Right now, it is capital H-O-T outside. Walking from class to class with a heavy backpack is enough to break you out in a sweat and have you counting the days until fall and cool weather. Even though it seems like it's a long way off, you can always start planning your autumn weekends in the City of Brotherly Love now. Bonus: most of these places offer student discounts!
1. Philadelphia Magic Gardens
The Philadelphia Magic Gardens, sometimes known as "PMG," is a huge museum/art gallery made entirely of mosaic tiles and concrete on South Street. Artist Isaiah Zagar began this project in 1994, and it is still not finished, as he is constantly changing and adding different pieces. Admission is only $5 for students and is open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Phillies Game
Although most of the games take place in the summer, nothing beats sitting at Citizen's Bank Park in the fall. It's not too hot out, and you'll get a night of entertainment watching the Phanatic dance around the field. Plus, the ballpark has a beautiful view of the Philly skyline as the sun is setting behind it. Citizen's Bank Park is offering student discount dates for September 14-16 as the Phillies take on the Washington Nationals at 7:05 PM all three nights.
3. Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival
Wit or witout? Nothing says "Philadelphia" like the classic Philly cheesesteak! On October 24, Lincoln Financial Field is hosting the city's first Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival, which includes samples from over 40 vendors from around the city. There will be live entertainment and a 450-foot cheesesteak! General admission costs $20, with each sample costing $2, making this a bit of a pricier event.
4. The Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is the first zoo in the United States, built in 1859. It definitely won't be as hot walking around in the fall, making the whole experience more enjoyable. The zoo is home to more than 1300 animals, including 16 endangered species. Adult tickets cost $20 until October 31, and are discounted to $16 after that date.
5. The Eastern State Penitentiary "Terror Behind the Walls"
Every fall, the Eastern State Penitentiary hosts a haunted house walk-through. It was used as a real prison for almost 150 years, and now hosts tours all throughout the year. The fall exhibit "Terror Behind the Walls" is reportedly one of the scariest haunted house walk-throughs in the United States. The first viewings are September 18 and 19, and then pick up again for almost the entire month of October. The Penitentiary offers Student Sundays, where tickets are half-priced.
