Want to celebrate Presidents Day where America’s story began? Philadelphia is the perfect place! From the revolutionary moments of the Continental Army to the birth of our government (led by none other than George Washington!), this region is packed with presidential history.

Get ready for a long weekend of fun honoring Washington and other amazing leaders who shaped our nation. Even better? Some museums are offering FREE admission! So, if the kids have a day off from school, turn it into an exciting learning adventure with these awesome Presidents Day weekend events!

Museum of the American Revolution 

February 15 — February 17

101 S. Third St.

Celebrate Presidents Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, where you can explore the amazing life and legacy of George Washington, our very first president. Get an in-depth look at the man behind the legend with fun hands-on activities, crafts and exhibits – including the museum’s crown jewel, Washington’s War Tent. Get ready to discover fascinating and surprising stories from George Washington’s time, as well as learn about his leadership and the many different people he knew. For a full list of events, click here.

National Constitution Center 

February 15–17 (free admission and festival on February 17)

525 Arch St.

Get ready for a Presidential adventure at the National Constitution Center this Presidents Day! A variety of awesome in-person and online events are scheduled where kids can dive into the Constitution and discover the secrets of the executive branch, as well as meet the presidents of the past and see how they shaped America! 

The most action takes place on Monday, February 17, with free admission and a whole schedule of events. Children ages 12 and under are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite U.S. president or first lady to enter the center’s presidential costume contest, which will be judged by a panel of presidential re-enactors! Kids can also meet (and take pictures with) those presidents at a Town Hall, where they can ask questions of presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Click here for the full schedule of events.

Presidents Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History

February 17, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

101 South Independence Mall East

The Weitzman Museum will be honoring Presidents Day with a FREE Family Day celebrating inclusion. Enjoy activities and performances for all ages, highlighting Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). The day features Mr. John’s Music with Miss Cat, a tap/drumming/spoken word performance by Khalil Munir, face painting, open gym with We Rock the Spectrum, sensory-friendly dough play with Adoughma, and a cartoon-making workshop (pre-registration required, $15 fee, ages 8+). A JDAIM resource fair, museum tours, and scavenger hunts are also available.

George Washington’s Birthday at Washington Crossing

February 16, 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.

1112 River Road, Washington Crossing

Celebrate George Washington’s 293rd birthday with fun for the whole family at Washington Crossing Historic Park! Kids can try hands-on activities like writing with a quill pen, making whirly-gig games, and even drilling like a soldier. Plus, everyone can enjoy demonstrations of colonial cooking, spinning, blacksmithing, musket firing, and artillery. At 1:45 PM,  head to the Visitor Center to sing “Happy Birthday” and watch General Washington cut his cake with a sword! 

George Washington’s Birthday Party at Valley Forge

February 17, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Valley Forge National Park, 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia

One birthday party for George Washington just isn’t enough! He’s having a bonus bash the very next day at Valley Forge, where he and the Continental Army bravely camped during the Revolutionary War! Join the party and meet the Washingtons, enjoy a free cupcake (while supplies last), and make your own tricorn hat. Explore the historic grounds and discover what life was like for the soldiers during this important time in American history.

Photographs by Laura Swartz.