Kids Philadelphia - June 08, 2009

Ivy League

Road Trip to Princeton, New Jersey

Skip the shore this weekend and head to Princeton, New Jersey. With it’s smarty-pants campus and leafy green spaces, it’ll be a welcome getaway.

Room Assignment
Shack up at the Nassau Inn (10 Palmer Square East, Princeton; 609-921-7500); it’s just steps away from the action and sure beats dorm living.

Department of Recreation
Princeton Tours (98 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609-902-3637) offers guided ambles through town. Try the Lil’ Einstein and Friendly Ghost Flashlight Tours or grab a handout for a self-led hunt for gargoyles and sculptures on university grounds.

Meal Plan
After they’ve worked up an appetite, head to The Bent Spoon (35 Palmer Square West, Princeton; 609-924-2368), where you can introduce little palates to offbeat gelato flavors or give baby his first frozen treat: organic Banana Whip. Cool off with a Blend-In at Thomas Sweet (183 Nassau Street, Princeton; 609-683-8720) and hear family-friendly music outside on Friday and Saturday nights.

Extra Credit
Stock up on out-of-the-ordinary games, books, and puzzles at JaZams (25 Palmer Square East, Princeton; 609-924-8697) to ensure a whine-free return trip home.

Looks like you made the grade.

SALUTE
Flag Fest
What: A Victorian-style street fair with an organ grinder, penny candy, a visit from Uncle Sam, and more.
Why: Do the wave.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St. (215-629-4026).

HELP
Clean Up Day
What: Pull weeds, water seedlings, or take a plant of your own to spruce up the park.
Why: Land mark.
When: Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Triangle Park, at the intersection of Christian, Sixth & Passyunk Sts. For info, call 818-512-0400 or e-mail parkwebadmin@gmail.com.

HEAR
Children’s Corner
What: The Philadelphia Orchestra performs excerpts from pieces like Hansel and Gretel and Mother Goose.
Why: No strings attached.
When: Sat., 11:30 a.m.
Where: Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., at Spruce St. (215-893-1999). Tickets online at tickets.philorch.org.