Top 10 Things To Do In Philadelphia With Kids
The city of Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities in the country. Well known for its historic sites, the City of Brotherly Love once served as this countrys capital. Now its chock full of great places to visit, discover, learn, be entertained, and make memories. Here are our recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Philadelphia with kids.
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Smith Memorial Playground And Playhouse
If youre visiting Philadelphia with little kids, take a tip from a local. Only Philly insiders know about Smith Playground. Imagine a 3-storey mansion, with each floor a giant open space where little kids can ride tricycles, climb into play trains, and put on puppet shows. This mansion is surrounded by a huge outdoor playground. Imagine the playground includes a giant slide 13 feet wide, made of polished wood like a bowling alley, where 4, 5, or even 6 kids across can slide down at once, like bowling balls. Kids and adults love it.
Thats Smith Playground in Philadelphia. The house was never meant to be lived in, but was designed as a playhouse for kids. It has been open as a playhouse since 1899. This is a great spot for kids about 9 and under. And its free!
Hellericks Family Farm Reopens Doylestown
For 228 years, the farm one hours drive up Broad Street from City Hall has raised crops. In more recent years, Hellericks has also raised agritainment-based fun with an obstacle course, ziplines, goat yoga, you-pick crops, party packages galore, and, new this season, a silo climbing wall. The farm is open on weekends only through Memorial Day. Ages 2+.
» READ MORE: Find more to do with our weekly events calendar
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Philadelphia Museum Of Art
We are Philadelphias art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitorsthrough scholarly study and creative playto discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the worldand themselvesanew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.
Splash Pads And Sprayparks
Theres no better way to cool off in the summer that to visit one of Phillys splash pads and spray parks. While they are scattered throughout the city, two of the best for visitors to Philly are the ones in Sister Cities Park near Logan Square and Dilworth Park next to City Hall.
Take a few minutes out of your busy day visiting sites in Philly to let the kids splash around. Theres a good chance it might be there favorite part of visiting the city.
What is your favorite thing to do with kids in Philadelphia? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Botanical Gardens And Miniature Trains
Longwood Gardens was named USA Todays Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in 2019 and for a good reason! Located about 45 minutes west of Philadelphia in Kennett Square, this spectacular light display features half a million lights, colorful fountains dancing to music, and a charming garden railway. What a great holiday tradition for locals and tourists alike! Inside the Conservatory, gaze upon elaborately decorated Christmas trees, gorgeous botanicals, and fragrant flowers from November 20 to January 10. Another option, located in Phillys Chestnut Hill neighborhood, is the lovely Morris Arboretum, which hosts an annual Holiday Garden Railway. The stunning display and buildings are created from natural materials and feature exact replicas of Philadelphia-area landmarks like Independence Hall. With a quarter-mile of track, fifteen rail lines, and two cable cars, the outdoor display sits in the winter garden. Catch it on display the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Eve!
Please Touch Museum Philadelphia
A must-visit place for kids to have experiences of the outer world. There are some amazing role play exhibits, exhibits to tinker their imagination into space.
The kids enjoy the River adventures exhibit as they float their boats on the mini Schuylkill river and work up with the dam. This is such a fun way that the kids dont even realize that they are practicing STEM principles at the Please Touch Museum. A new exhibit on Money, where they work up with coins and bills is a hot favorite.
There is even a wooden carousel said to be 100 years old that the kids throng to.
Pro Tip:The admission on the First Wednesday of every month is $2 from 4 p.m. 7 p.m. But mind the long queues and waiting time.
Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Time to spend: Full Day
Ticket: $19.95 Parking: The parking lot at the museum charges $16
Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. , 11 a.m. 5 p.m.
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Best Things To Do In Philadelphia With Kids
- Art and design
- Bainbridge St Booksellers Row
Little ones will love wandering through this whimsical space, its winding walls filled with colorful glass and tiled mosaics. First, stop by the front desk to snag your scavenger hunt card then explore interactive corners where kids can touch tiles, tools and hear stories about the space. Drop in for free daily tours that will teach all about the gardens muralist, Isaiah Zagar, and be sure to check the website for monthly special events, like family-friendly crafternoons and live musical performances after-hours.
- Kids
- East Parkside
With rope mountains to climb and slides to zoom down galore, this 16,000-square0foot playhouse is every childs dream come true. Younger tots will love roaming and hiding in the three-storied playhouse while older kids eagerly explore nearly seven acres of jungle gym fantasies. But beware, adventurers of all ages will quickly become addicted to the famous 39-foot-long slide with a daring 13-foot wide slope. Prepare to hear one too many Just 5 more minutes?
One Liberty Observation Deck
Location: 1650 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Philadelphia is so outstanding from a higher point of view. Try to go to One Liberty Observation Deck, in the city center, and take a look from above. Right from here, you can take a 360-degree view from 57 floors up. Do not hesitate to take your camera with you, to capture this moment.
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Youth Soccer Day Fdr Park
Future footballers gather at the Boathouse at FDR Park for kayak tours, meet-and-greets with Union players, balloon animal making, Frisbee throwing, face painting, snacking, DJ listening, and ball-kicking all to encourage more kids to get into the worlds most popular sport. Registration requested. Ages 8-12.
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.
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Philadelphia Day Trips: Bushkill Falls
One of the most popular outdoor attractions in the state, Bushkill Falls is a remarkable series of eight waterfalls sometimes referred to as the “The Niagara of Pennsylvania”. A short 15-minute trail leads to a viewing platform overlooking the Main Falls, and there are several other longer trails that lead past the other waterfalls as well. After admiring the falls, visitors can also play a round of mini golf, go for a paddle boat ride, or relax in the beautiful picnic area. The park is only open to visitors between April and November, and an admission fee is charged.
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Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches
Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches is an award-winning concept that features 13 unique semi-circular teak benches scattered around Historic Philadelphia where Once Upon A Nation uniformed storytellers share tales from the nation’s history. Open during the Spring and Summer, these benches are located throughout the Independence National Historical Park area outside many of the top attractions and staffed during the daytime with professional storytellers who entertain and educate visitors with short stories about the culture and history of the city, region, and country.
Philadelphia, PA 19121-1095
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+ Free Things To Do In Philly This Summer With Kids
We’ve rounded up over 60 free things to do in Philly that will keep kids entertained all summer long without breaking the bank. When school’s out and camp is only so many weeks, that leaves tons of time to kill and plenty of heat to beat. Armed with this list of free nature activities, arts and culture festivals, block parties, performances, movies in the park, and more, you’ll never hear the dreaded “I’m bored” chorus this summer!
For other ways to spend the hazy, lazy days of summer, browse our Summer Activities Guide for Philly Kids. Read on to discover our favorite, free activities in Philly this summerand be sure to check our events calendar as we’re adding more free fun to it every day.
Holiday Fun On The Farm
Holiday fun is even better on a farm! Just north of the city in Yardley, visit Shady Brook Farms drive-through Christmas light show from November 21 through January 10. There, kids will be amazed by over three million lights and whimsical displays across acres of farmland. And thats not all! The farm is also offering an open-air tractor ride through the light show, plus a walkable area called Candy Cane Lane featuring musical, dancing lights. Families can also purchase a Christmas tree and treats in the farm shop. Linvalla Orchards, another popular spot west of Philadelphia, even offers families the opportunity to cut their own trees to take home. A trip here also guarantees a visit with Santa and his elves in their Winter Wonderland, live music, the Philly Waffle Cabin. Plus, a large selection of holiday decorations and gifts! Celebrations span select dates from November 28 through December 23.
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Best Places To Explore In Philadelphia With Kids
There are lots of things to explore and see in the City of Brotherly Love, from visiting an amazing museum, to simply devouring some cheesecakes the size of your face. You will find all of them in our comprehensive list.
Whether your kids enjoy watching the animals in a zoo, or they are curious about jumping and playing while also learning in a sensorial museum, Philly has them all. Some of these places are very touristy, some offer much more intimacy, but you are all covered. Ready to explore? Lets go!
Best Philadelphia Day Trips & Weekend Getaways With Kids Of All Ages
Home to the Appalachian Mountains, and some of the country’s most unique and exciting amusement parks, Pennsylvania is a perfectly suited to day trips with children. There’s something here for everyone nature lovers will be awed by the sparkling rock formations at Crystal Cave, thrill seekers will be swept off their feet by the rides at Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park, and kids with an interest in history will love the chance to tour the Amish Village or take a ride on one of the historic streetcars at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.
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See History At The Liberty Bell One Of The Best Things To Do In Philadelphia With Kids
A real icon of the United States, the Liberty Bell is a great trip out and is also free to visit. Seen as being one of the worlds most enduring symbols of freedom. It was rung at some point to signify the independence of the country from Great Britain and also was adopted as a symbol by abolitionist communities. Today theres a hall to walk through with information relating to its history and that of the country. You can then walk around the bell at the end and visiting is one of great things for kids to do in Philadelphia.
rainy day option
City Hall And Dilworth Parkcenter City
In the heart of Center City, you’ll find City Hall, topped with the beloved statue of William Penn keeping watch over Philadelphians and bringing luck to our sports teams. In addition to the building’s impressive architecture, Dilworth Park in front of City Hall is a hub of activity, with an outdoor skating rink in the winter, a fountain splash pad in the summer, dining options, entertainment, and more. It’s also a skip away from LOVE Park, named for the iconic sculpture by Robert Indiana, which also happens to be one of Philly’s most Instagrammable spots.
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Fun Things To Do With Kids In Philadelphia
Jim CheneyDisclosure:
Planning a trip to Philly with the whole family? If so, youre probably looking for the best things to with kids in Philadelphia, PA. Fortunately, there are a lot of great places in the city that are perfect for children of all ages.
While no visit to Philly is complete without visiting Independence Hall or the Philadelphia Museum of Art , these are a few of my favorite attractions that are specifically geared towards kids or have a lot of kid-friendly activities. Adding in a few of these during your trip will ensure that every member of the family loves their trip to the city.
Here are a few of my familys favorite things to do with kids in Philadelphia.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Ricks favorite Philadelphia pop-up park is Spruce Street Harbor Park. This quirky park is a converted dock on the Delaware River . Philadelphia locals know the park pops up only from spring to September.
This urban beach on the riverbank has colorful hammocks and lights hanging from trees. During the day it feels like an outdoor party for all ages. The dock has café seating and a net weve sat on that extends over the water. The park is free. Arcade games, food and drinks are not, says Ricks.
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Art Museum And Rocky Statue
For many people, coming to Philadelphia means running up the steps of the art museum like Rocky Balboa. At the base of the steps to this fabulous museum stands the statue. Its the perfect place to get your picture taken. After climbing to the top of the steps enjoy not only the entrance to this beautiful museum, but also a wonderful view of the city both worth your time to enjoy and one of the more memorable things to do with kids in Philadelphia.
Or See Another Side Of Your Favorite Museum
The Barnes FoundationThis true Philly treasure is surprisingly kid-friendly. At Toddler Time , there are book readings, crafts, and movement activities, while parents with babies up to 18 months can sign up for the regular 45-minute guided Stroller Tours. 2025 Ben Franklin Parkway, Fairmount.
The Franklin InstituteThrough April 19th, the Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience is on, with interactive exhibits like upside-down tic-tac-toe, a train-car jump, and a pit filled with 76,000 balls. Or camp-in youll get a souvenir patch that gives you free access to the museum for the rest of 2020. 222 North 20th Street, Logan Circle.
Independence HallSure, theyve seen where the Declaration was signed, but are the kids official Junior Rangers? Download the free Independence Junior Ranger app, pick up the activity book at the visitors center, and complete activities to earn a badge and certificate. Theres even an induction ceremony. 520 Chestnut Street, Old City.
Philadelphia ZooA ropes course, a zip line, the new nighttime Luminature show , the opportunity to spend the night clearly, animals arent the only draw at Americas oldest zoo anymore. 3400 West Girard Avenue, West Philly.
Unroll your sleeping bag to snooze next to lions, tigers or dinosaurs, and check out the live butterfly garden and giant T-rex without all the crowds.
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