fun things to do with kids in philadelphia   Travel for Kids
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Philadelphia

In 1776, Philadelphia was the largest city in the United States – here the founders met to write and sign the Declaration of Independence and Constitution in Independence Hall. Visit the historic old city to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin's house, and more. Penn's Landing along the Delaware River is a reminder of Philadelphia's history of sea trade and shipbuilding. Philadelphia has excellent art, science and natural history museums along the Parkway, and head to Fairmount Park when kids need a change of pace.
Philadelphia Photo Album
 
    blue bullet Independence Hall & Square
    blue bullet Historic Old City
    blue bullet Penn's Landing
    blue bullet Center City
    blue bullet Parkway Museums
    blue bullet Fairmount Park
Greater Philadelphia
  blue bullet Valley Forge
    black bullet Tip: So many historic sites to see in Philadelphia, based on the age and interests of children, make your own family itinerary. For example, older kids and teens with a background in American history will get the most out of the National Constitution Center, Museum of the American Revolution, Independence and Congress Halls. For younger kids, visit the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, go to Franklin Square to ride the eagle carousel, have an ice cream at Franklin's Fountain.
    black bullet Public transportation – In the downtown area, use the comprehensive bus, trolley, rail system (SEPTA), plenty of stops in the historic old city. Get the Family Independence Pass, one day unlimited travel for up to five people.
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Fun food

   

Try Amish baked treats, doughnuts made by hand at Reading Terminal Market, look for big soft pretzels, chocolate covered pretzels, Italian sweets such as cannoli, pizzelle, Philly cheesesteak and hoagie sandwiches.

   

On a hot summer day, head over to old-fashioned Franklin Fountain for ice cream, try flavors such as "Whirly Berly," "Franklin Mint Chip," or "Honeycomb," along with milkshakes and sundaes.

family hotels philadelphia

Travel for Kids has plenty of fun things to do with kids in Philadelphia, but you'll need a fun place to stay.

Here's our own Travel for Kids hand-picked list of family hotels in Philadelphia, all styles and price ranges, in neighborhoods that are comfortable for families, and near to places you'll want to explore:

green bullet Philadelphia family hotels
 
travel tools philadelphia

Buy Go City Philadelphia 1, 2, 3, or 5 day pass for discounts and admission to Philadelphia Museum of Art, National Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House, Museum of the American Revolution, and more. Savings for the whole family, pick attractions to see!

blue bullet Go City Philadelphia
kids bookspennsylvania
     
larry gets lost in philadelphia  
Larry Gets Lost in Philadelphia
John Skewes, Michael Mullin

Go with Larry and his dog Pete on an adventure through Philadelphia. While Larry orders a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, Pete disappears. Larry searches down Elsfreth's Alley, past the Betsy Ross House, into Franklin Court, to Independence Square, City Hall, up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and finds Pete at the Philadelphia Zoo. (Picture book)

 

     
Who Was Ben Franklin?
Dennis Brindell Fradin, John O'Brien

Illustrated biography of Ben Franklin, inventor, scientist, signer of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, printer, poet, publisher, diplomat, politician, general, cartoonist, postmaster, parent, best-selling author. (Chapter book)

 

 
who was ben franklin
     
i am benjamin franklin  
I am Benjamin Franklin
Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos

“If you're willing to experiment, you can learn something new, and use it to improve things.”

Ben Franklin invented a stove and lightning rod, owned newspaper and printing business, his experiments with electricity made him famous, organized a hospital and fire department in Philadelphia, one of the Founding Fathers, he worked on the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. (Picture book)

 

     
To the Future, Ben Franklin
(Magic Tree House)
Mary Pope Osborne

Annie and Jack are whisked back to Old Philadelphia in 1787. They need to meet up with "Doctor Ben," to help convince him to sign the the new Constitution. (Easy reader)

Also, non-fiction companion book: Benjamin Franklin

 

 
to the future ben franklin
     
what is the declaration of independence  

History of the Declaration of Independence, from Thomas Jefferson, sitting in a house in Philadelphia, writing this historic declaration of freedom from Great Britain, debate by the Continental Congress, signers of the document, with historical illustrations. (Chapter book)

 

     
The Liberty Bell
Mary Firestone, Matthew Skeens

Illustrated history of the Liberty Bell, symbol of freedom. On July 8,1776, this bell rang out in honor of the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The bell was hidden from the British during the American Revolution, and became the symbol of the fight to end slavery. (Picture book)

 

 
the liberty bell
     
what is the constitution  
What Is the Constitution?
Patricia Brennan Demuth

ead about the hot summer of 1787, when delegates met in Philadelphia to write the Constitution. James Madison came up with first plan, but there was intense disagreement between larger and smaller states about representation in Congress, and at times it seemed the convention would dissolve. (Chapter book)

 

     
Who Was Betsy Ross?
James Buckley Jr.

Illustrated biography of Betsy Ross, a young widow with her own sewing business in Philadelphia. According to her family, in 1776, George Washington came to her house, and asked her to sew a flag with thirteen stars and stripes, the first flag of the United States. Perfect to read before visiting the Betsy Ross house. (Chapter book)

 

 
who was betsy ross
     
a is for art museum  
A is for Art Museum
Katy Friedland, Marla K. Shoemaker

Before a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this is an excellent introduction to artworks kids will see – Monet's waterlily pond, Chinese dog cage, Degas' Little Dancer, Van Gogh Sunflowers, tapestries, sculpture, quilts, armor, Japanese teahouse and more. (Picture book)

 

     
hello philadelphia  
Hello Philadelphia!
Martha Zschock

Take a trip through Philadelphia with two eagles, play in Fairmount Park, see the Liberty Bell, learn about the American flag, eat a cheesesteak. Fun for toddlers. (Board book)

 

 
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