Top regional attractions

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-299-1000.

» READ MORE: www.ansp.org

. Academy Greatest Hits Week: Butterfly Day - Information about butterflies & their life cycles, live animal shows, crafts & Amazon-themed games. 12/28 11 am-4 pm. Amazon Voyage Farewell Weekend - Naturalist shows & Amazon fish crafts. 12/29-12/30 11 am-3:30 pm. Amazon Voyage: Vicious Fishes & Other Riches - Exhibit on biodiversity, field research, resource management & Amazon culture. Closes 12/31. $10; $8 seniors, students, military, children 3-12; free for children under 3. Mon.-Fri. 10 am-4:30 pm, Sat.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Atwater Kent Museum

15 S. Seventh St.; 215-685-4830.

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiahistory.org

. Philadelphia at Your Feet - Sun., Wed.-Thu. 2 pm. Historical film footage screening. A Great Company in a Great City - Lithographs & paintings from the Cigna Corp. (formerly Ins. Co. of N. America). Closes 12/31. The following close 12/31/08: How Philly Works: Streets as Barometers of Urban Life - Historical objects incl. street light, city charter parchment, wampum belt & more; The Wonderful World of Radio - Vintage radios from museum, Philco & RCA Collections. $5; $3 seniors & children 13-17; free for children under 12. Wed.-Sun. 1 pm-5 pm.

Betsy Ross House

239 Arch St.; 215-627-5343.

» READ MORE: www.betsyrosshouse.org

.

Circa 1740 Georgian-style home of flagmaker. Joke & Dagger - Staged sword fight & presentation on stage fighting. Sat.-Sun. 1 & 2 pm. Betsy's Birthday Bash - Appearance & stories by Betsy Ross portrayer, crafts & birthday treats. 1/1 11 am-2 pm. Call for times on the following weekly events: Colonial Crafters - Spinning & lacemaking demonstrations; Girl Wonder - Find out about the important contributions colonial women made; Hammer Dulcimer Player; A Soldier's Story - Hear tales of the Revolutionary war era & see replicas. $3; $2 children under 13. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Blue Cross RiverRink Penn's Landing

Columbus Blvd.; 215-925-7465.

» READ MORE: www.riverrink.com

. Now open for its 14th anniversary season. Open 7 days a week thru 3/2. Call for info on closings due to inclement weather or private rentals. $6; $3 skate rental. New Year's Eve Party on Ice - Skating, entertainment, refreshments & fireworks. $30 skaters; $20 spectators. 12/31 11 pm.

*FREE*

Christ Church

2nd & Market Sts.; 215-922-1695, ext. 30.

» READ MORE: www.oldchristchurch.org

.

Georgian architectural treasure attended by founding fathers. Donations accepted. Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. 1-5 pm.

Christ Church Burial Ground

5th & Arch Sts.; 215-922-1695, ext. 30.

» READ MORE: www.oldchristchurch.org

. Final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, other founding fathers, Revolutionary War heroes & famous Philadelphians. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. noon-4 pm, weather permitting.

Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum

1805 Pine St.; 215-735-8196.

» READ MORE: www.cwurmuseum.org

. Features the Abraham Lincoln Collection, George Gordon Meade Collection, Ulysses S. Grant Collection & more. $5; $4 seniors; $3 students & ages 3-12; free under 3. Thu.-Sat. 11 am-4:30 pm

*FREE*

Eastern State Penitentiary

2124 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-3300.

» READ MORE: www.easternstate.org

. Winter Adventure Tours - One-hour guided walk through the empty penitentiary complex & includes a cup of hot chocolate in the center surveillance hub. Daily at 11 am, 1 & 3 pm. Closes 3/31. $9; $7 seniors & students; $4 children 7-12. Open daily, 10 am-5 pm.

*FREE*

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

100 N. 6th St.; 866-574-3727.

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiafed.org

. Money in Motion - History of banking, money & Federal Reserve; interactive displays on currency circulation, counterfeit detection. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-4:30 pm.

The Franklin Institute

222 N. 20th St.; 215-448-1200.

» READ MORE: www.fi.edu

. Giant Tinkertoys - Build stuctures using pieces up to 3-ft. long. 12/28-12/31 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Polar Express Replica - Display featuring a 30-foot-long Polar Express engine used for the film's premiere. Closes 1/31. Identity: An Exhibition of You - Examines personal identity via cognitive, genetic & social science. Closes 4/28. A Sci-Pass (basic admission) is $13.75 for adults, $11.00 for children & seniors; Sci-Pass plus IMAX is $18.75 for adults/$16.00 for children & seniors. IMAX & other permanent exhibits open daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

Franklin Square

Sixth & Race Sts.; 215-629-4026.

» READ MORE: www.onceuponanation.org

. America's most historic square mile reclaims green space for area residents & further enlivens Historic Philadelphia. Features Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, Philly Mini Golf & more. Closes 1/1. Daily 10 am-6 pm.

Independence Hall

Chestnut St.; 215-597-8974.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/inde/independence-hall-1.htm

.

Guided Tour - Explore this historic example of Georgian architecture. Daily 9 am-5 pm.

Independence National Historical Park

6th & Markets Sts.; 215-965-2305.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/inde

. Carpenters' Hall - (Tue.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Congress Hall - (Daily 9 am-5 pm). Old City Hall - (Daily 11 am-5 pm). Visitor Center - Information on programs, activities, tours. (Daily 8:30 am-5 pm). Most sites free. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm.

Independence Seaport Museum

211 S. Columbus Blvd.; 215-925-5439.

» READ MORE: www.phillyseaport.org

. Founder's Favorites - Treasured gifted items from the museum's founder. Closes 3/30. Morris Rosenfeld & Sons: The Art of the Boat - Nautical photography. Closes 4/27. $9; $8 seniors; $6 children 3-12; free for children under 3; free Sun. 10 am-noon. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

Independence Visitor Center

Sixth & Market Sts.; 800-537-7676.

» READ MORE: www.independencevisitorcenter.com

. Breakfast With Ben - Breakfast with an actor portraying Ben Franklin. $20; $13 children. 12/29 9-10:30 am. Open daily 8:30 am-6 pm.

*FREE*

Laurel Hill Cemetery: The Underground Museum

3822 Ridge Ave.; 215-228-8200.

» READ MORE: www.theundergroundmuseum.org

. General Meade Birthday Celebration - A graveside champagne toast to General Meade, followed by a reception at the Gatehouse. 12/31 noon. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4:30 pm; Sat.-Sun. 9:30 am-5 pm.

Laurel Hill Mansion

East Fairmount Park; 215-235-1776.

» READ MORE: www.fairmountpark.org/LaurelHill.asp

. Georgian-style mansion built in 1767 by Rebecca Rawle. Tours available. $5.

*FREE*

Liberty Bell Center

501 Market St.; 215-965-2305.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/inde

. Home of the Liberty Bell - Exhibits on bell's origins & role as symbol of freedom. Daily 9 am-5 pm.

Masonic Temple

One North Broad St.; 215-988-1900.

» READ MORE: www.pagrandlodge.org

. Open for Tours - Built in 1873, this National Historic Landmark is a magnificent example of architecture, art & history. Tue.-Fri. 11 am, 2 & 3 pm; Sat. 10 am & 11 am. Masonic Temple Library - Esteemed collection for the study of American History & Freemasonry, featuring over 75,000 volumes & 30,000 documents, prints, photos & manuscripts. $8, with individual & group discounts available. Tue.-Fri. 10 am-5 pm; Sat. 10 am-noon.

Museum of the American Philosophical Society

104 S. 5th St.; 215-440-3400.

» READ MORE: www.amphilsoc.org/museum

. UNDAUNTED: Five American Explorers, 1760-2006 - Exhibition on five explorers with Philly connections who were part of the American Philosophical Society. Closes 12/28. Roderick Coover: Outside/Inside - Videotaped segments of Brett Keyser's park expeditions. Closes 12/28. Winifred Lutz - Mason-Dixon Lines: Past to Present - Parallel bands trace three different ways of looking at the PA/MD boundary line. Closes 12/28/08. Donations accepted. Fri.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.

The Mutter Museum

19 S. 22nd St.; 215-563-3737.

» READ MORE: www.collphyphil.org

. Over 200 wet & dry specimens, lantern slides, x-rays & more. $12; $8 seniors, students, children 6-17; free for children under 6. Open daily 10 am-5 pm; until 9 pm Fri.

National Constitution Center

525 Arch St.; 215-409-6600.

» READ MORE: www.constitutioncenter.org

. Display of Gingerbread White House Contest Entries - Visitors to the museum can submit their votes on the best Gingerbread White House. 12/28 9:30 am-5 pm. 12/29 9:30 am-6 pm. 12/30 noon-5 pm. 12/31 9:30 am-5 pm. First Ladies Etiquette Workshop - Learn more about some intriguing first ladies & how they mixed politics & parties. 12/28-12/31 11 am & 1 pm. White House Winter Wonderland - Learn how presidential families have celebrated the holiday season throughout history. Games, crafts, contests, hot chocolate, entertainment. 12/28-12/31 11 am-3 pm. Who Wants to Be President Show - Test your White House trivia as you play the part of some famous presidents of the past. 12/28-12/31 noon & 2 pm. First Ladies: Political Role & Public Image - Gowns, clothing, personal belongings, White House furnishings, political campaign materials & other historical items. $15; $14 seniors; $9 children 4-12; free for military personnel & children 3 & under (includes admission to the Center's main exhibition, The Story of We the People, including award-winning theater production "Freedom Rising"). Closes 12/31. First Ladies Audio Tour - 25 minute tour examines impact these remarkable women have had on the country, ranging from policy to fashion. $3. Closes 12/31. $12; $11 seniors; $8 children 4-12; free for children under 4 & military. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-5 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-6 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

National Liberty Museum

321 Chestnut St.; 215-925-2800.

» READ MORE: www.libertymuseum.org

. Only museum in the U.S. that celebrates the concept of freedom by honoring people of vision, creativity & innovation. Cards for Troops & Orphans Campaign - Make holiday cards that will be sent to troops stationed overseas as well as orphans in South Africa. Activity booklet given to each visitor. 12/28-12/30 10 am-5 pm. We the People - Musical tribute to the spirit, ideas & energy that have defined America. Call for specific performance times & reservations: 800-822-8487 x441. $7; $6 seniors; $5 students; $2 children 5-7; free for children under 5 & for all on Sun. & after 5 pm on Fri. Self guided tours only. Open Tue.-Sun 10 am-5 pm; Fri. evenings 5-8 pm.

*FREE*

National Museum of American Jewish History

55 N. Fifth St.; 215-923-3811.

» READ MORE: www.nmajh.org

.

Shaping Space, Making Meaning - Visitors assist design team through three interactive experiences. Features design sketches, computer-generated images, video & text. Closes 8/31. Mon.-Thu. 10 am-5 pm; Fri. 10 am-3 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.

*FREE*

PECO Energy Liberty Center

6th & Chestnut Sts.; 215-542-3789.

» READ MORE: www.lightsofliberty.org

. Ben Franklin's Ghost - The beloved scientist/inventor appears as a dramatic, life-size holographic image who answers questions about his life in this interactive exhibit. Daily 10 am-6 pm.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W. Girard Ave.; 215-243-1100.

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiazoo.org

.

Ongoing exhibits & attractions include the popular PECO Primate Reserve, Dodge Rare Animal Conservation Center, Monkey Junction, Pachyderm House & more. Guest Appreciation Day - Each child 12 & under receives a free toy (while supplies last) upon Zoo entry. 12/28 9:30 am-4 pm. New Year's Res-ZOO-lutions Party - Visit the zoo to learn tips & tricks on how to "go green." 12/30 11 am-3 pm. $12.95-$16.95; free for children under 2. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

Ryerss Museum & Library

7370 Central Ave.; 215-685-0544. Asian art & artifacts as well as generations of family heirlooms & paintings. Donations accepted. Fri.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.

University of Pennsylvania - Morris Arboretum

100 E. Northwestern Ave.; 215-247-5777.

» READ MORE: www.morrisarboretum.org

. Winter Wellness Walk. 12/29 10:30 am. Holiday Garden Railway Display - Twinkling lights & holiday décor adorn the Garden Railway. Closes 12/31. $10; $8 seniors; $5 youth 3-18; free for children under 3. 10 am-4 pm daily (hours may vary slightly throughout the year).

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

3260 South St.; 215-898-4000.

» READ MORE: www.museum.upenn.edu

. Three gallery floors with art & artifacts from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Asia, the Americas, Africa, Polynesia & the ancient Mediterranean world. Greg MacGregor - Lewis & Clark Revisited: A Trail in Modern Day - Features 60 dramatic black & white photographs paired with images from Lewis & Clark's journals. Closes 2/10. $8; $5 students, seniors; free for children under 6. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun. 1-5 pm.

Wagner Free Institute of Science

1700 W. Montgomery Ave.; 215-763-6529.

» READ MORE: www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org

. Founded 1855, Institute houses Wagner's natural history collection of skeletons, mounted animals, fossils, minerals. Guided tours: $15; $10 seniors; $5 children. Tue.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm.

Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site

Route 1, Chadds Ford; 610-459-3342.

» READ MORE: www.ushistory.org/brandywine

. 52 acres of woodlands, meadows, Washington's headquarters, artifacts, weapons, uniforms. House tours: $5; $3.50 seniors; $2.50 children 6-17; free for children under 6. Park free. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

Fonthill Museum

E. Court St., Doylestown; 215-348-9461.

» READ MORE: www.fonthillmuseum.org

. Guided Candlelight Holiday Evening Tours. $12. 12/29 7-9 pm. Winter Wonderland - Display of holiday decor. Closes 1/2. $9; $8 seniors; $4 ages 5-17; free for ages under 5. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

Glencairn Museum

1001 Cathedral Rd., Bryn Athyn; 267-502-2993.

» READ MORE: www.glencairnmuseum.org

. Saturday Highlights Tour - Tour exhibits & collections focusing on religious history. Sat. 11, 11:30 am, 12:30 & 1 pm.

Longwood Gardens

Rte. 1, Kennett Square; 610-388-1000.

» READ MORE: www.longwoodgardens.org

.

New Year's Eve Events - Music, face painting, children's crafts & more. 12/31 9 am-10 pm. Ice Spectacular - Short, delightful skating vignettes performed by professional skaters. Closes 1/6. Regular admission plus $4. A Winter Fantasy - Poinsettia displays, decorated trees, live music, strolling entertainers, over 500,000 holiday lights & more. Closes 1/6. $16; $14 seniors (ages 62 & over); $6 students (5-22); free for children 4 & under. Open daily 9 am-9 pm thru Jan. 6.

The Mercer Museum

84 S. Pine St., Doylestown; 215-345-0210.

» READ MORE: www.mercermuseum.org

. Accessorize It Craft Activity - Craft a corn cob pipe. 12/28 10:30 am-noon, 2-3:30 pm. Are We Dressed Yet - Accessories worn by Bucks County residents of the past. Includes try-on activities & games. Closes 5/31. $8; $7 seniors; $4 children 5-17; free for children under 5. Mon., Wed.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Tue. 10 am-9 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.

Pennsbury Manor

400 Pennsbury Memorial Rd., Morrisville; 215-946-0400.

» READ MORE: www.pennsburymanor.org

. Recreated country home of William Penn; provides a peaceful contrast to the hurry of modern American life. $5; $4.50 seniors; $3 children 6-17; free for children 5 & under. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm.

*FREE*

Pennypacker Mills

5 Haldeman Rd., Schwenksville; 610-287-9349. historicsites.montcopa.org. Turn-of-the-century mansion & farm of PA's 25th Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker (1903-1907). Holiday House Tours - Holiday open house tours, Victorian Christmas decorations, vintage holiday cards & more. Closes 1/6. I Lived Here Too: Hired Help at a Country Gentleman's Estate - Learn what the servants did here long ago. Closes 1/31. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. 1-4 pm.

*FREE*

Pottsgrove Manor

100 W. King St., Pottstown; 610-326-4014.

» READ MORE: www.historicsites.montcopa.org

. Built in 1752 for John Potts, ironmaster & founder of Pottstown; reflects lifestyle & times of the Potts family. Holiday Yuletide Tours With a Twist - View preparations for an 18th-century wedding against the background of colonial Christmas decorations. Closes 1/6. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm, Sun. 1-4 pm.

Swedish Cabin

9 Creek Rd., Drexel Hill; 610-237-8064.

» READ MORE: www.swedishcabin.org

. This piece of America's past, located along the banks of Darby Creek, was over 100 years old at the time of the American Revolution & is believed to have been built (sometime between 1638 & 1655) by early Swedish settlers as part of the New Sweden colony. Call for group tours or appointments.

Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Rd., Media; 610-566-9134.

» READ MORE: www.tylerarboretum.org

. Winter Bird Walk. 1/2 8:15-10:15 am. $5; $3 children 3-15; free for children under 3. Daily 8 am-dusk.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Route 23, Valley Forge; 610-783-1077.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/vafo

.

Once Upon a Story: The Story of Valley Forge Tour - 90-minute, open-air trolley tour. Once Upon A Nation storytellers bring history to life. 215-629-4026. Closes 12/30. $15; $9 students, seniors, military; $6 children 11 & under. Daily 6 am-10 pm.

Washington Crossing Historical Park/ Memorial Building Auditorium

1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing; 215-493-4076.

» READ MORE: www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing

. $5; $4 seniors; $2 children 6-17. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

*FREE*

Wings of Freedom Museum

1155 Easton Rd., Willow Grove; 215-672-2277.

» READ MORE: www.dvhaa.org

. See some of the world's rarest aircraft among this collection of over 15 restored jets & helicopters. Highlights include North America's only Messerschmitt Me262B jet trainer, an experimental Navy YF-2Y jet seaplane, world class collections of aircraft models & flight gear, exhibits on women in aviation, 100 years of flight, interactive exhibits for kids. Guided tours available. Wed. 10:30 am-3 pm; Sat.-Sun. 10:30 am-4 pm.

Adventure Aquarium

1 Aquarium Dr., Camden; 866-451-2782.

» READ MORE: www.adventureaquarium.com

. Fishmas - Santa will swim with blue fin tuna, cownose rays, sea turtles & more. Guests can also enjoy a scavenger hunt & other surprises. Closes 1/1. $17.95; $14.95 children 2-11; free for children under 2. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

Battleship New Jersey Museum

62 Battleship Pl., Camden; 866-877-6262.

» READ MORE: www.battleshipnewjersey.org

. Fireworks - Watch fireworks from the main deck. $7. 12/31 10:30 pm. New Year's Eve Family Encampment - Sleepover event for families. Includes dinner & breakfast, tours, 4D flight simulator rides & fireworks. $59.95. 12/31. The Holocaust & Genocide: The Betrayal of Humanity - History of the Holocaust & its continuing legacy. Closes 6/15. $15-$19; $10.50-$13 veterans, seniors, ages 6-11; free active military in uniform, ages 5 & under. Daily 9 am-5 pm.

New Jersey State Museum

205 W. State Rd., Trenton; 609-292-6464.

» READ MORE: www.newjerseystatemuseum.org

. Art by African-Americans - Selected works from the museum's collection. Closes 3/20. On extended view in Auditorium Galleries: Fossil Mysteries, the CSI of Paleontology; Cultures in Competition - Indians & Europeans in Colonial America. Alcove Gallery exhibit: Trenton - Crucial Crossroads. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-4:45 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm. Donations accepted.

South Jersey Museum of American History

123 E. High St., Glassboro; 856-442-0688. Includes artifacts from the Pre-Columbian through the Colonial era, antique hand tools, glass & comprehensive Political History exhibit. Antique Toy Train Exhibit - Vintage Lionel & Marx toy trains from the 1940's & 50's. Closes 2/2. $4; $3 children. Wed.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-3pm.

Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center

1501 Glasstown Rd., Millville; 800-998-4552.

» READ MORE: www.wheatonarts.org

. Celebrating Connections: Contemporary Glass by Mid Atlantic Artists - Works by over 60 artists on display. Closes 12/30. Beads From Venice: Exhibit & Sale - Venetian glass beadmakers including the internationally recognzied work of Leslie Genninger. Closes 12/31. Defining Divas - Illuminates the early work of pioneering female American glass artists. Closes 12/31. Symbols & Colors of Life: Beadwork Traditions - Focuses on various beadwork techniques used by folk & traditional artists of different cultural backgrounds. Closes 12/31. $10; $9 seniors; $7 students; free for children 5 & under. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington; 302-658-9111.

» READ MORE: www.delmnh.org

. Dino Days - Animal presentations, crafts, dinosaur experts, fossil dig & more. 12/28 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies - Closes 1/6. $6; $5 children 3-17; $4 seniors; free for children under 3. Mon.-Sat. 9:30 am-4:30 pm; Sun. noon-4:30 pm.

Hagley Museum & Library

Rte. 100 & Buck Rd., Wilmington; 302-658-2400.

» READ MORE: www.hagley.org

. Hagley at Fifty: Exploding With History - Retrospective exhibit. Closes 12/31. Surprising Artistry: Francis B. Crowninshield Watercolors - Images of the three homes where Frank & Louise du Pont Crowninshield dwelt. Closes 12/31. Christmas Display - Closes 1/1. $11; $9 seniors, students; $4 ages 6-14; free under 6. Daily 9:30 am-4:30 pm.

Winterthur Museum & Country Estate

Route 52, Winterthur; 800-448-3883.

» READ MORE: www.winterthur.org

. Yuletide at Winterthur - Holiday ambience & festive decorations of yore, including 18 fabulous rooms that interpret holiday celebrations from the 1700s-today. Closes 1/6. Pets in America: The Story of Our Lives With Animals at Home - Warm look at the history of Americans' relationships with pets from the 1700s to the present. Closes 1/20. K is for Kids - Family-friendly exhibition explores intriguing objects in the Winterthur collection & studies early methods of reading education. Closes 7/13. $15; $13 students & seniors; $5 children 2-11; free for children under 2. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.