Pennsylvania Coast Day

Hundreds of families will flock to Philadelphia’s rivers for free activities at Pennsylvania Coast Day on Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will follow the free Philly Fun Fishing Fest scheduled for 7 to 11 a.m. between the Chestnut and Walnut Street bridges.

Pennsylvania Coast Day will span two locations on Philadelphia’s coast. These include Walnut Plaza at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River and the Fairmount Water Works on the Schuylkill River. A free roundtrip shuttle will allow visitors to access both destinations.

Attractions at Penn’s Landing will include free boat rides aboard the Patriot (supply limited), rowboating, pedal boating, and enthusiasts racing their model boats. And that’s just in the marina. Other attractions include free crafts, face painting, prizes, t-shirts, and almost 20 hands-on exhibits. Others like Patriots & Pirates and a new Citizen Science Lab are available with paid admission to the Independence Seaport Museum.

Attractions at the Fairmount Water Works will include live freshwater mussel demonstrations, the URBAN SEA art installation, and free museum tours. Visitors can also buy a drink at a mobile beer garden hosted by Parks on Tap.

“The great thing about Pennsylvania Coast Day is the way it transforms people,” said Lisa Wool, outreach programs director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. “It’s funny how 15 minutes on the river or in a lab can shape someone’s opinion about the environment — for life.”

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary founded Pennsylvania Coast Day in 2002. This helps to raise awareness in advance of National Estuaries Week. This will take place nationwide on Sept. 17-24.

Sponsors for Pennsylvania Coast Day include the Pennsylvania Coastal Resources Management Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Philadelphia Water, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Fairmount Water Works, and Independence Seaport Museum.

Visit DelawareEstuary.org/Coast-Day for more information. Callers can also inquire by dialing (800) 445-4935, extension 112.