Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Philadelphia - 2021

Adventure Aquarium is home to more than 15,000 aquatic animals exhibited throughout two million gallons of water and offers unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like up-close animal encounters, the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, and the longest shark bridge in the world. Some of the Aquarium’s most unique residents include Anchor the great hammerhead shark, a colony of endangered African penguins, and their Nile beauties Button and Genny – the only hippos in the world to be exhibited at an aquarium. This year, Adventure Aquarium celebrates its 30th birthday with year-long, under the sea fun, including FREE admission on your birthday, early open Member events, and a goal of raising more than $30,000 to support conservation efforts around the world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for more than 30 years, Adventure Aquarium is held to the highest standards in animal care and exhibition.

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.

Home to dozens of wild and endangered species that hail from all over the globe, the Elmwood Park Zoo is a top destination for families with young children. The zoo was the first in the world to become a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), and the first in the United States to offer admission to guests with pet dogs. Elmwood Park Zoo is also home to the Treetop Adventures ropes and zip line course, open to all ages.

Of course, the libraries in the Philadelphia area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of the best places to take kids this year!

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a non-profit organization located in Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park. Founded in 1899, Smith welcomes visitors from more than 500 zip code areas including every zip code in Philadelphia. The mission of Smith is to provide and promote opportunities for unstructured free play for children. Smith contributes to the development of healthy children, strong families, and safe communities by maintaining a proud tradition of free family admission, partnering with community-based organizations to reach a diverse audience, and advocating for the importance of play.

Discover the magic of color at Crayola Experience, Crayola’s premier, one-of-a-kind family attraction! Dozens of hands-on, creative activities and a full day of fun awaits families in Easton, Pa., just a short drive away from Philadelphia and New York City. Bigger, brighter and bolder than ever, the colorful adventures of Crayola Experience help kids and adults alike explore art and technology, express their creativity and experience color in a whole new way.

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts. 

Sesame Place is the theme park where Sesame Street comes to life! Bring the entire family to whirl on rides, splash down slides and hug everyone’s favorite furry friends. So before little kids become big kids, bring them to meet their Sesame Street friends at Sesame Place® theme park! Located 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes south of New York City. For more information, call 1-215-702-3566 today!

At Tyler Arboretum, we believe that adults and children alike thrive when learning becomes fun and when it inspires them to discover more for themselves.  From our treehouses to our Butter House and Gardens, we have activities for families who are excited about the outdoors.  Families can explore, investigate and learn about the natural world.

 With 650 protected acres of beautiful woodland, seasonally charming meadows, and a lively program of seasonal events and activities, Tyler Arboretum is a delight for nature lovers, birders, botanists, and those who want rediscover the natural world.

 Just a 30-minute drive west from Philadelphia in Delaware County, Tyler Arboretum offers seasonally changing gardens, stands of towering trees (several of which are state champions), 17 miles of hiking trails, and a selection of historic buildings dating back to the 18th century.

Diggerland USA is the ONLY construction theme & water park in the U.S. and it's in West Berlin, NJ, only 20 miles from Philadelphia! Families and their children can drive, ride and operate real construction machines engineered to be safe, clean and most of all, FUN! Enjoy over 40+ rides and attractions, a full service arcade, zip line, rock wall and more! Children over 36" can enjoy just about everything our park offers lap riding with a responsible chaperone.

Feel like cooling off? Pop over to The Water Main, water park inside Diggerland USA to enjoy soaking, splashing and sliding. Our expansive 2-acre water park offers the best in relaxation or recreation. Challenge water obstacle courses, play a game of aqua shot or just wade in Bulldozer Bay with your little one.

We are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.