"Philadelphia’s kid-friendly scene is where fun meets foundation. See revolutionary landmarks, interactive museums, and parks perfect for picnics and play. It’s the kind of place where children can touch history, taste local treats, and burn energy in every corner."
Unique Philadelphia Activities with Kids:
1. Meet Amazing Animals and Explore Historic Grounds at the Philadelphia Zoo
Take the kids to The Philadelphia Zoo, located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia's historic Fairmount Park. You'll be able to see 1300 animals, many of which are rare and endangered.
The zoo’s 42-acre landscape is home to several eco-friendly animal habitats designed to offer personal encounters with the animals, from lions to lizards, as well as a variety of top attractions and adventures, including the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, Lorikeet Encounters, draft horse and pony rides, camel safaris, paddleboats and a train ride.
The Philadelphia Zoo features a world-class breeding program and works alongside many groups around the world to protect the natural habitats of the animals in their care.
3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Phone: 215-243-1100
2. Ignite Young Imaginations with Play and Discovery at the Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum® has the foremost children’s museum in the state of Philadelphia, providing families with children under the age of seven with a variety of interactive and fun-filled experiences to encourage learning through play.
The Museum offers an array of educational programs, including exhibits and displays, theater and art, music and movement, carousels and collections.
The Please Touch Museum® features two floors of stimulating and interactive exhibit zones designed to encourage education through immersion, such as ‘City Capers,’ ‘Roadside Attractions,’ ‘River Adventures,’ and ‘Wonderland.’
Children can also partake in several educational programs like theater shows, story times, sing-a-longs, and special programs based on maths, engineering, science, and technology.
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (formerly North Concourse Drive), Philadelphia, PA 19131, Phone: 215-581-3181
3. Step Into a World of Dinosaurs and Discovery at the Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, formerly known as the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the United States.
Founded in 1812 with the aim of encouraging and cultivating an interest in the sciences, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University features a natural history collection of more than 17 million specimens and an extensive research facility and system, as well as hosts an array of rotating exhibitions and presentations.
The Academy also offers a variety of educational programs for scholars, students, and the general public.
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Phone: 215-299-1000
4. Explore Maritime History at the Seaport Museum
The Independence Seaport Museum is dedicated to documenting and showcasing the maritime history and culture along the Delaware River.
Founded in 1961 and located in Penn's Landing complex along the Delaware River, the Museum features a variety of fascinating exhibits for visitors to explore including an underwater ROV to maneuver, historic vessels to board, and a mock cannon to fire.
In addition to the exhibits that chronicle the city’s contributions to naval and commercial maritime history, the museum also boasts a variety of interactive displays that show how local small craft are made, what makes boats float, and more.
The nation’s oldest floating steel warship, the Olympia, which dates back to 1892, is berthed outside the museum, along with the Becuna, a classic World War II submarine that fought battles in the South Pacific.
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Phone: 215-413-8655
5. Relax in the Heart of Franklin Square
One of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn, Franklin Square is a modern, fun park with an array of attractions and amenities, including a large playground and a carousel, a beautifully restored marble fountain, and a Philly-themed miniature golf course.
The park was designed by William Penn when he laid out the city in 1682 and is sandwiched between North 6th and 7th Streets, Race Street and the Vine Street Expressway and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Open year-round to the public, Franklin Square is also home to SquareBurger and Cake Shake, which serves burgers, fries and sweet treats.
200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, See the Map
Cheap Attractions with Kids:
6. See the Liberty Bell Up Close
Bearing the timeless message: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof,” The Liberty Bell is one of the United States’ most iconic symbols.
Once known as the State House Bell, the Liberty Bell rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House, what is known today as Independence Hall.
The Bell, its famous crack, and much-repeated inscription became a symbol of hope and a herald of liberty in the 19th century, providing inspiration to abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates and Civil Rights leaders.
The Liberty Bell is housed in a modern visitor’s center which showcases the history of the bell and how it came to be cracked, as well as the role it played in the development of a free and fair society through a range of exhibits, films, and displays. No tickets are required and opening hours vary seasonally.
6th St & Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Phone: 215-965-2305
7. Engage Hands-On Science at The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a science museum and center for science education and research in Philadelphia.
Founded in honor of America’s first scientist and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education.
The world-renowned center features an array of fascinating exhibits, one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences, and ongoing interactive exhibitions that explore science in disciplines ranging from sports to space.
The Franklin Institute features an IMAX Theater with a 79-foot domed screen, the Fels Planetarium, and houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.
222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Phone: 215-448-1200
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