If your family has recovered from the wonderful Star Wars show that rocked Philadelphia, the super fun Franklin Institute Science Museum (215/448-1200) at 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, is hosting its newest exhibit: "Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship."

Beginning May 31st, "Real Pirates" presents the story of the Whydah, sunk in a fierce storm off the coast of Massachusetts in April 1717. She was located by underwater explorer Barry Clifford in 1984, becoming the first fully authenticated pirate ship to be discovered in American waters. Families can examine more than 200 treasures recovered from the wreck and a full-size replica of the actual ship itself.

And even better, the Loews Philadelphia Hotel (800/235-6397 or 215/231-7333), 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, is offering a "Real Pirates Premier Hotel Package" between May 31 and November 2, 2008. It starts at $199/N per room (sleeping four in two queen beds) and includes overnight accommodations in one of the hotel's 581 guestrooms, two untimed and undated VIP tickets to the exhibit, as well as a Sci-Pass admission to the Franklin Institute. Packages are not available for groups of 10 or more and are subject to availability.

Enjoy one of the newly renovated rooms at the Loews, a high-style, top service, landmarked hotel etched out of the converted Art Deco PSFS office building that's ideally located near the major historic attractions.

To learn more about the Franklin Institute and other great family fun attractions in Philadelphia check out Family Travel Forum's Philadelphia, PA Family Guide. Also to read more about the Loew's Philadelphia visit FTF's article, "Top Family Hotels in Gay Urban America," which features the hotel.

By Jillian Ryan