The city of
Philadelphia is the perfect place for a family. For one thing, even though it's a big city, it's still fairly peaceful. It's not as busy as New York nor as hectic as LA. The history and heritage of the place also make for an education-filled stay. Your little ones will constantly learn something every time you go out with your family in Philadelphia. Visit the historic sites together and discover more about America's past. Go to the Please Touch Museum and let them go wild at the interactive exhibit zones. See The Franklin Institute to let them learn and play at the same time. And of course, you can't forget about the Philadelphia Zoo!
Philadelphia's Historic Sites
Philadelphia is a history book come to life. It's perhaps the most historic city in the
US, filled with actual sites where the country was founded all those years ago. Visit Independence Hall with your whole family in Philadelphia and teach the little ones all about how the Declaration of Independence was signed. Go where George Washington, the first-ever American president, once lived, which is still called the “President's House” even though the building is no longer there. And finally, see the Liberty Bell in person, one of the most important artifacts in American history.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is Philadelphia's premier science museum and research institute. It's a treasure trove of information about a variety of sciences, from nature-centric studies to fields about outer space. The best part about it is that it's a kid-friendly museum too. Anyone spending time with family in Philadelphia would do well to bring the kids here. The little ones can walk through the Institute's amazing exhibits, including “The Giant Heart,” “SportsZone,” and “Changing Earth,” among many others. The museum also houses the Fels Planetarium, which is always a hit with both the young and old alike!
Please Touch Museum
If there's one thing to remember about kids, it's that they're wild with their hands! Take them to any antique store and you'll be paying for damages till kingdom come! For proper stimulation, take them to the Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park instead. Housed in the Park's Memorial Hall, it's a family-friendly hotspot where kids can play and touch things to their hearts' content. The place even offers all sorts of exciting adventures. “River Adventures” allows the little ones to sail rubber boats on a miniature river. “Food & Family,” on the other hand, lets them make-believe they're shoppers at a grocery store.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
By its name alone, you can already tell why the LEGOLAND Discovery Center made it onto this list. Any family who has
moved to Philadelphia knows that this is a must-see, both for the young and old alike! Legos have been around since the 1930s, so it's more than likely that you had some growing up, right? Philly's LEGOLAND Discovery Center allows you to play with these beloved toys with your kids, letting your creativity go wild and making for a nice bonding experience. Unlike other toys, LEGO is one that never stops being fun, even for adults.
Philadelphia Zoo
Any
day in Philadelphia will be well-spent in the Philadelphia Zoo. Located on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, it was America's first-ever zoo. The place opened back in 1874, right after the Civil War. So much like Independence Hall and the President's House, this is yet another of the many historic sites in Philadelphia. It just doesn't look and feel that way because the animals are the stars of the show. Who'd be thinking of history when majestic creatures dazzle you with their natural glory? There's even a suspended steel maze where lions and tigers can roam about just as freely as people. Pretty cool, right?
Adventure Aquarium
Want to see more of the world's astounding creatures? Then look no further than the Adventure Aquarium on Riverside Drive. One of the best places for people to spend time with family in Philadelphia, it's an underwater labyrinth with a magnified view of underwater life. See the sharks swim by, intimidating in their sheer size. Say hello to the hippos who, through a glass divider, look more adorable than scary. And don't forget about the thousands of species of fish to discover too! It'd be a fun but educational trip with the kiddies!
Sesame Place
Even if you're not American, there's still a good chance that you've heard about Sesame Street. This beloved TV program has been around for decades and gave the world some of the most lovable characters. So imagine how big your kids' smiles will get when you take them to Sesame Place! A beloved theme park in Philly, Sesame Place is all about the famous TV show. There are rides and games for the whole family, not to mention the famous street's adorable residents. As you explore the park, going from one ride to the next, you'll bump into Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Bert & Ernie, and so much more.
Franklin Square
Finally, there's Franklin Square, one of the
best parks in Philadelphia. What's great about this place is that your family can do whatever they want when you take them here. The little ones will run around and stay at the playground for the rest of the day. They'll even ask you to let them ride the colorful carousel from time to time too. The teenagers, on the other hand, will love the mini-golf course. They might even take their crushes out there for a date some other time. And you? What will you do? Well, a picnic by the fountain doesn't sound half bad, does it?
Are you looking for places where you can spend quality time with your family in Philadelphia? You'll find that's a lot easier than you think! The city has a lot of family-friendly spots where everyone can have a lot of fun!
