2018 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Philadelphia
Best Places for Kids in the Philadelphia region!
The best places to take kids in Philadelphia, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in Philadelphia! Get great ideas here! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum is a children's museum located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Franklin Institute
As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science centers in the country, and serves as both a prominent educational and cultural resource, and as an anchor of the local economy.
Kids at Play
We have plenty of indoor activities for kids in the Philadelphia area. Our indoor playground and 7,000-square-foot multi-sensory facility are designed to maximize opportunities for your child’s development in a safe, clean and fun, supervised environment.
Independence Seaport Museum
We're all about water! The Museum features interactive exhibits, a working boat shop, science lab, on-water programs and historic ships.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is a non-profit organization located in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA. Founded over 100 years ago to provide opportunities for imaginative and creative play for children, Smith's 16,000 square foot Playhouse and 6 /12 acre Playground welcome 215,000 visitors annually.
Philadelphia Zoo
Situated on 42 acres of beautiful gardens, the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered.
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Check website for holiday hour updates). Adventure Aquarium is an accredited member of the American Zoological and Aquarium Association. Admission is $28 for adults and $21 for children ages 2-12.
Spruce Street Harbor Park
The Delaware River Waterfront is a vibrant destination for recreational, cultural, and leisure activities for the residents & visitors of Philadelphia. We are here to bring you information about waterfront news, events and development.
Sesame Place
Sesame Place is a children's theme park, located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania based on the Sesame Street television program. It includes a variety of rides, shows, and water attractions suited to young children
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to advancing research, education, and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science. Visitors to the Academy have the opportunity to get face-to-face with towering dinosaurs, meet live animals, and explore a tropical garden filled with live butterflies. Philadelphia’s natural history museum offers surprises for all ages, from changing interactive science exhibits to a children’s discovery center, a fossil dig, and opportunities to interact with real science experts.
The Liberty Bell Center
The Shops at Liberty Place is a magnificent retail complex nestled between the One Liberty Place and Two Liberty Place office towers. Located in the heart of the Center City shopping district, The Shops at Liberty Place is one of the finest urban retail centers in the country.
Franklin Square
One of Philadelphia’s five original squares, Franklin Square is Center City's favorite playtime oasis. Centered around its beautiful fountain, Franklin Square also features the Parx Liberty Carousel, the one-of-a-kind Philly Mini Golf course, and the renowned SquareBurger.
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Explore Franklin's life and character in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The museum features artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays. The exhibits are geared toward visitors of all ages, with displays that are educational, challenging, and fun.
Betsy Ross House
The well-known and loved story of Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars & Stripes is tightly woven into the colorful fabric of America's rich history. The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Tour the house and then stay a while longer to learn more about Betsy and her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming. Also, be sure to experience our special events - like Historic Chocolate Making!
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a historic public garden and educational institution. It promotes an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through programs that integrate science, art and the humanities.
The Schuylkill Center
The Schuylkill Center inspires meaningful connections between people and nature. We use our forests and fields as a living laboratory to foster appreciation, deepen understanding, and encourage stewardship of the environment.
One Liberty Observation Deck
Discover all the attractions in Philadelphia right from the Philadelphia skyline. And don’t forget a camera. When it comes to places to take pictures in Philadelphia, our viewtiful sights are second to none. Looking for things to do in Philly at night? See the city light up like never before right from our observation deck. Special events find a home at the top, too. If you happen to be looking for proposal ideas, Philadelphia has a place where you can pop the question in the clouds. So plan a visit today and we’ll see you at the top.
Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo was founded in 1924, when a private landowner donated a small piece of property and a handful of white-tailed deer to the Borough of Norristown. Run by the Borough as a division of Elmwood Park, the Zoo exhibited a collection of animals throughout the 1920s, including monkeys, bears, peacocks, deer, raccoons, and rabbits. Popular for its exhibits, the Zoo was also a destination because of the natural spring that provided clean water to borough residents.
Legoland Discovery Center
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, where families with children aged 3 to 10 can enjoy a world of creativity, color and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO playground. With features including local landmarks made from over a million LEGO bricks in MINILAND® to fun and exciting LEGO themed ride. Watch as your favorite LEGO characters come to life in the 4D Cinema. Then get hands-on with the thousands of LEGO bricks in themed build and play areas where kids imaginations can run wild with the endless possibilities that LEGO offers.
Palace Roller Skating Center
Palace Roller Skating Center has been the neighborhood destination for great memories in Philly! Voted “Best Old School Fun” for Best of Philly 2013, Palace Roller Skating Center specializes in skating birthday parties, private parties, group fundraising events, and open skating excitement.
