Instead of spending your Presidents' Day lounging around or shopping at department store sales (as fun as those may be) head out to learn about the country's great leaders. Museums and visitor centers around Philadelphia are hosting fun Presidents' Day events for all ages.
Hear presidential-themed stories all weekend and meet Founding Father Thomas Jefferson on Saturday, Feb. 14 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 12 through Monday, February 16
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free admission
Independence Visitor Center Theater
599 Market St.
(800) 537-7676
Go back in time and dine like the first presidents would have at this historic restaurant. They'll be holding specials all weekend - including Monday - in honor of the presidents.
Saturday, February 14 through Monday, February 16
Hours vary | Pay as you go
City Tavern
138 S. 2nd St.
(215) 413-1443
A park ranger will lead you through a slide show about George Washington and his tough time paving the way for future presidents.
Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15
3-3:30 p.m. | Free admission
Independence Visitor Center Theater
599 Market St.
(800) 537-7676
Hear tales of past presidents at Once Upon A Nation and meet Founding Father John Adams at a meet and greet Monday, Feb. 16.
Saturday, February 14 through Monday, February 16
11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free admission
Historic Philadelphia Center
600 Chestnut St.
(215) 629-4026
Head to the spot where Washington celebrated his birthday in 1778 for
a continental army reenactment on Sunday and
birthday activities, crafts and games on Monday.
Sunday, February 15 and Monday, February 16
Times vary | Free admission
Valley Forge Visitor Center
1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia, PA
(610) 783-1000
Kids can sit in on a special Town Hall meeting with Washington, Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Thanks to TD Bank, admission on Presidents' Day is free, too.
Monday, February 16
12 p.m. | Free admission
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St.
(215) 409-6600
Learn about how Washington influenced the Jewish community and American history by exploring a letter he wrote and writing your own letter with a quill pen.
Monday, February 16
10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Free admission
National Museum of American Jewish History
101 South Independence Mall East
(215) 923-3811
Food historian Susan Plaisted will prepare some of President Lincoln's favorite foods, in Mercer Museum's Log House, somewhere Lincoln would have felt right at home.
Sunday, February 16
Noon-4 p.m. | Free with admission ($6-12)
Mercer Museum
84 S. Pine St., Doylestown, PA
(215) 345-0210
This outdoor site at Independence National Historical Park explores the tension between slavery and freedom at the home where Washington and John Adams served their presidencies. Visitors can also see archaeological remains of that house.
Open 24/7 | Free
Independence National Historic Park
600 Market St.
