President’s Day Weekend in Philly ~ FREE Museums and More

National Constitution Center

‘Exploring the Principals and Ideas of Our Past Presidents’

 

President’s Day, which is on Monday, February 17, starts off with a weekend (February 14 – 16) of activities and themed events that lead into President’s Day itself.

It’s a time to explore and honor those Presidents such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and other Presidents also known as the Commander-in-chief.

Enjoy free admission to specific museums, special attractions, special tours, themed events and more during President’s Day weekend and beyond.

The City of Philadelphia is rich with so much history. Explore such iconic attractions as the Liberty BellThe President’s HouseIndependence Hall and head on over to the National Constitution Center and or the Museum of the American Revolution for specific activities reflecting on our Presidents.

Below is our list of museums, attractions and events for President’s Day Weekend and for President’s Day.

February 15 – 17 ~ Visitors to the National Constitution Center will learn about the role of the president and what it takes to be commander-in-chief. There will be craft activity tables, Presidential Trivia and visitors considering their own path to the White House can experience all the ins and outs of the election process and a presidential campaign. On Monday, February 17, President’s Day, visitors can enjoy FREE admission courtesy of TD Bank! Their will be a Town Hall with Presidents answer questions, arts and crafts, re-enactors will join the museum throughout the weekend to mingle with guests, pose for photos, sign autographs, and discuss their lives and presidencies and at the conclusion of the Town Hall program, the “presidents” will judge the Center’s annual kids Presidential Costume Contest. President’s Day Weekend at National Constitution Center ~

Free to the public year round, The President’s House is an interactive site located next to the Liberty Bell on Independence Mall. It’s a great place to learn about those slaves that worked at the President’s House for President George Washington and that President John Adams resided here as well.

On February 15 at 12 pm, enjoy a FREE tour of “Washington and the Life in the President’s House.” Join a park ranger to learn about the varied experiences of those who lived and worked there from the Washington family to the enslaved persons who yearned for freedom. Location: Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the U.S., Chestnut Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Details, click Washington and the Life in the President’s House.

February 17 ~ FREEExplore the National Museum of American Jewish History 10 am to 5 pm. Learn how various presidents impacted America and the Jewish population in America during tours, stories, crafts and more. Not only will visitors get to meet George Washington, but you’ll also be able to see the original letter penned by George Washington to the Jewish community of Newport, Rhode Island. For more info, click President’s Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History. Monthly Special: The NMAJH is FREE the whole month of February for Black History month. Click Here.

February 16 – 17 ~ FREE – Enjoy variety of educational and interactive activities at various locations as Second Bank, Benjamin Franklin Museum, and Franklin Court Printing Office. Visitors can play president-focus trivia, go on a gallery tour of past presidents’ portraits and learn about how the press influenced political arguments in the past. Calendar of events, Click Here.

  • President’s Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

February 15 – 17 ~ The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates President’s Day weekend allowing visitors of all ages to listen to a reading of Grace for President by Kelly DiPuccio, make a whirligig, participate in a print shop activity, learn more about Gen. George Washington and his role in the Revolutionary War before he assumed his presidential duties, see the field tent that served as Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War, learn the story of escaped enslaved person Harry Washington and more.

On Saturday, February 15 at 10 am, the Museum will give away 288 donuts from Federal Donuts in honor of Washington’s 288th birthday (first come, first served; while supplies last). The 1776-themed donuts feature a milk-glaze and patriotic sanding sugar in red, white, and blue.   For more details, click President’s Day Weekend At Museum of the American Revolution.

  • George Washington’s Birthday Celebration

February 16 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 4 pm ~ Celebrate President’s Day at Washington Crossing Historical Park at 1112 River Road in Washington Crossing, PA. Guests can expect demonstrations, various children’s activities, and a meet and greet with the General himself. Afterwards, at 3 pm, sing Happy Birthday and eat his birthday cake cut with his sword. For more details, click George Washington’s Birthday at Washington Crossing.

February 17 ~ FREE 10 am – 1 pm at Valley Forge NHP at 1400 North Outer Line Drive in King of Prussia. Celebrate the 288th birthday of President George Washington with Mrs. Washington, members of the Continental and others. There will be cake, crafts, games, crafts in the heated tent, children will be taught drill formations and more. For more details, click Washington’s Birthday at Valley Forge Historical Park.

February 15 – 17 ~ Go back in time at City Tavern for a special Presidents’ Week menu. Chef Walter Staib, who has cooked in the homes of the first five presidents, celebrates President’s Week by dedicating a menu to our founding fathers. Their regular menu will be available as well. ~ Info ~ For 2020 menu, click President’s Day Weekend Menu at City Tavern.

  • Day Off Camp on President’s Day at NL Arts

February 17 – From 8:30 am – 5:30 pm. $50 per day , $45 per day for 2nd and 3rd child. Held at NL Arts at 700 N. 3rd Street in Northern Liberties. Enjoy creative and fun-filled arts programming for children 4 – 14 and may include outdoor time, weather permitting! They plan to engage in collaborative art projects, hands on art making, and a fun filled day with friends! For details, click Day Off Camp at NL Arts.

February 17 ~ From 12 pm – 5 pm, enjoy Russian River Brewing Company’s famed Triple IPA, Pliny the Younger, which is only brewed once a year! The fundraiser benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand and is held at Monk’s Cafe at 264 S. 16th Street. CASH only! Enjoy Pliny the Younger and 25 more rare and exciting draft beers! One hundred percent of the money is donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand to aid their work finding cures for pediatric cancer. For more details, click on Pliny the Younger Fundraiser at Monk’s Cafe.

Main Photo Courtesy of National Constitution Center