Fun Things to do in Philadelphia

1. Philadelphia Magic Garden
Little ones will love wandering through this whimsical space, its winding walls filled with colorful glass and tiled mosaics. First, stop by the front desk to snag your scavenger hunt card then explore interactive corners where kids can touch tiles, tools and hear stories about the space. Drop in for free daily tours that will teach all about the gardens muralist, Isaiah Zagar, and be sure to check the website for monthly special events, like family-friendly crafternoons and live musical performances after-hours.

2. Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
With rope mountains to climb and slides to zoom down galore, this 16,000-square0foot playhouse is every childs dream come true. Younger tots will love roaming and hiding in the three-storied playhouse while older kids eagerly explore nearly seven acres of jungle gym fantasies. But beware, adventurers of all ages will quickly become addicted to the famous 39-foot-long slide with a daring (but kid-friendly!) 13-foot wide slope. Prepare to hear one too many Just 5 more minutes?

3. Please Touch Museum
Break the rules at this museum where curious minds of all ages are encouraged to play in two fun-filled exhibit floors. Kids can navigate an indoor hedge maze, sail across a tabletop river, launch a rocket or stargaze while learning about creatures of the forest. The museums super cool Cents and Sensibility exhibit arrived in January 2019 and explores the concept of money in a playful way. Kids will be captivated by the Dollar and Cents Scale, which teaches you how to add combinations of coins to make a dollar, and the Money Maze, which asks you to direct a money ball through a labyrinth while learning about spending, saving and sharing.

4. Philadelphia Zoo

Fly, swing and leap on over to Americas longest-standing zoo for an afternoon of animal adventures to remember. First, dive into the newest addition, KidZooU, for a few furry up-and-close encounters, interactive exhibits and climbing structures. Then pay a visit to nearly 1,300 animals from the rare black and white ruffed lemur and the Chinese alligator to zoo favorites like the jaguars, hippos, bears, rhinos and more. Finally, unwind in a sail aboard a swan boat or choo-choo on the kiddie train express.

5. Franklin Institute
Escape rooms, VR and giant heartsoh my! Inquisitive minds of all kinds will love spending the day at this science emporium. Find out how your body can help power a lightbulb or put Newtons Laws of Motion to the test with a playground of pulleys and pendulums. Then, gear up to operate a massive crane before finding out who will crack the code first in a puzzle-packed escape room challenge. And dont forget to get lost in the museums AR experience that youll just have to see to believe.

6. Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Museum of Art houses a stunning collection of over 240,000 pieces of original art, ranging from sculptures to furniture collections from historic Philadelphians homes. Kids will love the family art cart in the galleries, where they can sketch from the masterpieces as well as Sunday family tours, specifically geared toward the younger set. Guides center the tour on a specific theme (colors, shapes, etc.) and then lead children through the museum in search of examples in the collection.

7. Eastern State Penitentiary
This ones great for older kids (ages 7 and up)! The former penitentiary, which was abandoned for more than 20 years before becoming a museum, offers a vast history of fascinating inmatessuch as Al Caponeand prison culture. You can take guided or audio tours through the space (stops with adult content are marked accordingly in the event youd like to skip them). Be sure to pick up a scavenger hunt booklet (free with admission) so your kids can find all of the items on the list.

8. Mutter Museum
Come one, come all and marvel at some of the worlds medical mysteries. From over 2,000 of the oddest objects ever ingested by the human body to the many intricacies of the Soap Lady, this museum, run by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, is also one of only two places worldwide where Albert Einsteins brain residesliterally. Examine it up close, or peruse a collection of 139 human skulls and learn about the study they helped...er...head.

9. Jkidphilly at the Jewish Learning Venture
Part of the Jewish Learning Venture, this program seeks to connect kids and families within the vibrant community of Philadelphia and surrounding suburbs and offers different activities throughout the year to that end. Check out the calendar for an ever-changing selection of events and celebrations, including craft days, baking events and afternoon park playdates.

10. Firemans Hall Museum
If youve got a kid who loves firetrucks, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. Just outside of Old City, this restored firehouse offers close-up looks at antique firetrucks as well as artifacts rescued from some well-known fire-related events. Upstairs, kids can try on firefighter gear, sit and read books, and make 911 calls on a pretend phone. The tiny gift counter offers fun take-home items such as stickers, patches and model firetrucks.