At long last, the solar eclipse occurs on Monday! Although Philadelphia isn't among the prime viewing locations, it is still a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this celestial phenomenon. Luckily, there are many local spots hosting solar eclipse events such as Independence Seaport Museum, Franklin Institute, Wagner Free Institute of Science, Brandywine Creek State Park, and Myrick Conservation Center.

After checking eclipse-watching off your lifetime bucket list, savor some free summertime fun. See an outdoor movie at The Dell or Pennypack on the Delaware, watch the Summer Mummers entertain the crowd at Powell Lane Plaza, partake in a Tinkergarten Trial Class at Wooden Park, or jam to live music at Kerr Park. Explore the life of Benjamin Franklin with a free visit to Benjamin Franklin Museum. In addition, kids can participate in free programming such as Barnacles and Bullets at the New Hall Military Museum and Colonial Stations situated throughout Historic Philadelphia.

Reality-check... the school year is just around the corner. Combat back-to-school jitters with a trip to Bucks County Children's Museum and be sure to check out a few consignment sales to update your kids' wardrobe with clothes for the season. For now, continue reading for our top weekday picks.

Whenever a carefree August day presents itself, a family 'go-to' activity is to read a book. Luckily for Philly families, this week offers a variety of opportunities to do just that. From listening to stories under the trees at an arboretum, among the animals at the zoo, at a neighborhood bookstore, or even at a grist mill, children can dive into the world of imagination through interesting characters.

If your crew prefers to watch a movie, there are plenty of spots throughout the Delaware Valley to indulge in film. Penn's Landing and Water Tower Recreation Center feature Beauty and the Beast, Aston Community Center presents The Good Dinosaur, Miles Park showcases Finding Dory, and Oxford Memorial Park welcomes folks to watch Sing. Those looking to escape screens for a bit can turn to nature and our latest round up of parks, gardens, and other open spaces. Be sure to plan a visit to one or two of them before the summer ends.

But, the real question is... have your started your back to school shopping? Believe it or not, consignment sales are starting to pop up on our events calendar. Grab some great deals or prepare to make some extra cash by reviewing our consignment sale tips. Now, continue reading for our top picks for this week.

Every summer always starts the same way; Philly parents eagerly search for ways to keep children learning and growing during these school-free months. However, now that August is here, families may be looking for something new and different that they haven't done so far this season. Thankfully, this week provides plenty of options in our event calendar.

This August week features not one but two National holidays- a chance for extraordinary summertime fun! National Lighthouse Day is recognized on August 7th. If your family is visiting the shore, check out the festivities at Cape May Lighthouse or climb inside one of the many lighthouses along the coast. To celebrate National S'mores Day on August 10th, spend a summer evening roasting marshmallows by the fireside at Briar Bush Nature Center, Peace Valley Nature Center, or Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education.

If summer has you strapped for cash, head to Sister Cities Park for its free Story Art or Grow Up Green programming, find wildlife in a creek, visit a local 4-H Fair, or take a moonlight walk. Plan out the rest of the month with free fun found in our latest round up. Now, keep reading for our top picks and make it a great week!