Best Things to Do in Philadelphia with Kids

Philadelphia offers a vibrant mix of history, science, nature, and play that captivates families. This guide highlights interactive museums, expansive parks, historic landmarks, and nearby theme parks designed for children, ensuring every member enjoys the trip.

Interactive Museums That Spark Curiosity

Museums in Philadelphia transform learning into adventure, with hands-on exhibits tailored for young explorers. These venues blend education and entertainment seamlessly.

Hands-On Wonder at Please Touch Museum

The Please Touch Museum stands out as a premier destination for children aged 2 to 6, housed in a historic 1870s building originally an art gallery. Kids dive into imaginative play through areas like a 3,650-foot pretend shopping market, an industrial kitchen, and a neighborhood festival setup. Other highlights include a makerspace for crafting gadgets, river adventures with water play, a fairytale garden, imagination playground, rocket room, and a two-story Wonderland tree inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Parents appreciate the thoughtful design that encourages creativity while providing rest areas. Admission allows full-day exploration, making it ideal for morning visits followed by nearby outdoor activities.

Science Magic at The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute immerses families in science through giant heart walkthroughs, physics experiments, and planetarium shows. Interactive zones let kids launch rockets, test electricity, and explore engineering challenges. It’s a must for school-age children eager to understand the world around them.

Recent exhibits focus on robotics and space, with daily demonstrations by educators. Combine with a hop-on hop-off bus tour for easy access to other sites.

Historic Sites Made Fun for Kids

Philadelphia’s rich history comes alive without overwhelming young visitors, thanks to interactive apps, ranger programs, and open green spaces.

Liberty Bell and Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park features the iconic Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, and 26 interactive sites. Free ranger-led tours in summer include kid-friendly themes like colonial games. Download the park’s mobile app for maps, transit info, and scavenger hunts that turn history into a treasure quest.

Families can picnic on the lawns, making it a relaxed half-day outing. Proximity to Reading Terminal Market adds a food adventure post-visit.

National Constitution Center

This center offers multimedia exhibits on democracy, with touchscreens and role-playing stations where kids act as founding fathers. Special programs align with school curricula, enhancing educational value.

Outdoor Escapes and Playgrounds

Philadelphia’s green spaces provide relief from urban energy, with playgrounds and trails for active fun.

Fairmount Park: Nature’s Urban Oasis

Spanning over 2,000 acres, Fairmount Park divides into East and West sections along the Schuylkill River. Trails, hills, waterfronts, and woodlands hosted the 1876 Centennial Exposition. Today, it’s perfect for biking, picnicking, and spotting wildlife.

Smith Memorial Playground within the park boasts America’s oldest playground features, including a famous 44-foot wooden slide. Open daily with free entry, it’s ideal for toddlers to tweens.

Franklin Square and More

Franklin Square offers mini-golf themed around Philly icons, playgrounds, and seasonal events like ice skating. It’s a compact spot near historic sites for quick family breaks.

Animal Encounters and Nature Spots

Philadelphia Zoo: America’s First Zoo

Opened in 1874, this zoo houses over 1,300 animals in immersive habitats. Kids love the train ride, penguin island, and rare white lions. Admission: Adults $25+, kids 2+ $20; parking $17. Combo tickets with the zoo’s tree adventure enhance visits.

Morris Arboretum and Adventure Gardens

At the University of Pennsylvania, this 92-acre garden features the Squirrel Scramble tree-top adventure. Admission: Adults $20, youth 3-17 $10, under 3 free. Botanical trails and sculptures add educational layers.

Nearby Theme Parks for Thrills

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

In Plymouth Meeting Mall, this center packs millions of bricks, 10 rides like Imagination Express, 4D cinema, pirate playground, and master builder workshops. Suitable for ages 3-10, with interactive zones for all.

Sesame Place: Character Magic

Just 30 minutes away in Bucks County, the only Sesame Street-themed park offers rides, water play, live shows, and character meets. Choose 1-day or 2-day tickets with meals. Perfect for preschoolers; plan hotels nearby for full immersion.

Sports and City Tours for All Ages

Philadelphia’s sports scene engages families with kid zones at stadiums. Catch Phillies baseball at Citizens Bank Park, featuring Phanatic Fun Zone for climbing and games.

Double-decker hop-on hop-off tours cover 27 stops, including City Hall, Rocky Steps, and Magic Gardens. Vintage car tours provide narrated history with photo ops at Liberty Bell and Elfreth’s Alley.

Planning Your Philly Family Itinerary

2-Day Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: History and Museums – Morning: Independence Park and Liberty Bell. Afternoon: Please Touch Museum. Evening: Reading Terminal Market dinner.
• Day 2: Science and Nature – Morning: Franklin Institute. Afternoon: Fairmount Park picnic and playground. Optional: Zoo or hop-on bus.

For longer stays, add Sesame Place or LEGOLAND day trips. Best times: Spring/fall for mild weather; check event calendars for festivals.

Practical Tips for Families

• Transportation: Use SEPTA trains/buses or rideshares; many sites are walkable in Old City.
• Food: Reading Terminal Market for diverse, kid-friendly eats like cheesesteaks and pretzels.
• Lodging: Stay near Fairmount Park for nature access or Center City for attractions.
• Discounts: CityPASS bundles museums and zoo; check for family packs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top free activities for kids in Philadelphia?

Liberty Bell, Independence Park, Fairmount Park, and Smith Memorial Playground offer free fun with history and play.

Is Philadelphia walkable with strollers?

Yes, especially Old City and Center City; Fairmount Park has paved paths.

Best time for family visits?

Spring (cherry blossoms) or fall (festivals); avoid peak summer heat.

Are there family events year-round?

Yes, from outdoor movies in parks to holiday lights at Franklin Square.

How to save on attractions?

Buy multi-attraction passes like Go City or check Groupon for deals.