Kids Guide NJ | New Jersey Guide to activities, places and events for children, teens and families | Things to do in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania

PLEASE NOTE:
Hours, prices, exhibit and event information are subject to change.
Please call ahead or use the convenient website links to get the latest information prior to your visit.

philadelphia convention & visitors bureau
Visitors Center: 16th St. & John F. Kennedy Blvd. Open daily 9am-5pm; Memorial Day through Labor Day 9am-6pm. Independence National Historical Park Visitors Center: 3rd and Chestnut Sts. For free visitors information, calendar of events and hotel packages, call 800-537-7676 or visit www.gophila.com. Pay-one-price CityPass provides admission to six Philadelphia area attractions with no waiting in main entrance ticket lines, www.citypass.com. Philadelphia Pass offers free entry to over 30 attractions and line skipping privileges, www.philadelphiapass.com.
See phillyfunguide.com for a comprehensive entertainment calendar for the Philadelphia region coordinated by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
Refer to visitpa.com, the official tourism website for Pennsylvania, for information about the entire state.

Academy of Natural Sciences
Logan Circle at 19th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, 215-299-1000. Advanced discount tickets: 215-299-1027. Mon.-Fri. 10-4:30, Sat.-Sun.-holidays 10-5. Ages 13 & up $12, srs., ages 3-12, college students with I.D. $10, under 3 free. Additional $2 entry fee for butterfly exhibit.
   Founded in 1812, this is the oldest science research institution in the Western hemisphere and home to the first dinosaur skeleton ever displayed (in 1868, found in Haddonfield, NJ, in 1858). Dinosaur Hall, African, Asian and North American Halls, live butterflies exhibit, live animals center, and changing natural science exhibits highlight the ongoing research of Academy scientists. "Outside-In" is an exploration area for young children open weekends and holidays. Library open Mon.-Fri. 1-5. Scavenger Hunt activity sheets available at Entrance Desk. Overnight safaris and Late-Nights for families, scouts and groups ages 7-14.
Sat &
Sun
     Weekend crafts, activities, presentations and demonstrations.
Ongoing
     Butterflies!, tropical garden filled with butterflies from around the globe. Additional $2 fee to enter.
Selected Exhibitions
Jun 2-Oct 23
     Creatures of the Abyss, explore the inhospit-Sept 6 able environment of the deep sea.
Oct 23-Jan 2
     Cruisin' the Fossil Freeway with Artist Ray Troll and Paleontologist Kirk Johnson, explores evolution, extinction and early life on earth through whimsical illustrations and real fossils.
Selected Special Events
Jun 19-20
     Catfish Weekend, explores the natural history of one of the most successful species of fish on the planet. 10-5.
Jul 17- 18
     Creatures of the Abyss Weekend, hands-on activities and creature crafts. 10-5.
Aug 14- 15
     Bug Fest, live insects, bugs to eat, cockroach races, bug tattoos, insect sculptures. 10-5.
Oct 9-10
     Philadelphia Shell Show, buy shells, shell displays, tours of Malacology Collection.

Crayola Factory
Two Rivers Landing, 30 Centre Square, Easton, PA, 610-515-8000. Fall, winter, spring: Tues.-Sat. 9:30-3pm, Sun. 12-5. Summer: Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 11-5. Adults and children $10.24, srs. $9.71, military $9.45, 3 and under free, group discounts. Learn how crayons are made, participate in hands-on activities. Scout programs, birthday parties, family workshops, homeschool programs, teacher workshops available. Admission includes entrance to National Canal Museum on 3rd floor.
Hugh Moore Park, located on the Lehigh River nearby, illustrates America's canal and industrial revolution eras with canal boat rides (May-Sept.), locks, 19th century industrial ruins and the Locktender's House Museum.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum
Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 20th St., Philadelphia, 215-448-1200, 800-285-0684. Science museum exhibits open daily 9:30-5. Special limited engagement exhibitions are open extended hours Thurs.-Sat. until 8pm and Sun. until 7pm. Advance tickets available online or call 877-TFI-TIXS. Adults $15.50, srs. $14.50, children $12.
   The museum that pioneered hands-on exhibits consists of the Science Center, Mandell Futures Center, IMAX Theater (215-448-1111 hotline) and Fels Planetarium. Traveling Science Show for groups; camp-ins; summer Discovery Camp.
Daily
     Interactive shows & demonstrations daily.
May-Sept
     Science Park, 30 interactive science-related exhibits and activities in outdoor park. Free with admission. 9:30-4, weather permitting.
Wed
     Target Community Night, fun, educational events 5-8pm on the third Wed. of the month. Free admission and shows.
Thurs
     Thursday Nights in the Observatory, see different planets and stars 2nd Thurs. of every month. May-Sept. 7:30-11pm; Oct.-Dec. 6-9:30.
Ongoing
     The Curiosity Show, reenacts some of Benjamin Franklin's most famous and exciting experiments. Check program guide upon arrival.
     Amazing Machine, highly interactive exhibit allows visitors to explore the inner workings of everyday machines.
Selected Special Exhibitions
Jun 5-Jan 2
     Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, world premiere exhibition features never before seen artifacts and takes visitors inside the present-day search for Cleopatra.
New
     Changing Earth, examines the interconnectedness of water, air and land and explores how our response to Earth's changes will impact our future on Earth.
     Electricity, the exhibit most closely identified with the Franklin Institute has been newly reimagined and energized with interactive devices and graphics glowing from within. Sustainable dance floor, cell phone disco wall, a sparking tesla coil are a few of the new features. Daily live shows demonstrate Franklin 's inventions and experiments.

Independence National Historical Park
Chestnut St. between 5th & 6th Sts., Philadelphia, 800-537-7676. Visitor Center: open daily 8:30-6. For info on park buildings, hours and programs, call the Visitor Center, 215-965-2305, visit www.nps.gov/inde or www.independencevisitorcenter.com. The Park is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and another dozen sites of historic importance, such as Carpenters' Hall, Old City Hall, Congress Hall and Franklin Court. The Historic Philadelphia Gazette, available at Visitor Centers and online at www.historicphiladelphia.org, describes walking tours, plays and other daily events in the historical area. Learn about Ben Franklin and printing at Franklin Court. Horse drawn carriage rides.
Apr-Oct
     Lights of Liberty, 60 min. sound & light walking tour leads visitors through the events of the Revolution. Adult and children's tape available. 877-GO-2-1776.
Ongoing
     Breakfast with Ben, enjoy breakfast with one of the founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, every Saturday morning. 9-10:30am. 800-537-7676,
     Independence Hall Tours. Obtain free, timed tickets at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Sts. Tickets are given out beginning at 8:30am. Allow about 30 min. to go through security at 5th & Chestnut Sts. Tickets may be reserved up to one year in advance at 877-444-6777 (10am-10pm) or at http://recreation.gov for $1.50 per ticket.

Independence Seaport Museum
Columbus Blvd at Walnut St., Philadelphia, 215-925-5439. 24-hr. program hotline: 215-413-8621. Daily 10am-5pm. Adults $12, ages 3-12 $7, srs. $10, under 3 free. Admission free on Sundays 10-noon. Maritime history comes to life with interactive exhibits, computer games, hands-on activities, and tours of Cruiser Olympia from the Spanish-American War and Submarine Becuna from World War II. Winter outdoor skating on the waterfront at Blue Cross River Rink at Penn's Landing. Access to the RiverLink Ferry to New Jersey State Aquarium.
1st Sat
     Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Cruiser Olympia from 1892 and Submarine Becuna, 11-3. Hands-on activities for children aboard Olympia. Must be 12 or older and able to climb steep stairs. Reservations suggested, 215-413-8655.
3rd Sat
     Seafarin' Saturdays, hands-on family activity or craft in the Museum galleries. 1-3pm.
Jan-Mar
     Seaport Slumbers, Saturday overnights for groups and families.
Selected Exhibitions
Ongoing
     What Floats Your Boat? interactive exhibit explores boats and boat building.
Thru Jan 3
      It Sprang from the River!, interactive exhibit features great maritime inventions and ideas that have crossed over into everyday life.
Selected Special Events
Jun 26
     Annual Fireworks Party & Silent Auction, family entertainment, cocktails, dinner, best view of Philadelphia fireworks. Proceeds benefit museum. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Lancaster County, PA
A must-see for train enthusiasts of any age, the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch countryside of Lancaster County is home to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg Railroad (across the street) and National Toy Train Museum just down the road.
Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
Rt. 741, Strasburg, 717-687-8628. Nov.-April: Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. April-Oct.: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-5. Adults $10, srs. $9, ages 3-11 $8, under 3 free. Housing one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world, the museum displays over 100 locomotives and cars from the mid-19th and 20th centuries.
Strasburg Railroad
One Historic Dr. (off Rt. 896), Strasburg, 717-687-7522. Enjoy a 45-min. ride aboard an historic coal-burning steam train to Paradise, PA, in your choice of five different railroad cars. Seasonal special events include train rides with Santa, the Easter Bunny, military reenactors or Thomas the Tank Engine. Station includes historic trains and rail cars, bookstore, trackside restaurant, dining car and gift shop.
Jun 12-20, Sep 11-19, Nov 19-21
     Day Out with Thomas.
National Toy Train Museum
300 Paradise Lane, Paradise Twp., 717-687-8976. Jan.-Mar.: Closed. April: Weekends 10-5. May 1-Oct. 31: Fri.-Mon. Nov.-Dec.: Weekends 10-5. Extended hours during holidays. Families $15, adults $6, srs. $5, ages 6-12 $3, under 6 free. A collection of hundreds of toy trains and accessories from mid-1800s to present are displayed in a modern museum built like a historic train station.

National Constitution Center
111 S. Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, 215-409-6600, 866-917-1787. Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5, Sat. 9:30-6, Sun. 12-5. Timed tickets are purchased for entry. Adults $12, srs. $11, ages 4-12 $8, under 4 free. Established as an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit organization by Congress, this is the first museum dedicated to honoring and explaining the U.S. Constitution through interactive and multimedia exhibits, photographs, film, sculpture, text, and artifacts.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, 215-763-8100. Tues.-Sun. 10-5, Fri. 'til 8:45. Closed Mon. and major holidays. Adults $16, srs. $14, ages 13-18 & students $12, 12 & under free. Pay what you wish on first Sun. Strollers are not permitted in special exhibitions on weekends or when galleries are crowded.
   Founded in 1876, the museum presents a full range of fine and applied arts from Asia, Europe and the U.S. spanning over 2,000 years with masterpieces in every medium.
Sun
     Something for Every Sunday family program includes gallery explorations, games, art workshops or storytelling for ages 3-teens and family. Tickets are first come, first served at the Visitor Services Desks. Programs with studio session are $3, parents free. For schedule, call 215-684-7580 or visit website at www.philamuseum.org/education.
Fri
     After Five, museum stays open late every Fri. for gallery visits, food, drink and music, dance and jazz performances in the Great Stair Hall.
Ongoing
     Self-Guided Family Tours available at West Information Desk. Activity sheets explore a new theme in art each month. American Art Kids Tour audio guide, written for children ages 6-10, is available to rent for $5 at Visitor Services Desk in the East and West entrances.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru Summer
     Inspiring Fashion: Gifts from Designers Honoring Tom Marotta, special occasion and evening wear.
Jun 17-Sept 6
     Late Renoir, first exhibition to survey the achievement of the great Impressionist painter during the last three decades before his death.
Thru Jan 10
      Arshile Gorky: A Retrospective, celebrates a seminal figure in the movement toward abstraction that transformed American art.
Summer Family Programs
Jun 20, 27, Jul 11, 25, Aug 8, 29
     Drawing Together, all ages. Drop in 12-3pm.
     Early Bird Read & Look, ages 3-5. 10:15-11am.
     Tours for Tots, ages 3-5. Starts at 11:30am.
     Summer Family Studio, drop in activities. 10-3.

Philadelphia Zoo
34th St. & Girard Ave. (exit 36 I-76), Philadelphia, 215-243-1100. Mar.-Nov.: Daily 9:30-5. Dec.-Feb.: Daily 9:30-4. April-Nov.: Adults $18, ages 2-11 $15. Dec.-Feb.: Adults & children $12.95.
   Opened in 1874, this is America's first zoo and home to nearly 1,600 animals, many of which are rare and endangered. Treehouse indoor play center; petting zoo; lorikeet feeding and free-flight bird show in season. The Education Dept. offers children's workshops, keeper programs for families, homeschool workshops, summer camps, daytime or overnight group programs, Zoo on Wheels outreach. For workshop information, call 215-243-5254.
Apr-Oct
     Birds of Australia, feed colorful lorikeets inside outdoor aviary. Camel, draft horse & pony rides; swan boat rides; carousel; train; Zooballoon.
New
     Amazon Rainforest Carousel, all-wooden, hand-carved and hand-painted carousel.
     McNeil Avian Center incorporates lush walk-through habitats where visitors can discover over 100 birds from around the world, many of them rare and endangered.

Please Touch Museum
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, 215-581-3181. Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-5. Adults and children 1 & over $15. The first museum in the country dedicated to providing cultural and educational hands-on experience for children ages 1-7 tripled its gallery space when it moved in 2008 to Memorial Hall, a National Historic Landmark built in 1876 as part of the country's Centennial Exhibition. Six totally interactive exhibit zones include Roadside Attractions, Flight Fantasy, City Capers, Wonderland, River Adventures and Centennial Exploration. The 1924 Dentzel Carousel is housed in a new glass and steel Carousel House. Hands-on activities and special events are scheduled daily. Cafe; theater.
1st
Wed
     Target First Wednesdays, admission is $2 for guests over the age of 1 from 5-7pm on the first Wednesday of the month.
Ongoing
     Grown-Up Tours, self-guided tours of historic Memorial Hall are available seven days a week for $10 per person. Guided group tours can be scheduled 9:30-3 Tues.-Fri. for $15 per person.
Nov 26-Jan 2
     Enchanted Colonial Village, Lit Brothers department store's original holiday window scenes are on display.

Sesame Place
100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, PA 19047, 215-752-7070, 1-866-GO-4-ELMO. See listing under Amusement & Water Parks.

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
Above Kelly Drive near the intersection of 33rd and Oxford in East Fairmount Park, 215-765-4325. April-Oct.: Playground open Tues.-Sun. 10-4pm, until 7pm on weekends from last weekend in June to last weekend in Aug. Playhouse open year round Tues.-Sun. 10-4. Free.
      Six acre playground for children 10 and under includes a giant wooden slide and 50 pieces of accessible play equipment. The 24,000 sq. ft. Playhouse gives children 5 and under a chance to "drive" a train, "cook" in the kitchen and ride tricycles. Storytimes and special events are frequently offered.

United States Mint
5th & Arch Sts., Philadelphia, 800-USA-MINT. Tours: Mon.-Fri. 9-3. Store: Mon.-Fri. 9-4. Free, self-guided tours are offered on a first-come, first served basis pending availability. Line up at visitor entrance on 5th St. between Arch and Race Sts. Adults will be asked to provide government-issued photo identification and many items are prohibited including strollers. For special needs accommodations, 215-408-0110.

University of Pennsylvania Museum ofArchaeology and Anthropology
33rd & Spruce Sts., 215-898-4000. Tues.-Sat. 10am-4:30pm, Sun. 1-5pm. Closed Mon., holidays and Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Day. Guided gallery tours offered most Sat. & Sun. 1:30pm. Adults $10, srs. $7, ages 6-17 $6, 5 & under free. Founded in 1887, the Museum has sent more than 400 archaeological and anthropological expeditions to all the inhabited continents of the world. Exhibits include 12-ton sphinx and architectural remains from the ancient Egyptian palace of Merenptah, mummies and other fascinating artifacts from Asia, the Near East, Greece, Africa and the Americas. Weekend family events, children's workshops and summer day camp.
New
     40 Winks with the Spinx Sleepover, ages 6-12 and their parents or chaperones are invited to an overnight expedition of the museum on select Friday nights year round. See online events calendar for scheduling and registration.
     Discounted Double Ticket for the Penn Museum and Cleopatra exhibit at the Franklin Institute is available. 1-877-TFI-TIXS, www.fi.edu.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru 2011
     Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past & Present of the Lenape in Pennsylvania.

York County
York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 155 W. Market St., York, 888-858-YORK. As the "Factory Tour Capital of the World," York County capitalizes on its manufacturing tradition. From Harley-Davidson to Herr Foods, Hope Acres Dairy Farm to the Martin Guitar Company, many factories open their doors to visitors so they can learn about the production and assembly process. Age restrictions may apply on factory floors. Consult factorytours.org for details.
Jun 23-26
Made in America Tours, annual open house.

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