Events for the family

*FREE*

Bikes & Trikes Family Fun Day

Show off your bike, participate in a 'Bike Beauty Pageant,' make crafts or check out the Dufala Brothers' 'Toilet Tricycle' performance. Aviator Park, Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-965-4027.

» READ MORE: www.thegalleriesatmoore.org

. 7/18 noon-4 pm.

Boat to Bartram's Garden River Tour Boat trip down the Schuylkill, culminating with a tour of Bartram's Garden. Schuylkill Banks, Market St.; 888-748-7445. www.schuylkillbanks.org. $25; $20 students, children 12 & under. 7/19 1 pm.

*FREE* Dog Days of Summer Dogs of all shapes & sizes can be pampered for the day at this pet-friendly event. Venice Lofts, 4601 Flat Rock Rd.; 215-483-4090. www.veniceloftsapts.com. 7/19 noon-3 pm.

*FREE* Global Fusion Festival Celebration of world culture & music. Performances by Bell Biv Devoe, Kenny V, James Fortune & many more. Penn's Landing, Columbus Blvd.; 215-922-2386. www.globalfusionfestival.com. 7/18 noon-8 pm.

Preservation Alliance Architectural Walking Tours Guided exploration of some of the city's architectural gems. Rain or shine. Closes 10/31. For full schedule & specific locations, see www.preservationalliance.com. 215-546-1146 x3. $10; $8 students; free for children 10 & under.

The Ultimate Philadelphia Ice Cream Festival Features gelato, ice cream, sorbet, fountain drinks, demonstrations, games, contests, tastings, music & more. Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St.; 215-922-2317. www.readingterminalmarket.org. 7/18 10 am-4 pm.

Wine, Art & Food Festival Buy art & sample wine & food pairings from Crossing Vineyards & Market at Comcast Center restaurants. Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd.; 610-648-1700. 7/18 noon-5 pm.

*FREE* Wynnefield Heights Community Day A fun day of activities celebrating this vibrant community. Conshohocken-Windemere Park, 3910 Conshohocken Ave.; 215-988-8800. www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org. www.wynnefieldheights.org. 7/18.

*FREE*

8th Annual Montgomery County 5th Fire District Water Battle

Free food & beverages, competition, comradery & bragging rights. Towamencin Volunteer Fire Company, 1590 Bustard Rd., Lansdale; 215-369-2161.

» READ MORE: www.tvfc76.com

. 7/18 10 am-3:30 pm.

18th Annual Pond Tour Opportunity to visit 20 privately-owned ponds around Bucks County. Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Rd., Bristol; 215-785-1177. www.pondtour.info. $25. 7/19 11 am-5 pm.

*FREE* 35th Annual Block Party Moonbounce, slip 'n slide, hula hoop contest, tug of war, water balloon contest, karaoke, live band, outdoor movie, food & more. Euclid Ave., Ambler. 7/18 2-10 pm.

Celtic Heritage Festival Performances by The Hooligans, Carl Peterson, WireHarp & others, dancing, crafts, children's activities, Irish foods & more. Graeme Park, 859 County Line Rd., Horsham; 215-343-0965. $12; $10 seniors; $6 children 6-17; free for children under 6. 7/18 10 am-6 pm.

*FREE* Hatboro Summer Sidewalk Sale & Pet Rescue Fair Sidewalk sale, activities & giveaways. Includes pet rescue fair with over 20 rescue groups, plus vendors. Downtown Hatboro, York Rd., Hatboro; 215-956-9540. www.hatboro-pa.com. 7/18 10 am-3 pm.

*FREE* Newtown Antique & Classic Car Show Antique & classic cars on display on State St. Rain date 7/26. State & Sycamore Sts., Newtown; 219-968-3440. www.newtownbpa.org. 7/19 10 am-3 pm.

*FREE*

The Al Cunard Baby Parade

Parade takes place on 96th St. Various prizes awarded. Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 212 96th St., Stone Harbor; 609-368-6101.

» READ MORE: www.stoneharborbeach.com

. Parade line-up 5:45 pm. 7/20 6:30 pm.

Cultural Weekend Enjoy the area's diverse culture & heritage with music by Mary Roth & her trio. Cold Spring Village, 720 Rte. 9, Cape May; 609-898-2300. www.hcsv.org. Included in admission. 7/18-7/19 10 am-4:30 pm.

Family Fun Day at Fort Medford Playground Featuring field games, music, food, clowns, chinese auction & more. Bob Meyer Park, Gravelly Hollow Rd., Medford; 609-654-2512. www.medfordtownship.com. Donations accepted. 7/18 11 am-3 pm.

*FREE* Greater Wildwoods' Christmas in July Boat Parade Boats decorated for Christmas traveling through the back bays of N. Wildwood, Wildwood & Wildwood Crest. 609-729-5501. www.wildwoodboatparade.com. Parade line-up begins at 7 pm in Beach Creek. 7/18 7:30 pm.

*FREE* Russian Festival Enjoy delicious ethnic food & drink, souvenirs, gifts, an art show, Balalaika Orchestra concert with folk dancers & more. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 2211 W. Landis Ave., Vineland; 856-696-1579. www.holytrinitychurch.us. $5. 7/19 1-7 pm.

*FREE* Rock & Roll Collectibles Show CDs, albums, 45s, DVDs, posters, figures, collectibles, books, photos, artwork, t-shirts & more. Wildwoods Convention Center, 5401 Boardwalk, Wildwood; 856-438-5259. www.rocknrollconventions.com. 7/18 noon-8 pm. 7/19 10 am-5 pm.

*FREE* Vineland Seafood Festival Summer fun featuring live music & lots of food, incl. shrimp, clams, calamari, chowders & other favorites from some of the area's finest restaurants & fresh fish vendors. Downtown Vineland, Landis Ave., Vineland; 856-794-8653. www.mainstreetvineland.org. 7/18 3-9 pm.

*FREE*

Colonial Life

Learn about colonial life by playing games & examining artifacts. First State Heritage Park, 152 S. State St., Dover; 302-739-9194.

» READ MORE: www.destateparks.com/heritagepark

. 7/18 12:30 pm.

Sports Card, Comic Book, NASCAR & Collectible Show Presented by A2Z Promotions. Aetna Fire Hall, 400 Ogletown Rd., Newark; 302-559-7962. www.a2zshows1.com. $2; free for children under 12. 7/19 10 am-3 pm.

Captain Ollie's Water World Live Theatre Show

Water themed interactive children's show. The Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9291. captainollie.com. $13.50. 7/18 1-2 pm.

Ken Northridge Family-friendly magic & comedy show w/audience participation. Star of the Sea Parish, Lafayette St., Cape May; 609-884-1011. $5; $3 children 3-12. 7/20 7 pm.

Mama Mac Engaging, interactive tunes in a variety of genres. Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville; 610-917-1228. www.mamamac.net. $5. 7/21 10:30 am.

Miss Scherling Singer-songwriter, music educator & family entertainer. MilkBoy Coffee, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore; 610-645-5269. www.missscherling.com. $5. 7/20 10 am.

The Mudcakes Children's music duo influenced by The Beatles & Frank Zappa. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400. www.worldcafelive.com. $10; $7 children 1-12; free for children under 1. 7/18 11:30 am.

Theatreworks USA: Jim West's Dinosaurs! Classical music, puppet construction & facts about dinosaurs. Engaging & funny. The Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn & the Boardwalk, Ocean City; 609-525-9300. www.theatreworksusa.org. $9. 7/22 10:30 am.

Children's Storytelling Lunch

Carriage House Tearoom & Cafe, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; RSVP: 609-884-5111.

» READ MORE: www.capemaymac.org

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$18; $10 children 3-12. 7/22 11:30 am.

Colonial Kids' Quest Search for clues to solve the mystery of a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence. Independence Living History Center, 115 S. 3rd St.; RSVP required: 215-629-4026. www.onceuponanation.org. $16. 7/18 11 am.

Emlen Physick Estate Children's Tour Trained storytellers share kid-friendly tales as children get a glimpse of life more than 125 ago. Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1048 Washington St., Cape May; 609-884-5404. www.capemaymac.org. $10; $5 children. 7/20 10:30 am. 7/22 10:30 am.

First Look at Insects Find out what makes insects special, how they move, eat & hide. Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown; 610-270-0215. www.parks.montcopa.org. $4. 7/22 1 pm.

*FREE* Mr. Malcolm, You & Sticky Glue This family fun day provides creative crafts & lots of fun activities. West Deptford Free Public Library, 420 Crown Point Rd., Thorofare; RSVP: 856-845-5593. www.westdeptford.lib.nj.us. 7/17 11 am.

Camden Children's Garden

3 Riverside Dr., Camden; 856-365-8733.

» READ MORE: www.camdenchildrensgarden.org

. Butterfly house, maze, treehouse & more. $6; $4 ages 3-11; free for children 2 & under. Tue.-Sun. 10 am-5 pm.

Insectarium 8046 Frankford Ave.; 215-335-9500. www.insectarium.com. Thousands of mounted & live specimens, interactive exhibits, movie room, children's activities & more. $7; free for children under 2. Mon.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm.

Kix & Giggles Children's Playground 9356 Old Bustleton Ave.; 215-677-4140. www.kixandgiggles.com. Attractions include a wrap-around gym, a rock wall, soft-play section for babies & toddlers, an outside seating area & more. Mondays 10 am-3 pm are reserved for children with special needs & their families. See website for more info. $6.95. Tue.-Thu. 10 am-8 pm; Fri.-Sat. 10 am-9 pm; Sun. 10 am-8 pm.

Please Touch Museum Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic; 215-581-3181. www.pleasetouchmuseum.org. Hands-on museum featuring 6 interactive exhibit zones: Roadside Attractions, Flight Fantasy, City Capers, Wonderland, River Adventures & Centennial Exploration. Ride the Ducks - Meet Ride the Ducks' mascot Splash & check out one of the amphibious Duck vehicles up close. 7/18 10 am-4 pm. Celebrate Alexander Calder's Birthday - Kids can create their own mobiles in honor of the artist's birthday. 7/22 9 am-4 pm. The Heart Gallery Philadelphia - Compelling photos of foster children awaiting adoption in Philadelphia. Closes 7/31. Getting There - Prop & puppet-filled tale about the history of transportation. Closes 8/9. $15; free for children under 1. Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5 pm; Thu. 9 am-8 pm through 9/3; Sun. 11 am-5 pm.

Sesame Place 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne; 215-752-7070. www.sesameplace.com. Share in the spirit of imagination at this theme park, which features whirling rides, water slides, colorful shows & furry, familiar friends. $50.95; $45.95 seniors; free for children under 2. Fri.-Thu. 10 am.

*FREE* Smith The Kids Play Place in the Park Above Kelly Dr. near the intersection of 33rd & Oxford Sts. in E. Fairmount Park; 215-765-4325. www.smithplayhouse.org. 6-acre playground for children 10 & under featuring one-of-a-kind equipment including the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide. 3-story "play mansion" for children 5 & under. Children must be accompanied by adult. Tue.-Fri. 10 am-4 pm; Sat.-Sun. 10 am-7 pm (thru 8/30).

Barnes & Noble

4801 Concord Pike, Wilmington; 302-487-9677.

» READ MORE: www.barnesandnoble.com

. Daniel Putkowski:

Bonk's Bar

. 7/17 6-9 pm.

Barnes & Noble 200 W. Rte. 70, Marlton; 856-596-7058. www.barnesandnoble.com. P.M. Riley: Tuesday...& the Rest of Life. 7/17 7-9 pm.

Barnes & Noble 301 Main St., Exton; 610-524-0103. www.bn.com. Daniel Putkowski: Bonk's Bar. 7/19 noon-3 pm.

Barnes & Noble 911 Haddonfield Rd., Cherry Hill; 856-486-1492. Daniel Putkowski: Bonk's Bar. 7/23 4-7 pm.

Giovanni's Room 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960. www.giovannisroom.com. Kimberly Q: Lesbian Funk. 7/17 5:30 pm. Smash the Church, Smash the State: The Early Years of Gay Liberation - Reading featuring 4 of the contributors to this anthology: James Roberts, Hal Tarr, Thom Nickels & Victoria Brownsworth. 7/18 5:30 pm.

Penn Bookstore 3601 Walnut St.; 215-898-7595. upenn.bkstore.com. Jayanti Tamm: Cartwheels in a Sari: A Memoir of Growing Up Cult. 7/22 6:30 pm.

Robin's Books & Moonstone Arts Center

108 S. 13th St.; 215-735-9600.

» READ MORE: www.robinsbookstore.com

. Poets & Prophets - The local writer's group presents a reading by established poets followed by open mic readings. Donations requested. 7/21 7 pm.

Springside School 8000 Cherokee St.; 215-247-7003. Poetry Reading with Ibtisam Barakat. 7/23 6-8 pm.

Stenton 4601 N. 18th St.; 215-329-7312. www.stenton.org. Native American Symposium: Colonial Impact & Cultural Identity - Archaeologists, historians & tribal reps discuss the past, present & future of local Native American tribes. 7/18 1-4 pm.