If you're looking for family friendly activities, then we've got you covered. Philly is full of fun for your entire family. So grab the kids, and start seeing everything that the Philly region has to offer!

 

Attractions

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive

Camden, NJ

Open since 2005, the Camden Adventure Aquarium offers nearly 200,000 square feet of marine and wild life. Check out hippos at the West African River Experience, meet the flightless birds at Penguin Island and even come face-to-face with a crocodile! And a must-see is the Shark Realm, where a 40-foot, underwater tunnel takes you deep into shark-infested waters.

Insider tip: With advanced reservations, you can sign up to swim with the sharks.

 

Franklin Square

6th and Race Streets

Philadelphia, PA

One of Philadelphia’s five original colonial squares, this park includes mini golf, a picnic area, playgrounds and a carousel. Also, take some time to grab some burgers, shakes and fries while you're there from Stephen Starr’s SquareBurger.

 

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Throughout Historic Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

Hear riveting stories of American history even most adults have never heard at 13 charming Storytelling Benches scattered around the Historic Philadelphia area.

Insider tips: Begin at the Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Streets. Kids can collect stars at each of the 13 benches to go to complete a flag. There are also storytelling benches in Valley Forge.

 

Philadelphia Zoo

34rd Street and Girard Avenue

Philadelphia, PA

The Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1,300 animals—many rare and endangered. The Philadelphia Zoo was the very first chartered zoo in the country and recently celebrated its 150th birthday. Visit and you’ll see Big Cat Falls, a Primate Reserve and the new MacNeil Avian Center. Insider tip: Parking can be tight at this historic zoo, so consider taking public transportation. The Girard Avenue Trolley stops right outside of the front gates.

 

Museums

The African American Museum in Philadelphia

701 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA

The museum invites visitors to experience face-to-face encounters with the bold and fearless people who helped form our nation through its core exhibit Audacious Freedom. The exhibition provides a multimedia historical overview of the African-American story with videos, a detailed, interactive timeline and more.  Young children can join the action with Children’s Corner, which highlights the daily lives of children during that period. Plus, the museum features events like art exhibitions, storytelling, historical character interpretations, film series and musical celebrations, almost all of which are free with admission.

 

The Franklin Institute

222 N. 20th Street

Philadelphia, PA

The Franklin Institute has been a favorite destination for Philadelphia families since 1934, when the Institute opened its science museum side. Kids will love to tramp through the giant heart, learn about electricity, star gaze in the planetarium and watch movies in the dome-shaped IMAX theater.

 

Please Touch Museum

Fairmount Park's Memorial Hall

4231 Avenue of the Republic

Philadelphia, PA

Housed in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall, the kid-centric Please Touch Museum includes six interactive exhibit zones across 38,000 square feet, plus a fully restored 100-year-old carousel. Kids can play in Alice’s Wonderland, River Adventures and other hands-on fun.

Inisder tip: Target First Wednesdays, the museum stay opens from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with $2 admission.

 

Smith: The Kids’ Play Place in the Park

33rd and Oxford Streets

Philadelphia, PA

The Smith Playhouse and Playground has been welcoming Philadelphia’s kids for more than 100 years. Located in a six-acre, wooded parkland in beautiful East Fairmount Park, this century-old landmark is home to a four-story, 24,000-square-foot “play mansion,” iconic 44-foot wooden slide and state-of-the-art Play Pod filled with a giant see-saw and spinning “jungle gyms.”

Insider tip: Admission is free and they’re open Tuesday through Sunday. (Hours vary depending on the time of year, so check before making a visit.)

 

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Road

Langhorne, PA

Sesame Place strives to bring the Sesame Street television show and its values to life for children through play. Kids have an opportunity to meet their favorite characters and climb the three-story-high Nets n’ Climbs in Big Bird’s Court. Sesame Place is just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia and makes for a perfect day trip. And don’t miss the new Count’s Splash Castle — perfect for cooling off during the summer months.

Insider fact: It's Sesame Place's 30th anniversary.