Philadelphia is a great destination for anyone, and especially for families. The City of Brotherly Love has much to offer kids and their parents, with lots of fun activities that just happen to be educational. World class landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art where its “Rocky” steps await.
6 Best Places for Kids in Philadelphia
Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park
4231 Avenue of the Republic Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
The name alone is reason enough to want to go there. Kids love to have a hands-on experience, and just think what fun it is to have an entire museum with that philosophy. The Alice in Wonderland section with its fun mirrors, rooms, and theme related activities is very popular. The museum has interesting water tables, hands-on building, history, trains and city living areas. There is a big carousel, a rocket room, shooting foam forms in the science area, and identifying the objects in the Statue of Liberty Torch, to mention a few activities. Kids can pretend in real world roles: a farmer, construction worker, a doctor, an engineer, a chef, and more. The cafe serves healthy foods. Ten and under is a good age for kids coming here.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
S Christopher Columbus Blvd, at Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
This time next week we’ll be sippin’ margaritas and eating our way down the boardwalk. #SSHP #comingsoon
Posted by Spruce Street Harbor Park on Friday, April 29, 2016
Spruce Street Harbor Park runs along the Delaware River, in the part of the city called Society Hill. It’s one of the most charming waterside settings anywhere, with sweeping views of the busy harbor, food trucks from local restaurants, and a kids’ playground. There are lots of activities to do including skating, oversized Jenga©, giant chess, larger than life Legos©, live music, bocce, paddle boats. As the locals say: It’s like going to the Jersey Shore without the traffic. Thousands of multicolored LED lights hang from the trees. Adirondack chairs and hammocks create a relaxing vibe.
Franklin Square
200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA
Franklin Square offers kids a chance to see the historic sites at their level, as they play Philly-Themed Mini Golf featuring a diminutive Independence Hall. There is a cool fountain and fun activities with a historical theme. The square also features a beautiful vintage carousel, and your first ride on it is free if you have collected all 13 stars from the “Storytelling Benches” in the Historic District. Read more about the Storytelling Benches at Historic Philadelphia.
National Constitution Center
525 Arch St, Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA
© R. Babakin, Bigstock
is all about the United States Constitution which was drafted in Philadelphia in 1797. Signers’ Hall features life-sized bronze statues of all of the signers, clustered here and there in a setting in which the kids can be right there among them. Not only can they see all of the Signers, they can stand next to them, and have their pictures taken with them. It makes the story come alive. Just behind Signers’ Hall is a room with one of the initial printings of the Constitution. Watch the 360-degree film. The “Freedom Rising” show is inspiring and moving. Target ages would be elementary through high school; the younger children would enjoy the interactive displays. Located close to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Sesame Place
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA
Photo courtesy Sesame Place®
It is the only attraction in the world that is built around the themes of the lovable Sesame Street© television show and its characters. Plan to swim in Count Dracula’s pool, lounge in the lazy river, watch the parades, and sing the songs, and munch a lunch with Elmo. There are many musical shows to enjoy; each one lasts about a half hour. Kids love the old timey carnival type section where they can play games and win prizes. The park is geared toward children ten and under, and their parents. Older kids might not find it as appealing.
Christ Church
20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA
One more suggestion: Just for fun, stop by Christ Church and visit the grave of Ben Franklin, whose “Poor Richard’s Almanac” advice was “A penny saved is a penny earned”. Over the centuries, a tradition has formed around the saying for you to share in by placing a penny on the Founding Father’s memorial in the churchyard.
