Recreation
Philly makes it easy to take a load off.
Whether you want to work out your stress on a dance floor, roller coaster or nature trail, the city and its surrounding communities offer you a number of options to relax a bit and have some fun.
Hop on the rides at one of several amusement parks within easy driving distance from campus, from Hershey Park in Pennsylvania to Six Flags Great Adventure in the Garden State.
If you the excitement of the city soothes you, head to the shops on South Street — quite possibly the epicenter of cool in Philadelphia — or Penn’s Landing, where you can go ice skating in the winter months. To get a bird’s eye view of the place, head over to the Philadelphia Zoo’s hot air balloon, which takes visitors 400 feet over the city.
Itching to cut a rug or bust a move? Dance clubs like The Barbary, Shampoo, and The Roxxy cater to the under-21 crowd. Or you might consider heading to one of the region’s’ many outdoor festivals, which seem to happen every month around here. From the Popped! Music and Live Arts festivals in September, to the Manayunk Arts Festival and Roots Picnic in June, there’s something for everyone in the City of Brotherly Love.
Are you the outdoorsy type? Explore sailing at Marsh Creek State Park, tubing down the Delaware River, or zip-lining in Schwenksville, all a short drive away.
If you prefer the serenity of nature, check out Longwood Gardens, one of the finest botanical gardens in the country found in nearby Kennett Square. Or take a stroll through Ridley Creek State Park, which is located just north of campus on Providence Road.
Difference makers
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Difference makers
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Difference makers
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Difference makers
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Difference makers
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Difference makers
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Program Highlight
The 1821 Experience
In this pre-orientation program, you will explore how multiculturalism adds to the college experience and connect with other students on campus.
Program Highlight
Summit Widener
This multi-day backpacking trip, led by members of the Outdoor Adventure Club, offers incoming Widener students a chance to build self-confidence and a social network of like-minded students on campus while having fun in the Appalachian Mountains.
Program Highlight
ELEVATE
This student life leadership program, Enhancing Leadership Experience Via Activities, Training, and Engagement, aka ELEVATE, allows you to build or hone your leadership skills with learning tracks for emerging student leaders.
Difference Makers
Continuing Studies
University College student Dale Kerns Jr. established the Little Angels Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support for children suffering from cancer, tumors, and other deadly diseases.
Difference Makers
College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry Major Anna Miller ‘12, from East Prospect, PA, served as site team leader at CityTeam International in Chester, where she coordinated the efforts of 10 other PSC students.
Difference Makers
College of Arts & Sciences
Anthropology Major Sara E. McManus ’13 has been named a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.
Difference Makers
Alternative Spring Break
Anthropology Major Jess Viscuso ’12 and Nursing Major Devin Weesner ’13 coordinated Alternative Spring Break efforts for 87 students and faculty and staff chaperones at six locations throughout the U.S.
Difference Makers
Institute of Physical Therapy Education
Doctoral Student Scott Cheney serves on the board of the Society for Student-run Medical Clinics, where he is one of five national directors charged with planning the society’s international conference.
Difference Makers
Widener University
President James T. Harris III has been appointed chair of the Board Directors for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) for 2012–13. Harris has served on the AICUP Board of Directors since 2007, most recently as vice-chair.
Difference Makers
Widener Observatory
Dr. Harry Augensen, associate dean of science and professor of physics and astronomy, helped alumnus Dominic Liberto ’08 arrange a private moment during a public viewing at the Widener University Observatory to propose to his girlfriend, Jenn. She said yes!

