Visiting Philadelphia with Kids

Shila said:  The Please Touch Museum is two floors filled with everything related to discovering with exhibits such as: City Capers, Roadside Adventures & Imagination Playground. There's also a 100+ year old carousel to take a spin, plus 3 toddler zones.

Parents, you'll appreciate the collection exhibits & archives-- toys from your childhood!

Take advantage of continuous play-based discovery programs through the many arts, science, music & literacy related programs that run almost daily.

Kate Wille Murray said:  Try Dalessandro's for Philly Cheesesteak. We heard about it from Jimmy Fallon show. So worth the weird lines and length of wait.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  One of the oldest zoos in the United States, The Philadelphia Zoo will surpass your expectations. They feature exciting animal exhibits including Big Cats, Penguins, Primate Reserve, Reptiles, Birds and many more. Your kids will love KidZooU filled with hands-on activities to promote learning, conservation and animal life. Be sure to look up as you explore to catch their Zoo360 where animals roam in enclosed mesh trails throughout the zoo. Families can also enjoy rides such as a carousel, swan boats, ropes course, train and more (check availability for rides online). You can also bring your own food and beverages, or enjoy their many eateries onsite.

Vanessa M. said:  My family loves visiting Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. Built around an old mansion in East Fairmont Park, this free indoor/outdoor play area offers hours of fun for kids 12 and younger. Our favorite part is the huge wooden slide!

Tim Ponisciak said:  If you are visiting Philadelphia, there is no better way to end your day than a drive past Boathouse Row. The buildings that make up Boathouse Row are all decorated with white lights, which when reflected off of the river, make this a peaceful and beautiful sight to see.

If you are a fan of rowing, this is a great place to stop by during the day to see some of the local college teams practice!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Take a tour of one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Philadelphia, Fairmount Water Works! While this national historic landmark no longer is an active source of water for the city, you can tour the facilities and learn the history of the building, its use and the city's local watershed. A short film is included as part of the tour.

Cost: Free, but donations are suggested

Shila said:  Climb the 72 front entrance "Rocky" steps and take a photo with Rocky Balboa's statue. Next, explore a wide range of creative and interactive family & children's programs. From large scale family events to studio art creations, drop-in workshops & classes, families can discover the world of art together at this world-class museum. Babies in tow are always welcome in the galleries, and they make it a bit easier with "stroller tours."

Tim Ponisciak said:  After you finish your cheesesteak, make sure to work off the calories by running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and take a selfie with the iconic Rocky statue! This statue features Rocky in his famous pose from the original movie.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Rittenhouse Square is an oasis in the middle of Philadelphia located at 18th and Walnut Streets. It is filled with trees, flowers and grassy areas and great for walking, having a picnic, playing, reading books or just relaxing. There are many events throughout the year and it is beautifully decorated during the holidays, too!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A chocolate dessert wonderland, Max Brenner also serves up a kids menu with lunch and dinner entrees with whimsical titles such as Two Little Mouth Cheeseburgers in a Ceramic Spaceship. With chocolate as the star of the dessert show, there are tasty options with waffles, ice cream, shakes, chocolate milk drinks and the famous Chocolate Bar.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Until the '80s, City Hall was the tallest building in Philadelphia as there was a handshake agreement that no one would construct a building taller than the hat on Billy Penn's head, who is on the top of the tower. You can now take a tour of the tower and see what the city looks like from Billy Penn's point of view!

Cost: $8/adult, $4/student, free for children under 3

Tim Ponisciak said:  When you're in Center City and want something to eat that feels quintessentially Philadelphian, go to Reading Terminal Market. You can get yourself a hoagie from Carmen's, a cheesesteak from Spataro's or a maple bacon donut from Beiler's Donuts. Try to avoid being there exactly at lunch time as it does get pretty crowded with the office crowds.

Vanessa M. said:  Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is an outdoor art museum and gallery space like you have never seen before, spanning half a block in downtown Philly. Artist Isaiah Zagar spent his life creating giant mosaic murals out of unique, found objects, as he worked hard to revitalize the South Street neighborhood. Wander through the outdoor sculpture garden, and enjoy the indoor art galleries. Most areas are wheelchair/stroller accessible. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as tickets often sell out.

Cost: $10/adult, $8/student, $5/child (age 6-12), under 5 free

Tim Ponisciak said:  Geno's is right across the street from the other famous cheesesteak place in Philadelphia, Pat's. The menu is about the same, but you should probably try a cheesesteak from both and see which one you prefer!

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence. Come learn about the two individuals who made the bell, Pass & Stow, figure out why there is a crack in the bell and how it came to have its historic meaning.