Exploring Family-Friendly Philadelphia in 5 Days

  • Day 1: Liberty Bell Center
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Independence Hall

    The Liberty Bell Center is a must-visit destination when in Philadelphia. It features an impressive display of the American icon, the Liberty Bell. Visitors can view exhibits on the history of the bell and see a replica of how it would have rung in the past.

  • Day 2: Philadelphia Zoo
    18 minutes (7.5 miles) from Liberty Bell Center

    The Philadelphia Zoo is a fun and exciting place to visit for families with kids. It's one of the oldest zoos in the US and features over 1,300 animals from all over the world. Visitors can see rare species like the giant otter, amur tiger, and red panda, among others.

  • Day 3: Reading Terminal Market
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Philadelphia Zoo

    The Reading Terminal Market is a bustling indoor market filled with local vendors selling food, drinks, and souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines like Pennsylvania Dutch, Italian, and Chinese, among others. It's a great place to grab a quick bite or do some souvenir shopping.

  • Day 4: Please Touch Museum
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Reading Terminal Market

    The Please Touch Museum is an interactive children's museum that's perfect for families with young kids. It features a wide range of exhibits and activities that encourage creativity and learning, like a 1,200-square-foot Alice in Wonderland-inspired exhibit, a City Capers exhibit, and an Imagination Playground with giant foam blocks.

  • Day 5: Franklin Square
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Please Touch Museum

    Franklin Square is a public park located in the heart of Philadelphia. It offers a wide range of family-friendly activities like mini-golf, carousel rides, and a playground. It also features a beautiful fountain that lights up at night, making it a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Liberty Bell Center (1 hour, free)
  • Philadelphia Zoo (3-4 hours, $25 adult, $20 child)
  • Reading Terminal Market (2 hours, price varies)
  • Please Touch Museum (3-4 hours, $20 adult, $17 child)
  • Franklin Square (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $125 per adult, $102 per child

Transportation

To get around Philadelphia, visitors can use public transportation like the SEPTA subway, bus, and trolley systems, which offer affordable fares and extensive coverage of the city. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available, as well as bike-sharing programs like Indego. Visitors should expect to spend around $50 for transportation during their 5-day trip.

Useful Tips

For visitors with more time, other family-friendly attractions in Philadelphia include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Independence Hall, and the Franklin Institute Science Museum. For those with less time, consider skipping the Please Touch Museum or Franklin Square and instead spend more time exploring other destinations on the itinerary.

Airports

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the largest airport in the region and is located about 7 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia. It offers nonstop flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide and features a variety of dining and shopping options. Visitors can reach the city center using the SEPTA Regional Rail system, which takes about 30 minutes and costs around $8.

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