New Year's Celebration

For New Year’s Eve this year, enjoy a day full of family entertainment in the most historic city in America. Kick off the New Year’s celebrations at the Betsy Ross House with the annual Betsy’s Birthday Bash. Join Betsy for her 259^th birthday at the Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, December 31. Activities will include storytelling by Betsy, make-and-take crafts, a balloon artist, and, of course, birthday cake. Audio guides will be free with regular admission all day.

After the birthday celebration, head over to Franklin Square, 6^th and Race Streets, to ring in 2011. A kid’s version of the famous New Year’s countdown begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by fireworks at Penn’s Landing. Franklin Square’s various outdoor activities will be open until 8 p.m. on December 31, so have some outdoor fun for 2011!

Fun family entertainment and a beautiful park are just steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares.  Award-winning Franklin Square is an outdoor amusement oasis located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, featuring Philly Mini Golf, a renovated vintage marble fountain, playgrounds, the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, and SquareBurger.  After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, or enjoy a rest next to the refreshing fountain.  In 2008, Dream On Travel named Franklin Square one of the top ten playgrounds in the United States and in 2010, Philadelphia Magazine dubbed Franklin Square “Best Family Place.”

Philly Mini Golf: $8 adults/$6 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2

Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel: $3 adults/$2 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2

Contact us at: www.historicphiladelphia.org or 215-629-4026