Top 10 activities for a rainy day

By Lisa Angelucci
Collegian Editor
April 18, 2007

We all know that April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but that doesn’t brighten the mood on a rainy day, particularly this spring when the weather isn’t even warm. Pouring rain is more likely to encourage students to curl up with a movie than to take a trip into the city, but the best way to combat dreary weather is to something fun. Here, Philly File suggests 10 ways to get off campus and into the city even when the weather is wet.

10. National Constitution Center— Although it might seem difficult to devote an entire museum to one document, the interactive exhibits at the National Constitution Center museum will occupy you for hours, especially if you take advantage of all the center has to offer. There’s a whole hall devoted to the important role the Constitution has played in American history and a restaurant where you can grab lunch if you need a break from democracy. Student tickets are only $7.

9. Adventure Aquarium— Camden, N.J. is a place most people like to avoid, but the Camden waterfront is easily accessible from La Salle and is home to several worthwhile attractions. The Adventure Aquarium is a great place to spend a rainy day checking out the aquatic exhibits. It’s not all fish, either – there are also hippos, penguins and seals. And contrary to the urban legend, a penguin has never been stolen from the aquarium – it’s probably not even possible to do because penguins bite. You won’t come home with a new pet, but it’s still a good time.

8. Color Me Mine— This do-it-yourself pottery studio in Chestnut Hill is an easy way to pass an afternoon. Guests can choose from 300 blank ceramic pieces and 30 colors of glaze to design and decorate their own unique piece of pottery. Store employees will then fire each creation in the kiln, and pottery is ready to pick up and take home within a few days. The studio’s flat rate is $10, and prices for the ceramic pieces vary.

7. Yards Brewing Company— The only remaining brewery in the city of Philadelphia, Yards Brewing Company in Kensington offers tours Saturday afternoons from noon-3 p.m. It’s recommended that you call ahead to schedule an appointment, especially if you’re coming with a large group. The brewery produces its ales in a traditional open vat style, unlike the big name breweries, which use a closed vat process.

6. King of Prussia Mall— The drive to KOP from La Salle is almost always a pain because of the inevitable traffic at Conshohocken, but if you’ve got the time a trip to one of the largest malls in the country is worthwhile. With over 400 stores the King of Prussia Mall can easily overwhelm even the most experienced shopaholic. However, rainy weather is ideal for staying inside for long periods of time, and a trip to the mall will allow you to do that and still get some exercise.

5. Tuttleman IMAX— The Franklin Institute itself is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon, but the IMAX movies in particular are always exciting. This domed theater is unique because it’s tilted at a 30-degree angle. The size, shape and angle of the movie screen makes viewers feel like they are a part of the action – sometimes to the point that it’s scary. The current shows are tied in with the Institute’s King Tut exhibit and explore various aspects of mummies and Egyptian culture.

4. The Gallery at Market East—Located at Eighth and Market, the Gallery is another shopping destination that barely even requires you to go outside. It’s accessible from the Broad Ridge Spur’s SEPTA stop at Eighth and Market and is home to over 130 stores on four stories. It’s often crowded, but there’s definitely something unique about a large mall located in the middle of Center City.

3. Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum— Rainy days are perfect for catching up on homework, but it’s okay to take a break from your history term paper to brush up on history. This museum is the oldest chartered Civil War institution in America and contains nine galleries of exhibits. It’s currently hosting a three-part series that explores the role women played in the Civil War. The next lecture is April 29 and will focus on women’s new roles as teachers and medical workers in the war.

2. Living Loft Museum— Part of the Spiral Q Puppet Theatre, this museum offers tours by appointment only. The workshops and exhibits relate to the use of puppetry to express political and social ideas. A tour only costs $5, and a workshop and tour are offered for $12.

1. Lucky Strike Lanes— This upscale bowling alley can be a little pricey, but if you go during the day on a weekday, you can bowl a few games without draining your wallet. With vintage décor and a full menu, Lucky Strike is hardly your average bowling alley. Screens at the end of each lane display works by contemporary artists.

angeluccil1@lasalle.edu