Courtesy of Philadelphia Science Festival
‘Bringing Science and Fun Together!’
The Philadelphia Science Festival is a nine day festival that occurs annually in Philadelphia each April. This year’s Science Festival will take place from April 22 to 30.
In it’s 6th year, the Philadelphia Science Festival is presented by The Dow Chemical Company and organized by the awesome folks at The Franklin Institute.
The festival aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. There will be a huge variety of events that incorporate everything from family-friendly educational outings to after-dark events that tells us that science lessons aren’t just for kids.
Our Top Pick of Events
This year’s Festival has more than 100 events across the Philadelphia region and in South Jersey including 72 events for families, 16 adult programs, 19 educator workshops and many more activities for all ages.
PSF KICK-OFF PARTY: 8-BIT NIGHT
Friday, April 22 ~ 7 pm – 10 pm ~ Take a trip down memory lane and kick off the Festival at The Franklin Institute with a night devoted to classic video games. Enjoy 50+ interactive activities in this opening night event and meet the organizations that bring the Festival to life. Discover the science behind Oregon Trail, Frogger, and Dr. Mario, play Galaga in the planetarium, dissect an arcade machine, and enjoy music from your favorite video games. Plus, tap the official Yards Brewing Company’s Science Festival beer, Parallel Brewniverse! For more info, CLICK HERE
ASTRONOMY NIGHT
Friday, April 22 ~ 7:30 pm -10:30 pm ~ At 29 locations throughout the city ~ What’s something universities, community centers, cemeteries and wildlife refuges all have in common? A beautiful view of the starry night sky! Grab a blanket and join the biggest stargazing party in the region as local astronomers at 25+ sites throughout the region provide a tour of the cosmos. For more info, CLICK HERE
DISCOVERY DAY
Saturday, April 23 ~ 10 am – 2 pm ~ At 5 different locations ~ There’s something fun for every member of the family at each of these outdoor science extravaganzas. Participate in an awesome exercise session that will work your muscles and your brain in Chestnut Hill, meet local scientists and STEM students in Clark Park, create your own fizzy rockets in Hunting Park, celebrate Earth Day at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and have a blast at the ultra-messy, ooey-gooey, slimy and oozy Mess Fest at Smith Memorial Playground.
ROBOT BUILD DAY
Sunday, April 24, 10 am -2 pm ~ From wiring LED’s to making conductive dough to learning how 3D printers create solid objects, it’s a day all about what it takes to build a real robot. Come explore the many shapes, sizes and functions of robots as you learn how to make your own. For more info, CLICK HERE
FISHTOWN SCIENCE CRAWL
Sunday, April 24, 2 pm – 5 pm – Various locations in Fishtown ~ (21 +) A science-filled Sunday Funday that takes pub hopping to a new dimension. Enjoy great drink specials as you explore your favorite Fishtown spots and experience hands-on science activities from distilling to squinking [painting with squid ink, obviously]. Stops include Bottle Bar, Fette Sau, Frankford Hall, Kensington Quarters and La Colombe. For more info, CLICK HERE
INSPIRED BY NATURE
Thursday, April 30, 6:30 pm ~ Painted Bride Art Center, All ages ~ Some of society’s most complex challenges are solved by looking to nature. Get up close and personal with the biological inspiration for some of today’s most advanced robotics innovations, and see special demonstrations by a swimming fish robot and flying robot that grasps like a hawk. For more info, CLICK HERE
SCIENCE CARNIVAL ON The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Sunday, April 30, 10 am – 4 pm ~ The Philadelphia Science Festival’s signature event. GET NERDY at the Great Plaza with your friends, family and science lovers from all over the region. It’s a jamboree of fun featuring more than 150 exhibitors offering family-friendly experiments, games and a packed line-up of live entertainment. Gaze at the sun [safely!], meet zoo animals, explore the science of sports, grab a bite from your favorite food trucks, and celebrate all things STEM at the final event of the Festival season! For more info, CLICK HERE
For the complete day-to-day activities, click here.
Philadelphia Science Festival
Location
Locations Throughout Philadelphia
Dates
April 22 – 30, 2016
Cost
Cost varies | Many events are free
Web Site
Philadelphia Science Festival
All photos courtesy of The Philadelphia Science Festival
