Philadelphia family guide
Philadelphia is where the United States was born, and it makes history easy for kids: you can stand next to the cracked Liberty Bell and walk through the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Then it switches to fun, with a walk-through giant heart at the Franklin Institute, a museum made for touching, America's first zoo and soft pretzels on every corner. The centre is compact and flat.
Create a Philadelphia activity book
Best ages
Please Touch Museum is built for ages 1-7, while the Franklin Institute, the Museum of the American Revolution and Independence Hall suit children of 7-12 who have heard some history.
Stroller
Center City and the Old City are flat on a tidy street grid with kerb cuts, and most museums have lifts; only the brick pavements in the Old City get bumpy.
Take this guide on the trip
Signal and roaming are not guaranteed abroad. Print this guide or save it as a PDF, then add a Philadelphia travel journal and packing list. All three are free and are made in your browser.
Travel journal for Philadelphia Packing list for PhiladelphiaTop things to do in Philadelphia with kids
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Ages 5+
See the cracked bell for free, then join a ranger tour of Independence Hall; free timed tickets are needed most of the year and cost US$1 each to reserve online.
Franklin Institute Ages 4+
Walk through a giant beating heart, see a real steam train and test science experiments; plan half a day and expect about US$25-35 per adult.
Please Touch Museum Ages 1-7
A huge hands-on museum in Fairmount Park with a mini supermarket, a water play area, an Alice in Wonderland maze and a restored 1908 carousel.
Philadelphia Zoo Ages all ages
America's first zoo, with Zoo360 mesh trails that let big cats and primates walk over visitors' heads; tickets are cheaper online for a set date.
Franklin Square Ages 3-10
A small Old City park with a carousel, Philadelphia-themed mini golf and a playground, open daily and best combined with the Liberty Bell.
Rainy-day and cold-day options
Academy of Natural Sciences
Huge dinosaur skeletons, a dig pit and a live butterfly room on the Parkway.
Museum of the American Revolution
Lively 1776 story with George Washington's war tent and a hands-on discovery centre.
Reading Terminal Market
Covered food hall with Amish pretzels, ice cream and dozens of counters to graze.
A simple first day
- Morning
- See the Liberty Bell and tour Independence Hall before the school groups arrive.
- Afternoon
- Play at Franklin Square, then visit the Museum of the American Revolution.
- Evening
- Eat at Reading Terminal Market or share a cheesesteak in South Philly.
Getting around
Walk Old City and Center City, use SEPTA buses, the east-west subway line and trolleys, and take the Regional Rail straight from the airport.
Food kids like
Kids usually enjoy a cheesesteak, soft pretzels, Italian water ice in summer and Tastykake snack cakes; Reading Terminal Market is easiest for picky eaters, and dinner starts around 17:30.
What Philadelphia costs for a family
About US$250-380 (≈ €215-330) a day for a family of four, excluding lodging.
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Franklin Institute (adult / child 3-11) | US$25-35 / US$21-27 (≈ €22-30 / €18-23) |
| Please Touch Museum (per person, age 1+) | US$25-30 (≈ €22-26) |
| SEPTA single ride (under 12 free with an adult) | US$2.50-3 (≈ €2.20-2.60) |
| Philly cheesesteak | US$12-18 (≈ €10-16) |
The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Rocky Steps and many Old City sites are free, which balances the pricier science museums. Prices are typical ranges checked for 2025–2026; confirm current prices before you book.
Safety notes
- Some neighbourhoods outside the centre, such as Kensington, are not for visitors, so stay in Center City, Old City and Fairmount with kids.
- Summer can be hot and very humid at 30-35 °C, so plan indoor museums at midday and carry water.
- Drivers turn fast on one-way streets, so cross at signals with the walk sign; city tap water is treated and safe.
What's inside the Philadelphia activity book
A personalized printable book for one child (or up to three with Family), built around Philadelphia: landmark spotting, a 12-item scavenger hunt, a local food tasting page, local phrases and a quiz. Print it at home before you leave and bring a pencil.
Missions
- Liberty Bell detective
- Founding history hunter
Landmarks to find
- Liberty Bell
- Independence Hall
- Rocky Steps
- Franklin Institute
Foods to spot or taste
- cheesesteak
- soft pretzel
- water ice
- Tastykake
Words to try
- Hey Hello
- Thanks Thank you
- Please Please
- Yeah Yes
Mini €5.90 (10 pages), Adventure €9.90 (25–28 pages) or Family €14.90 (up to three children). One-time purchase, no subscription; the book is printed at home in English.
Create a Philadelphia activity bookQuestions parents ask
Is Philadelphia good for young children?
Please Touch Museum is built for ages 1-7, while the Franklin Institute, the Museum of the American Revolution and Independence Hall suit children of 7-12 who have heard some history.
Can you use a stroller in Philadelphia?
Center City and the Old City are flat on a tidy street grid with kerb cuts, and most museums have lifts; only the brick pavements in the Old City get bumpy.
How much does a family day in Philadelphia cost?
About US$250-380 (≈ €215-330) a day for a family of four, excluding lodging. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Rocky Steps and many Old City sites are free, which balances the pricier science museums.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia with kids?
Best months: April, May, June, September, October.