15 Things to Do in Philadelphia With Kids

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Philadelphia is steeped in history, but that isn’t all this city has to offer.

Families can find a number of activities that will keep them entertained regardless of the ages involved, including a tour of the best Philly cheesesteak offerings that take place on a Segway that is popular with teens, to parks and events scheduled with toddlers in mind.

Whether you want to entertain the kids, teach them something, or combine the two, you will meet your needs in the following places.

15 Things to do With Kids in Philadelphia

1. Museum of Illusions

Very often things are not as they seem and this is the message of the Museum of Illusions.

Through various rooms that begin with a tilted room and include such thrills as rooms where you grow or shrink, defy gravity, and even walk on walls, the kids will be thrilled.

Add on pictures of illusions and interactive displays, one where you can change noses with your friends, this is a fun place your kids won’t soon forget.

2. Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse

Kids have a lot of energy and that is where a visit to this playground and playhouse can help.

Children under five can visit the large playhouse, where they can enjoy art projects and the play area.

For the older kids, there is an outdoor area that boasts a 440-foot wooden slide and so many climbing structures that your kids will leave pleasantly tired.

Sometimes the best times can be had by allowing the children to explore and sitting back for a breather.

3. Adventure Aquarium

This aquarium is in nearby Camden but is well worth the visit.

The aquarium has over 8500, including the largest known collection of sharks on the East Coast.

They also have other sea creatures such as penguins and hippos.

The kids will love the interactive displays where they can touch a sea star, pet a bamboo shark, or feel a stingray.

That is in addition to numerous educational events planned throughout the day.

4. Please Touch Museum

Kids need to touch. It’s as though their eyes and fingers are directly connected, but so often they are admonished about touching.

That won’t happen at the Please Touch Museum.

What other place do you know that has a raincloud that rains every few minutes?

Younger kids will enjoy riding the carousel in a fairytale-themed forest, while older kids will enjoy the child-sized grocery store and hospital play areas.

There is also an indoor hedge maze a rocket room, and a water adventure area.

5. Philadelphia Zoo

Over 160 years ago, the first zoo in America opened in Philadelphia.

Today, this zoo is home to over 1900 animals, many of whom can not be seen anywhere else in the world, and they are constantly expanding.

Watching animals isn’t the only fun to be had as many of the animals have access to mesh walkways above visitor’s heads as the animals travel between areas of their habitat.

If that wasn’t enough, there is the chance for kids to enjoy a scavenger hunt during their visit, ride a carousel or train, navigate rope courses like the monkeys, or hand feed a variety of birds.

6. The Liberty Bell and Independence Park

The Liberty Bell is located in Independence Park and is only one of many attractions for the family to enjoy.

Kids can learn the history of the Liberty Bell and hear the hourly ringing of the Centennial Bell.

They also have the opportunity to become a Junior Ranger, see many of Benjamin Franklin’s inventions, and play a virtual glass armonica.

There are many other opportunities in this area to have fun and learn, as well as become a part of history.

7. The Academy of Natural Sciences

This activity is sure to be a hit with your budding scientist.

Displays include birds and dinosaurs, and there is even a real eagle’s nest your kids can climb into and dress up as eagles.

For those who aren’t interested in dress-up, there is an area where you can learn about real animals, pet them, and find out how we can each do things to save their habitats.

The lab allows kids to examine things of a smaller nature by looking through a microscope to see things at the cell level.

8. The Franklin Institute

This is another one for the scientists among the kids.

This one is even bigger and better than the previous one.

At the Franklin Institute, your kids can explore science as widely diverse as sports and space.

Watch films on a 79-foot-screen or explore the Universe in the Planetarium.

For those who want to explore even further, the “Your Brain” area is a must-see exhibit that goes in-depth into how the brain works.

9. Franklin Square

Franklin Square is a park that offers whole families a chance to relax and enjoy life without a schedule, or even an agenda.

This huge park offers a carousel and a huge playground for the kids.

Mini-golf is available or adults can relax around the huge fountain in the center of the park.

For those who get hungry, a pre-packed lunch is always nice or you can enjoy the one-of-a-kind square burger at the eatery.

10. Sesame Place

This Sesame Street-themed park is the only one like it in the world.

Although it is located outside of Philadelphia-proper, it is included on our list because it is the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center.

All the rides are based on your child’s favorite characters and there are both traditional and water rides within the park.

Kids can meet their favorite characters in person, watch a parade, or enjoy one of the numerous shows that occur throughout the day.

11. Legoland

Take a train ride and wave at the interactive screen with your magic wand to rack up points, or spend time in the Ninja training camp.

Your kids can meet their favorite Lego characters or watch films in the 4-D cinema.

Even adults can appreciate the miniature Philly constructed from over a million Lego bricks that depict many of the major attractions of this great city.

12. Morris Arboretum

Kids may not be that thrilled with the English sculptures in this place, but that is okay.

As adults wander around, kids can enjoy the “out on a Limb” adventure, which consists of bridges and hammock-like nets up in the trees.

A few hours among beautiful landscapes will allow everyone a chance to catch their breath and prepare for the next adventure.

13. Betsy Ross House

A visit to the home of Betsy Ross is a great educational venture back into time.

“Betsy Ross” herself will talk about her making of the flag and you and the kids can enjoy interactive displays that give you a glimpse into this woman’s life.

A stop in the kitchen will allow kids to see exactly how a meal was prepared in the colonial period.

14. Philadelphia Magic Gardens

This is a different kind of garden than the one above.

Kids can grab a scavenger hunt card and explore walls of colorful glass and tiled mosaics.

There are special interactive tiles they can touch to learn more about the artists and there are daily free tours and special events throughout the year.

15. The Yard

The Yard is a fairly new place that allows kids to experience the feel of a baseball stadium.

They can try their hand at whiffle ball or climb the 30-foot climbing wall.

For those who would instead do tamer things, there is the chance to shoot foam hot dogs at targets and an area where your kids can test their pitching speed with a radar gun.

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Safety Index:

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• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
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• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM