Hit the Streets
Start with the historic attractions because you can't see those anywhere besides Philly. Make your home base the National Constitution Center, which has hands-on exhibits and ever-changing kid programming ($14.50 for adults, $13 for kids 13 to 18, $8 for kids 4 to 12, free for younger kids). From there, walk two blocks to see the Liberty Bell; displays include an X-ray of the famous crack. Betsy Ross's House is also nearby, where kids will learn about the famous flagmaker's life and meet a woman pretending to be Betsy herself ($5 for 12 and up, $4 for younger kids). If you have children age 7 and under, plan to visit the Please Touch Museum, a lovingly restored children's museum that's home to a railway exhibit ($16 for kids and adults, free for babies under 1). Have older kids? Then opt for The Franklin Institute, where a giant walk-through heart, a sports challenge, and a new spy exhibit will blow their minds ($16.50 for 12 and up, $12.50 for kids ages 3 to 11, free for younger kids). You'll also enjoy the Philadelphia Zoo's new KidZooU, a combo wildlife academy and petting zoo that's filled with interactive features ($20 for 12 and up, $18 for kids ages 2 to 11, free for younger kids). End your visit with a trip to a local fave: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens dishes out funky folk-art fun for the whole family ($7 for 13 and up, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12, free for younger kids).
