Center City Philadelphia Parks
Philadelphias Center City has wonderful small parks where kids can play. In warm weather, kids can splash in the fountain jets at Dilworth Park, located at the foot of City Hall. Kids under 5 will enjoy the sprinkler and wading pool at tiny Sister Cities Park . Franklin Square, one of the squares originally laid out by William Penn when he planned the city, has a pretty fountain, a playground, mini golf featuring iconic Philly buildings, and a carousel . The park is free food, mini-golf, and the carousel charge.
My favorite is Spruce Street Harbor Park, a quirky Philly space on a converted dock on the Delaware River that pops up only from spring to September. Last year, 750,000 people visited to enjoy its floating garden, net seating extending over the water, urban beach, colorful hammocks and lights dripping from trees, along with the river view. This park feels like an outdoor party for people of all ages . The park is free arcade games, food, and drinks are not.
The city of Philadelphia is nothing short of amazing. Its one of Americas best cities for foodies, history lovers and sports fans of all ages. Theres truly something for everyone and its a fantastic family destination because of the affordable accommodation in the citys safe downtown area. Use this list of activities as a basis for your trip planning, and find out even more reasons why Philadelphia is the best American city to visit with your kids.
Best Free Things To Do In Philadelphia
- Art and design
- Ben Franklin Parkway – Kelly Drive
Inside this 100-year-old building, find a stunning collection of over 240,000 pieces of original art, ranging from sculpture and paintings to collections of historic furniture and armory. Theres lots to do with kids here, too, including the Family Art Cart in the galleries, where kids can sketch from the masterpieces, and Sunday Family Tours. Although the museum does charge admission, you can snag pay-what-you-wish prices on the first Sunday of the month and every Wednesday night .
- Attractions
- Greater Philadelphia
More than 100 vendors in individual stalls offer goods ranging from artisan cheeses to Amish shoo-fly pies in this 200-year-old indoor market housed in the bottom floor of what was once the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company. While youre there, grab a cone of Bassetts famous ice cream, the oldest ice cream vendor in the country.
- Art and design
- Greater Philadelphia
The Barnes Foundation features the immense art collection of Albert C. Barnes, who managed to amass one of the leading collections of works by impressionist and modernist masters such as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Pierre-August Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Henri Rousseau. Founded in 1922, the Barnes Foundations mission is to make art more accessible, so they open up the museum free of charge on the first Sunday of each month. Take advantage of the free day to get up close and personal with these masters.
Amazing Things To Do In Philadelphia With Kids
The city of Philadelphia is well known for its contributions to American history, delicious cheesesteaks and rowdy sports fans. Its one of the countrys great east coast cities thats packed with things to do, see, tour and eat. While its a great destination for all ages, there are so many things to do in Philadelphia for kids that its gaining a reputation as a family travel hotspot. To prove that point, here are ten of the best things to do with children in Philadelphia. Theyre perfect activities and attractions to add to your family travel itinerary.
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Dickens Village At Macys
The Wanamaker building resumes holiday operations, partly by asking Dickens Village fans to reserve spots to navigate dimly lit hallways where animatronic dolls play out A Christmas Carol. Santa is available by virtual arrangement only. Come December, the favorite Macys light show will take place once daily . Ages 5+.
Family Things To Do In Philadelphia

This trip was hosted by Visit Philly. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Growing up as a kid in NYC, going to Philadelphia was nothing more than a trip to visit family. Knowing I was going with my son, I decided to find things to do in Philadelphia. I was so incredibly surprised at what we found! Philadelphia is a perfect family vacation destination. One of the things that I loved the most is the ability to easily merge education and fun all together especially, since were homeschooling.
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+ Fun Things To Do Over Winter Break In Philly With Kids
Winter break is almost here, and the kids are going to need full-time entertainment. Once they’ve sat through a few of the best kids’ Christmas movies, get them up and off the couch for awesome outdoor adventures and fun indoor activities to stay occupied before Santa arrives, and long after he leaves.
Christmas vacation is an ideal time to get out and explore the region’s best holiday lights, theater shows, Santa activities, and more. So plan out an entire week’s itinerary with our picks below, and don’t forget to browse the Best Holiday and Christmas Events Near Philadelphia in 2021.
Note: The City of Philadelphia requires masks or proof of vaccination for some indoor events. Reservations are often required. Please check directly with the venue website before heading out. If you arrive at an event that appears too crowded, try using the nearby search feature on our event calendar to find something else to do.
A stretch of Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane. Photo courtesy of Hersheypark
Bank And Bourbon Philadelphia Pennsylvania
Located in the elegant Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Bank and Bourbon is a trendy American bar and restaurant with a large 220-seat dining room with rustic touches, comfortable leather seating, and soft lighting. Bank and Bourbon offers more than 80 kinds of bourbon in its innovative barrel-aging program in addition to creative cocktails and familiar American cuisine with the exquisite interpretation and flare of celebrated Chef Tom Harkins. Classic dishes are prepared using seasonal, local ingredients with surprising touches: Juicy roasted chicken comes with piquant salsa verde and the cauliflower salad, with its roasted florets, is sprinkled with sherry vinegar and pumpkin seed brittle.
1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, 215-231-7300
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A Wild Holiday Celebration
Who wouldnt want to enjoy their holidays in the wild? Located just a half-hour outside of Center City in Norristown, the small but mighty Elmwood Park Zoo offers families two fun ways to celebrate the holidays. This year, their popular family-friendly Wild Lights returns, with new lights, more animals, live entertainment, and a chance to see Santa! Kids will love taking a spin on the carousel or simply wandering the property in search of their favorite animal friends. In addition, the zoo is hosting Brunch with Santa, where families can enjoy a delicious meal and meet Santa. Afterward, youll also have the opportunity to meet an educational animal and explore the zoo. No wonder this is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids during winter! Still, remember to plan in advance. Events are on select dates during November and December and we recommend prior booking.
Family Things To Do In Philadelphia World Meeting Of Families
Bring the kids and plan to stay the whole week for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, one of the top family things to do in Philadelphia this year. Taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and at sites around the city from September 22 through 27, this religious conference features over a hundred youth and adult speakers, numerous exhibitions and a visit from the head of the Catholic Church: Pope Francis. This years theme is Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive and highlights of the event will include:
- Vatican Splendors exhibit at the Franklin Institute
- World Meeting of Families Film Festival
- Verbum Domini II exhibit at the Museum of the Bible
- Appearance by Pope Francis
That family which experiences the joy of faith communicates it naturally. That family is the salt of the earth and the light of the world it is the leaven of society.
Pope Francis words will take on greater meaning for everyone in attendance at the World Meeting of Families. Plan your trip today, and stay at our family-friendly hotel. Our luxurious suites are perfect for your clan, and feature separate seating areas, fully equipped kitchens, and washers and dryers. Would you like to learn more about this momentous event, or about other family things to do in Philadelphia? Ready to book your reservations? Please contact us today.
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Vedge Restaurant Philadelphia Pa
Vedge was opened in 2011 by Chefs Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby and is well known for its vegan menu. Located in the historic Tiger Building on Locust Street, Vedge offers a classically elegant dining experience with a menu that has no animal products. The menu, which highlights a bold, creative approach to cooking, features dishes such as Cauliflower Socca and Saffron Corn Broth or Portabello Carpaccio with shaved kale and sunflower seeds.
Innovative desserts are also vegan, featuring items like Figgy Cheesecake and Mud Pie. Unique cocktails, beers and wine are also served.
1221 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-320-7500
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Wolf Performing Arts Center
Through professionally-staged theater productions, private lessons, theater classes, workshops, summer theater camp, and visiting artist programs, Wolf Performing Arts Center programs are specifically created to inspire reach, access, and diversity, while focusing on creating memorable theater experiences for children. We provide students an opportunity to develop their confidence, character, and creativity in a safe, accepting environment, while deepening the community’s appreciation of the performing arts.
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Things To Do In Philadelphia: Mural Arts Program Tour
The Mural Arts Program is a mural program that aims to transform places, individuals, communities and institutions through the preservation and presentation of contemporary and modern forms of art. The Mural Arts Program is home to the worlds largest collection of outdoor public art, which includes the world-renowned History of Immigration mural, which is over 600 feet in length.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours around the Mural Arts Program, which includes a detailed insight into the artistic process behind each mural, the artists involved and the history of the communities so closely linked to this unique art form. Public and private tours are led by professional guides and include walking, trolley or train options.
Mural Arts Center, Thomas Eakins House, 1729 Mt Vernon St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phone: 215-685-0750
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Best Things To Do With Kids In Philadelphia

BY Sharon RigneyPhiladelphia Local Expert
Finding and setting up a day out in Philadelphia with kids can often be an exhausting endeavor. There are many venues to choose from, yet how do you find the best one for your crowd? 10 Best assembles the top winners as far as kids are concerned, and you make your selections based on the ages of your children, the area you’re interested in seeing or exploring, and the activity that strikes your fancy. If you’ve got a science lover in your group, perhaps a stop at the Franklin Institute might suit you best. If your youngsters like rides, take a day trip to Sesame Place to spin, twirl and shimmy with the fun, furry friends that play there. Better still, if you’re ready for some time outdoors, Catch a Phillies Game when they’re in town, or stop by Franklin Square for fun and games. Philadelphia offers a variety of opportunities for families to play and learn and have fun together, so there’s sure to be a place near you to enjoy. From the smallest tykes to the tallest teens, count on Philadelphia venues to be able to keep them interested and entertained while making memories at the same time. A great day for them is a great day for you, too!
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Things To Do Near Me: Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in Philadelphia’s historic Fairmount Park and is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of which are rare and endangered.
The zoos 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. If you are wondering what to do in Philadelphia with kids, this is a great place to visit.
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, Pennsylvania, Phone: 215-243-1100
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First Bank Of The United States
Gary Whitton / Shutterstock
When Alexander Hamilton started this bank, the first national one in the country, people were infuriated.
It made other Founding Fathers mad, such as Thomas Jefferson, and Hamiltons liquor tax influenced the infamous Whiskey Rebellion.
However, the First Bank of the United States is definitely one of the most important places to visit for learning about our countrys history.
Your visit will be a bit limited, however.
At this time, the First Bank of the United States is not open in any capacity.
It was shuttered centuries ago, but its not open for tours either.
However, just strolling by it on a sightseeing excursion can be one of the most enjoyable activities.
If youre looking for things to do in downtown Philadelphia, be sure to see the First Bank of the United States.
Its a very important part of Philadelphia and its legacy.
We hope its someday opened for tours.
Address: 120 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
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The Rocky Statue And The Rocky Steps
Source: flickr
Who hasnt heard of the movie Rocky? So much so in fact, that the Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps where the movie action happened is now one of Philadelphias most famous pieces of public art! The bigger than life sculpture, originally created for Rocky III, became a real life monument to the celluloid hero, with the fictional Rocky Balboa commemorated in bronze in 1980 and donated to the City of Philadelphia by actor Sylvester Stallone himself. Visiting the statue and running up the steps is almost a rite of passage to all visitors. Make sure the family doesnt miss it.
Time To Take Your Family To Philadelphia
As you can see, there really are so many things to do in Philadelphia for families. What I love is that the Visit Philly tourism board knows the gems and vast amount of things to do in Philadelphia. They make it so easy to create the perfect family trip to Philadelphia and even have packages already created that include hotel, activities, food and ride share! . As a frequent traveler, I embrace easy when I can. My family had a blast turning a wedding trip into an amazing visit to Philly. Im sure your family will enjoy it just as much!
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Best Things To Do In Philadelphia Pa Top Activities & Places To Go
- Tanner Wilkes
Known as The City of Brotherly Love, discover Philadelphia the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Home to a plethora of National Historical Parks and Landmarks, this city thrives in its powerful connection to the past, dating all the way back to the time of the founding fathers.
Philadelphia is a city buzzing with life through fine dining restaurants, fascinating museums and zoos during the day and is humming with fun through glitzy parks, dineries and market places during the night.
Wherever you are, a fun new adventure awaits you in every nook and crevice within distinct alleyways surrounded with lush landscapes and well-preserved remnants of the past.
To set you up on a trip of a lifetime, we went ahead and listed the best things to do in Philadelphia, PA that offer the most fascinating destinations for locals and tourists alike. Check them out!