Philadelphia

General Information

We’ve visited Philadelphia many times as easy day trips from NYC and always find something new to explore. With so much to do, we put together a list of fun activities perfect for a quick visit, a weekend getaway, or a longer family vacation. Philly offers a little bit of everything, rich history, beautiful parks and trails, and hands-on museums, all in a walkable, kid-friendly city that’s just a short drive away.

Indoor Activities

Please Touch Museum

This magical museum is a dream come true for little explorers! Every exhibit invites kids to touch, play, and pretend, from shopping in a kid-sized grocery store to steering a real bus or dancing with a giant puppet. There’s even a space where science meets music and art in the most hands-on way. Designed especially for curious minds and busy hands, this place turns learning into a full-on adventure.

Franklin Institute

One of the most famous science museums in the U.S., The Franklin Institute offers a wide range of exhibits designed to engage children and families in science, technology, engineering, and math. Kids can explore everything from space exploration to human biology in exhibits like the Giant Heart and the Planetarium.

Giant Heart slide

Pump It Up (Indoor Inflatable Fun)

Pump It Up is an inflatable play center where kids can jump, slide, and bounce. There are different sections for younger and older kids, so toddlers have their own space to play and explore.

Adventure Aquarium

Located just across the river in Camden, this aquarium features over 8,500 aquatic species, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles. The Shark Bridge offers a walk-over experience above a shark tank, and there are interactive exhibits and touch tanks where kids can pet stingrays and other sea creatures.

Shark tank at the aquarium

Outdoor Activities

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park is one of the biggest parks in the country, with lots of trails to walk or bike, pretty gardens to explore, and great spots for picnics. Kids can visit cool places like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, see the beautiful Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, and check out the Fairmount Water Works. It’s a wonderful place for families to have fun outside together!

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

This big, beautiful playground in Fairmount Park is perfect for young kids, especially those under 5. The main attraction is a giant wooden slide that kids love to ride over and over again! There are also swings, climbing areas, and lots of open space to run and play. Inside the Playhouse, toddlers can enjoy smaller indoor play areas that are just right for their size. It’s a great spot for safe, active fun, indoors and out!

Wooden slide

Wissahickon Valley Park

Wissahickon Valley Park is a peaceful spot inside Fairmount Park with easy trails that are great for little kids. There are creeks to splash in, playgrounds to play on, and plenty of quiet places for picnics. It’s a perfect place for families to explore nature and have fun outdoors together!

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is full of amazing animals, more than 1,300 from all over the world! You can see big cats up close at Big Cat Falls or watch colorful birds at the McNeil Avian Center. One of the coolest things is Zoo360, where animals like lions and jaguars walk above you in special see-through tunnels. It’s a fun and exciting place for the whole family to explore!

Zoo360

Sesame Place

Just a 45-minute drive from Philly, Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA is a dream spot for little Sesame Street fans! This colorful amusement park has fun rides, splashy water attractions, and chances to meet favorite characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster. Kids will love rides like Super Grover’s Box Car Derby and dancing along with the daily Sesame Street parade. It’s a joyful place made just for young children and their families!

Sesame Street Parade

Spruce Street Harbor Park

This colorful waterfront park has something for everyone! Families can relax in hammocks, play boardwalk and oversized games like giant Jenga and Connect Four, and enjoy the roller rink in summer or ice skating in winter. The park also features floating gardens that help clean the water and add to the beautiful views. For a little extra fun, try the arcade games tucked into cool shipping containers—or even give axe throwing a shot in a supervised area.

Franklin Square

Franklin Square is a fun and cheerful park in the heart of Philly that’s perfect for families with little ones. There’s a colorful carousel, a Philly-themed mini-golf course, a fun playground, and plenty of green space to run, play, or enjoy a picnic. Whether you're there for some fresh air or just to let the kids burn off energy, it’s a great spot for easy, outdoor family fun.

Schuylkill River Trail

A scenic, multi-use trail ideal for walking, jogging, or biking. It offers views of the city skyline and bridges, with easy access to parks and nature along the river.

Independence National Historical Park

This park is home to some of America’s most famous landmarks, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Kids can explore cool exhibits at the National Constitution Center and join fun guided tours to learn about the country’s history.

Liberty Bell

Bryn Mawr’s Trolley Tour of the Park

This easy and fun trolley ride goes through pretty college grounds and quiet woods near Haverford College. Along the way, kids can spot fun stops like the Peter Pan statue. It’s a relaxed trip that’s perfect for little kids who want to explore without too much walking!

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – Kids Mosaics

At Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, kids can join the Kids Mosaics program to make their own colorful mosaic art. Using bright tiles, beads, and other fun materials, children create projects like mini mosaics, magnets, and suncatchers. The program encourages creativity and lets kids explore art in a hands-on, playful way. It’s a great chance for kids to make something special while exploring the magical mosaic-filled gardens around them.

Magic Gardens

Morris Arboretum

Morris Arboretum is a big, beautiful garden in Chestnut Hill where kids can explore fun walking trails and climb a cool treehouse. There’s a special Children’s Discovery Garden with hands-on activities made just for kids.

Treehouse

Peddler's Village (Family Fun Day)

Peddler’s Village, about 45 minutes from Philadelphia, is a great spot for families. The village hosts special events throughout the year with activities like pony rides, face painting, bounce houses, and more. Inside the village, kids can also enjoy Giggleberry Fair, an indoor play center with a climbing mountain, an antique carousel, arcade games, and a toddler play area. It’s a perfect place for both outdoor and indoor fun, no matter the weather. Be sure to check their event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit!

Schooner A.J. Meerwald

Hop aboard the historic Schooner A.J. Meerwald in Burlington, NJ, for a fun and educational boat ride! Kids can learn all about sailing and the animals and plants that live in the Delaware River. They even get to help pull ropes and raise the sails like real sailors. It’s a hands-on adventure that makes learning about nature and boats exciting!

Eastern State Penitentiary (Al Capone’s Cell Tour)

Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the most famous prisons in the U.S., known for its spooky, castle-like design and stories of infamous inmates like Al Capone. Families can explore the prison on a self-guided audio tour that’s easy to follow and full of interesting stories. You can even peek inside Al Capone’s old cell, which is surprisingly fancy compared to the others! A special part of the visit is seeing the small prison shul, built by Jewish inmates in the early 20th century.

With big open grounds to explore and lots to learn about history, this stop is both educational and memorable for curious kids.

Notes for Visiting with Kids:

• While the tour is fascinating, it’s recommended for older children and teens due to its historical content and slightly eerie atmosphere. However, it can also be a fun visit for younger children who are curious about history and famous figures like Al Capone.

  We did the tour with our then 2 year old, and it all went right over his head. He was just excited to climb on the stones outside the prison cells ;)