How to Find Fun Family Activities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Independence Hall is one of Philadelphia's famous sites.

Philadelphia is one of the most exciting cities for a family visit; the City of Brotherly Love is packed with history, thus many activities are educational and fun -- and the focus of many school field trips.

Instructions

1. See Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall is considered the birthplace of the United States, as the site where the Declaration of Independence was discussed and signed. The Liberty Bell once hung in the tower above Independence Hall, and represents the importance of rights and freedom for all. Both are free, but you'll need tickets to get in. Go early and get them in advance.

2. Visit the National Constitution Center, an interactive history museum. See the U.S. Mint, where many of our nation's coins are made; it has free tours.

3. Check out the Betsy Ross House, home of the woman who sewed the first American flag. Visitors will learn about Betsy Ross' history as well as the history of the flag and the house itself.

4. Museums display histories of art, world culture, war, local culture, science and much more. Check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Academy of Natural Sciences and The Franklin Institute.

5. Once of the very best things to do in this city is eat. From Italian to Asian Fusion, there is something for every visitor. Philadelphia has an Italian Market, Chinatown and the famous Reading Terminal market. You'll find inviting coffee shops, ice cream and candy stores and snack shops all over the city.

6. See some theater. The Walnut Street Theater, Forest Theater and Kimmel Center are great choices.

7. If the weather is nice, visit the Philadelphia Zoo. It's over 150 years old, and visitors can spend hours checking out all the animals and displays.

8. Stroll Boat House Row and watch crew teams rowing on the river as you take in the beautiful scenery. Surrounding the city are also great attractions. Across the bridge in New Jersey is the Camden Aquarium, an amazing place to take children. Just north of the city, in a section of Philadelphia called the NorthEast, there is the Insectarium, a "BugZoo" that kids will love.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you go, check out the movie "National Treasure," which was filmed in Philadelphia. You'll see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, City Hall and many more locations.

References

• Philadelphia: Your Destination Guide: Top 10 Movies Filmed in Philadelphia
• Frommer's: Introduction to Philadelphia
• Frommers: Philadelphia Attractions