing historical games. 12:30pm 302-739-9194, www.destateparks.com

Tip-A-Canoe & Barbecue Too! presented by Young Friends of the Brandywine Conservancy. Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford. PA Families can go on a relaxing canoe ride down the Brandywine River, then enjoy an outdoor barbecue with live music. Rain or shine. 12:30pm $50-$85, children younger than age 12 free. 610-388-8315 or 610-388-2700, www.youngfriends.org or www.

Family Helicopter Rides. American Helicopter Museum & Education Center, West Chester. PA Enjoy a local helicopter ride with family & friends. 3pm $40 per person plus museum admission. 610-436 -9600, www. helicoptermuseum.org

Nature

Introduction to Fishing. Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd., Wilmington. DE Learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing. Materials provided. Bring your own tackle if you have it. Meet by the pond. 10am $6. Pre-register 302-793-3046, www.destateparks.com

Junior Naturalists: Aquatic Creature Search. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Search for crayfish & other water creatures. Ages 6-8, adults are welcome to accompany children. 10am $12. Pre-register. Pre-register 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

Rockwood Recycles. Rockwood Mansion & Park, south of Shipley Rd. on Washington St. Extension, Wilmington. DE Make an old- fashioned kite then fly it, 11am. Learn about eco-friendly practices & history of green program (kid-focused), 2pm. 11am 302-761-4340, www.co.new-castle. de.us/rockwood

Pond Safari. Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Rd., Bear. DE Go to the pond's edge to discover & collect creatures who live there. Prepare to get wet. All ages, 2pm Pre-register 302-368-6989, www.destateparks. com

Performances

Alice in Wonderland Junior. Premier Centre for the Arts. See 7/11.

Jim Kidsinger. Freeman Stage at Bayside, On Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Pkwy. & Lakeview Dr., West of Fenwick Island. DE Interactive music show with guitar & pre-recorded tracks for kids & families. 10am 302-436 3015 A HREF"htt // f t " f t

Zoo

Keeping Up with the Keeper. Phila. Zoo, Phila. Go behind the scenes with a zoo keeper to help with morning chores. Dress in work clothes & wear waterproof shoes. 9am $33 (includes Zoo admission). Pre-register. 215-243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org

ZOOlympics. Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. DE Enjoy a day of fun including ZOOlympic games, animal art & a scavenger hunt. All ages, 10am Free with admission. 302-571-7788, www.brandywinezoo.org

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July 19 sunday

Event

Town Tour. Port Penn Interpretive Center, Rtes. 9 & 2, Port Penn. DE Go on a walk & scavenger hunt & listen to ghost stories to learn about the building that shaped Port Penn. All ages, 3pm 302-836 -2533, www.destateparks. com

Museum

Creek Kids: Gunpowder in American History. Hagley Museum & Library, Wilmington. DE Families can learn about the different uses for gunpowder in the 19th & 20th centuries through music, games, lessons, food & crafts. 1pm Free with admission. 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org

Nature

Nature Crafts. Port Penn Interpretive Center, Rtes. 9 & 2, Port Penn. DE Make crafts using pine cones, driftwood, seed pods, pebbles & other natural items. All ages, 1pm 302-836-2533, www.destateparks.com

Performances

Alice in Wonderland Junior. Premier Centre for the Arts. See 7/11.

Charlotte's Web. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Hedgerow Theatre presents the E.B. White tale of friendship, 1:15 & 2:15pm. Photos with cast available after the show. Kids can also complete related craft projects. 1pm Free with admission. Pre-register. 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

Zoo

Bird is the Word. Phila. Zoo, Phila. Learn about birds that live in the Zoo and visit the new McNeil Avian Center. Program for all ages also includes crafts & games. 1pm $30 per family of 5 or fewer. Pre-register. Pre-register 215-243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org

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July 21 tuesday

Event

Family Night. Riverfront Wilmington River Taxi. See 7/7.

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July 22 wednesday

Museum

Celebrate Artist Alexander Calder's Birthday. Please Touch Museum, Phila. Make your own mobile art project. 9am Free with admission. 215-963-0667, www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

Nature

Pirate's Picnic. Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin. DE Build & launch a pirate's raft & search for buried treasure. Ages 3-5, parent participation welcome (no extra fee) but not required. 11:30am $17. Pre-register 302-239-2334, www.delawarenaturesociety.org

Stargazing at the Seashore. Delaware Seashore State Park, 39415 Inlet Rd., Rehoboth Beach. DE Learn how to navigate the night sky & hear ancient stories about constellations. Do not bring a flashlight. Meet at Holts Landing. 9pm $5. Pre-register 302-227-2800, www.destateparks.com

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July 23 thursday

Arts

Family Day. Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Wilmington. DE Enjoy gallery talks, live music, family art activities & food. 5pm $5, younger than age 12 Free. 302-656-6466, www.thedcca.org

Performances

Jonas Brothers. Wachovia Center, Phila. PA Disney musical group presents a show as part of their 2009 World Tour. Special guests include Jordin Sparks & Honor Society. 7pm $29.50-$89.50. 800 -298-4200, www.comcasttix. com

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July 24 friday

Event

Ice Cream Celebration. Coverdale Farm, 543 Way Rd., Greenville. DE Bring a picnic dinner & blanket, make ice cream & visit with dairy cows. 6pm $10-$20. Pre-register 302-239-2334, www. delawarenaturesociety.org

Performances

Jonas Brothers. Wachovia Center. See 7/23.

Zoo

Roar & Snore Under the Stars. Phila. Zoo, Phila. Camp outdoors with the family at the Zoo. Bring your own tent. 6:30pm $50 per person. Pre-register. Pre-register 215-243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo.org

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July 25 saturday

Arts

Creating Whimsical Masterpieces with John Donato. Freeman Stage at Bayside, On Town Lake at the intersection of Americana Pkwy. & Lakeview Dr., West of Fenwick Island. DE Work with John to create your own painting. 10am 302-436-3015, Event

Sweet Corn & Blackberry Festival. Linvilla Orchards, Media. PA Go on hayrides, pick your own crops, play games, enjoy face painting, pony rides & music. Costumed characters will visit. Rain date: 7/26. 9am 610-876-7116, www. linvilla.com

Rules of Civility & Spy Letters. First State Heritage Park, 102 S. State St., Dover. Take an 18th century etiquette lesson & learn techniques such as secret codes & invisible ink used by spies during the Revolution. 12:30pm 302-739-9194, www.destateparks.com

Museum

Art of the Gecko. Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Explore geckos through contemporary art displays. Make a related craft, learn about gecko adaptations at the Science Live Station & enjoy an interactive presentation with live animals. 11am Free with admission. 215-299-1000, www.ansp.org

Nature

Junior Ramblers: Dismal Run Discovery. Tyler Arboretum, Media. PA Go on a guided hike through woodlands. Ages 8-12, adults are welcome to accompany children. 9:30am $8. Pre-register. Pre-register 610-566-9134, www.tylerarboretum.org

Crafty Mother Nature. Rockwood Mansion & Park, south of Shipley Rd. on Washington St. Extension, Wilmington. DE Go on a tour of the woods to learn about plants & make a flowery keepsake, 11am. Learn about seeds & gather natural supplies on a walk to make an organic craft, 2pm. 11am 302-761-4340, www.co.new-castle.de.us/rockwood

Storybook Celebration. Camden Childrens Garden, 3 Riverside Dr., Camden. NJ Enjoy readings of children's classics, crafts & planting. 12pm Free with admission. 856-365-8733, www.camdenchildrensgarden. org

Crabs, Canoes & Corn. Abbott's Mill Nature Center, Milford. DE Go on a canoe trip to observe shoebirds, catch blue crabs & enjoy a cookout. Families. Children must be age 9 or older & accompanied by an adult. Participants aes 16 & up who want to crab must have a valid fishing license. 1pm $35. Pre-register 302-422 -1849, www. dl t i t /A /P

Panning for Creek Gems. White Clay Creek State Park, 1475 Creek Rd., Newark. DE Look for shiny treasures in the creek. Wear shoes that can get wet. 1pm $4-$5. Pre-register 302-368-6900, www.destateparks.com

Performances

The Lois Young Show: Pirates & Mermaids of the Caribbean. The New Century Club, 201 E. Delaware Ave. at Haines St., Newark. DE Interactive show includes life-size puppets, a costume parade & songs. Kids may dress as a mermaid or pirate & bring a stuffed animal. 10:30am $7. 302-456-9227, www.loisyoung.com

Zoo

Primate Jungle Days. Phila. Zoo, Phila. Head to the Primate Reserve to learn fun facts through talks, demonstrations, crafts & storytelling. Also practice walking like a gorilla or eating dinner like an orangutan. 11am Free with admission. Pre-register. 215-243-1100, www.philadelphiazoo. org

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July 26 sunday

Museum

Art of the Gecko. Academy of Natural Sciences. See 7/25.

Nature

Storybook Celebration. Camden Childrens Garden. See 7/25.

Family Wetlands Hike. Port Penn Interpretive Center, Rtes. 9 & 2, Port Penn. DE Go on a scavenger hunt for animals & critters that live in the park. 2pm 302-836-2533, www.destateparks.com

Zoo

Primate Jungle Days. Phila. Zoo. See 7/25. Pre- register.

Summer Sunday Explorers: Squads of Anthropods. Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. DE Learn about exoskeletons on insects, spiders & lobsters. All ages, 2pm $6. Pre-register 302-571 -7788, www. brandywinezoo.org

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July 28 tuesday

Event

Barnyard Secrets. Coverdale Farm. See 7/16.

Family Night. Riverfront Wilmington River Taxi. See 7/7.

Nature

Crafty Kids. Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd., Felton. DE Make a craft to bring home. 5pm $2. 302-284-4526, www.destateparks. com

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July 29 wednesday

Museum

Target Community Night. The Franklin, Phila. Enjoy free family programs in the Museum, including exhibits, IMAX & planetarium shows. 5pm 215-448-1200, www.fi. edu

Nature

Wonders of Water. Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin. DE Learn about aquatic animals, where water comes from & why we need it. Ages 1 1/2-2 1/2 accompanied by an adult, 9:30am $14. Pre-register 302 -239-2334, www. delawarenaturesociety.org

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July 30 thursday

Zoo

Family Fun Night. Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. DE Evening includes animal-related games, crafts & activities. Admission & foods only $1. Rain date: Aug. 6. 6pm $1 reduced admission. 302-571 -7788, www. brandywinezoo.org

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July 31 friday

Nature

Full Moon Stroll & Campfire. White Clay Creek State Park, 1475 Creek Rd., Newark. DE Go on a stroll around the park, then gather around a campfire & make yummy treats. 7pm $4-$5. Pre-register 302 -368-6900, www.destateparks. com

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Delaware
Recurring Events