The ultimate Philadelphia springtime event guide, plus outdoor dining and rooftop spots
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Springtime in the city of Philadelphia has a similar feeling to that of the holiday season, where there's an overwhelming urge to be out of your home and in the mix. With so many outdoor spaces opening for the season and new experiences popping up left and right, you might not even know where to start.
So instead of feeling overwhelmed with your options, check out our ultimate Philadelphia springtime guide where we break down events going on all season long and outdoor dining spots perfect for a sunny day.
Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink
Ready to roll? It's time to lace up those skates and get outside! The Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink is officially open for the season in Dilworth Park.
The roller rink is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday and then 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $8 for kids 10 years old and under and $10 for adults.
Group skate session rates start at $12 per person for over 10 guests. There's also a $5 discount for Monday and Tuesday matinee skate sessions from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No skates? No worries! The Rothman Roller Rink charges $6 per skate rental. You can also bring your own skates and just pay the price of admission.
Skate sales may be limited in person, so make sure you reserve your skate session in advance.
Check out North America's largest swing, which is in Philadelphia!
Add some childlike wonder and fun into your spring by testing out the largest swing in North America at Anna Verna Playground in FDR Park.
The playground itself is made up of two acres of swings, slides and climbing, all alongside Pattison Lagoon. It's designed to bring together nature, water and play.
One feature at the playground is even in the record books. The mega swing set is the largest in North America and has 20 seats, which can accommodate 30 people.
The Anna Verna Playground is one result of a multi-year, multi-million dollar project by the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Having opened in the fall, the playground is now getting ready for its first spring and summer seasons.
Parks on Tap
The smell of springtime is in the air, and it's time to get outside and soak it all in. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and FCM Hospitality have created the perfect way to get people outside with the Parks on Tap event series. The annual outdoor tradition is back for another year of bringing Philadelphians and visitors together to take in the city's parks while enjoying food, drinks, the outdoors and one another.
The traveling beer garden changes locations each week. Parks on Tap is in town until Sept. 29.
The Art of the Brick
The humble Lego is stealing the spotlight at the Franklin Institute all season long.
The Art of the Brick features more than 100 creations, made entirely of Lego bricks by artist Nathan Sawaya.
New to the show this year are 13 sculptures of endangered animals. The Endangered Species Connection, a collaboration between Sawaya and award-winning photographer Dean West, aims to creatively raise awareness of some of the world's most endangered species, including the humpback whale, polar bear and lowland gorilla.
Visitors can also view galleries full of Lego versions of some of the world's most famous masterpieces, including Van Gogh's Starry Night and Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
After exploring the exhibit's galleries, guests can explore a 9,000-square-foot brick play space and build their own creations using hundreds of thousands of colorful bricks.
The Art of the Brick exhibit runs until Sept. 2.
Outdoor dining and rooftops in Philly
Morgan's Pier
Morgan's Pier at Penn's Landing is open for its 13th season. Right on the Delaware River, the restaurant and bar are bringing back some classic foods like their fried chicken sandwich and adding new items to the menu including fish tacos, buffalo chicken pizza and beignets. Yummy!
Morgan's Pier is rain or shine when it comes to hosting live entertainment, like their DJs who perform every Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant and bar also have live bands that perform on Thursdays and Sundays.
Liberty Point, 211 South Christopher Columbus Blvd
This massive outdoor dining experience that wraps around the entire backside of the Seaport Museum, giving you spectacular views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge, is ready for summer. Liberty Point consists of three levels, five bars and seven event spaces right on the Delaware River waterfront.
Philly's biggest bar has live music performances, DJs and so much more scheduled for the spring and summer seasons, you won't want to miss it.
Assembly, 1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Assembly Rooftop Lounge has a cityscape view you'll want to pop by during happy hour. Assembly is located nine stories up inside The Logan Hotel. However, this rooftop lounge is exclusive to people ages 21-plus. Drink in the views and a cool beverage this season at Assembly.
El Techo, 1820 Ludlow St.
This rooftop taqueria offers more than just panoramic views of Philly's cityscape. El Techo also has a delicious food menu where you can try an array of small plates, tacos, margaritas and more. The retractable rooftop makes this a destination worth checking out even during inclement weather protection. El Techo rests on the 11th floor, but if heights aren't your thing, Condesa is located on the first floor and features an even larger menu of delicious plates.
Cira Green, 129 South 30 St.
Cira Green is West Philadelphia's park in the sky. Located 12 floors up Cira Centre South, Cira Green takes guests out of the day-to-day concrete jungle of Philadelphia and transports them to a breezy, open, green space where relaxation meets socialization. Cira Green will be hosting various events ranging from arts and crafts to sunset socials and yoga sessions throughout the season.
Attico, 219 South Broad Street
Looking for a rooftop in the heart of the city? You'll have to check out Attico, which sits atop the Cambria Hotel on Broad Street. Pop by for scenic views during happy hour, brunch or dinner. Swing by on a Friday or Saturday to jam out to a live DJ performance from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
