Family-Friendly Adventures in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!

Liberty Bell Center

Why Visit?

Welcome to your exciting family day at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, a symbol of freedom and history! Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

Morning: Arrival at Liberty Bell Center

Start your day early by arriving at the Liberty Bell Center, located at 526 Market Street. The best way to get here is by public transit, as parking downtown can be challenging. The 5th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line is just a short walk away. Admission is free, and no tickets are required, but arriving early helps avoid the crowds.

Exploring the Liberty Bell

Once inside, you"ll see the iconic Liberty Bell with its famous crack. A park ranger will likely be available to answer questions. Learn about the bell’s creation in 1752, and its role in American history, including its ringing on July 8, 1776, to mark the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Don"t miss the video presentation and the exhibits detailing how abolitionists, suffragists, and other groups adopted the bell as a symbol of freedom.

Interactive Activities

For kids, interactive displays and a scavenger hunt through the exhibits make the history come alive. They can also participate in Junior Ranger programs offered by the National Park Service.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a stroll to the nearby Independence Beer Garden or pack a picnic to enjoy in Independence National Historical Park, offering beautiful views and space for kids to play.

Afternoon: More Historical Fun

Post lunch, visit Independence Hall, just a block away, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Timed entry tickets are required and can be picked up or reserved online.

Evening: Wrap Up

Conclude your day with a walk through the charming cobblestone streets of Old City, perhaps grabbing a Philly cheesesteak for dinner before heading home, enriched with history and happy memories from your day at the Liberty Bell Center!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Betsy Ross House

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Exploring Betsy Ross House and Surrounding Attriles

Morning: Start your day early at the Betsy Ross House, located at 239 Arch Street in Philadelphia. It"s easily accessible by public transit; take the Market-Frankford Line to 5th Street Station and walk for about 5 minutes. Dive into the life of Betsy Ross, who is widely credited with sewing the first American flag. The self-guided tour, enhanced with audio stories available for rent, brings the 18th century to life for both kids and adults.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that Betsy Ross’s upholstery skills were so exceptional that she was entrusted with creating the flag by George Washington himself, according to legend?

Late Morning: After exploring the house, participate in the interactive Flag-Raising ceremony held in the courtyard, providing a great hands-on experience for the kids. This event usually happens at 10 AM, so be sure to check the schedule.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic at the nearby Franklin Square, one of the original five squares in Philadelphia. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Betsy Ross House. The park also features a playground and a vintage carousel, perfect for a family-friendly atmosphere.

Afternoon: Post lunch, head to the Independence Seaport Museum by catching the bus 57 from Market St and let the maritime adventures captivate your family’s imagination. It’s a 15-minute ride plus a short walk. Explore historic ships, submarine Becuna, and the interactive exhibits about the Philadelphia region"s waterways.

Interesting Fact: The Seaport Museum also offers boat-building workshops, where children can learn about naval engineering and crafts.

Evening: Wrap up your day with dinner at City Tavern, where waitstaff dressed in colonial attire serve recipes that were favorites during the American colonial period. It"s a delightful 10-minute walk back towards the heart of Old City, Philadelphia.

Enjoy your historical and fun-filled day in Philly with the family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Rocky Statue

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Visiting the Rocky Statue in Philadelphia

Morning: Arrival at the Rocky Statue

Start your family adventure at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks - the Rocky Statue. Located at the base of the steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this famous statue is a must-see. To get there, you can easily take public transport (bus route 38 or 43 from downtown) or drive and park nearby.

Fun Fact: The statue was originally created for a scene in the movie "Rocky III" and was donated to the city by Sylvester Stallone.

Mid-Morning: Run Up the “Rocky Steps”

After snapping some fun photos with the statue, gear up for a family challenge: racing up the 72 stone steps just like Rocky! It’s a great way for the kids to burn off some energy and for the whole family to recreate a classic movie moment.

Lunch: Picnic at Fairmount Park

By now, you"ll have worked up an appetite. Just a short walk from the museum, Fairmount Park offers beautiful picnic spots. Grab a bite from one of the local delis before heading out and enjoy a relaxing lunch outdoors.

Afternoon: Philadelphia Museum of Art

Post-lunch, dive into some culture at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, right behind the Rocky steps. The museum is family-friendly, with several interactive exhibits for children. Don’t miss the “Please Touch” exhibits specifically designed for younger visitors!

Fun Fact: The museum"s collection includes works from Picasso, Van Gogh, and many other famous artists.

Late Afternoon: Boathouse Row

Conclude your day with a leisurely walk to Boathouse Row, a historic site located on the east bank of the Schuylkill River. It’s famous for its charming Victorian boathouses lit up at dusk, providing a perfect backdrop for your family photos.

This engaging tour not only covers the legendary Rocky Statue but also blends fun, education, and relaxation, all set against the backdrop of vibrant Philadelphia!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through history at Eastern State Penititariany, a fascinating landmark located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here"s a family-friendly itinerary to maximize your visit:

Morning Arrival and Introduction

Start your adventure early to avoid crowds. The site is easily accessible via public transportation; catch bus routes 48, 43, or 33 which drop you right outside, or if you"re driving, there’s available parking nearby. Begin at the visitor center, where you can pick up an audio guide that offers a specialty tour tailored for families, featuring engaging narratives that capture the imagination of both adults and children.

Exploring the Cellblocks

As you walk through the historic cellblocks, imagine life inside these vaulted, sky-lit cells. Learn about the penitentiary"s groundbreaking "separate system" intended for prisoner reform and how it eventually influenced over 300 prisons worldwide. The audio tour includes stories about famous inmates like Al Capone, whose lavishly decorated cell contrasts sharply with others.

Hands-On History

Participate in the "Hands-On History" interactive experiences scattered throughout the site. These brief, staff-led demonstrations are perfect for curious minds. Highlights include exploring the restored synagogue and learning about the daily lives of inmates.

Art Installations and Special Exhibits

Discover the rotating art installations and special exhibits which provide contemporary reflections on the prison"s history and the broader American criminal justice system. These thought-provoking displays are both educational and engaging for older children and adults.

Picnic Lunch

Wrap up your visit with a picnic lunch in the nearby Fairmount Avenue Gardens. Enjoy a relaxing break and discuss the day"s discoveries.

Departure

After lunch, stroll through the charming Fairmount neighborhood or visit the nearby Philadelphia Museum of Art to continue your day in Philadelphia.

Make your trip to Eastern State Penitentiary a memorable learning experience, exploring the echoes of history and contemplating the complexities of justice and reform.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Independence Visitor Center

Why Visit?

Welcome to Independence Visitor Center, the perfect starting point for a family-friendly adventure through America"s historic heart in Philadelphia! Here"s a captivating one-day itinerary sure to delight all ages.

Morning: Start your day at the Independence Visitor Center located at 599 Market Street. Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure tickets for various attractions. Pick up a park map and check out the gift shop for some souvenirs. The center opens at 8:30 AM, making it ideal to gather information and plan your journey efficiently.

Just a short walk from the visitor center, explore the iconic Liberty Bell at the Liberty Bell Center. Be amazed by the bell’s storied crack and learn about its historical significance in American freedom. It"s a quick 5-minute walk – head north on 6th Street, and you"re there!

Midday: After the Liberty Bell, take a leisurely 10-minute walk along Arch Street to reach the Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. The guided tours here are engaging for kids and adults alike, filled with stories about the Founding Fathers.

Lunch: Post your morning tour, grab lunch at the Independence Beer Garden on 6th and Market Street, offering kid-friendly meals and a relaxed atmosphere.

Afternoon: Post lunch, walk over to the Benjamin Franklin Museum (about a 7-minute walk via Chestnut Street). Engage with interactive exhibits that paint a picture of one of America’s most influential founding fathers.

Late Afternoon: Conclude your day at the Betsy Ross House, a short 10-minute walk from Benjamin Franklin Museum via Arch Street. Dive into the fascinating life of the woman who famously sewed the first American flag.

Each stop is stroller-friendly and offers interactive activities for children, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for the entire family. Enjoy your historical journey through Independence National Historical Park!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.