The Philadelphia Zoo is, as shown in the logo, America's first zoo. No more than fifteen minutes away is one of the premiere places to see lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!), as well as other rare creatures. Its latest feature - extended walkways suspended above the ground - allows the animals to prowl right over your head, giving a unique opportunity to photograph them in ways you never thought possible. Make a day trip out of it and bring a picnic; just don't feed the geese or they'll never leave you alone.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
One of our library partners, the Free Library of Philadelphia is just that: free to the public and full of great information. You can certainly find more "popular" reading material here, but there are a number of special exhibits and research materials too that might help you with your studies. Check their website for events like guest lectures and film screenings.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photographed on the right is Penn's Landing, an outside venue on the Delaware Riverfront, across from the Camden Aquarium and just a couple blocks away from Old City. Here you can enjoy outdoor concerts, movie screenings at night, and even a pop-up "urban beach" during the summer. Or you can just walk along the riverfront, watching the ships sail by, grabbing food from a food cart along the way. There is no wrong way to enjoy Penn's Landing.
Credit: Photo by K. Ciappa for Visit Philadelphia™
Follow Rt. 30 (Lancaster Ave.) and you'll eventually reach the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, a small, two-screen theater that boasts local charm over Hollywood flash. You won't see "Star Wars" here; instead, you'll be able to watch the independent films, the Sundance Festival winners and runner-ups, and definitely the Oscar nominees. The Film Institute will also host various film series with discussions afterward, like their Alfred Hitchcock series, and with a great student discount, you can't beat the price.
Photo: brynmawrfilm.org
You know 'em - you hate 'em - it's the Philadelphia sports teams! Ask any Philadelphia seminarian, and you will quickly learn how fanatic Philadelphians can be when it comes to their sports. From the Eagles football to the Phillies baseball, there is no shortage of sports games to watch on T.V. - but why watch there when you can be there? Take a train to the sports complex of your choice and get ready to cheer the home team on (even if they lose). The Seminary will often give discount tickets for a group to go to one of these events too, so keep on the lookout.
Photo: Philadelphiasportstable.com
Otherwise known as the "Adventure Aquarium," the Camden Aquarium is located across the Delaware. Boasting an innumerable amount of fish, the aquarium hosts many different aquatic animals, from turtles and stingrays to sharks and penguins. There are even hippos - and some of these creatures can even be touched! Make a day trip out of it, and you will enjoy your time under the sea.
Photo: Adventure Aquarium