The SKDEAS Family Meeting is not just an event; it's a movement. Every two years, families, researchers, and supporters from around the globe come together to share, learn, and inspire. This year, we gathered in Philadelphia to continue our journey toward understanding and advocating for Skraban-Deardorff Syndrome.
Keep Checking Back for More Information
How to Show Your Support
Your continued support remains essential as we build on the success of our recent Family Meeting. Every contribution, no matter its size, helps us sustain and expand our efforts. Here's how your generosity makes a difference:
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Event Follow-Up: Enhancing post-event materials and resources, ensuring all participants can revisit the valuable insights shared.
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Ongoing Research and Education: Supporting continuous education and the dissemination of the latest research findings to our community.
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Community Support: Providing ongoing resources and assistance to families, helping them navigate daily challenges with confidence.
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Future Planning: Preparing for future meetings and events to keep our community connected and informed.
By donating, you play a crucial role in our journey, helping to ensure that every family touched by Skraban-Deardorff Syndrome has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Explore and Enjoy: Family Activities Near CHOP
Discover the Heart of Philadelphia: Dive into the city's vibrant history with visits to iconic sites like the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and Independence Hall. Engage in enlightening walking tours that illuminate the past and present of this historic city.​
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Activities: A mix of indoor and outdoor explorations await.
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Admission: Prices vary; parking is additional.
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Planning Your Visit: Attractions have varying distances and hours. Check Visit Philly for the latest information and to plan your itinerary around these must-see landmarks.
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The Philadelphia City Pass can save on one time admission to 3, 4, or 5 attractions including -
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Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
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Adventure Aquarium
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The Franklin Institute
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Philadelphia Zoo
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Big Bus Company and Philadelphia Trolley Works
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Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site
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Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
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Museum of the American Revolution
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National Constitution Center
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Barnes Foundation
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Love Baseball? Swing Into Philly Early
Philadelphia is hosting the MLB All-Star Week just as our Family Meeting begins! It’s the perfect chance to combine America’s pastime with family time.
Home Run Derby – Monday, July 13, 2026
Watch baseball’s biggest sluggers put on a power show, launching homers into the summer sky.​
MLB All-Star Game – Tuesday, July 14, 2026
See baseball’s brightest stars take the field in a one-of-a-kind matchup you won’t forget.
Pedal & Explore: Cruise along Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row with bikes, surreys, and more — a fun and unique way for families to enjoy the city’s waterfront views.
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Rent Surrey bikes, electric bikes, tandem bikes, two-wheel bikes, kid
attachments and more! -
No reservation needed.
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Free helmets, lock, map and bag/basket with rental.
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Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-Sunset; Fri-Sun 9am-10pm; night rides available
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Prices vary depending on bike type: $12-$39 hourly; half day/full day
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Learn More: Visit Wheel Fun Rentals website for additional details.
Ignite Curiosity at The Franklin Institute: Engage with science in hands-on ways at this premier museum. Featuring a range of exhibits, including a planetarium, interactive Lego displays, and sensory-friendly backpacks for an inclusive experience. Perfect for the young and young-at-heart
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Admission: $23 for children ages 3-12, $25 for teens 13-17, $29 for adults 18+, additional costs for exhibits. Parking: $25.
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Accessibility: Discounts available for personal care attendants at check-in.
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Location & Hours: 222 N. 20th St, Philadelphia, PA. Open 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, 2.8 miles from CHOP.
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Explore More: Visit The Franklin Institute's website for additional details and exhibit costs.
Foster Imagination and Exploration: The Please Touch Museum is a haven of interactive and sensory-friendly experiences designed for children to learn through play. Featuring a blend of traveling and permanent exhibits, this museum creates an inclusive environment for all families.
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Admission: $24; parking $18. Discounts available for SNAP/EBT cardholders, military, fire, EMT, and police personnel. Additional costs for unlimited carousel rides.
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Location & Hours: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA. Just 2.6 miles from CHOP. Monday through Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, Sunday 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
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Discover More: Visit Please Touch Museum's website for detailed information.
Delve into the Natural World: The Academy of Natural Sciences offers an indoor haven for exploration, featuring sensory-friendly mornings to accommodate all visitors. It’s a place where curiosity about the natural world is ignited and nurtured.
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Admission: Adults $22, Children (2-12) $18, Seniors, students, and military $19, children under 2 free. Save $2 when purchasing tickets online. Weekdays after 3:00 pm tickets are $10 per person.
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Location & Accessibility: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA, only 2.7 miles from CHOP. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
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Learn More: For a closer look at exhibits and special programs, visit The Academy of Natural Sciences website.
Embrace Nature and Wildlife: The Philadelphia Zoo offers a blend of indoor and outdoor attractions, inviting visitors to discover the wonders of wildlife. With activities and exhibits that may carry an additional fee, there's always something new to explore.
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Admission: Ranges from $20 to $34 per person, under 2 free. Parking fee $19. Packages with food and drink are available for groups of 4. Military discounts available.
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Location & Hours: Situated 3.9 miles from CHOP, open from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
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Explore More: To plan your visit and check out the attractions, head to Philadelphia Zoo's website.
Discover Aquatic Wonders: Just across the river in Camden, Adventure Aquarium offers a mesmerizing journey through aquatic habitats, featuring both indoor and outdoor attractions, and a special play area for children.
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Admission: Approximately $30.99 - $49.99 per person. Seniors save $2. Children 15% off adult price. Parking around $10. Additional exhibits available for an extra cost.
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Highlights: Engage with a variety of aquatic life in immersive exhibits.
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Location & Times: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ. 6.5 miles from CHOP, open 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.
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Dive Deeper: Visit Adventure Aquarium's website for more information.
Join your favorite Sesame Street characters for a day of rides, games, and shows at Sesame Place. It’s an outdoor amusement park filled with fun and laughter for the whole family.
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Admission: $37.50 - $77.99, children 2 and under are free, discounts available, parking extra. *No cash accepted in park.
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Location & Hours: 100 Sesame Rd. Langhorne, PA 19047. 29.4 miles from CHOP, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
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Explore: Sesame Place Website
Experience awe and wonder to inspire action for a better world. Many interactive activities, including a real dig site where fossils in the museum have been found.
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Admission: Adults $29, children 3-12 $24, under 3 free. Additional attractions are available for purchase. Playground outside of museum is free.
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Location & Hours: 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua, NJ 08080. 18 miles/23 minutes from CHOP. Open daily 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
--Attractions further from CHOP that have Hotels nearby--
Escape to the serene and picturesque landscapes of Lancaster, PA, where Pennsylvania Dutch Country offers a blend of outdoor and indoor activities alongside unique shopping experiences. Immerse yourself in the culture and charm of this historic region.
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Admission: Varies by attraction.
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Location & Experience: 80 miles from CHOP, with hours varying by attraction.
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Plan Your Visit: For more on what to see and do, visit Discover Lancaster.
Dutch Wonderland, nestled in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a family-friendly amusement park filled with rides, games, and attractions designed with children in mind. It's an outdoor adventure park offering an accessibility pass for those who need it.
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Admission: $39.99 per person. Military and first responder discounts available. Park and hotel packages are available on the website.
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Location & Hours: 2249 E Lincoln Highway, Lancaster, PA, 65 miles from CHOP. Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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Discover Magic: Plan your visit by checking Dutch Wonderland for more details.
Discover the charm of Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA, a picturesque outdoor setting where food and shopping come together in a delightful experience. This village offers a variety of attractions, each with its own unique hours.​
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Enjoyment: Food, shopping, and outdoor activities.
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Location: At the crossroads of Routes 202 and 263 in Lahaska, PA.
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Visit Us: For details on specific attractions and their hours, head to Peddler's Village Website.
Experience the thrill of Wildwoods, a vibrant destination with a bustling boardwalk, exciting games, delicious food, and comfortable hotels. It's the perfect beachside getaway for families looking to make lasting memories.
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Attractions: Boardwalk, games, food, hotels.
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Location: 91 miles from CHOP, with each attraction having different hours.
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Explore More: Visit Wildwoods website for more details on what to do and see.
--The New Jersey Shore (1-2 hours away from CHOP, several options)--
Cape May Zoo offers a mostly outdoor experience where families can explore wildlife without an admission fee, though donations are welcome. With free parking and a variety of animals to see, it's an accessible and enjoyable day out for everyone.
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Admission: Free, donations appreciated.
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Location & Hours: 707 Route 9 North, Cape May, NJ, 80 miles from CHOP, open 10:-00 am – 3:30 pm.
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Plan Your Visit: For more information, check Cape May County's website.
Embrace the charm of Ocean City with its bustling boardwalk, thrilling games, delightful food, and welcoming hotels. This beachside paradise offers a plethora of activities with hours that vary by attraction, ensuring a memorable visit for families and visitors of all ages.
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Distance: 136 miles from CHOP
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Discover: For more details, explore Ocean City's official website.
Experience the iconic Seaside Heights, famous for its lively boardwalk, entertaining games, delicious food, and welcoming hotels. Dive into the heart of the Jersey Shore.
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Distance: 87 miles from CHOP
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Discover: Seaside Heights Official Site
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Please note that hours, days, and prices may change with any activities or attractions. Some may need advance reservations. Please refer to the website for accurate, up to date information.