Philadelphia, PA - How to visit Philadelphia with kids: Just because you have little ones in tow doesn’t mean you can’t explore the City of Brotherly Love! Whether you want to take your children to Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, or just where to find the perfect ice cream spots, this guide will help you plan an experience that everyone will enjoy!
Visiting Philadelphia with Kids
Not sure where to start your tour in Philadelphia with kids? This guide will get you started on an afternoon (or a day, or a weekend) spent having fun in one of America’s greatest cities—and having fun as a family along the way. Don't forget at Wanderu offers affordable transportation to Philadelphia via bus!
On The Road To Philadelphia
Don’t be intimidated by Philly. Your kids will love it! Here are our tips for making your trip successful: Assemble The Gang . . . Once you decide where you want to go, talk it over with your kids and see if they have any ideas or suggestions. And don’t forget Mom and Dad! Everyone in your family should participate in picking a destination that fits everyone’s interests. After all, no one wants to plan their vacation around doing something their kids hate! Book It . . . You might think booking tickets ahead of time is just for grown-ups, but trust us—kids like having their plans set in stone too. Plus, there are often special deals available for those who book early. If you haven’t decided on a travel date yet, put it on your calendar ASAP, so you don’t miss out on these sweet promotions later down the road.
Things to Do in Philly
If you’re traveling in or around Philly and you have kids, there are plenty of fun things to do that won’t cost an arm and a leg—in fact, most of them are free! Start at one of these top-tier attractions: National Constitution Center, Please Touch Museum, Franklin Institute Science Museum. For outdoor entertainment, visit Philadelphia Zoo and Adventure Aquarium. Head over to Independence Hall or Constitution Hall for history buffs. The City Walk around Penn’s Landing is another favorite attraction. Don’t forget to stop by Love Park in the center city area. There’s also plenty of shopping along Walnut Street and in Old City; check out Macy’s and Nordstrom Rack if you need supplies while on vacation.
Where to Eat in Philly
In a city full of fantastic restaurants, it can be challenging to choose where and what you’re going to eat. But if you have kids in tow, these choices become even more critical. If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant, try one of these spots in and around Philly: Max Brenner, the chocolate-themed restaurant, Village Whiskey (bar/pub food), Jose Pistola’s (Mexican), and Pizzeria Stella (Pizza). But save room for dessert! You might find yourself wishing your trip was longer once you see some of Philadephia’s famous desserts; we especially love Bassetts in the Reading Terminal Market and The Franklin Fountain in Old City.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Philadelphia
There are countless hotels in and around Philadelphia, but not all are conducive to family travel. If you’re planning a trip with kids, consider selecting one of these family-friendly spots within walking distance of historical sites, art museums, and other kid-friendly activities. You’ll spend less time shuttling between locations—saving both money and your sanity. Plus, once you settle into your hotel room, you’ll find every amenity you need: free WiFi (perfect for family Skype calls), restaurant recommendations, maps of city attractions...even video games! Speaking of which: while staying at any hotel with a video game console (or even multiple consoles), we highly recommend taking advantage of it.
Kid-Friendly Museums in Philadelphia
The Franklin Institute, The Please Touch Museum, and Independence Seaport Museum make fantastic field trips while in Philly. The Franklin Institute is home to an array of hands-on exhibits that are sure to entertain children. In addition, there are play areas throughout each museum so children can burn off extra energy. While at these museums, kids will learn about various topics, including science, history, art, and more. It’s also important to mention that museums here do not close on weekends, unlike most cities. So, even if you have little ones in tow and find yourself planning your visit on a Saturday or Sunday, fear not!
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Philadelphia, it should be easy to see that there are many options for activities with kids, as well as many restaurants and attractions. These are just a few highlights, so plan your trip carefully. Don’t forget to bring good walking shoes and an appetite. If you have kids in tow, don’t worry—there’s plenty of fun for them here too! To see a list of family-friendly activities, check out our Philadelphia With Kids page here.
