Philadelphia, PA - Family Fun In Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Museum of Art are just two of dozens of attractions that the whole family can enjoy when in Philadelphia.
Museum District: Attractions:
- The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University – Highlights of the oldest natural history museum in the Americas include Dinosaur Hall, with a fossil preparation lab and hands-on fossil dig site; live butterflies in a tropical garden; a children’s nature center with live animals; and historic dioramas with animals from around the world. Changing exhibits are mounted throughout the year as well. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1000, ansp.org
- The Franklin Institute – The region’s premier science museum features a full city block of kid-friendly exhibitions, such as the walk-through Giant Heart, Space Command, SportsZone, Sir Isaac’s Loft, Amazing Machine, Electricity, Train Factory, The Franklin Air Show, Changing Earth and the outdoor, rooftop Joel N. Bloom Observatory.The museum’s 53,000-square-foot Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion features the 8,500-square-foot exhibit Your Brain, along with an unprecedented collection of interactive, high-tech exhibitions. The expansion also features a rain garden and a larger, climate-controlled traveling exhibition space for limited engagements. The Franklin also houses the Tuttleman IMAX Theater, the Fels Planetarium and a 3-D theater. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
- The Oval Philadelphia – In summer, an alfresco hangout pops up in a formerly little-used parking lot at the edge of the Eakins Oval. Though the programming changes year-to-year, reliable fun includes mega-sized games to play, visits from food and retail trucks, arts festivals and family parties. 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 607-3477, theovalphl.org
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – Sunday is indeed fun day for families at the crown jewel of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, for kid-friendly tours, and drawing and craft activities. The museum also offers themed written guides for kids every day and special family programming throughout the year. Pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Sunday of every month and every Wednesday after 5 p.m. provides opportunities for families to enjoy the museum at a lesser cost. Admission is always free for kids 12 and under. 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
- Sister Cities Park Philadelphia – Water babies and their familiesvisit this summertime Center City paradise for its pebble-bottom wading pool sheltered by a landscaped hill, along with randomly spouting fountains. A lifeguard, cafe and a kiosk that sells plastic boats, swim diapers, sunscreen and other essentials, keep families coming back. 18th Street & Ben Franklin Parkway, (215) 440-5500, ccdparks.org/sister-cities-park
Museum District: Restaurants & Snack Stops:
- Buena Onda – A member of chef Jose Garces’ family of restaurants, this Baja Peninsula-inspired taqueria is known for mahi mahi tacos and tofu chorizo quesadillas served on house-made tortillas. Fifty cents of every order of guacamole goes to the Garces Foundation, a nonprofit helping Philadelpha’s immigrant community access health and educational services. 1901C Callowhill Street, (215) 302-3530, buenaondatacos.com
- Sabrina’s Café & Spencer’s Too – This popular diner-like stop offers large portions and straightforward comfort fare, breakfast through dinner. Owners of impatient children be warned: Weekend brunch can attract a lengthy line out the door. 1804 Callowhill Street, (215) 636-9061, sabrinascafe.com
Museum District: Hotels:
- Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia – Friendly service and total convenience are the hallmarks of this spacious spot, just one block from Sister Cities Park and two blocks from the Academy of Natural Sciences and The Franklin Institute. The kids tend to love the indoor pool too. 201 N. 17th Street, (215) 448-2000, sheratonphiladelphiadowntown.com
- The Windsor Suites – Families who crave extra elbow room need look no further than the apartment-stype accommodations (with fully-equipped kitchens) at this circular Parkway stalwart, complete with rooftop pool. Pets stay free. 1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (877) 784-8379, thewindsorsuites.com