10 Fun Family Activities in Philadelphia

1. The Philadelphia Art Museum

The Philadelphia Art Museum is a premier museum with an enormous collection spanning 2000 years and a variety of cultures including extensive Asian, European, and American collections. The museum itself includes notable architectural spaces and also includes the Rodin Museum, a separate building a few blocks away that is included with admission. Possibly the most well-known part of the museum during this day and age are the steps, famously featured in the Rocky movie.

Tickets are $30 for adults and free for kids. Hours are Thursday to Monday from 10 to 5, Friday till 8:45PM, and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish on the first Sunday of every month. 

2. Independence Hall

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is a historic building, originally known as the Pennsylvania State House, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. You can see it through a tour, which is free but does require a timed ticket. Tours are about 20 minutes long and tickets can be reserved here.

3. Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell was originally cast in 1752 as the Pennsylvania State House Bell, but it arrived cracked and had to be recast twice before it would ring. It was used to summon lawmakers and alert citizens about public meetings. It’s inscription reads, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof,” from Leviticus 25:10, leading the bell to became a symbol of freedom during the abolitionist movement to end slavery, and at other times such as during women’s suffrage. It’s final crack occurred when it was last rung in 1846.

The bell is located in a museum that can be strolled through with no ticket, near Independence Hall.

4. Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is an immersive art museum on South Street created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. It has indoor and outdoor spaces, all filled with mosaics made from broken tiles, bottles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, and other odds and ends. Zagar’s intricate mosaic work covers walls, stairs, and pathways and incorporates a variety of found objects and folk art from his travels, especially Mexico and Peru, where Zagar and his wife served in the Peace Corps.

It is open Wednesday–Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays. Admission is $15 for Adults, $12 for students and seniors, $8 for children 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under.

5. The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is an excellent science museum which always has a new exhibit to check out. Our favorite temporary exhibits so far were Harry Potter and the Lego Art of the Brick. It also has lots of permanent exhibits that are always fun to explore. These include a giant model heart/play area, a huge climbable spider web, a floor dedicated to transportation with actual train cars, an excellent planetarium, and a world of inventions (which even include a display where you can get a nice little electric shock!) You can easily spend a whole day here, going from exhibit to exhibit.

The Franklin Institute is open daily and tickets are between $23 and $29, depending on age. Special exhibits have additional costs.

6. Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the US, and was established in 1874 in Fairmount Park. It is quite large, with over 1000 animals and many opportunities for interactive experiences. There are cat walks all around the zoo, so you may look up and see a tiger traversing a mesh tube over your head. It is dedicated to conservation and also has a variety of family-friendly events, such as Boo-at-the-zoo in October and a holiday lights display in December.

The zoo is open daily from 9:30 to 5, and prices range depending on the date and time, between about $20 and $34.

7. Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is a historic, indoor public market in Center City Philadelphia opened in 1893 under the former train shed of Reading Railroad. It is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the US, with over 80 independent stalls selling all kinds of prepared food, fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. Vendors are diverse, so whether you’re in the mood for Greek Cuisine, Philly cheesesteaks, fresh seafood, or Amish cooking, you can find something to hit the spot at the Reading Terminal Market. It is open daily from 8AM to 6PM.  8. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

8. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the oldest research institution in the Americas, founded in 1812. It also happens to be a really fun place for kids, with a lot of cool bugs, dinosaurs, and interactive science lab displays that kids will enjoy. It also does some serious research on important topics like biodiversity.

You can visit Friday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for a discount, with general admission prices around $22 for adults and $18 for children (ages 2–12).

9. Take a Mural Tour

Philadelphia is known for it’s murals, which number in the thousands. Many were created through a formal program called the Mural Arts Philadelphia program, started in the 1980’s to combat graffiti. Projects involve professional artists and diverse local community members. You can take a walking or trolley tour to see some of the better known murals, or simply walk around the city and see what you find! 

10. Morris Arboretum and Gardens

 Morris Arboretum and Gardens is a beautiful place filled with exhibits that the whole family will love. You can find an awesome tree canopy boardwalk with netting for the kids to jump in, a giant nest, and interesting forest views. There are interesting pieces of sculpture art throughout the gardens, a lake with swans, a little plant-covered house with sandboxes for excavating artifacts, an indoor “fernery,” a fairy forest, a beautiful rose garden, and more. 

The location is in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Hours are 9 to 5 on weekends and 10 to 5 on week days. Admission is $22/adult, $20/seniors, $12 for youth ages 3 to 17, and free for ages 2 and under.