How to Have Fun
38. Boogie on down at the roller rink.
Disco balls, couples skates and the limbo — what are you waiting for? St. Charles Roller Rink, 2001 Christian Street, 215-545-7669. Palace Roller Skating and Fun Center, 11586 Roosevelt Boulevard, 215-698-8000, palacerollerskatingcenter.com. Millennium Skate World, 1900 Carman Street, Camden, 856-757-9460, millenniumskateworld.com.
39. Buy Heelys in your size.
Your kids will think you’re so cool. Or the world’s biggest doofus. Journeys, Cherry Hill Mall, 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, 856-663-6024, journeys.com.
40. Tour a vineyard (or two).
Pub-crawling for adults. Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, chaddsford.com. Crossing Vineyards, 1853 Wrights-town Road, Washington Crossing, 215-493-6500, crossingvineyards.com. Renault Winery, 72 North Breman Avenue, Egg Harbor City, 609-965-2111, renaultwinery.com.
41. Skydive.
It’s more like flying than falling. Really! Skydive Cross Keys, 300 Dahlia Avenue, Williamstown, 856-629-7553, skydivecrosskeys.com. Skydive Philadelphia, 1100 North Ridge Road, Perkasie, 610-366-1033, skydivephiladelphia.com. Above the Poconos Skydivers, Hazleton Municipal Airport, 200 Old Airport Road, Hazleton, 888-654-7529, paskydive.com.
42. Get a free mini-makeover.
Who knew mauve was you? Sephora, 1714 Chestnut Street, 215-563-6112, sephora.com. Saks Fifth Avenue, 2 Bala Plaza, Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1550, saksfifthavenue.com. Nordstrom, the Plaza at King of Prussia, 610-265-6111, nordstrom.com.
43. Crash a wedding.
Last summer, a friend and I, while on vacation, noticed seersuckered men and perfumed women trickling from our hotel toward some sort of lit-up hubbub down the beach. We wandered in that direction — just to look — and found ourselves alongside a trio of 20-something guys headed to a wedding reception. A joke was made, a conversation started, and in minutes, a bartender was pouring us gin-and-tonics from the open bar, and we were introducing ourselves as “friends” to anyone who asked. Then, an announcement: The party would move inside, for cake and dancing. “What the hell?” my friend said. “Why not?” I echoed in my best devil-may-care voice, even as angst started to squeeze my lungs. I am not the sort of person who breaks rules easily.
The ballroom was smaller — and brighter — than the beach had been, and I just knew the bride would catch on and insist we leave. But 30 minutes and three champagne toasts later, Mumm was still the word. One of our escorts pulled me onto the dance floor. I mentally marked the exit in case I had to run for it, then let go. For the next hour I talked to strangers, hugged elderly uncles, raised my glass to young love, and danced my heart out. Back home, I consulted a local musician who’s played hundreds of weddings. He suggests these venues for crashing. Just dress appropriately, and act like you own the joint. — Christine Speer
The Rittenhouse Hotel, 210 West Rittenhouse Square: “There’s lots of milling around in the common areas. Cocktails are often on the first floor, right inside the front doors — just walk in and order a drink.”
The Sheraton Society Hill, 1 Dock Street: “The ballrooms are on the first floor; it’s very easy to bounce from one reception to another.”
The Doubletree, 237 South Broad Street: “Tons of people in the hallways on Saturday nights, and easy access from the street.”
