Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a great destination for families with young children. With its rich history, delicious food, and abundance of attractions, there is something for everyone in the City of Brotherly Love. Here is a guide for traveling to Philadelphia with young children, including the top 15 child friendly activities, top 5 child friendly restaurants, top 3 hotels or places to stay, top outdoor activity, top indoor activity for rainy days, and general information about the city.
Top 15 Child Friendly Activities
1. Please Touch Museum: Located in Fairmount Park, the Please Touch Museum is a great place for young children to explore. Kids can climb aboard a vintage carousel, explore a replica of a 19th century Main Street, and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits.
2. Philadelphia Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo is the nation’s first zoo and is home to over 1,300 animals. Kids can explore a variety of exhibits, including a carousel, petting zoo, and interactive play areas.
3. Adventure Aquarium: Adventure Aquarium is the only aquarium in the country with a fully-submerged shark tunnel. Kids can explore the aquarium’s aquatic exhibits, touch sea creatures, and catch a sea lion show.
4. The Franklin Institute: The Franklin Institute is a science museum with interactive exhibits, a 3-D movie theater, and a variety of educational activities. Kids can explore the science of sports, explore a replica of Benjamin Franklin’s printing press, and more.
5. Eastern State Penitentiary: Eastern State Penitentiary is an historic prison that offers guided tours and interactive exhibits. Kids can explore the prison’s cells, learn about the history of the prison, and explore an outdoor art installation.
6. Valley Forge National Historical Park: Valley Forge National Historical Park is a great place to explore Philadelphia’s Revolutionary War history. Kids can explore the park’s trails and learn about the history of the Continental Army’s stay in Valley Forge.
7. Reading Terminal Market: Reading Terminal Market is an indoor market with over 80 vendors selling a variety of foods, from Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies to freshly made sandwiches. Kids can explore the market, sample some of the foods, and enjoy some live music.
8. Philadelphia Museum of Art: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to a variety of art exhibits, from European masterpieces to modern art. Kids can explore the museum’s galleries, participate in art activities, and enjoy the outdoor sculpture garden.
9. Independence National Historical Park: Independence National Historical Park is the home of the Liberty Bell and other historic sites related to the American Revolution. Kids can explore the park, learn about the history of the United States, and take a selfie with the Liberty Bell.
10. The Franklin Institute Science Museum: The Franklin Institute Science Museum is a great place for kids to explore science and technology. Kids can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and explore a replica of Benjamin Franklin’s printing press.
11. Adventure Aquarium: Adventure Aquarium is the only aquarium in the country with a fully-submerged shark tunnel. Kids can explore the aquarium’s aquatic exhibits, touch sea creatures, and catch a sea lion show.
12. Philadelphia Trolley Works: Philadelphia Trolley Works offers narrated tours of the city in vintage trolleys. Kids can explore the city’s sights, hear stories about Philadelphia’s past, and learn about the city’s history.
13. The Academy of Natural Sciences: The Academy of Natural Sciences is a great place to explore the natural world. Kids can explore live animal exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and explore the museum’s fossil collections.
14. The Please Touch Museum: The Please Touch Museum is a great place for young children to explore. Kids can climb aboard a vintage carousel, explore a replica of a 19th century Main Street, and enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits.
15. National Constitution Center: The National Constitution Center is a great place to explore the history of the United States Constitution. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, learn about the history of the Constitution, and explore the museum’s historic documents.
Top 5 Child Friendly Restaurants
1. The Little Bird Bakery & Cafe: The Little Bird Bakery & Cafe is a fast casual restaurant that specializes in homemade pastries and sandwiches. Reviewers love the fresh-baked bread and pastries and the cozy atmosphere.
2. The Dutch Eating Place: The Dutch Eating Place is a family-friendly sit-down restaurant that serves traditional Dutch cuisine. Reviewers rave about the freshly made food and the restaurant’s laid-back, homey atmosphere.
3. Franklin Fountain: The Franklin Fountain is an old-fashioned soda fountain and ice cream parlor. Reviewers love the ice cream sundaes and milkshakes and the restaurant’s vintage decor.
4. Garces Trading Company: Garces Trading Company is a fine dining restaurant that serves a variety of American and Mediterranean dishes. Reviewers love the creative dishes and the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere.
5. El Vez: El Vez is a family-friendly Mexican restaurant that serves traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist. Reviewers love the inventive tacos and the restaurant’s colorful decor.
Top 3 Hotels or Places to Stay
1. Luxury Option: The Rittenhouse Philadelphia is a luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. Reviewers love the hotel’s spacious rooms, elegant decor, and attentive service.
2. Family Friendly Option: The Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown is a family-friendly hotel with a pool, fitness center, and children’s activities. Reviewers love the hotel’s comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and convenient location.
3. Budget or Value Option: The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is a budget-friendly hotel near the airport. Reviewers love the hotel’s clean rooms, convenient shuttle service, and free breakfast.
Top Outdoor Activity
Spruce Street Harbor Park is a great outdoor activity for families with young children. The park is located on the Delaware River and is home to a variety of attractions, including an outdoor pool, a boardwalk, and a beer garden. Kids can explore the park’s trails, ride the carousel, and explore the playground. Reviewers love the park’s beautiful views and its variety of attractions.
Top Indoor Activity for Rainy Days
The Please Touch Museum is a great indoor activity for rainy days. Kids can explore a variety of interactive exhibits, from a replica of a 19th century Main Street to a vintage carousel. Reviewers love the museum’s hands-on activities and the variety of exhibits.
General Information
Philadelphia is a great destination for families with young children. The city’s top neighborhoods for families include Old City, Center City, and South Philadelphia. The best months to visit are April through October, when the weather is mild and the attractions are open. The best way for families to get around the city is by public transportation, including the SEPTA bus and subway system.
Philadelphia is a great destination for families with young children. With its rich history, delicious food, and abundance of attractions, there is something for everyone in the City of Brotherly Love. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly stay, there is something for everyone in Philadelphia. With its family-friendly activities, delicious food, and great attractions, Philadelphia is the perfect destination for families with young children.
