Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for Philadelphia

Friday, December 22: Historic Philadelphia

Start your trip by exploring the rich history of Philadelphia. In the morning, visit the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Afterward, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its vast collection of art from around the world. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal at Reading Terminal Market, a food lover's paradise with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from.

  • Liberty Bell: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Independence Hall: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: Estimated cost - $25 per adult, $14 per child, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Reading Terminal Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, December 23: Family Fun in the Zoo

Spend the morning exploring the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo. Marvel at a wide range of animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, and giraffes. Afterward, take a short walk to the Please Touch Museum, a hands-on museum perfect for children. In the evening, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail.

  • Philadelphia Zoo: Estimated cost - $24 per adult, $19 per child, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Please Touch Museum: Estimated cost - $20 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Schuylkill River Trail: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 24: Family Day at the Franklin Institute

Start your day by visiting the Franklin Institute, a science museum that offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for the whole family. Spend the afternoon exploring the Adventure Aquarium, home to various marine species, including sharks and penguins. In the evening, experience the magic of the Christmas Village at Love Park, where you can enjoy holiday shopping and festive decorations.

  • Franklin Institute: Estimated cost - $23 per adult, $19 per child, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Adventure Aquarium: Estimated cost - $31 per adult, $23 per child, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Christmas Village at Love Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Monday, December 25: Festive Christmas Day

Enjoy a relaxed day in Philadelphia on Christmas Day. Start with a visit to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a unique mosaic art gallery. Afterward, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming streets of Old City. In the evening, indulge in a special holiday dinner at one of the city's top restaurants.

  • Philadelphia's Magic Gardens: Estimated cost - $10 per adult, $8 per child, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Estimated cost - $40 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Holiday Dinner: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Educational Museums

Spend the morning exploring the Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison turned museum that offers guided tours. Afterward, visit the Please Touch Garden, a beautiful outdoor space perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. In the afternoon, learn about the history of science and medicine at the Mütter Museum. In the evening, catch a performance at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

  • Eastern State Penitentiary: Estimated cost - $16 per adult, $12 per child, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Please Touch Garden: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Mütter Museum: Estimated cost - $18 per adult, $13 per child, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - Varies
Wednesday, December 27: Outdoor Adventure

Explore Philadelphia's outdoor attractions on this adventurous day. Start with a visit to Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, perfect for hiking and picnicking. Afterward, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to climb the famous Rocky Steps and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride on the Delaware River. End your day with a visit to Spruce Street Harbor Park, a vibrant waterfront park with hammocks, food vendors, and live music.

  • Fairmount Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: Estimated cost - $25 per adult, $14 per child, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Delaware River Boat Ride: Estimated cost - $18 per adult, $12 per child, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 28: Museum Hopping

Spend your last day in Philadelphia exploring its renowned museums. Start with the National Constitution Center, where you can learn about the history and importance of the U.S. Constitution. In the afternoon, visit the Barnes Foundation, known for its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. End your day with a visit to the Rodin Museum, showcasing the works of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin.

  • National Constitution Center: Estimated cost - $15 per adult, $11 per child, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Barnes Foundation: Estimated cost - $30 per adult, $5 per child, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Rodin Museum: Estimated cost - $12 per adult, $10 per child, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have some extra time, consider visiting the Please Touch Garden, a hidden gem nestled in Fairmount Park and perfect for a peaceful nature escape. Locals also love the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, a free outdoor playground and indoor playhouse for children to enjoy. Lastly, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is a unique attraction where you can get up close and personal with various insects and beautiful butterflies.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version