Just Do It

Southeastern Pennsylvania Coast Day

by Luke Sirinides

Sat., Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free, Penn's Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd., 800-445-4935, www.delawareestuary.org

Admit it — its been awhile since you took time to appreciate a river in Philadelphia. With the Southeastern Pennsylvania Coast Day, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is celebrating our waters (yes, even the Schuylkill) with free family-friendly activities.

The hands-on day includes events for both seafarers and those who prefer the shore. Feeling adventurous? Take a ride down the Delaware River aboard the Captain Lucky or sign up for the Wonders of Water Challenge scavenger hunt. Freshly roasted oysters will offer a tasty sample of what the Delaware Bay has to offer. A free shuttle will be available to and from the nearby Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, a historic landmark where visitors can learn about the Schuylkill River and its vast watershed. Likewise, guests will be welcomed at other aquatic attractions within easy walking distance, including the Independence Seaport Museum, Adventure Aquarium and Celebration of Jersey Fresh taking place on the Battleship New Jersey.

Of course, there's more to the day than boats and seafood. Lisa Wool, program director of the PDE, hopes people will develop a sense of stewardship after learning about the waterfronts and what they offer. "People who actively use rivers for recreation are far less likely to knowingly pollute them," she says.