Top regional attractions

Academy of Natural Sciences

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

» READ MORE: www.ansp.org

. Includes Dinosaur Hall, Egyptian mummies, interactive, live animals, educational exhibits for children & more. All-Star Weekend: Dinosaur Day - Dinosaur-themed crafts, trivia & presentations. 12/27 11 am-3:30 pm. $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.

American Philosophical Society Museum

104 S. 5th St.; 215-440-3427.

» READ MORE: www.apsmuseum.org

. Roderick Coover: Outside/Inside - Videotaped segments of Brett Keyser's park expeditions. Donations accepted. Fri.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm.

American Swedish Historical Museum

1900 Pattison Ave.; 215-389-1776.

» READ MORE: www.americanswedish.org

. $6; $5 seniors, students & children; free for children under 12. Tue.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm, Sat.-Sun. noon-4 pm.

Atwater Kent Museum

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

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiahistory.org

. Philadelphia at Your Feet - Historical film footage screening. Every Wed., Thu. & Sun. Quest for Freedom - Fri. 2 pm. $5; $3 seniors & children 13-17; free for children under 12. Wed.-Sun. 1-5 pm. Museum will close for renovation on 1/1-3/1/2010. For info on continuing programs, see website.

Bartram's Garden

54th St.; 215-729-5281.

» READ MORE: www.bartramsgarden.org

. Mark Dion: Travels of William Bartram Reconsidered. Closes 1/14. $5; $4 students & seniors; free for children 12 & under. Grounds: Daily 10 am-5 pm. Tours: noon-4 pm.

Betsy Ross House

239 Arch St.; 215-686-1252.

» READ MORE: www.betsyrosshouse.org

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Colonial Crafters - Spinning & lacemaking demonstrations. 12/26-12/28 12:30-2:30 pm. $3; $2 children under 13; $4 audio guide. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Blue Cross RiverRink Penn's Landing

Columbus Blvd.; 215-925-7465.

» READ MORE: www.riverrink.com

. New Year's Eve Party on Ice. $20-$30 skaters; $15-$25 spectators. 12/31 5:30 & 11 pm. Regular skating sessions: Mon.-Thu. 6-9 pm; Fri. 6 pm-1 am; Sat. 12:30 pm-1 am; Sun. 12:30 pm-9 pm (rink closes occassionally for 1/2 hour for resurfacing).

*FREE*

Christ Church

20 N. American St.; 215-922-1695, ext. 30.

» READ MORE: www.christchurchphila.org

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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.christchurchphila.org

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Final resting place of Benjamin Franklin. Guided tours on the hr., last tour at 3 pm. $2; $1 students; $10 groups up to 25. Mon-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. noon-4 pm.

Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum

1805 Pine St.; 215-735-8196.

» READ MORE: www.cwurmuseum.org

. Features the Abraham Lincoln Collection & more. $5; $4 seniors; $3 students & ages 3-12; free under 3. Thu.-Sat. 11 am-4:30 pm.

Eastern State Penitentiary

2124 Fairmount Ave.; 215-236-3300.

» READ MORE: www.easternstate.org

. Historic tours include restored cells. $7.50; $7 students; $6.50 seniors; $4 children over 7. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

*FREE*

Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site

Spring Garden St.; 215-597-8780.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/edal

. Home of the noted author from 1843-44. Guided tours available. Wed.-Sun. 9 am-5 pm.

*FREE*

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

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

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiafed.org

. Money in Motion. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Closed bank holidays.

The Franklin Institute

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

» READ MORE: www.fi.edu

. Exhibits include Amazing Machine!, The Franklin Air Show, Franklin. $22.25, $18.50 seniors, students & military, $17.50 children 4-11 daytime; $10.50, $9.50 children 4-11 evenings. $14.25; $13.25 seniors, students & military; $11.50 children. IMAX & other permanent exhibits open daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

Franklin Square

6th & Race Sts.; 215-629-4026.

» READ MORE: www.onceuponanation.org

. Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel. $3; $2 children 3-12; free for children under 2. Fri.-Sun. 11 am-8 pm.

Independence Hall

Chestnut St.; 215-597-8974.

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

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

Independence Living History Center

115 S. Third St.; 215-629-4026.

» READ MORE: www.onceuponanation.org

. Once Upon a Nation: Independence After Hours. Fri. & Sat. 5:30 pm. $76; $70 seniors, military & students; $50 children 12 & under.

Independence National Historical Park

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

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/inde

. Most sites free. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm.

Independence Seaport Museum

211 S. Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St.; 215-413-8655.

» READ MORE: www.phillyseaport.org

. Ongoing exhibits include Coming to America; Divers of the Deep; Olympia. $10; $7 seniors, children 3-12, college students; $5 military; free for children under 3. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

Independence Visitor Center

N. 6th St. & Market St.; 800-537-7676.

» READ MORE: www.independencevisitorcenter.com

. Breakfast With Ben. 12/27 9-10:30 am. $25; $20 children 3-12. 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 & New Year's Toast - Re-enactors, 21-gun salute, graveside champagne toast, reception at Gatehouse & tour of Laurel Hill. 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. $5; $3 seniors; $2 children 6-12. Open 10 am-4 pm weekends.

*FREE*

Liberty Bell Center

501 Market St.; 215-965-2305.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/inde

. Home of the Liberty Bell & exhibits on its 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

. Built in 1873, this National Historic Landmark is a magnificent example of architecture. Tours: Tue.-Fri. 11 am, 2 & 3 pm; Sat. 10 am & 11 am. $8, with individual & group discounts available. Tue.-Fri. 10 am-5 pm; Sat. 10 am-noon.

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

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

» READ MORE: www.morrisarboretum.org

. Holiday Garden Railway Display.$10; $8 seniors; $5 youth 3-18; free for children under 3. Daily 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

. 1787 copy on display plus more than 100 interactive exhibits. $12; $11 seniors; $8 children 4-12; free for children under 4 & military (audio tour $3). Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-5 pm; Sat. 9:30 am-6 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm. NOTE: Closed 1/1-1/9 for maintenance.

National Liberty Museum

321 Chestnut St.; 215-925-2800.

» READ MORE: www.libertymuseum.org

. From Conflict to Harmony. 12/27-12/28 10 am-5 pm. $7; $6 seniors; $5 students; $2 children 5-7; free for children under 5 & for all on Sun. Self guided tours only. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

*FREE*

PECO Energy Liberty Center

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

» READ MORE: www.lightsofliberty.org

. Ben Franklin's Ghost - interactive "synthetic interview" exhibit. Daily 10 am-6 pm. Note: Lights of Liberty show closed for the season.

The Philadelphia Zoo

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

» READ MORE: www.philadelphiazoo.org

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Ongoing exhibits & attractions include the popular PECO Primate Reserve, Dodge Rare Animal Conservation Center, Monkey Junction, Pachyderm House, Children's Zoo & more. $17.95; $14.95 children; free for children under 2. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

*FREE*

Polish American Cultural Center & Museum

308 Walnut St.; 215-922-1700.

» READ MORE: www.polishamericancenter.org

. Mon.-Fri. 10 am-4 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 Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology

3260 South St.; 215-898-4000.

» READ MORE: www.museum.upenn.edu

. Philly Christmas Beer Fest - Samples of 50 seasonal beers & buffet. VIP ticket: sit-down-luncheon with Don Russell, complimentary copy of his book, rare/vintage Christmas beers. $75 advance, $90 day of event; $125 VIP. VIP session 12:30 pm, VIP luncheon 1:30 pm. 12/27 1-4 pm. As of 1/1/09: Suggested donation: $10; $7 seniors; $6 students & children 6-17; 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. Donation suggested: $8. Tue.-Fri. 9 am-4 pm.

Woodford Mansion

33rd & Dauphin St., East Fairmount Park; 215-229-6115.

» READ MORE: www.woodfordmansion.org

. Elegant 18th century summer hous. Tours $5; $3 seniors. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-4 pm. Closed major holidays.

American Helicopter Museum & Learning Center

1220 American Blvd., West Chester; 610-436-9600.

» READ MORE: www.helicoptermuseum.org

. $7; $6 seniors; $5 students; free under 2. Wed.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

*FREE*

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. House tours: $5; $3.50 seniors; $2.50 children 6-17; free for children under 6. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown; 610-277-3825.

» READ MORE: www.elmwoodparkzoo.org

. $9.75; $6.75 seniors & children 2-11; free for children under 2. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

Fonthill Museum

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

» READ MORE: www.fonthillmuseum.org

. Candlelight Holiday Tour. $12. 12/27 7-9 pm. $9; $8 seniors; $4 ages 5-17; free for ages under 5. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm. Reservations recommended.

*FREE*

Glencairn Museum

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

» READ MORE: www.glencairnmuseum.org

. Saturday Highlights Tour. Sat. 11 am-1 pm. $7; $6 seniors; $4 students; free for children 5 & under. Sat. 11 am-2:30 pm. Mon.-Fri. by appt. only.

*FREE*

Hopewell Furnace

2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson; 610-582-8773.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/hofu

. Features many miles of blazed trails & historic roadways. Open daily 9 am-5 pm.

Longwood Gardens

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

» READ MORE: www.longwoodgardens.org

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Christmas Celebrations. Regular admission plus $5. $16; $14 seniors (ages 62 & over); $6 students (5-22); free for children 4 & under. Nov. 22-Jan. 6: Daily 9 am-9 pm.

The Mercer Museum

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

» READ MORE: www.mercermuseum.org

. Robotics Workshop - Build Lego robots & power them with computer technology. $85. 12/26 8:30-11:30 am, 12:30-3:30 pm. Drop-in Musical Craft Activity: Jingle Bells - Bell-themed craft project. 12/27 10:30 am-noon, 2-3:30 pm.$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.

Morgan Log House

850 Weikel Rd., Towamencin; 215-368-2480.

» READ MORE: www.morganloghouse.org

. $3; $2 seniors & children 6-17; free for children under 6.

Pearl S. Buck House

520 Dublin Rd., Perkasie; 215-249-0100.

» READ MORE: www.psbi.org

. 30th Annual Festival of Trees Holiday House Tour & Exhibit. Closes 12/31. $8; $7 seniors & students. Tue.-Sat. 11 am, 1 & 2 pm; Sun. 1 & 2 pm. $7; $6 seniors; free for children under 6.

Pennsbury Manor

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

» READ MORE: www.pennsburymanor.org

. Recreated country home of William Penn. Guided tour: $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).Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. 1-4 pm. 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

. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm, Sun. 1-4 pm.

Richard Wall House Museum

1 Wall Park Dr., Elkins Park; 215-887-9159. Features 4 floors of exhibits. Donations accepted. 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. Call for group tours or appointments.

*FREE*

Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia; 610-783-1099.

» READ MORE: www.nps.gov/vafo

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The Story of Valley Forge Trolley Tour - Open-air, 90-minute guided trolley tour. 610-783-1074. $15; $12 students, seniors & military; $7 children 11 & under. 12/27-12/30 11 am, 1 & 3 pm. 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

. Tours begin on the hour. $5; $4 seniors; $2 children 6-17. Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. noon-5 pm.

Wharton Esherick Museum

1520 Horseshoe Trl., Malvern; 610-644-5822. Guided Tours of the handcrafted home & studio of the "Dean of American Craftsmen." $10; $5 children under 12. Reservations required prior to visit. Mon.-Fri. (groups only) 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Sun. 1-5 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.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

. Deep Sea Splash - Live entertainment, open bar, hors d'oeurves, buffet dinner & access to the exhibits. Dress to impress. $130-$170. 12/31 8 pm. Fishmas - Christmas decorations, games, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Scuba-Diving Santa & more. Closes 1/4. $17.95; $14.95 children 2-11; free for children under 2. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm.

Atlantic City Aquarium

800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City; 609-348-2880.

» READ MORE: www.atlanticcityaquarium.com

. Dive & Dine - Divers feed some of the resident animals; Tropical Rainforest Exhibit & diver feeding. Open daily 10 am -5 pm.

Battleship New Jersey Museum

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

» READ MORE: www.battleshipnewjersey.org.New

Year's Eve Family Overnight Encampment - Spend the first night of the New Year aboard the Battleship. $60.95 12/31. $19.95; $15 seniors, veterans & children 6-11; free for active military & children under 6. $15-$19; $10.50-$13 veterans, seniors, ages 6-11; free active military in uniform, ages 5 & under. Daily 9 am-5 pm.

Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead

1605 Daniel Bray Hwy. (Rte. 29), Lambertville; 609-397-2752.

» READ MORE: www.holcombe-jimison.org.Donation

suggested: $5; $3 seniors & students. Sun. 1-4 pm; Wed. 9 am-noon.

*FREE*

Howell Living History Farm

70 Wooden's La., Lambertville; 609-737-3299.

» READ MORE: www.howellfarm.org

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130-acre farm is an educational facility. Tue.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm; Sun. noon-4 pm.

Jenkinson's Aquarium

300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach; 732-899-1212.

» READ MORE: www.jenkinsons.com/aquarium

. Sea of Lights. $5. 12/26-12/27 6-9 pm. $10; $6 seniors & children 3-12; free for children 2 & under. Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-5 pm; Sat. & Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

New Jersey State Museum

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

» READ MORE: www.newjerseystatemuseum.org

. Museum: Tue.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Sun. noon-5 pm; Auditorium Galleries: Mon.-Fri. 9 am-4:45 pm. Donations accepted.

Old Barracks Museum

101 Barrack St., Trenton; 609-396-1776.

» READ MORE: www.barracks.org

. Patriots' Week Events: The Battles of Trenton - 1st Battle of Trenton: Battle Monument, S. Warren St., 11 am. 2nd Battle of Trenton: staged at Mill Hill Park, Broad St., 3 pm. 12/27 11 am-noon, 3-4 pm. $20. 12/30 6 & 8 pm. $8; $6 seniors, students & children over 5; free for children 5 & under. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

South Jersey Museum of American History

123 E. High St., Glassboro; 856-442-0688. Includes artifacts from the Pre-Columbian through the Colonial era. $4; $3 children. Wed.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm; Sat. 10 am-3 pm.

Tuckerton Seaport

120 W. Main St., Tuckerton; 609-296-8868.

» READ MORE: www.tuckertonseaport.org

. Working seaport invites you to learn about commercial fishing. Closes 1/6. $8; $6 seniors; $3 children 6-12; free for children 5 & under. Daily 10 am-5 pm.

*FREE*

Washington Crossing State Park

355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville; 609-737-0623. Includes 18th Century Johnson Ferry House. Daily 9 am-4 pm.

Additional listings at philly.com.