Winter fun on a tight budget

Franklin Square provides amusement for children and adults alike with the very popular Philly Mini Golf, Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, glorious Franklin Square Fountain, two playgrounds designated for different age groups, and a surrounding picnic area. The Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel that includes hometown horse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones, will continue operations on weekends and holiday times through the end of the year. Special activities in October include Free Movie Night in Franklin Square (Saturday, October 25 at 6:30 pm), Spooky Mini Golf, Pumpkin Patch, Trick or Treat Trail, and rides on the Lightning Bolt Express train. Other free events continue during the holiday season. Franklin Square is free and open to the public year-round, with the exception of the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel and Philly Mini Golf, which require paid tickets. Winner - Best of Philly 2007 as Best Play Space for Kids.

October-December: 11am - 8pm, Fridays through Sundays, December 19 - December 31: 11am - 7pm daily. (closed Christmas Day).

Franklin Square is available for birthday parties or special events. For more information, call (215) 629-4026 or visit www.historicphiladelphia.org.

Washington Crossing Historic Park Relive December 1776 and witness Washington Crossing the Delaware River, a free, annual reenactment staged at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day at. A reenactment rehearsal, set for 1:00 p.m. on December 7, 2008, is accompanied by family-friendly activities throughout the day. Routes 32 & 532, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-4076.

Under I-95, in South Philadelphia: watch the Mummers practicing their dance steps: get a preview of the parade. You can see Brigades and String Bands practicing from 10am on, under I-95 from Washington Ave., South Street to Snyder Avenue.

Copyright © 2024 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.