Planning a weekend in Philadelphia with kids? Then check out our blog to see some of the activities and attractions that you can add to your weekend visit!<\/p>\n
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania\u2019s largest city and is notable for its rich history. The city played an instrumental role in the American Revolution and served as temporary U.S. capital while Washington, D.C., was under construction.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s so much to do in Philadelphia with kids, and it\u2019s such a family-friendly vacation destination with so much history to explore. <\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nFrom visiting iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to enjoying interactive exhibits at the Franklin Institute, there\u2019s something for everyone. <\/p>\n
Walking through the cobblestone streets of Old City can transport you back in time, offering a unique educational experience for children and adults alike. <\/p>\n
Don\u2019t forget to indulge in some of the city\u2019s famous culinary offerings, like Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, which are sure to delight the kids. <\/p>\n
On the blog, I will share how to spend the weekend in Philadelphia with kids, including the best family attractions in Philly, and how to make the most of your weekend trip to the city of brotherly love.<\/p>\n
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*This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links are no extra charge to you, but I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase.<\/em><\/p>\n READ NEXT:<\/strong><\/p>\n READ NEXT:<\/strong> Philadelphia\u2019s Christmas Market<\/a><\/strong>. This German-inspired Christmas Market in Philly is one of the best, and is so worth the visit!<\/p>\n The best way to explore Philadelphia is on foot since most of the main sites in Philly are within walking distance of each other.<\/p>\n But when planning a weekend in Philadelphia with kids, a hop-on hop-off bus tour<\/a><\/strong> may be the way to go, especially if you have younger kids.<\/p>\n It\u2019s the best way to get around the city, especially with little ones, and we got to see all of Philly\u2019s main attractions in one day. It\u2019s the perfect way to see Philadelphia if you\u2019re only planning a one-day visit to the city.<\/p>\n One of the best things to do in Philly with kids is a tour of Independence Hall<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n Independence Hall is the building where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.<\/p>\n It was amazing walking through this historic building and seeing the actual room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Independence Hall is part of the Independence National Historical Park and is listed as a World Heritage Site.<\/p>\n After a visit to the Independence Hall make sure to see the famed Liberty Bell<\/a> <\/strong>nearby. The Liberty Bell is one of Philadelphia\u2019s main attractions and is an iconic symbol of American independence.<\/p>\n The bell first cracked when rung after it arrived in Philadelphia, and was twice recast by local workmen John Pass and John Stow, whose last names appear on the bell.<\/p>\n The Bell was first used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations.<\/p>\n In the 1830s, the bell was adopted as a symbol by abolitionist societies, who dubbed it the \u201cLiberty Bell\u201d.<\/p>\n Today you can visit this iconic Bell, located at the Liberty Bell Center. Admission is free and is also on a first come-first served basis.\u00a0<\/p>\n One place not to miss on your weekend visit to Philly is the Betsy Ross house<\/strong><\/a>, which is supposedly the site where the seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross lived when she sewed the first American Flag. <\/p>\n The house is on Arch Street, several blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You can go on a self-guided tour of the house and learn more about her and the American flag.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another must-see site on your visit to Philadelphia with kids is Christ Church. The church was founded in 1695 and is considered one of the nation\u2019s most beautiful surviving 18th-century structures.<\/p>\n Some of the most famous people who attended church here included signers of the Declaration of Independence, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. <\/p>\n Nearby are the Christ church burial grounds where Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the United States Declaration of Independence are buried.<\/p>\n Explore Benjamin Franklin\u2019s life and legacy through his character traits. The exhibit area is divided into five rooms, each highlighting a different trait and containing videos, touchscreen interactives, mechanical interactives, and artifacts. <\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a visit to the Franklin Court Courtyard located outside the museum, where you can see \u201cghost\u201d structures showing Franklin\u2019s home and the original foundations as well. <\/p>\n The courtyard also leads to the Franklin Court Printing Office, the \u201cFragments of Franklin Court\u201d exhibit, and the B. Free Franklin Post Office.<\/p>\n Take a stroll along Elfreth\u2019s Alley in Old City, Philadelphia, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the U.S. Dating back to 1703. <\/p>\n It features early American buildings built from 1720 to 1836. Most homes are privately owned, but buildings #124 and #126 house the Elfreth\u2019s Alley Museum, managed by the Elfreth\u2019s Alley Association. <\/p>\n Another weekend activity in Philly is a visit to Head House Square, the oldest surviving market in the U.S. Located on South 2nd Street in the Society Hill neighborhood.<\/p>\n The farmer\u2019s market is open on Sundays from May to Christmas, from 10 am to 2 pm, offering local produce. There\u2019s also an Antique Market on weekends, along with many shops and restaurants nearby.<\/p>\n One of the most iconic things to do in Philadelphia is to run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever watched the movie Rocky, then you would know that he made the steps famous during a scene in the movie. Corny or not, it\u2019s a must when visiting the museum!<\/p>\n Besides the Rocky Steps, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is another place to add to your Philly with Kids itinerary.<\/p>\n The Museum houses more than 240,000 objects, highlighting\u00a0the creative achievements of the Western world and those of Asia, in more than 200 galleries spanning 2,000 years!<\/p>\n At the bottom of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the Rocky statue.\u00a0Make sure to snap a photo with\u00a0the\u00a0statue, then run\u00a0up the famous\u00a0steps to complete your Rocky Movie bucket list!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a visit to the John F. Kennedy Plaza, also known as Love Park, and take a photo with the iconic LOVE sign. The sign has been here since 1976, and it\u2019s an instragrammable photo-op!<\/p>\n The park also features lots of green spaces, a fountain, walking paths, and the LOVE Park Visitor Center, where you can purchase tickets to local attractions, and shop for souvenirs in the gift shop.<\/p>\n There are also lots of events here, including the I Love Philly Christmas market<\/a><\/strong> during the holidays.<\/p>\n Another place to add to your weekend in Philadelphia with kids is a visit to the Reading terminal market<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n The Market is one of America\u2019s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building of the Reading Railroad company.<\/p>\n On your visit, make sure to sample the taste of Philly like the iconic Philly Cheesesteaks and roast Pork Sandwiches at Dinic\u2019s. Don\u2019t forget to shop for some locally grown produce and take home some yummy freshly baked cookies from The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company. <\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a stroll along Philadelphia\u2019s Chinatown district which stretches from Arch Street to Vine Street, and from 11th Street to 8th Street.<\/p>\n The neighborhood is packed with lots of restaurants and cute stores representing several East Asian cultures. There are also lots of events that happen here periodically so make sure to research on the day of your visit.<\/p>\n Another historic spot to visit on a weekend visit to Philly is the Eastern State Penitentiary<\/strong><\/a>. This historic prison was once the largest and most expensive public structure ever built in the United States and quickly became a model for more than 300 prisons worldwide.<\/p>\n It was operational from 1829 until 1971, and some of its most notable prisoners were Al Capone and bank robber Will Sutton!<\/p>\n The prison is considered a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is now open to the public as a museum for tours.\u00a0<\/p>\n One of the best museums to visit in Philadelphia with kids is the National Constitution Center. Visit the museum dedicated to the US Constitution with exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that explore and explain the U.S. Constitution. Visit the website here <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Franklin Institute is a family-friendly science museum with many interactive exhibits & displays that was opened to honor Benjamin Franklin.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a planetarium, live shows, 3D printing, simulators, movies, & more. Guests\u00a0ages 3 and up are required to wear masks during their visit. Visit the website here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The best place to add to your weekend in Philadelphia with kids is the Please Touch Museum. The kids will have so much fun at this fun indoor space all about PLAY!<\/p>\n There are many fun exhibits for curious kids, and there is also a carousel with unlimited rides which has a separate ticket that costs $5 and must be purchased at the admission desk. Visit website here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Explore Philadelphia\u2019s maritime history at the Independence Seaport Museum which features an award-winning exhibit that explores how the Delaware River was used in daily life.<\/p>\n You can also go on guided tours<\/strong> of the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest remaining steel ship afloat, and the submarine Becuna, commissioned during World War 2.\u00a0These guided tours are an additional fee from admission.<\/p>\n Another fun attraction to add to your weekend in Philadelphia with kids is the Legoland Discovery Center, especially if you have Lego fans in the house.<\/p>\n Some things to look forward to here are Lego play areas, Pirate-themed play structure, Lego Miniland featuring Philadelphia\u2019s historic attractions, exclusive rides, Lego 4D cinema, meet and greets with Lego characters, and more!<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\u00a0How to get around Philly <\/strong><\/h4>\n
Explore historic sites in Philadelphia with kids<\/h3>\n
\nVisit Independence Hall<\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nVisit the Liberty Bell<\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSee the Betsy Ross House<\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nChrist Church and Burial grounds\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nVisit the Benjamin Franklin Museum<\/h4>\n
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$2.00 for children, ages 4 through 16
Children ages 3 and under are FREE<\/li>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/skylarariasadventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1154.jpeg?resize=960%2C720&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nStroll through Elfreths Alley<\/h4>\n
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Explore Head House Square<\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nRocky steps\u00a0and the Philadelphia Museum of Art<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Visit Love park\u00a0<\/h4>\n
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Reading Terminal Market\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Explore Philly\u2019s Chinatown District<\/h4>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nEastern State Penitentiary\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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Best Museums in Philadelphia with kids <\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nVisit the National Constitution Center<\/h4>\n
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The Franklin Institute<\/h4>\n
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Child (3-11): $19
Members: FREE. You can\u00a0<\/a>purchase\u00a0tickets online here<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/skylarariasadventures.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_1164.jpeg?w=1024&ssl=1)
Please Touch Museum <\/h4>\n
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Independence Seaport museum<\/h4>\n
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Visit the Legoland Discovery Center<\/h4>\n
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