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Kids Fun In Philadelphia
The Liberty Bell isn't the only thing to see in one of the East Coast's most interesting cities. Getting around is easy too: Philadelphia Trolley Works (215/389-TOUR) runs guided tours of all the landmarks aboard Victorian-style, burgundy and green trolleys. Choose a 90-minute ride, or an all-day pass which enables you to hop on and off at select stops. For more information on Philadelphia and the region, visit www.gophila.com, or contact the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau (215/636-3300).
Family Savings Alert!
This destination participates in the following savings programs that give families access to tours and attractions at discounted prices. Check out what's available:
Citypass: Save up to 50% off a select group of top family attractions in 10 exciting cities.
Go City Cards & Explorer Passes: Top attractions and tours for 1 low price at 14 destinations.
Viator: Lowest price on separate tickets for top attractions and events in 450 destinations.
The Liberty Bell
Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215/597-8974
At the city's most famous attraction, guides and volunteers will inform you of the bell's amazing history, from the time it beckoned Philadelphians to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, to its repeated cracking and recasting, until it lapsed into silence. Remember, the "No Touch" policy is in effect here! After visiting hours, you can still see this heirloom through the glass walls protecting it, and listen to a recorded rendition of the bell's history.
National Liberty Museum
321 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215/925-2800
A new interactive museum on the Liberty Trail which features 350 exhibits of famous heroes thoughout history. Artworks depicting important figures such as Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Mohandas Gandhi, and many others, are scattered around the musuem. In addition, the NLM boasts exhibits depicting various ideals of American life, such as democracy, liberty, and tolerance. There's a simulated voting machine for kids, a collection of White House china, a stained-glass depiction of Noah's Ark, and two life-size statues created entirely from 25,642 jellybeans.
Old City - Birth of a Nation
Front and 2nd Streets between Arch and Race Streets
A walking tour through the Old City is the best way for the family to gather an impression of Colonial Philadelphia. Elfreth's Alley (215/574-0560) is one of the oldest preserved residential communities in America. The Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street (215/686-1252), the home of the presumed seamstress of the first Stars and Stripes is worth a stop on the tour. Another great stop for kids is the Fireman's Hall Museum at 147 North 2nd Street (215/923-1438), dedicated to the complete history of fire fighting. Franklin Court, at Market between 3rd and 4th Streets, is an unusual subterranean museum built under the excavated remains of Franklin's first permanent home that's designed to answer questions about his life and his inspiration for invention. In summertime, look for the costumed re-enactors from Once Upon A Nation, the group that organizes free storytelling benches at 13 locations around Historic Philadelphia, including Christ Church, Franklin Square and Signers’ Garden. Children can obtain a Story Flag at any bench, collect a star from each storyteller and exchange the flag complete with 13 stars for a certificate and coupon book at the Independence Living History Center or the Franklin Square Shop.
Independence Seaport Museum
211 South Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215/413-8655
At this clever nautical museum children can view naval wartime artifacts, dozens of model ships, jump in a small boat to row around the Schuylkill River, utilize a miniaturized crane to unload cargo from container ships, and purchase tickets for the USS Becuna and Olympia at Penn's Landing. The first is a 318-foot-long submarine of the World War II "guppy class." Kids and navy fans will love the authentic submarine veterans who guide tours that detail what life was like at war in these tight quarters. The Olympia is the last remaining flagship from the Spanish-American War.
Mummers Museum
1100 South 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19149
215/336-3050
Older children will enjoy this museum devoted to the extravagently costumed Mummers, who give a parade up Broad Street every year on New Year's Day. Kids are given the opportunity to compose their own push-button medleys, dance, and observe filmed footage of past historical parades.
University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215/898-4000
One of the best archaeological/anthropological collections in the world, this museum at the noted University of Pennsylvania, offers great exhibits to intrigue the kids, as well as incredibly rare finds to astonish parents. Ancient wonders include an exhibit of the world's oldest writing and a 12-ton Sphinx from Egypt, gathered during the university's early-20th century digs.
Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia
19 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215/563-3737
Incredible, if gory, collection of preserved brains and body parts, and exhibits and artifacts that span the history of medical science. Of particular interest in the museum's collection are the connected livers famous Siamese Twins Chang and Eng, and the skeleton of a woman whose rib-cage was compressed by tight lacing. Certainly a fun afternoon for the family when the more prominent attractions in Philly have already been covered. Children under 6 are admitted free, though they may find some of the displays a little frightening.
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