We are incredibly lucky to be living where we do. In one hour we can be in New York City and in one and a half hours, we can be in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is rich in American history and very accessible to families. There is so much to see and do in Philly so I am going to highlight ten of the most popular attractions for every age group.
- Franklin Square – this public historic area contains the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home and The Betsy Ross House where the first American Flag was sewn. Recent additions of family-friendly attractions such as minigolf, a carousel, storytelling and a picnic area draw crowds of young families.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – this majestic building was founded over 125 years ago and holds an impressive 300,000 works of art and exhibits making it the third largest art museum in the country.
- Valley Forge National HistoricPark – served as the 1777-1778 winter encampment for General Washington’s troops. There are a dozen encampment buildings on the grounds and recreated cabins located on the vast grounds of the Pennsylvania countryside. This is a great day trip on its own in May – September and a beautiful place to picnic.
- The Liberty Bell Center – located in Independence National Historic Park where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. The relatively new center features everything you could ever want to know about the Liberty Bell.
- The National Constitution Center – high-tech exhibits, artifacts and displays explaining the history and significance of one of our country’s most important documents.
- Longwood Gardens – a horticultural destination created by Pierre du Pont offering more than 1,000 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows with spectacular fountains, displays, shows and educational programs. There are over 11,000 different types of plants to be seen here.
- Independence Hall – Tickets (free) are required for admission to tour the place where our Founding Fathers shaped our nation.
- The Franklin Institute – originally opened in 1934 to showcase Ben Franklin’s inventions, it has become a premier hands-on science museum complete with a planetarium and Imax theater. This is a fantastic museum to introduce young children to.
- The Barnes Foundation – a visit to this estate in suburban Philly affords a close-up look at a vast collection of Renoirs, Cézannes and Matisses, not to mention works by Manet, Degas, Seurat and Picasso to name just a few. Displayed in a unique manner, this is not to be missed by any art lovers.
10.The Rocky Statue – are you humming the Rocky theme song yet? Donated to the city of Philadelphia by Sylvester Stallone, the bronze statue is a destination of visitors from all over the world. Located at the bottom of the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it is a tradition to run “The Rocky Steps” and pause at the top to admire the view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Center City skyline while pumping the fists in triumph.
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Even though I said I would only highlight ten sights, I did want to make mention of two more places that I think are worth visiting in Philadelphia: the U.S. Mint (self-guided tour of how money is made) and the Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo, opened on July 1, 1874. Whether you fit these sights into one weekend trip or make several visits, be sure to spend some time strolling the various city neighborhoods to browse, shop and dine. A great place to grab lunch is the Reading Terminal Market, featuring fresh foods and produce, Amish specialties, unique pottery, jewelry and crafts, and much more. I also love the funky boutiques and eclectic restaurants on South Street near the waterfront.
And there is Rittenhouse Square, a beautiful neighborhood and park dotted with upscale restaurants and cafes and the more commercial Walnut and Chestnut Streets in Center City. So go ahead and make plans for the next long weekend or day off from school to explore the streets of Philadelphia. You will not be disappointed.