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Philadelphia is flat-out fun for families with kids. We’ve got kid-friendly museums and playgrounds galore as well as free (or almost free) exciting attractions and even a few amusement parks. In addition to outdoor fun and immersive art experiences, Philly is arguably one of the most historic places in the country, so kids can learn a little bit along the way.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia with kids or you’re a local looking for interesting places to explore, we’ve got you covered. We’ve spent lots of time taking our nephew to the entertaining sites in town (while seeing what’s enjoyable for adults, too). Here’s a look at some of our favorites.
Explore the Franklin Institute
If you have kids who love science, the Franklin Institute is the place to go. Spanning a full city block, the interactive educational museum is full of exhibits on flight, space, and electricity (it is named after Ben Franklin, after all). The giant walk-through heart is a Philly classic that also teaches kids about anatomy, and the climb-through brain is also a hit.
The daily live science demonstrations are among our favorites (yes, this place is also pretty cool for adults). We loved the combustion show, which is dramatic and filled with fire, and the liquid air show that makes creative use of liquid nitrogen. Pro tip: the on-site garage makes visiting easy.
See sea life at Adventure Aquarium
With over 8,500 different animals in 2 million gallons of water, there is so much to see at Adventure Aquarium. Must dos include:
- Walk through the Shark Tunnel and marvel as dozens of sharks and other animals swim around and then over you.
- Cross the Shark Bridge, an 81-foot-long suspension bridge that lets you walk just inches above the sharks (only children who can walk easily on their own should try this because it moves a little).
- Visit the Stingray Beach Club to touch and feed rays, and go to Touch-A-Shark to interact with several different species.
- Check out the age-appropriate activity sheets ranging from coloring pages (a big hit with our nephew) to games and questionnaires to help kids get more out of their aquarium visit.
Splash around at Sister Cities Park
The water attractions at Sister Cities Park are perfect in the summer, especially for young kids. This cute park has a fountain area with water jets. And, a few steps away is the Children’s Discovery Garden and wading pond, which is ideal for everyone on a warm day. Beside the pond, there are scalable stones and paths to walk among the trees. In the winter and early spring, the pond is replaced with a hollowed out climbing log. The park also has a café with drinks, sandwiches, and light bites, so you can stay fueled for playing.
Get hands-on at Please Touch Museum
The most popular place in Philadelphia for kids (ages 7 and below), the Please Touch Museum is about as engaging as it gets. Kids can sit down for tea with characters from Alice in Wonderland, “drive” a SEPTA bus, and splash in the water while learning about rivers (yes, there are aprons so you don’t get soaked). We could barely pull our nephew away from the mock grocery store–there’s just something about shopping for and scanning all those goodies–and the carousel was also an ENORMOUS hit. Pro tip: parking is free along the Avenue of the Republic.
Enjoy Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park is a must visit for us in the summer. An outdoor oasis located on the Delaware River waterfront, it features tree-slung hammocks, concessions, and arcades in cargo containers.
While the kids run around in the park and play games, the adults can enjoy refreshing drinks from the bar or sample food from the vendors. The park is open May through September, and Sundays are family fun days from 1-4pm. For even more fun, rent a paddle boat from the Independence Seaport Museum next door.
See the attractions at Franklin Square
Franklin Square is great for family fun all day long. One of our favorite areas is the Philly-themed mini-golf course where you can go for a hole-in-one at Independence Hall and try your luck at making it in the crack of the Liberty Bell. Seasonal themes such as “Spooky Mini Golf” around Halloween are particularly fun.
Around the park, you’ll also find a carousel plus a large playground that’s free to visit. At the heart of the park is a giant marble fountain where you can see a fountain show set to music every 30 minutes beginning at noon from mid-April through October. It’s really fun to watch. If you get hungry, check out SquareBurger for burgers, fries, and Tastykake shakes.
In the summer, Franklin Square is the location of the Chinese lantern festival, a magnificent spectacle of giant hand-painted lanterns that range from panda bears that move to color-changing cherry blossoms. It’s one of the city’s best events in the warmer months.
Visit the Philadelphia Zoo
If you’re looking for African lions, birds of prey, primates, or even Vampire bats, you’ll find them all at the Philadelphia Zoo. Two of the highlights of a visit for us are getting up close with the herd of rare goats at KidZooYOU and watching the big animals in Zoo360, a travel and exploration system that lets them move above the zoo’s main walkway. It’s pretty amazing to look up an see a tiger walking right above your head! The Rare Animal Conservation Center is also fascinating for seeing some the zoo’s endangered species.
The zoo is great to visit any time, but we especially enjoy going to different holiday celebrations. Boo at the Zoo means costumes and fall treats, and the holiday light display LumiNature includes light sculptures, musical shows, and s’mores.
Pro tip: if you’re looking for a bit of a break, the carousel and Express Kiddie Train are nice for some of the smallest visitors.
Skate at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink
Whether winter or summer, there is always something fun going on at RiverRink on the Delaware River waterfront. During winter, kids get to enjoy ice skating at Winterfest plus indoor games, fire pits, cozy couches, and hot drinks in a winter chalet setting. The boardwalk rides and games are fun, and the decorations make it one of the prettiest places in the city to see holiday lights. The rollerblades come out to play in summer when the rink transitions for Summerfest. The warmer weather comes with rocking chairs, cool drinks, air conditioning, and more fun.
Have fun at Sesame Place
It’s fair to say that visiting Sesame Place (or, as he calls it, “Elmo’s house”) was a highlight of our nephew’s year. Even at two-and-a-half, he could ride everything he wanted with an adult, and we were happy to go along. Elmo’s Cloud Chaser (the swings), Monster Mix Up (teacup ride), and a spinning ride called Flyin’ Fish were big hits along with the playground.
During our visit, there were lots of chances for photos with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and other characters. It seemed like there was at least one meet-and-greet at all times, which helped keep lines manageable.
Fireworks and a parade happen daily from spring through fall. Memorial Day through Labor Day brings the addition of the water park, which includes features like a lazy river, slides, and The Count’s Splash Castle that has a 1000-gallon tipping bucket. We’re looking forward to returning to experience that part of the park.
Climb and slide at Kids Castle Central Park
Kids Castle is an outstanding free play area where kids can climb throughout the castle, race on 38-foot-long slides, swing, and play on all the unique equipment. It has been a local favorite for years and is a must-do in Doylestown. We like it so much that we’re willing to make the 45-minute drive. Two newer play areas are great for children of different abilities and needs.
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic pavilion if you’re planning to stay for awhile. Be aware that the restrooms are temporary facilities (although, hopefully, some permanent ones are in the works).
Run around Morris Arboretum
Set across 92 acres of natural land and gardens, Morris Arboretum is one of our favorite places to have a picnic, and there is plenty of room to run around and expend some energy while seeing beautiful plants and exploring the various sculptures throughout the gardens.
The arboretum has attractions and lots of special programming geared toward kids. In Out on a Limb, visitors can walk through the tree canopy 50 feet up or peer through a giant net that lets you see all the way to the ground. You can also explore the Whimsical Woods and take a walk through the fairy garden.
The Garden Railway is probably the biggest draw for kids. One of the largest model train displays in the country, it features a world of miniature buildings, bridges, and passages. It’s particularly popular in the winter when the landscape for the Holiday Garden Railway is lit up with Christmas lights at night (additional tickets are required to visit at night).
Bat at The Yard at Citizens Bank Park
With two recent playoff runs, going to a Phillies’ game is pretty entertaining. But, if you’re looking for even more to do on a visit to Citizens Bank Park, don’t miss the kid-friendly area called The Yard.
Ninety minutes before game time, The Yard opens for lots of different activities and a few specialty concessions. The two most popular things to do here are scaling the 30-foot Phanatic-themed wall and playing a little Wiffle ball. At Citizens Phan Field, kids can take a turn hitting and see themselves on the big screen. There is no shortage of spectators and people to cheer you on.
Slide at Smith Memorial Playground
When it comes to free attractions for kids in Philadelphia, it really doesn’t get better than Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. The spot is one of the oldest playgrounds in America and features an amazing 50+ pieces of play equipment. Everything here is designed for ages 12 and younger, while kids aged 5 years and under have a special Tot Lot, which is packed with age-appropriate play structures. The Playhouse is best known for its incredible 40-foot-long giant wooden slide. Don’t worry–parents can ride down with little ones.
See the colors at Magic Gardens
The grand works of local mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar are all over Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. The space is filled with pottery, glass bottles, bicycle spokes, mirrors, and other recycled materials that extend over half a city block to create a spectacular environment. Every time we visit we find some new detail we missed before along the walls and passages. Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet to turn the exhibits into a treasure hunt.
Take a walk with Philly Goat Project
One of the more unusual activities on our list is one of the most fun if you’re an animal lover. The Philly Goat Project based at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown gives kids a chance to get up close with over 10 goats on the organization’s regular goat walks. Walks happen at Awbury as well as other locations all around Philadelphia from Laurel Hill Cemetery to Fair Hill Burial Ground, and the goats frequently appear at neighborhood festivals and events downtown. We had a great time during our winter walk, even with snow on the ground.
The goat walks are an easy stroll and fun for kids and adults as you learn to guide your goat. Some walks are reserved for children with special needs, which is a focus of the Goat Project.
If you can’t make it to one of the walks, you can see the goats in their paddock or grazing at Awbury for free every day of the year from dawn until dusk, though it’s important to know that they hate rain so their movements are limited in bad weather. Keep an eye on the event calendar to see what fun things are scheduled.
Uncover the secrets of Otherworld
Every inch of Otherworld is filled with art. This fanciful space in northeast Philadelphia includes over 50 rooms packed with unusual scenes, creatures from another universe, unexpected sights, and visual tricks. Whether it was statues that look like court jesters or an alien with a mouth you walk into, we never knew what was coming as we explored.
If you see a lever, pull it. If there’s a button, push it. If something moves, see what’s behind it. As you make your way through the maze of Otherworld, keep an eye out for secret passageways and clues to unlock more information. Staff along the way may be helpful, but this place is a puzzle.
Visit the sites of Independence National Historical Park
Some of the country’s most significant sites and the most iconic landmarks in Philadelphia are located within the 55-acre Independence National Historical Park. From Congress Hall and the Liberty Bell to the Benjamin Franklin Museum and Independence Hall, the National Park Service has resources to make learning about these places fun for school-aged kids.
Children ages 8 through 12 can earn a sticker by completing activities in the Junior Ranger Challenge related to the historic buildings. There is also a series of trading cards for kids to collect as they visit Old City sites (more information is available from the Independence Visitors Center). Older kids may enjoy completing a scavenger hunt that requires taking selfies at famous spots and learning about their significance.
Enjoy the events at Dilworth Park
Dilworth Park at City Hall is constantly full of new and fun things. In the winter, it transforms into the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Skating Rink welcoming visitors for skating, snacks, and warm drinks alongside the Christmas Village and other holiday activities. In the summer, it’s a colorful rollerskating rink beside fountains, lovely seating areas, and occasional live music.
Other times of the year, Dilworth Park boasts fitness events, pop-up concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals, all of which are family-friendly. We’ve even seen artists carve an entire piano out of ice here as part of a winter event, so expect the unexpected fun when you visit. See the calendar for what’s on.
Step inside Betsy Ross House
The home of America’s most famous flag maker, the Betsy Ross House has historic interpreters working in an 18th-century upholstery shop where you can learn about Betsy’s work and life. Young visitors can join in the fun with an audio tour designed just for kids and take on the challenge of solving 13 historic mysteries throughout the house. If you get an early start to your sightseeing, at 10am daily during the summer, Betsy comes to the courtyard for a morning flag-raising ceremony.
Tour the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution is full of hands-on fun for kids. Young visitors can join the Sons of Liberty and explore Revolution Place, an interactive discovery center designed for ages 5 to 12. The attraction brings 18th-century Old City to life, complete with a military encampment, a home, a meetinghouse, and a tavern. It is full of replica objects and costumes so kids can dress up and dive into the past.
One of the biggest highlights is climbing aboard a replica privateer ship where kids can play soldier, move cannons, and load cargo. Nearby, they’ll discover the story of James Forten, a 14-year-old free Black teen who joined a real privateer ship to fight against the British.
See the American Treasure Tour Museum collection
Located in a giant warehouse near King of Prussia, the American Treasure Tour Museum is an incredible collection of unique items filling 100,000 square feet of space. It is really more like a collection of collections, each room with its own theme. You need a tram just to get around!
As you go from room to room on the narrated tour, you’ll see all kinds of memorabilia spanning over a century of American history. There is a giant Gumby, cutouts of The Three Stooges, and every Sesame Street character you can imagine. Whether you want to see the world’s longest Slinky or a smoking skeleton, this place has you covered.
Find a storytelling bench
Do you love a good story? Around the Historic District, you’ll find eight “Once Upon a Nation” benches dedicated to storytelling. In the summer, performers (often costumed) tell short 3- to 5-minute stories you won’t hear anywhere else. From Franklin Square to Betsy Ross House, kids will hear about regular citizens doing brave and unusual things in the places where they actually happened. If you collect stars at all eight, you’ll get a free ride on the carousel in Franklin Square.
Walk the halls of Eastern State Penitentiary
The ruined cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary are fascinating to explore. At nearly 200 years old, this prison in the Fairmount neighborhood is now a preserved ruin and museum. Walking among the dilapidated cells, we were intrigued by the old hospital wing marked with a red cross and the former dentist’s office with a chair awaiting the next patient.
The Eastern State Challenge is a free activity booklet that turns a visit into an adventure! Designed like a scavenger hunt, it helps kids explore the prison’s ruins in a fun and interactive way. Kids seven and older are likely to get the most out of a visit here. While there is nothing scary or graphic, the cells have a naturally eerie feeling—perfect for curious minds who love a little mystery.
Browse the galleries at the Barnes Foundation
Every time we visit the Barnes Foundation, we’re reminded how incredible it is to see so many great works by artists like Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, and Cezanne all under one roof.
It’s also a great spot to spark a love of art in kids. The Barnes offers lots of family-friendly resources like easy-to-understand background information, guides to their garden, and art-themed scavenger hunts to help young visitors connect with the collection. If you’re planning a visit, the first Sunday of every month is a must. It’s packed with special programming for all ages like story time, live music, dance performances, and hands-on art activities. Plus, admission is free that day with advance registration.
Play at Craft Hall
Craft Hall lives up to its billing as a family-friendly sports bar. It is filled with screens to watch every competition you would want to see and has great food and beer from Mainstay Brewing, which is located on-site (plus plenty more drink choices).
What really sets Craft Hall apart is how welcoming it is for kids. There is a pirate ship indoor playground, a foosball table, and games like a giant Connect Four. You can also pick from lots of board games, arcade games, and even classic skeeball. The choices are extensive and help make sure that everyone has a great time.
Choose your own adventure at Linvilla Orchard
Just 30 minutes from Philadelphia, Linvilla Orchard is a 300-acre farm packed with fun. Whether you’re looking for fishing, face painting, or pony rides, you’ll find it at this popular attraction. Kids can burn off energy at the huge playground or try their hand at the 9-hole indoor mini-golf course.
Pick-your-own fruits, vegetables, and flowers is available in spring, summer, and fall at the farm. We especially enjoy late spring for strawberries or apple picking in the fall.
Fall is a great time to visit because of the number of activities available. You can visit Pumpkinland to pick a pumpkin for carving, make your way through the corn maze, or take a hayride around the farm. Stop inside for Linvilla’s popular apple cider donuts and browse all the produce and pastries in the market. Weekend crowds can be overwhelming, especially around Halloween and Christmas, so I would recommend doing everything possible to visit on a weekday.
See the sites at Longwood Gardens
Natural meadows, incredible plant sculptures, manicured gardens, and majestic fountains are just a few of the things that attract people to the gem that is Longwood Gardens. Across Longwood’s 1000 acres, attractions designed specifically for kids are conveniently outlined on the Children’s Garden Map that helps make sure you don’t miss any of the fun stops.
See a fountain show set to music, chase butterflies in the meadow, and see the plants in the indoor Children’s Garden. Don’t miss the two-story treehouse that overlooks the Italian Water Garden–it’s one of our favorites. If you’re visiting in the fall or winter, the Garden Railway is also a must-see with model trains snaking through a multi-level miniature world surrounded by plants and trees.
Visit the American Helicopter Museum
The American Helicopter Museum has over 35 helicopters, convertiplanes, and autogiros on display. Eight of these are fully accessible to visitors, and aviation-inclined kids will have a fantastic time here sitting in the cockpits and exploring all the pieces.
The museum also has a kids’ learning space and a toddler play area where they can play with games, puzzles, and lots of educational toys. Kids who want to learn even more can register for a two-day Aerospace Boot Camp or a week-long ground school session that offers 35 hours of training from a certified flight instructor.