As the last days of summer break commence in August, spend some time in Philadelphia, recently named the world’s first “Playful Learning City” and express yourself at the first selfie festival in Franklin Square. Here’s what not to miss as summer transitions to fall.
Playful Learning
Philadelphia is the world’s first “Playful Learning City,” a designation given in June after its installation of 11 play structures in populated areas of town. This is part of an initiative by Playful Learning Landscapes meant to create engaging spaces for children.
Baseball for All
Last month, the Camden City Council created a committee focused on making Little League baseball and softball programs more affordable to offset rising uniform and equipment costs.
Express Your Selfie
The First Selfie Festival (Aug. 22) will take place in Philly’s Franklin Square, commemorating the first selfie by Robert Cornelius in 1839 with family activities, giveaways, entertainment and selfies, part of the Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee’s 52 Weeks of Firsts initiative.
Green Thumb
This year, in partnership with Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids, the Delaware Department of Education launched six new school gardens. Students at 68 schools will learn to tend to the gardens, with their crops being used for school lunches.
Building Character
A new permanent exhibit will open at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum for the museum’s 50th birthday this fall thanks to a $2.5 million Lilly Endowment donation. “Character Quest: Building Character Skills Through Play” focuses on building emotional and social intelligence.
