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.

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

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!

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.

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!

Open 24/7

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.

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:  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

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.

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.

Shila said:  A chapter in nearly every school-aged child's history book, here you can view the actual assembly room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed. Independence Hall admission is by tour only. Reserved tickets can be purchased for a minimal fee and eliminates the long wait for Independence Hall tours and gives you more time to see the other historic sites in the area.

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.

Shila said:  The National Constitution Center offers visitors of all ages an in depth museum to explore the history & relevance of the Constitution & embrace their role in the story of "We the People." The museum proudly displays 1 of the 12 surviving copies of the Bill of Rights, among other national artifacts.

The Center features a range of daily programs, live performances & exhibits like "Signers’ Hall." This exhibit is popular and known for where you sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Check out this great museum dedicated to one of our nation's founding fathers. The Benjamin Franklin Museum educates visitors on some lesser known facts about Franklin and is easily doable in half a day. The museum has a number of interactive exhibits, so kids of all ages will love it! Kids will enjoy looking for small pet squirrel figurines (skuggs) located throughout the exhibits.

Tim Ponisciak said:  The Museum of the American Revolution is one of the city's newer museums. It has several thousand artifacts related to the founding of the United States. There are a few films to watch, a replica of Boston's Liberty Tree and a replica privateer ship.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The nation's first Mint is right here in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Mint makes circulating coins, coin sets, commemorative coins and medals. Tours allow visitors to view the coin making process from 40 feet above the factory floor. See the first coining press, Key to the First Mint and other items of historic significance.

Tours are self guided. Allow at least 45 minutes. Located near the Liberty Bell and other historic attractions, it is a tour not to be missed in Philadelphia.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Christ Church Burial Ground is an historic graveyard from the Colonial and Revolutionary Era with 1400 markers across 2 acres. It is the final resting place for historians Benjamin Franklin and 4 other signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Cost: Admission starts at $1/person

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Founded in 1695, Christ Church, is an authentic historic landmark in Philadelphia symbolizing religious freedom for all. The current building dates back to 1744 and the steeple to 1754.

Be sure to visit Pew 58 to see where George Washington sat and Pew 7 to see where Ben Franklin sat. Other notables to attend this church are William Penn and Betsy Ross. Guides are available during operating hours to share the rich history of the church.

Cost: Admission is free; Donations are welcome

Shila said:  The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, offers kids audio tours and games to solve 13 “history mysteries.” Adult audio tours are also available.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Learn about the life and literary works of Edgar Allan Poe at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site. Located in Old City, take a tour of his historic home, listen to his work narrated by famous actors, discover how his work influenced writers including Stephen King, and more. Kids can become a Junior Ranger and earn a badge by downloading and completing an activity book from their website.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  An old-fashioned soda fountain serving up homemade ice cream, sorbets and sugar-free and dairy-free varieties. Named for Ben Franklin, The Franklin Fountain offers over 20 ice cream flavors including Franklin Mint Chip, Rocky Road and Teaberry Gum. Treats include sundaes, milk shakes, egg creams, floats, ice cream sodas, banana splits and more. Employees are traditional soda jerks complete with old fashioned uniforms.

A visit will feel like you have stepped back in time. It may cost a little more than a traditional ice cream parlor, but this Philly experience is worth it! Payment is cash only.

Shila said:  Paddle your way around the Penn's Landing basin in a kayak, rowboat, swan or dragon on the Delaware River for a perfect outdoor, seasonal activity. When you are finished on the water, step inside the Independent Seaport Museum where you'll see marine attractions & historic ships like the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest steel warship afloat in the world.

Age: 6+

Cost: $8/person for a half hour rental

Open Memorial Day-Labor Day

Tim Ponisciak said:  Elfreth's Alley is widely considered America's oldest residential street. Walk over cobblestone and take a moment to truly step back in time. The houses though are not just for show, people still live on the street. You can visit The Museum House to learn the history of the street. Walk through and guided tours are available.

Open Friday-Sunday

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Pizza Brain is a restaurant and museum dedicated to most kids' favorite food - pizza! Their menu boasts a variety of pizza pies, from red to white and many gourmet in between loaded with toppings of meat and veggies. Their Pizza Museum features interesting collectibles, toys, music and more to honor this favorite food item.