Travel to Philly

[Brooklyn Bridge]

Hello gang,

We are planning to take some time off at the end of the year and want to take the kids to Philly. What are the recommendations keeping in mind we have two kids, ages 7 and 9? We plan to take Amtrak and stay in or around the area. The kids are off from school and I plan on using PTO, so traveling weekdays/weekends isn't as much of a concern.

TIA.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Hello gang,

We are planning to take some time off at the end of the year and want to take the kids to Philly. What are the recommendations keeping in mind we have two kids, ages 7 and 9? We plan to take Amtrak and stay in or around the area. The kids are off from school and I plan on using PTO, so traveling weekdays/weekends isn't as much of a concern.

TIA.

Independence Hall is the biggie for me, you may need to reserve a time in advance.
While you are down there, you can do the Liberty Bell.
The Revolutionary War Museum is really cool, but may be much on top of the other things for a 7 and 9 year old.
There is the Art Museum on Ben Franklin Blvd. Even if an art museum won't work for the kids, people like walking around there and there is the Rocky statue to take your photo with.
If your kids can walk a little from the Art Museum, the boat houses along the river is a nice walk.
Maybe a walk through Reading Terminal Market for various food things.
The Cheese Steak places.

 

[clintrichardson]

The Franklin Institute is great for kids. Should be at the top of the list.
For food, find the nearest Federal Donuts.

 

[Cosmo]

Reading Terminal Market is awesome. When I go to Philly, it's usually for concerts, so I don't have many kid recs, but they would certainly enjoy that market.

 

[Michael_ Gee]

As somebody who went to Franklin Institute many times as a child, let me second that recommendation.

 

[Webster]

We were members at the Franklin Institute for years — great for kids that age.

 

[Batman]

Yeah, the Franklin Institute is awesome. We took many a field trip there in my school age years.

The Mütter Museum of medical oddities is pretty cool and a personal favorite. Not sure if the kids would grasp it as well as they might a few years down the line, though. The collections of skulls and shrunken heads could either scar them for life or be the coolest thing they've ever seen, depending on their mindset.

Home | Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

 

[Azrael]

Barnes Foundation Museum

Rodin Museum

Academy of Fine Arts

Magic Gardens (the kids will dig this)

Simeone Automotive Museum

Eastern State Penitentiary (not kidding)

At the Reading Terminal Market, the must-have sandwich is DiNic's roast pork with broccoli rabe.

You'll start a debate over the best cheesesteak, but it's probably John's. Or Dallesandro's. Or Jim's.

Fight me!

Have fun.

 

[Monday Morning Sportswriter]

If you're looking for a hotel, I've had great luck with the Lowes, which is just on the south edge of Center City but provides a great skyline or river view, depending on your spot. And it's a block from Reading Terminal, which is a must.

Make sure your travels take you past Betsy Ross' house and Ben Franklin's grave.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

I’ll echo the others about the Franklin Museum. Great for kids.

 

[jackfinarelli]

While you are at the Reading Terminal Market, find Termini's Pastry Shop and treat yourself and your kids to the best Italian pastries in the city.

Also, I second recommendations for Franklin Institute and Liberty Bell/Independence Hall.

 

[The Big Ragu]

Re: @Azrael's list. ... I am a NY museum snob. ... and the Barnes may be the best art collection there is. To the point that it's overwhelming, because it isn't a few rare great paintings buried within a collection. You walk into a room, and you are surrounded by greatness. Every fricking room. That said, I wouldn't bring kids that young there. They will be bouncing off the walls.

I will echo the Franklin Museum for kids. And @jackfinarelli is right on with Termini's for pastries.

 

[wicked]

A trip to a Wawa is a must, just because.

 

[dixiehack]

If there is a Big 5 game while you are there, that could be fun if your kids are into sports. Or any Palestra game really.

 

[The Big Ragu]

If there is a Big 5 game while you are there, that could be fun if your kids are into sports. Or any Palestra game really.

I still have never been to the Palestra somehow. But we spend a lot of time in Philadelphia and need to be @ UPenn a lot. Whenever we walk or drive by the stadium I put on a voice that is zero Brent Musberger. ... more like half Keith Jackson, half Howard Cosell. ... and I say to Ms. Ragu, "You're looking live at historic Franklin Field." It's become a (admittedly lame) joke between us.

 

[Brooklyn Bridge]

Thanks for all the recommendations. We’re looking at December 28-29 for travel.
I think the kids will get a kick out of the train.

 

[garrow]

Many fond memories going to the Franklin Institute as a kid. The Betsy Ross house is neat. I think the Mint is temporarily closed.

There's always Four Seasons Total Landscaping.

 

[Songbird]

3 flights today to Phoenix then Philly then Albany.

First time on a plane since the pandemic began. Flight attendant says it's a "very full flight" and everyone is masked and moving in an orderly and efficient and respectful way. And this flight attendant is showing her Christmas spirit.