The Philadelphia Science Festival returns for its sixth year, but this time with a new carnival location. Due to construction projects at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Penn's Landing will host the outdoor event April 30 featuring more than 150 exhibitors.
The carnival is only one part of the massive, citywide festival celebrating science, technology, engineering and math. For 10 days in April, libraries, restaurants, hospitals, parks, museums and other local locations will host Philadelphia Science Festival events.
"Explorer Days are great because they give a behind-the-scenes look at places you wouldn't normally have access to," said Dr. Frederic Bertley, Senior Vice President of Science and Education at the Franklin Institute. The Franklin Institute is the main organizer of the event.
He thinks one of the most exciting events during the festival this year is a hands-on archeology dig at Rowan University Fossil Quarry. Attendees will be able to dig for 65-million-year-old fossils.
Here are a few other standout events on the schedule:
•On Friday, April 22 local astronomers will bring their gear to 30 sites across the city and suburbs for stargazing.
•The Independence Seaport Museum will have free admission during the Philadelphia Science Festival carnival.
•The Free Library of Philadelphia's Culinary Literacy Center will teach the science of temperature with a chocolate making class on Tuesday, April 26.
•The Mutter Museum is throwing a murder mystery party where guests will use forensic science to solve the case on Sunday, April 24.
•Hunting Park is hosting a free family day on Saturday, April 23 where attendees can race a solar powered car, explore the science of sports, launch a rocket and listen to live music.
But those are only a few of the close-to-100 events happening for the Philadelphia Science Festival.
"There are events that aren't just for different ages but also for different skill sets. There's something for someone who's passionate about science and there's something for those that want to get into it," Bertley stated.
Tickets for all the events are now available. Some are free while others require reservations.
Philadelphia Science Festival
April 16,18, 22-30