The Simple Family-Friendly Visitor's Guide to Philly

7/28/2019 The Simple Family-Friendly Visitor's Guide to Philly

1/15

My Best TravelAdvice:

Aim small. Set one or two to-do goals for each place you

visit and be happy when you

accomplish them. Anything

extra you do is a bonus! Keep a

good attitude. The kids wont

remember the details of the

trip as much as they will you

laughing and having fun

together as a family. Enjoy

your time together!

Also See:These sites are also lots of fun

and although they didnt make

my top-10 list, they are certainly

well worth checking out if you

have the time!

Reading Terminal Market: An

amazing indoor farmers market/

eatery that kids love!

Independence Hall: Rich in history,

but not entirely kid-friendly. Use

your judgement!

Fairmount Water Works: Within

walking distance from the Museum

of Art. Interactive exhibit about

water and its many usages.

U.S. Mint: Working mint is a great

place to go with kids who are

interested in coins or their history.

z z

A city steeped in history, yet chock-full of modern fun and

adventure as well. Just a short drive from many eastern seaboard

cities; dont miss all Philadelphia has to offer your family!

TOP 10MUST-SEE SITES

A D E T A I L E D G U I D E T O H A V I N G F U N ( W I T H K I D S ! ) I N P H I L L Y !

Historical

1. Liberty Bell

2. National Constitution Center

3. Betsy Ross House & Elfreths Alley

4. Independence Seaport Museum

Fun

1. Franklin Institute

2. Please Touch Museum

3. Philadelphia Zoo

4. Smith Playground

Culture

1. Museum of Art

2. Academy of Natural Sciences


2/15

Travel Tips:I have tried to make all of my information as applicable as possible toeveryone who may be visiting Philly with kids: parents, grandparents, military

families, families with physical disabilities, etc. When applicable, I have

specially noted in the location summaries any special instructions for these

groups!

There are so many places to get good food around Philly. The city is especially knownfor its cheesesteaks so try to grab at least one while youre in town! I

have noted for each location where the closest cheap/kid friendly

restaurants are... however we all know how quickly kids can crash

so its always a good idea to have a water bottle and granola bar

stash handy in case of such crisis. :)

Be ore You Go:There are many excellent websites that offer up to date information on the best sights and sounds Philly

has to offer. Some I have found to be helpful include:

www.visitphilly.com Philadelphias official tourism website; good info on seasonal events and festivals.

www.phillykidsthing.com A great site for kid friendly events.

http://family.go.com/travel/things-to-do/pennsylvania/philadelphia/for-children/ Good ratings!

www.citypass.com/philadelphiaGreat way to get discount passes if you plan to visit several museums!
http://www.citypass.com/philadelphiahttp://www.citypass.com/philadelphiahttp://family.go.com/travel/things-to-do/pennsylvania/philadelphia/for-children/http://family.go.com/travel/things-to-do/pennsylvania/philadelphia/for-children/http://www.phillykidsthing.com/http://www.phillykidsthing.com/http://www.visitphilly.com/http://www.visitphilly.com/


3/15

W at To Do!How To P an?Below is a graphic designed to help you streamline and simplify your planning process. Obviously this is

not a one-size-fits-all plan, but if you are like me and travel guides overwhelm you and you just wantsomeone to tell you what to do, this page is for you!

Obviously if your child has been wanting to see the polar bears forever, then by all means, ditch this guideand head straight to the zoo! Similarly, history buffs may want to bypass the amazing Franklin Institute on

a short trip in favor of seeingallthe historical sites. Do what works best for your family; use this as helpfulsuggestionsand not a drill sergeant!


4/15

1.

PleaseTouchMuseum

2.

SmithPlayhouse

3.

PhiladelphiaZoo

4.

MuseumofArt

5.

FranklinI

nstitute

6.

Academy

ofNaturalSciences

7.

SisterCitiesPark

8.

FranklinS

quare

9.

NationalConstitutionCenter

10.

LibertyB

ell

11.

BetsyRo

ssHouse

12.

Elfreths

Alley

13.

IndependenceSeaportMuseum

1

2

3

4

5

6

9

7

8 10

11

12

13

ImTheMap!Here is a basic

map of the

downtown Philly

area. Each one of

my TOP 10

locations is

marked with a pin

and number in

the legend. If you

plan to visit

several sites, thiscan help you

visualize what

sites are within

walking distance

of each other or

decide where you

might want to

park for a longer

day in the city.


5/15

T e Li erty Be

OVERVIEW:The Liberty Bell is the most famous

and iconic symbol of American

freedom and independence.

Commissioned in London in 1772, it isengraved with a verse from Leviticus:

"Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the

land unto all the inhabitants thereof."

Its famous crack occurred when it was

first rung upon its arrival inPhiladelphia; it has represented

freedom to Americans ever since.

DONT MISS:

The Bell! Free, no tickets required. But, ifyou visit over a weekend, holiday, summer

vacation or other busy time, be prepared to wait

in a very long line. Although National Park

Service staff keep the line moving quickly, even on

off-peak days, we waited ~15 minutes for entry.

The building which houses the bell has afascinating display of the bells history as you

move towards the bell. Take time to peruse these

exhibits; they are fascinating, even for kids! You

can stay as long as you want inside, so dont feellike you have to rush through. Appreciate a piece

of American history that is, for once, free!

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: For all of the historic area, try to find street parking. Near 4th and Arch, parking is $2.50 an hour, 2 hr. max. which is great as long as you dont mind checking back to add more time to your meter if youre out that long. (This honestly is not that inconvenient, as most of the historic sites are within close range of this street).GIFT SHOP: In the adjacent Visitors Center there is one... I have never seen it NOT packed with tourists. Unless your kids are diehard history fans, I would skip it.EATING: There are several cafes around the Independence Mall area, as well as a burger joint (Steven Starrs SquareBurger) 2 blocks away in Franklin Square.BEWARE: School/tour groups can mob this place! If you have more than one adult, consider one being a placeholder in line while the other watches the kids romping on the lawn.

Liberty Bell 525 Market StPhiladelphia, PA 19106

OPEN: Daily, 9-5 WEB: http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htm CALL: (215) 965-2305

Admission: FREE!

1 HOUR

(Map #10)
http://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htmhttp://www.nps.gov/inde/liberty-bell-center.htm


6/15

The National Constitution Center

OVERVIEW:H a v i n g o p e n e d i n 2 0 0 7 , t h e

Constitution Center is the newest

addition to Phillys historical repertoire

and is well worth a visit. It boasts a livetheater show, an extensive interactive,

multimedia museum dedicated to what

living out democracy looks like for the

rest of us, and an awe-inspiring

Signers Hall featuring life-sizedbronze statues of the founding fathers.

DONT MISS:

This museum consists of 3 focus areas:

Freedom Rising, a multimedia theatrical

exploration of the constitution. Kids really loved it!We The People, an interactive museum that

showcases democracy and the role we all play in it. A bit overwhelming, but thoroughly well done!Signers Hall, absolutely the highlight of the

museum. Seeing the real-life statues, poised as if they were caught mid-

sentence-- deep in the weighty debates of our countrys infancy-- is thrilling and astonishing!

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: Lot on 6th between Arch and Market, $16, up to 4 hours, $18/day. If youre an early riser and you park before 9am you can stay till 6pm for just $11! (Absolute best deal around.) Street parking can also be found in the area (as for the Bell, try 4th and Arch) for $2.50/hr., max 2 hrs.GIFT SHOP: The museum store offers a nice selection of memorabilia for the Center.EATING: The Delegates Cafe, located in the building offers food, snacks and plenty of seating.BEWARE: The We The People exhibit is extensive and detailed, and therefore time-consuming. Dont try to rush through this! IF YOU HAVE TIME: Linger in the Signers Hall, and read the signers biographies on their plaques. These are truly fascinating men!

National Constitution Center 525 Arch St.Philadelphia, PA 19106

OPEN: M-F, 9:30-5, Sat: 9:30-6, Sun 12-5: WEB: constitutioncenter.orgCALL: (215) 965-2305

Admission: Adults: $14.50, Kids $13

HALF DAY

FULL DAY

(Map #9)
http://constitutioncenter.org/http://constitutioncenter.org/http://constitutioncenter.org/http://constitutioncenter.org/http://constitutioncenter.org/http://constitutioncenter.org/http://constitutioncenter.org/


7/15

Betsy Ross House

BETSY ROSS OVERVIEW: Reputed to be the house in whichGeneral George Washington visited young

Betsy Ross and in which she first designed

and sewed our famous stars and stripes. The

self-guided tour leads you through Ross

home; I recommend the audio tour if your

kids are at all interested! The details you will

learn are fun and memorable.

E L F R E T H S A L L E Y

OVERVIEW: Elfreths Alley is Americas oldestcontinually inhabited residential street. It is just

about a 2 1/2 block walk away from the Betsy

Ross house on 2nd St. between Race and Arch. You can pay for a guided tour (at theMuseum, located in House 124. Its $12/family,

and you go in two houses), you can buy the self-

guided tour book for $5 (you do not go inside the

homes) or you can just walk along the street for

free! It is truly fascinating to see these (small, by

current standards) homes, alleys and courtyards. Look for the metal fire insurancependants high on the outer walls, indicating that

homes residents had paid their fire dues!

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: Street parking in the area is $2.50/hr., max 2 hrs. If you are not combining these 2 with the National Constitution Center, you will be fine with 2 hrs. of parking! If you are combining, I recommend utilizing the NCCs lot on 6th between Arch and Market St.GIFT SHOP: The Betsy Ross house has a colonial-themed gift shop. The toys are good quality, old-style (think Colonial Williamsburg) things that actually have a function and are inexpensive. Recommend.EATING: There is a snack stand in the Betsy Ross House courtyard offering hot-dogs, snacks and drinks. Franklin Squares SquareBurger is just a few blocks away as well.IF YOU HAVE TIME: Linger in the BRH courtyard to enjoy historical storytelling and meet Betsy Ross! (Ask her to show you her famous one-snip star trick.) Also if you are making this a longer day, head to Franklin Square to enjoy mini-golf or the shady playground!

Betsy Ross House 239 Arch Street.

Philadelphia, PA 19106

OPEN: 10AM-5PM

WEB:http://historicphiladelphia.org/

betsy-ross-house

CALL: (215) 965-2305

HALF DAY

1 HOUR& Elfreths Alley

Elfreths Alley

126 Elfreths Alley

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Museum/tours open:

Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 12-5PM

WEB: www.elfrethsalley.org

CALL: (215) 574-0560

Admission: Adults: $5, Kids/Military/Seniors $4 (Audio Tours $2 extra)

(Map #11 & 12)
http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://www.elfrethsalley.org/http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-househttp://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-househttp://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-househttp://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house


8/15

Independence Seaport Museum

OVERVIEW:Th e In d ep en d en c e Seap ort

Museum is one of Phillys best

kept secrets! Tucked away from

the historical district by the

Delaware River, this is not only a

fascinating maritime museum but

also an active boat-building shop,

and a highly unique walking tour.

History comes alive as you tour

the ex-military submarine Becuna,

first lauched in 1944, and the oldest

steel warship still floating

in the world, the Olympia:

first launched in 1892!

DONT MISS:

The Museum The kids were particularly fascinated with the part of the museum that described the significant role Philadelphia had played in early trading. Interactive and kid-friendly, this is a great place to learn local history!The Boat Shop At the back of the museum is the shop where woodworkers are hard at work creatingrealboats from realplans that are hundreds of years old! There is a viewing balcony and the workers are happy to answer questions kids have about the process.The Ships By far the most exciting part of this excursion will be the time spent on the boats. It is a self-guided tour, so take your time and dont rush through! It is an amazing look into a piece of history. Note the little things-- iron kettles, the tiny telegraph operators room, etc.

QUICK TIPS:

GIFT SHOP: Not too bad! I have a resident pirate in my family, so we scored some pirate-y things. They have unique items as well some that make nice gifts!EATING: Nothing here at the museum (gift shop has minor snacks and water) but if you bring a snack or picnic lunch, there are lots of concrete benches out by the river that make for a nice view while you eat!BEWARE: Traffic. This museum is all the way down by the river, making it a long haul out of there at rush hour. It is right by an entrance to I-95 though, so if your hotel is accessible from that, you should be ok. IF YOU HAVE TIME: Ask at the front desk for a

free coloring book if your kids are interested! Also, if you visit on a weekend, there are volunteer present-day military on hand to answer questions about the ships-- a real bonus if your kids are curious!

Independence Seaport Museum ~ Penn's Landing on the Delaware River

211 S. Columbus Blvd & Walnut Street. Philadelphia, PA, 19106

OPEN: Daily, 10-5. WEB: www.phillyseaport.org CALL: 215.413.8655

Admission: $13.50 Adults. $10 Kids/Military/Seniors. Parking: $10

HALF DAY

FULL DAY

(Map #13)
http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/


9/15

The Franklin Institute OVERVIEW:The Franklin Institute contains threefloors of hands-on exhibits of everykind of science imaginable from

biology to outer space, from trains toNewtons laws of motion, from sportsto the science behind the miracle offlight. The Institute was founded in 1824as The Franklin Institute of the Stateof

Pennsylvania for the Promotion of theMechanic Arts as a tribute toBenjamin Franklin and to advance theusefulness of his inventions.

Today, 189 years later, theFranklin Institute is as in-demand asever a fantastic organization thatoffers so much to the public, especiallychildren.

DONT MISS:

The Franklin Institute is one of Phillys best

attractions. When you arrive and buy your tickets,

be sure to ask when the live science and

planetarium shows are. These are both excitingand kids love them!

This place is huge (a full city block and 3 stories

high) so here is a list of the kid-approved, must-

see exhibits within the museum: Giant Heart(2nd fl.) Franklins Air Show(2nd fl.) Sir Isaacs Loft(3rd fl.) Live Science Show(main lobby) Planetarium Show(1st fl.)You will not be disappointed by anything this

museum has to offer, but if you run out of time

and miss any of these exhibits, you will have

missed out on the best the FI has to offer. Start

here, then cover what you can of whats left

without making your kids feel like theyre being

dragged about!

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: Street parking on N. 20th St. (along the west side of the building) is $2/hr., with a 3 hr. max. (Which you can extend by simply putting more change in the meter.) The garage (south side of the bldg) is $15 for 1-5 hrs and $20 for 5-10 hrs.GIFT SHOP: Worth popping in; lots of cool science toys. The dried astronauts ice cream is amazingly delish and a relatively inexpensive souvenir.EATING: FI has decent (typically overpriced) museum food... or bring a picnic lunch and you can stash the cooler till lunch for $5.BEWARE: The one-way streets around the museum and adjacent parkway can be tricky. Map your route ahead of time. IF YOU HAVE TIME: Check out one of the two theaters offering unique movies (from Space Junk to Marmots! throughout the day.

Franklin Institute: 222 North 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103OPEN: Daily, 9:30-5 WEB: www.fi.edu CALL: 215.448.1200

Admission: $16.50 adults, $12.50 kids

FULL DAY

(Map #5)
http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/


10/15

Please Touch Museum

OVERVIEW:The Please Touch childrens museum is

found in historic Fairmount Park, due

east of center city Philadelphia.

Founded in 1976, it is now one of the top

childrens museums in the nation.

Aimed at children up to age seven, this

museum is chock full of things that

cater to a childs delight. The museum

resides at Memorial Hall and contains

126,000 sq. ft. of space. Attractions like

a 40-foot replica of the Statue of

Libertys arm, and a large fully restored

wooden carousel as well as hands-on

exhibits like Alices Adventures in

Wonderland, The SuperMarket and

Kids Construct make this one of

Phillys perennial kid favorites.

DONT MISS:

Upstairs:

River Adventures located to the right of the main lobby. Take advantage of the rubber aprons for keeping littles dry! Art Room located to the left of the main lobby, behind the car and space exhibits.Downstairs: Super Market. Kids love shopping and staffing this miniature grocery store that has everything a regular store has, just on a smaller scale! Kids Construct. Kids adore being part of the construction team and helping to build something big!

QUICK TIPS:

GIFT SHOP: Lots of quality/educational kids toys and games plus a whole wall of smaller less-expensive items.EATING: Surprisingly, this museums fare is relatively inexpensive and bonus: they have kid-friendly healthy options!BEWARE: The museum is outside the city so traveling during non rush-hour times is best. The museum is not near any other attractions. IF YOU HAVE TIME: Go outside when youre done for a walk around beautiful Fairmount Park!

Please Touch Museum: 4231 Avenue of the Republic Philadelphia, PA 19131OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-5. WEB: www.pleasetouchmuseum.org CALL: 215.581.3181

Admission: $15/person Parking: $8/car

FULL DAY

(Map #1)
http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/http://www.fi.edu/


11/15

The Philadelphia Zoo

OVERVIEW:One of Phillys premier family-friendly

attractions, the Zoo not only offers

views of exotic animals but visitors can

also take a ride in the giant Zooballoon,pet domestic animals in the petting

zoo, and climb like a monkey in the

kids play-fort activity area. The Zoo is

a fun and exciting place to take your

kids for a morning or afternoonexcursion!

DONT MISS:

The Zoo truly has so much to offer. Whatnot to miss really depends on what your child/

children most wants to see!

When you get tickets, ask about the sealfeeding times and the Ask A Keeper sessions

that are held daily throughout the zoo. These are

highly informative and enjoyable and the kids

learn so much by asking questions of the keepers

who know the animals best! Also be sure to ask if

the Zooballoon is flying, and if so, what times its

flights are. The zoo offers everything from thetraditional lions, tigers, and zebras to bald eagles

and polar bears.

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: Several lots surround the zoo, and parking is $15. Note: For my family of 5, zoo tickets plus parking added up to more than the cost of a yearly membership (which includes free parking) so if there is a chance you may visit again within the year, it is worth it to buy the membership!GIFT SHOP: ...try gift shops plural! Scattered throughout the zoo, in my opinion these are dangerous: overpriced stuffed animals and t-shirts is the name of the game! (Get a sno-cone instead; the kids are just as happy!)EATING: Normal fare for a Zoo...overpriced and mass-produced. But keep your eyes out for the zoos Healthy Eating shack as you exit down the hill from the big cat area!BEWARE: School groups can turn the Zoo into chaos. Be prepared to leave an exhibit and return after the mob has gone by! IF YOU HAVE TIME: One word: Zooballoon!

Philadelphia Zoo: 3400 Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104OPEN: Mar.-Oct.: 9:30-5; Nov.-Feb. 9:30-4. WEB: www.philadelphiazoo.org CALL: 215.243.1100

Admission: $20 adults, $18 kids (ages 2-18) HALF DAY

(Map #3)


12/15

Smit P aygroun

OVERVIEW:Smith is a 24,000 sq. foot mansion that

is just for kids! Built in 1899, this is oneplace that has always been kid-centric.

Later, the 6-acre outdoor play area was

added, and the 40-foot wooden slide

(with enough burlap bags to go around!)

Smith is a kids wonderland. Frommodern merry-go-rounds to climbing

structures to the indoor reading room

and basement ride-on toy room, your

kids will love it here!

DONT MISS:

If the weather is nice, definitely head tothe big wooden slide. The outdoor play arena is so

extensive that you may never venture indoors!

If inclement weather is your lot, dontdespair. Smiths play house is equally fantastic!

This is a mansion filled with books, toys, ride-on

cars, building blocks and more!

This is the perfect post-museum, pre-dinner place to visit to allow your kids to burn

some energy! Ten to fifteen minutes from the

museum district, it is conveniently located and

very rarely overly crowded.

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: Free parking (what?!)

GIFT SHOP: Not here!

EATING: Snacks are allowed, and bottled water is sold at the entrance to the outdoor play area for $1 a bottle.BEWARE: Sometimes school trips can inundate this park (as with any great kid-friendly Philly location!) but the park is spacious enough that it was never an actual problem.IF YOU HAVE TIME: Go down the 40-foot slide as a family, in a row all together holding hands! Hands down my kids favorite way to go, we slid down a half dozen consecutive times this way!

Free! (Suggested Donation $5/family)

HALF DAY

1 HOUR

Smith Playground ~ 3500 Reservoir Dr..in East Fairmount Park. Philadelphia, PAOPEN: Indoors: 10-4 Outdoors: 10-6

WEB: www.smithplayground.orgCALL: (215) 763-8100

(Map #2)
http://www.smithplayground.org/http://www.smithplayground.org/http://www.smithplayground.org/http://www.smithplayground.org/http://www.smithplayground.org/


13/15

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

OVERVIEW:The Philadelphia Museum of Art is

situated on a hill overlooking

downtown Philadelphia. Notable for its

famous architecture (as well as theinfamous Rocky steps) this is one of

Phillys greatest cultural offerings. With

over 227,000 works of art in 200

galleries, this is a treasure trove of

everything artistic! And if you have anyRocky fans, be sure to snap their pic

with the statue out front. :)

DONT MISS:

This museum is so enormous; it isimportant that you scope out your plan of attack

before arrival. The museum offers family guides to

several of the galleries (ask at the front desk!)

which, although fantastic, are highly detailed. You

will likely only get through one during your visit!

Decide what era, continent or medium youor your children most want to see. The Knights in

Armor, Japanese Tea Room, and European art

wing were most popular with my gang, but of

course this varies by child! Depending on your childs age, beprepared to leave before you have seen everything

youd planned on. Kids can only be on art

museum behavior for so many hours! :)

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: The parking garage is located on the west side of the main Museum building, accessed either via Art Museum Drive or Waterworks Drive. Garage Parking: $12 first 4 hrs.; $2 each addl hour. Or there is free street parking just across Kelly Drive on the west side of the building!GIFT SHOP: The museum store offers a gorgeous collection of art-themed gifts and souvenirs. Pricey but beautiful; it is worth at least walking by the windows to get a peek!EATING: On the lower floor the Museum offers a really nice cafe. (Naturally) pricey, but they do offer a fantastic selection of fresh, healthy snacks, sandwiches, soups and salads!BEWARE: Due to the enormity of the building and

the vast amount of art on display, it is easy to lose focus. If there is anything you really want to see, see it first, then wander.IF YOU HAVE TIME: The admission tickets you purchase are good for a return trip on the following day (only.) If you enjoyed the experience, pop back over the next day to catch what you missed the day before!

Philadelphia Museum of Art ~ 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.Philadelphia, PA 19130

OPEN: Tues.-Sun. 10-5 WEB: www.phillymuseum.org CALL: (215) 763-8100

Admission: Adults: $20. Kids 12-18: $14. Kids under 12: Free.

HALF DAYFULL DAY

(Map #4)


14/15

T e Aca emy o Natura Sciences

OVERVIEW:Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural

Sciences is a natural history museum

dedicated to advancing research, education,and public engagement in biodiversity and

environmental science. They are most well-

known for their much-loved, awe-inspiring

life-sized replicas of dinosaur skeletons!

Dedicated to all forms of natural sciencestudy, this museum is a must of all nature

and animal lovers.

DONT MISS:

Dinosaur Hall! Home to a 42-footreplica of T-rex and 30 other dinosaurs, their eggs,

footprints, and much more. Fascinating!

Butterflies! This is a large, climate-controlled tropical room for butterflies of all kinds.

walking through this room is an experience like

none other!

Dioramas! There are 37 dioramas in themuseum, each featuring an amazingly life-likepainting of the background, with the real animal

incorporated into the scene. There is even one

with the now-extinct passenger pigeon!

QUICK TIPS:

PARKING: Of all the Philly sites, parking here is the most complicated! Look first for street parking, and in the event there is none, circle a few nearby blocks as there are several parking garages in the area. The least expensive one is the open lot at 19th and Callowhill Streets (behind the Free Library, directly across the parkway from this museum): $8.50 for 2 hours or $14 for up to 12 hours. Saturdays are $6.50.GIFT SHOP: Amazing. Every science/ nature/animal loving kids dream come true! Look for the less-expensive items, they are there. :)EATING: Excellent museum fare! Healthy, fresh

offerings and nothing fried. (Finally.)BEWARE: This museum takes more time than you might think! Even if your kids are into this stuff, you will be surprised at how much they love it. IF YOU HAVE TIME: Stop in the live animal center!

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 1910OPEN: Weekdays: 10-4:30 Weekends: 10-5 WEB: www.ansp.orgCALL: (215) 299-1000

Admission: Adults 13 & up: $15. Kids 3-12: $13

HALF DAYFULL DAY

(Map #6)
http://www.ansp.org/http://www.ansp.org/http://www.ansp.org/http://www.ansp.org/http://www.ansp.org/


15/15

FRANKLIN SQUARE: (Map # 8.) (within a few blocks walking

distance of the historical district: The National Constitution

Center, Betsy Ross House, Elfreths Alley and Liberty Bell,) at

Race & 6th. Franklin Square has a 18 hole mini-golf, working carousel,

SquareBurger snack shack and best of all, a giant shaded playground!

SISTER CITIES PARK (Map # 7.) (less than 2 blocks from the

Franklin Institute and Academy of Natural Sciences.

One mile from the Museum of Art.) Sister Cities park is a

great place for kids to burn off energy-- they can even buy a

($7) boat kit to build and sail in the pond. Situated in the

middle of a busy part of the city, in the warm months it is a

childrens water-play park and in the off-months, a place to

climb and explore.

Energy Outlets!Everyone knows kids can only last so long in a museum before they are about ready

to explode with good old-fashioned pent-up kid energy! I am all for exposing kids to

history and culture but at some point during every day, you gotta just let kids be

kids and run around and blow off some steam.

Below are two parks that are adjacent to the sites I have written about; hopefully,

the kids calm and well-behaved quotient has been reached, you can pop over to

one of these kid-friendly sites and let your kids (or yourself!) let loose a little.

Documents

The Simple Family-Friendly Visitor's Guide to Philly