Shofuso

Opening on March 20th to the public, Shofuso is a 17th century styled Japanese house and garden in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Here, you can walk through the viewing garden with koi ponds, a tea and courtyard garden, and find beautiful sculptures. If you are buying tickets to entire the house (costs $8 when you present a college ID), bring socks because visitors must remove shoes before entering. Pets are also not allowed inside the house. Also, comeback in April for the cherry blossom bloom.

John Heinz Wildlife Refuge

Located near the Philadelphia airport, this wildlife refuge offers trails through marshes, wetlands, forest, creeks, and fields with over 300 bird species, mammals, fish, reptiles, and plants to see. While the visiting center is closed, during non-pandemic times, you can borrow free fishing tools here.

Philadelphia Zoo

Before the Spring crowds (and prices) appear on March 24th, there are three more visiting days in the Winter zoo schedule which are this Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Reservations are made online.

Edwin Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge & Long Island Beach

Take a stroll (or drive on certain trails) through these marshy trails to spot wildlife and smell the nearby ocean. If you want to listen to wildlife, try the songbird trail – in March, bird activity starts to pick up as they return to nest. Also, if you want to walk barefoot on the sand, Long Beach Island is a 20 minute drive away. This upcoming Sunday through Tuesday, it’s projected to be sunny and 40 to 55 degrees, so perfect weather for a refreshing walk in nature!