On a budget but still want to explore? by BRENDA HILLEGAS
ALL OF THIS IS
FREE!
Historic sites, hiking trails, farms, gardens, parks and more! Philly and the surrounding ‘burbs are bursting with things to do that won’t cost a penny! Check updated information and hours on websites and social media. Show support if you can by making a donation or attending programs and events each
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It is free
❚❙ Awbury Arboretum
❚❙ Bartram’s Gardens
Relax by a pond, stroll through a meadow. Nature is for everyone at Awbury. The farm is open to explore and holds family “Sunday Fun-days” weekly now through the end of October. AdventureWoods, a playground made of natural materials found outdoors - is open now through October. Lots of events take place annually and art exhibits inside the historic Francis Cope House on site. The Philly GOAT Project (more on that below) resides at Awbury. Dog friendly! www.awbury.org
In 1728, botanist John Bartram founded what is now known as the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. Explore the gardens, the home and use the boardwalks that create a dry footpath. Programming includes Little Explorers Garden Adventures for toddlers, music performances, workshops and homeschool days. The trails at Bartram’s Gardens make up segments of the East Coast Greenway, a multi-use trail that connects many major cities along the Atlantic Coast
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of these places may offer for additional fees. If we missed your favorite spot, let us know. How could we possibly include all of the beautiful spaces and historic sites that Philadelphia has to offer? Show us where you explore. Tag RowHome in your pics at @rowhomemag on Instagram.
| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | July / August / September 2021
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(more on that later in this issue). www.bartramsgarden.org.
❚❙ Cherry Street Pier Right on the Delaware River Waterfront, you’ll find this early 20th-century pier turned mix-use public space. Enjoy art exhibits, peek through the windows of artist studios and events like performances, classes, craft fairs, food markets and flea markets year long. Sit by the river at the beer garden or enjoy some Lokal Artisan Foods signature French Toast Bites. It’s dog friendly, too! www.cherrystreetpier.com
❚❙ Cira Green If you don’t know about this park in the sky yet, now you do. Cira Green is open year-round and located on the rooftop of Cira Centre South in University City. Take the elevator up from the parking garage (which you can access even if you park on the street) and be blown away by breathtaking views of the Philly skyline. Yoga, movie nights (with a big movie screen on the side of the building), Saturday morning cartoons and lawn games make this a must-visit! Pack your own picnic or grab food and drinks at the burger
gohomephilly.com