From the looks of our event calendar, it appears that Philly families can get a jumpstart on celebrating our nation's freedom during this last weekend in June.

Thanks to Wawa Welcome America, there are plenty of festivities taking over the city. Children can explore unique manuscripts at the Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department, tour historic Christ Church to learn about the famous historical figures who worshipped there, learn about the Swedish culture at the American Swedish Historical Museum, or appreciate the fantastic city skyline from One Liberty Observation Deck. After working up a sweat and an appetite, take a break to cool off with some delicious ice cream at one of the oldest and largest public markets in the country, Reading Terminal Market or at the annual New Castle County Ice Cream Festival at Rockwood Park. 

Speaking of festivals, the celebration scene does not disappoint! Families can see the animals at Kutztown Folk Festival, pretend to be a pirate at the Wilmington Pirate Festival, or release a water lantern at Bellevue State Park's Water Lantern Festival. If you haven't had a chance to experience the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square, catch it before it concludes on July 14. Finish off family fun by watching the sky sparkle red, white, and blue with fireworks along the waterfront, in the 'burbs, and at the shore.

So get ready to celebrate Philly-style throughout the Delaware Valley with the ideas below.