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Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Family Vacation Ideas - Geckos, Dinosaurs, and Butterflies. From the end of May until the beginning of September the Academy of Natural Sciences is the home of Geckos: Tails to Toepads, a special exhibit which showcases the diversity of geckos and the way they live through live gecko habitats, interactive exhibits and informational displays.

There will be a total of 14 live habitat stations, home to 13 species of geckos from all around the world. Some of the cool interactive exhibits include “What Does a Gecko See?”, “Build-A-Gecko”, “Loud Mouths” and “Predator Challenge.” Other attractions include a display about geckos disposable parts: did you know that geckos will sacrifice their tails - or even their skin - when faced with danger?

Butterflies! is a not-to-be-missed experience. As you enter the exhibit area and you and your children will be transported to a peaceful, plant-filled tropical garden setting. In the bright, contemporary-design space, knowledgeable staff and interactive stations will explain the wonders of these delightful insects and their important connection to the natural world.

While strolling through the 1,200-square-foot setting, visitors will be surrounded by dozens of fluttering butterflies originating from different countries. They will witness the different stages in a butterfly’s life cycle, including butterflies emerging from their chrysalises. Most importantly, imaginations will take flight as both young and old experience the beauty and charm of these delicate creatures.

Butterflies! is an elegant and relaxing experience. It will take the hustle and bustle out of your day while imparting the message of urban conservation,” said Dr. Ian Davison, the Academy’s Acting President and CEO. There will be a small fee to enter Butterflies! in addition to museum admission. Here are some facts about butterflies. Visit and learn more.

The Academy of Natural Sciences. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekends until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 3-12, seniors, college students with I.D. and military personnel, and free for children younger than 3. (The Academy of Natural Sciences. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19103. (215) 299-1000 or www.ansp.org)

About The Academy of Natural Sciences. The Academy of Natural Sciences is Philadelphia’s natural history museum and a world leader in biodiversity and environmental research. The mission of the Academy is to create the basis for a healthy and sustainable planet through exploration, research and education.

FamilyTravelFiles Staff Notes

Philadelphia, The City Is Kid-Friendly. With birthday plans on the way The "City of Brotherly Love" remains a terrific spot for families. It is a place where history, science and art thrive. It is an easy city to walk and there are trolleys, carriages and boats as additional transportation choices. Naturally we have our favorite places, each one kid certified and terrific. Bonus points: Shopping choices along with no sales tax on clothing is at the top of the list. The second idea coincides with a feature in our Advice Section this month. If your family is in the college search mode consider Philadelphia because it is home to more than 50 colleges and universities. Toll-free  1-877-887-4452 or www.onebigcampus.com

  

Just bug off! At the Philadelphia Insectarium, the largest insect museum in the nation, it's an insect's world. The facility has thousands of live as well as mounted insects. The facility contains, oodles of interactive displays, a movie-room, and a zany staff to make any visit fun. Tour three floors see creepy-crawlies; play in a man-made spider web; and see the inside of a beehive. There is even a bug petting corner, an Arachnid Alley, and a termite mound. Discovery: This is the place to buy those hard-to-find spicy Cajun mealworms or candied insect lollipops. (Philadelphia Insectarium. 8046 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia 19136. (215) 338-3000 or www.insectarium.com)

Meet Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster. Sesame Place, the nation's only theme park based on the award winning television show Sesame Street, is an Interactive play experience for families with children ages 2 - 13. The park contains 14 thrilling water attractions and loads of interactive experiences, live stage shows, a parade and a roller coaster. Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster and the other lovable characters from Sesame Street not only perform in shows; they greet visitors throughout the day. (Sesame Place. 100 Sesame Road Langhorne, Philadelphia 19047. (215) 752-7070 or www.sesameplace.com)

How about a mint? Franklin Mint, the world’s largest private mint is along U.S. Route 1. It’s the place that provides high quality collectibles and personal luxury products. So naturally the museum displays their catalog items. From the Star Trek transporter room to the mood-lit display hall of fake Faberge Eggs it’s all visually tempting. Items on display include porcelain dolls, precision die-cast model motor vehicles, collector plates, historic weapon replicas and the list goes on. This is the place to find the ultimate versions of the world's most popular games and they take credit cards. (Franklin Mint. U.S. Route 1 Franklin Center, Philadelphia 19091. (610) 459 6168 or www.franklinmint.com)

For general vacation information toll-free 1-800-537-7676, (215) 636-1666 or www.gophila.com

For fun, kid-friendly Philadelpha Hotels & Motels check out Uptake.com. They search 5000 travel sites...so you don't have to!

Information and images provided by The Academy of Natural Sciences. Copyright 2009.

 

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