1. The Philadelphia Zoo: Kids of all ages love animals, right? The Philly Zoo is not too big and TONS for kids to do and see. Did you know that The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in America? And they were the first to open a special zoo just for children? The Children's Zoo is super fun and offers great chances for kids to get up close and personal with animals!
2. Please Touch Museum: No surprise to see the childrens' museum on the list! The Please Touch is absolutely fabulous and recently renovated and expanded to provide play experiences in each exhibit zone. And it has special "toddler-only" areas throughout the museum, so even the littlest ones will have a terrific time!
3. Smith Park Playground: One of my kids favorite places to go. Ever. There's a 40-foot-long giant slide, huge playground, and a giant 24,000 square foot playhouse! The basement has been turned into a small town - complete with stop light and parking meters, where kids can ride play cars. The playhouse is for ages 5 and under.
4. The Franklin Insitute: Even little ones can enjoy the science museum. Ours loved the KidScience exhibit geared towards ages 5-8. And space is always fascinating. Our son went nuts for the Train Factory exhibit and they all loved the Sports Challenge room.
5. The Rodin Museum: Dare you bring your small kids to an art museum? We did! The Rodin Museum is a terrific first exposure to the wonderful world of art. And small, so you'll get through fast and its FREE - they just ask for a small donation - so if its not working out and you have to leave, you haven't really lost anything!
6. Adventure Aquarium: Located right over the bridge in Camden, the Adventure Aquarium is a no-brainer. Kids will LOVE it. And so will you - it is a gorgeous place to visit. And there is so much to see and do, small kids can't possibly get bored. They even offer a special family value package to make your day more affordable. Get there early - this is a hot spot that gets crowded quickly!
7. Franklin Square Park: Its just so beautiful and so fun for kids. There's the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, an 18-hole miniature golf course decorated with some of Philadelphia’s favorite icons, a gorgeous fountain, storytelling benches and great playground. And for mom and dad, check out Square Burger - a food stand run by Stephen Starr catering that makes amazing burgers and hot dogs!
8. Sesame Place:Okay, okay. Not technically located in Philly, but its only one hour north of the city. Sesame Place is super fun for little ones!! I recommend going in the summer, since they have terrific water attractions. But even off season they have great events for the whole family!
9. Independence National Historic Park: This is one you and your kids will both love. See the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, stop by the National Constitution Center and see the tons of other historic sites in Old City. For around $20, you can take a horse drawn carriage ride through the historic part of the city. So fun! Historic Philadelphia is not to be missed.
10. The Academy of Natural Science: What kids don't find dinosaurs fascinating? Besides dinosaur hall and the permanent butterfly exhibit, there is a spectacular "Outside In" exhibit just for kids aged 3-8 that has tons of live animals and hands-on activities.
What a fabulous list! Shamefully, I live 10 minutes outside the city and do not take advantage of all it has to offer. This is a great list for me to keep handy (especially on the days I complain that there is nothing to do!!)
P.S. Thanks for stopping by...
Posted by: Courtney | 09 November 2009 at 11:36 AM
My grand total from that list = 0. I'm looking forward to having some time at home this spring and summer to take Aubryn and the new baby to many of those places. What great ideas!
Posted by: Megan (mommyesquire) | 09 November 2009 at 11:45 AM
What a wonderful post! I live no where close to Philly, but your article has inspired me to look around here (Georgia) for new places to visit with my children. So much better than TV. Thanks for the ideas!
Posted by: sharon | 09 November 2009 at 02:41 PM
i'd have to agree with 80% of your list (never been to 5 or 7). when the kids were little, we went to one or another of these places every week. my teenage boys still talk about the giant slide at smith playground -- that one is not to be missed! (*nostalgic sigh*)
Posted by: Lisa | 09 November 2009 at 08:26 PM
Nice list! We (Philly Tourism) promote these things for young families. I brought my 2.5 year old nephew to Smith Playground, and he adores it.
Posted by: Caroline - Philadelphia Tourism | 10 November 2009 at 10:14 AM