Philadelphia is always fun-filled and family-friendly

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Sesame Place
Kids go wild over the Rock Around the Block Parade at Sesame Place, the only theme park in the nation featuring the popular TV show’s most lovable characters, including Zoe and Big Bird. A water park, rides, interactive activities, fireworks and the brand new Sunny Day Carousel add to the fun. Credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia™
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Must-Do Attractions

Even with kids tagging along, some of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions are still fun to do! The Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell Center are educational and interesting for most ages. Plus the streets are littered with art instalments and city-wide murals which offer plenty of interesting visual interactions as you stroll around the city.

Legoland Discovery Center

Whatever the weather is like outside – you and your darlings can enjoy lots of fun at the Legoland Discovery Center. If your little ones love Lego then they will enjoy the total immersion into a world of lego that the discovery center offers. Plenty to while away an hour or two – and there are discounts available on Lego purchases in-store.

The Franklin Institute

The most-visited museum in Pennsylvania features interesting elements both inside and outside of the building. Internationally renowned artist Ned Kahn used 12,500 clear anodized aluminum squares to make up The Franklin Institute’s Shimmer Wall, which changes in response to the wind. It’s the centerpiece of the relaxing rain garden and atrium—a perfect chill-out spot for people exploring Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Credit: Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA™

One of the northeast’s most popular science museums, The Franklin Institue has a virtual city-block of kid-friendly exhibitions, including Giant Heart, Space Command, SportsZone, Sir Isaac’s Loft, Amazing Machine, Electricity, Train Factory, The Franklin Air Show, Changing Earth and the outdoor, rooftop Joel N. Bloom Observatory. Check out their website for more information about exhibitions and opening hours.

Philadelphia Zoo

I’m not a big fan of Zoos – but I can see a place for them if their prime focus is on conservation and education, and of course there is a high level of integrety when in comes to looking after the animals – especially with their spacial surroundings. Philadelphia Zoo seems to tick most of these boxes and a trip with kids will illuminate and educate. One piece of innovation – the first in the world – is an animal travel and exploration train system allowing primates and big cats to move above and across the main visitor pathway. This provides additional stimulation for wildlife and guests alike! Check out philadelphiazoo.org/ for more details.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

This is the oldest natural history museum in the Americas and a constatnt rotation of exhibits helps keep it fresh. Ever popular with kids is the Dinosaur Hall (complete with a fossil preparation lab and dig site) and a children’s interactive nature center with live animals; historic dioramas and visiting exhibits. For more info of what’s on check out ansp.org

At more than 200 years old, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is America’s oldest natural history museum. Visitors of all ages can wander through a tropical garden filled with live butterflies, meet live animals, see three continents of wildlife in their natural habitats and get face to face with towering dinosaurs.
Credit: Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA™

Longwood Gardens

A renowned horticultural destination which provides inspirational botanical displays. There are plenty of child-friendly spaces with hands-on water features, handcrafted sculptures and secret stairways which are all part of a Children’s Garden located in the Conservatory. There is also Children’s Corner with a Flower Fountain where kids can have great fun splashing as the older family members watch on. In October, Longwood makes room for a Pumpkin Playground. For more information check out longwoodgardens.org

Longwood Gardens’ dynamic new indoor children’s garden features an imaginative group of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted garden elements, as well as pools, caves, waterfalls, a bamboo maze, sculptures and a lookout tower. Credit: Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia™

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse

The Smith Memorial Playground is one of the oldest playgrounds in the USA. The 6.5-acre playground is best known for the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide which dates back to circa 1899 and offers children (ages 10 and under) a safe place to play and is free for all. There is a Tot Lot for children aged five and under which features more than 20 pieces of age-appropriate play equipment. Not forgetting the 16,000-square-foot Playhouse. The mission of the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is to provide and promote opportunities for unstructured free play for children. For more information visit http://smithplayground.org/about/

Sesame Place

This is the nation’s only theme park which is dedicated purely to the award-winning television show, Sesame Street®. With Big Bird, Elmo and plenty more stars of Sesame Street wandering around the park; plus a water park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), loads of rides, interesting interactive activities, parades and shows, there is no end to the fun and learning. For more info check out https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/

Kids go wild over the Rock Around the Block Parade at Sesame Place, the only theme park in the nation featuring the popular TV show’s most lovable characters, including Zoe and Big Bird. A water park, rides, interactive activities, fireworks and the brand new Sunny Day Carousel add to the fun.
Credit: Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia™

The Observation Deck at One

Instagram lovers, rejoice! The Observation Deck at One Liberty Place offers breathtaking, picture-perfect skyline views 57 stories above the ground starting this summer. For more info check out https://phillyfromthetop.com/

Sleek, modern buildings dominate Philadelphia’s skyline. Until 1987, a gentlemen’s agreement limited building construction to the height of City Hall. Today, lights emanate from dozens of buildings, making the nation’s fifth largest city sparkle.
Credit: Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia™

For more information on these and many more attractions and events visit the VISIT PHILADELPHIA® website.

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