Weekend Fun for Philly Kids: Shell Show, Harry Potter, Shiverfest October 17-18

10/14/15 - By Kristen Sullivan

The chill in the air, colorful piles of leaves and blooming chrysanthemums are all indications that October is here in Philadelphia. But the surest sign of the season is our Events Calendar as it is filled to the brim with fall fun. There are fall festivals, apple celebrations and pumpkin picking opportunities this weekend.

After making your apple pie and picking your pumpkins, consider a visit to the Academy of Natural Sciences for its Philadelphia Shell Show or head to Chestnut Hill College for its Harry Potter Festival & Quidditch Tournament. On the other hand, if you have completed your fall fun list already and want an escape, consider checking on one of the many consignment sales going on in the area.

Read below to find our weekend highlights and be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be delivered directly to your inbox every Thursday morning. Enjoy the weekend!

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Philadelphia Shell Show- Philadelphia, PA
The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts its annual Shell Show which feature thousands of sea shells on display as well as hands-on activities for the kids.

Pumpkin Days Celebration- Media, PA
Tyler Arboretum provides fall fun for the whole family with activities such as building a scarecrow, picking a pumpkin and making crafts.

Happy Hauntings- Lancaster, PA
Over the course of the next three weekends, families that visit Dutch Wonderland can enjoy Halloween-themed rides and a Trick or Treat trail.

Family Fun Fest- Landenberg, PA
Take a drive to Paradocx Vineyard for a family afternoon of corn mazes, hayrides, farmyard bowling and pedal carts.

Saturday, October 17

Harry Potter Festival & Quidditch Tournament- Chestnut Hill, PA
Both wizards and muggles are invited to Chestnut Hill College for a day filled with all things "Harry Potter."

Shiverfest- Gladwyne, PA
A reptile show, moon bounce, spooky star gazing and a trick-or-treat trail await visitors to Riverbend Environmental Education Center.

Harvest Festival- Philadelphia, PA
Reading Terminal Market is ready for the season as it celebrates fall with hayrides on a farm tractor, live music and delicious eats, of course.

International Archaeology Day- Philadelphia, PA
Talk to archaeologists, learn about mummies and run through an Indiana Jones obstacle course at Penn Museum.

All Hallow's Eve Fall Festival- Schwenksville, PA
Visit Pennypacker Mills to take a wagon ride, pick out a pumpkin and make fall crafts. Guests can even try to shuck dried corn and work a cider press.

Peter Pan- Ambler, PA
Fly off to Neverland by way of the Ambler Theater to watch two actors play the entire cast of the classic tale, Peter Pan.

Spooky Storytelling- Philadelphia, PA
Listen to spooky tales from Once Upon A Nation storytellers at Historic Philadelphia Center.

Sunday, October 18

Grist Mill Demonstration Day- Philadelphia, PA
Journey back in time to watch a grist mill in action and learn how it helped people in the 18th century grind corn into meal at Bloomfield Farm, which is located across from Morris Arboretum.

Helicopter Rides- West Chester, PA
Create a one-of-a-kind memory at the American Helicopter Museum by taking a helicopter ride to see the beautiful autumn foliage from above.

Naturalist Foray: Leaf Peeping- Doylestown, PA
Take a hike through Peace Valley Nature Center and learn about a variety of trees and why different trees turn different colors.

Photo by The Academy of Natural Sciences