• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Want to share America's history with the little ones? Here's how to make it fun and educational.

You want to experience some American history, but how many young children want to be dragged along to see it, even if it is the birthplace of our nation? Well, now history doesn’t have to boring, in fact, it can be downright exciting. Take your kids on an entertaining (and little do they know, educational) trip, while you get all the adult-fun you need.

Philadelphia: Ben Franklin’s Home

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, so there’s many things to learn. Kick off your tour with a free visit to The Liberty Bell. If your kids love science, they can even see an X-ray of the bell. Stop by the Independence Visitor Center (800/537-7676, 6th and Market Streets) for one-stop ticket buying. Little ones will not have a huge appetite for these types of places, of course, but you might try one or two such as the flag-maker Betsy Ross’s surprisingly compact house where you can meet her impersonator.

The Lights of Liberty Show is a more kid-friendly option and runs from March through October, starting at dusk. It’s best described as an outdoor sound and light journey through history with 50-foot-high illuminated projections. Not only does it tell an educational story about the area, the huge colorful exhibits will astound children and adults alike.

Browse through the Reading Terminal Market (215/922-2317), one of America’s largest and oldest farmers’ markets dating back to 1893. It’s a great place for families to eat because there are dozens of different food outlets where everyone can find a new morsel to love. The 1,300-animal Philadelphia Zoo (215/243-1100) is the first in the nation and attracts young visitors with a pony at the Children’s Zoo.

If your family is looking for a fun nighttime activity, why not take a Ghost Tour? This 90-minute candlelit walking tour tells folklore and haunted tales about Philadelphia and its history. Not up for walking? They also offer a trolley tour that covers more ground. There’s more historical fun to be had at Franklin Square; the historical Philadelphia icon themed mini-golf and a carousel ensure a good time for everyone. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a story telling bench occupied by ‘Once Upon A Nation.” This organization provides free story telling about Franklin Square and the surrounding areas.

With history behind you, a can’t-miss in Philly is the Please Touch Museum (215/963-0667) where kids are encouraged to touch and explore. Performers include musicians and storytellers and shows are offered free with admission.  If you want to save money during your visit, bring along your own food and dine in the Recycled City Lounge, where beverages and snacks are available.

Once the kids have had their fill of museums and historical haunts, between late May and mid October, you can make the 30-minute drive from Philadelphia to Sesame Place (866/GO-4-ELMO) in Langhorne. Spend the day on whirling rides, water slides, watching colorful shows and getting to know Elmo and friends.