Okay, let's be real. Planning a family trip to Philadelphia shouldn't feel like herding cats through Independence Hall. I remember our first attempt – my seven-year-old declared the Liberty Bell "just a broken bell" after five minutes. But after years of trial and error (and plenty of snacks), we've cracked the code on genuinely fun things to do in Philly with kids.
Museums That Won't Make Your Kids Ask "When Are We Leaving?"
Philadelphia museums get it right for families. They're not just glass cases and 'do not touch' signs. Take the Please Touch Museum. Seriously, the name says it all. We spent three hours there last Tuesday and my kids didn't ask for screens once. It's pure magic for the under-10 crowd.
| Museum | Address | Hours | Kid Highlights | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Please Touch Museum | 4231 Avenue of the Republic | Wed-Mon 9am-5pm (Closed Tue) | Water play zone, mini city, Alice in Wonderland maze | $23 (1+), Free under 1 |
| The Franklin Institute | 222 N 20th St | Daily 9:30am-5pm | Giant heart climb-through, flight simulator, planetarium | $25 (ages 3-11), $30 (12+) |
| Academy of Natural Sciences | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy | Wed-Sun 10am-4:30pm | Dinosaur skeletons, butterfly garden | $21 (ages 3-12), $25 (13+) |
Pro tip? The Franklin Institute gets packed by noon. Go right at 9:30am when they open and head straight to the Giant Heart – you'll avoid the line chaos. Last time we went at 11am and waited 40 minutes. Never again!
History Made Awesome
I used to dread dragging the kids to historical sites. Then we tried the Constitutional Walking Tour. Sounds boring? It's actually a scavenger hunt where kids solve clues about founding fathers. Who knew Ben Franklin could be exciting?
- Independence Hall: Free tours but timed tickets required April-Dec. Get them online or at the Visitor Center early. (Market St between 5th & 6th)
- Betsy Ross House: Small but sweet. Kids can meet "Betsy" and ask questions ($5 adults, $4 kids).
- Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches: Free 5-minute stories at historical spots summer only. Entertains while you rest your feet.
Local Hack: Pack colonial-era costumes! My daughter wore a makeshift bonnet to the Betsy Ross House and got to help demonstrate flag folding. Made her day.
Outdoor Adventures & Animal Encounters
When the weather cooperates, Philly's parks are unbeatable. Smith Memorial Playground in East Fairmount Park is our weekend go-to. It's got a GIANT wooden slide from 1904 that my kids ride repeatedly until they're dizzy. And it's completely free.
Zoo Battle: Philly vs. Camden
Honest opinion? The Philadelphia Zoo is iconic with its animal tunnels, but the Camden Aquarium across the river wins for rainy days. Their shark tunnel is unreal.
| Spot | Best For | Hours | Cost | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Zoo | Animal variety, Zoo360 trails | Daily 9:30am-5pm | $24 (2-11), $32 (12+) | $17 on-site |
| Adventure Aquarium | Shark tunnels, hippos, touch tanks | Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat/Sun 8:30am-6pm | $31 (2-12), $37 (13+) | $10 in adjacent garage |
| Sister Cities Park | Free splash pad, boat rentals | Daily 7am-8pm (seasonal water) | FREE | Street meter or garage |
Don't make my mistake: Philly Zoo parking fills up by 11am on weekends. Take the SEPTA Route 38 bus instead – drops you right at the gate. Saved us $17 and a parking meltdown.
Kid-Friendly Eats That Don't Break the Bank
Finding family meals in Philly isn't just about cheesesteaks. Though honestly, watching my 5-year-old attempt a full-sized Jim's Steak on South Street was comedy gold. Here are spots that welcome sticky fingers:
- Reading Terminal Market: Total sensory overload in the best way. Bassetts Ice Cream (since 1861!) makes mini cones perfect for little hands. Open 8am-6pm daily.
- Franklin Fountain: Old-school ice cream parlor near Independence Hall. Expect lines but worth it for the hot fudge. (116 Market St, noon-10pm)
- Pizza Brain: World's first pizza museum + restaurant combo. My kids love the "Cheesus Christ" slice. (2313 Frankford Ave, 11am-10pm)
Budget tip? Reading Terminal has $5 kid meals at By George! pizza. Comes with drink and a cookie. Cheaper than most fast food.
Seasonal Must-Dos
Winter in Philly with kids is surprisingly fun. The Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park (Dec-Feb) has tiny penguin skate aids for beginners. Summer means the Franklin Square Fountain Show – kids can dance through water jets to music nightly at 6,7,8,9pm June-Aug.
Pro Tip: Avoid the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest on Friday nights – it turns into a teen date spot. Go Sunday mornings when it's calm.
Freebies That Actually Entertain
Because admission fees add up fast. Our favorites:
- Fireman's Hall Museum: Kids can slide down a pole! (147 N 2nd St, Thu-Mon 10am-4:30pm)
- Schuylkill River Trail: Rent bikes at Wheel Fun (1300 S Christopher Columbus Blvd). Toddler trailers available.
- Smith Playhouse: That massive slide I mentioned? Free. Weekends 10am-4pm best for families.
Rainy Day Lifesavers
February in Philly taught me this lesson hard. Our top indoor picks:
- Spruce Street Harbor Park Arcade: Classic games under cover (seasonal May-Oct)
- Smith Memorial Playground Playhouse: Huge wooden indoor playspace (historic but clean)
- Urban Air Trampoline Park: Pure energy burn (multiple locations)
Family-Friendly Philadelphia FAQs
What should I absolutely avoid with kids?
South Street after 8pm on weekends – turns into rowdy adult scene. Also, the Edgar Allan Poe House is creepy even for teens.
Is the Philly bus system stroller-friendly?
Mostly yes! Septa buses have ramps and priority seating. But avoid rush hours – packed buses make strollers tough.
Where can kids meet real Philly athletes?
Phillies games have kid run-the-bases days! Check schedule. Eagles training camp (July/Aug) is free and interactive.
Are there hotel pools for rainy days?
Splurge option: The Notary Hotel has an epic glass-roof pool. Budget pick: Sonesta Downtown has decent pool hours.
The Real Philly Kid Hack
After countless trips, here's my golden rule: Always pack extra socks. Between fountain hopping and splash pads, dry feet prevent meltdowns. And honestly? Sometimes the best memories come from simple stuff – like racing boats in Rittenhouse Square fountain with dollar store sailboats. You don't need fancy plans to find amazing things to do in Philly with kids, just comfy shoes and a sense of adventure.
Looking for more specific ideas? Drop a question below – I've probably tested it with my own crew!
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