Top Things to Do with Kids in Philadelphia’s Historic District

Spruce Street Harbor Park has been lauded as one of the best urban parks in the country. Crowds come in droves to enjoy the oasis along the Delaware River Waterfront, where kids can roam the Jersey Shore-style boardwalk, complete with an arcade and al fresco food stands, or play oversized games like Connect Four near the fountain.

When the weather heats up, waterfront public park Independence Blue Cross RiverRink transforms into a roller skating rink for Summerfest, with a lodge onsite, outdoor bowling, mini-golf and plenty of outdoor seating for relaxing in the summer sun. During colder months, kids lace up their skates and take to the ice at Winterfest.

Philadelphia has always been a city of seafarers. While you’re here, take to the water in a swan boat. Available to rent through Paddle Penn’s Landing at the Independence Seaport Museum, these colorful paddle boats allow even novice boaters to partake in the fun and try out their sea legs in a section of the river removed from water traffic.

One of Philadelphia’s original five squares, Franklin Square now features fun attractions like the Parx Liberty Carousel and a Philly-themed miniature-golf course. SquareBurger, the park’s on-site food stand, serves up items that rank high as kids’ favorites, including burgers, fries and signature Philly shakes (e.g., the Cake Shake blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets!).

Take sightseeing to a whole new level at the Military Muster, where kids can march alongside Continental Army reenactors. Pint-sized participants can even borrow a (wooden) musket to get into the historical spirit.

Bring your cameras, smartphones and selfie sticks to the Historic District and snap a family photo in front of iconic sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall. Find the “XOXO” selfie spot in front of The Bourse Food Hall, which overlooks Independence Mall, for an Instagram-worthy shot that celebrates the City of Brotherly Love.

Moms and dads can find something to satisfy every member of their family at The Bourse Food Hall, which houses more than two dozen eateries all in one bright open space. Kids will undoubtedly beeline to Mighty Melt for inventive grilled cheese sandwiches, which pair well with a heaping basket of fries at #getfried Fry Cafe. Scoop DeVille completes the lunch experience with out-of-this world desserts, like ice cream sundaes, cookie sandwiches and edible cookie dough.

On select days throughout summer, costumed historians at 13 storytelling benches throughout the Historic District entertain visitors with short anecdotes about the colonial era as part of Once Upon a Nation. Children can pick up a Story Flag at any storytelling bench, then collect a star from every storyteller on their journey. Flags with at least ten stars can be redeemed for a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square.

Franklin Fountain always attracts a crowd — and for good reason. The old-fashioned ice cream parlor’s homemade sweet treats include awesome, over-the-top sundaes with names that pay homage to the neighborhood’s historical significance, including the Franklin Mint (mint chip and vanilla ice creams, chocolate syrup, marshmallow glaze, creme de menthe and whipped cream) and the Lightening Rod (brownie chunks with coffee ice cream, espresso, chocolate-covered espresso beans, white chocolate shavings and a salty pretzel rod).

When the little ones start to get hungry, treat the whole family to a round of authentic Philly cheesesteaks. Sonny’s and Campo’s, two casual eateries in Philadelphia’s Historic District, serve made-to-order sandwiches for lunch and dinner.

Learn all about Philadelphia’s favorite Founding Father at the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Dedicated to the life and multifaceted career of this visionary leader, the exhibits contain artifacts and displays that appeal to visitors of all ages.

The Museum of the American Revolution lays just steps from Independence Hall and in the heart of a city that served as the headquarters for the fight for America’s freedom. Through immersive exhibitions and priceless artifacts, the museum traces the evolution of the Colonies from the earliest days of unrest through the improbable victory that led to a new nation. Highlights include General Washington’s original headquarters tent, Revolutionary War weapons, centuries-old military documents and the museum’s Patriots Gallery, where little ones can try on Revolutionary-inspired clothing, design their own flag, decode secret messages and practice drilling like a Revolutionary soldier.

Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and a live multimedia performance all help bring the U.S. Constitution to life at the National Constitution Center. In Signers’ Hall, kids can pose with life-sized bronze statues of the 42 fellas who signed the Constitution in 1787.

Eat and drink like a colonial Philadelphian at City Tavern, where diners indulge in period-inspired cuisine served by costumed waitstaff. This historic spot played a significant role in colonial America, having served as an unofficial meeting place for George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and their fellow delegates during the First Continental Congress in 1774.

America’s most celebrated seamstress lived and worked at the site now known as the Betsy Ross House. Visitors of all ages can tour the home and workshop, which dates back to 1740, as well as speak with a costumed Betsy Ross reenactor.

Situated in a firehouse that dates back to 1902, Fireman’s Hall chronicles the history of firefighting in Philadelphia and promotes fire safety. Best of all? Kids can play dress up with helmets, boots and jackets.

Shane Confectionery has been cranking out mouthwatering confections since 1863. Little ones will be in heaven in the old-world candy shop, which is lined with chocolates and candies inspired by centuries-old sweets recipes. At anytime the selection can include a decadent variety of chocolate truffles and fudge flavors, candy bars and a rainbow of salt water taffy.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia contains four galleries that use art, artifacts and words to showcase the lives and work of African Americans. In the Children’s Corner, hands-on activities teach kids about the daily lives of young folks in colonial Philadelphia.

Families can discover the stories of real-life heroes like Jackie Robinson and Nelson Mandela at the National Liberty Museum. The newly renovated “Welcome to Liberty” exhibit includes a replica of the Liberty Bell that kids can actually touch, and Dale Chihuly’s impressive 21-foot Flame of Liberty in the “Flame Gallery” glows with vibrant colors that change when guests touch the ring that surrounds it.

With a collection of more than 30,000 modern artifacts, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History tells the story of the Jewish experience throughout American history. Kids can engage in interactive activities like trying on period clothing, listening to a prairie soundscape and exploring a covered wagon.

Aptly named, Penn’s Landing marks the spot where William Penn first arrived in the New World. Today, the waterfront promenade hosts family-friendly events of all kinds, ranging from multicultural festivals to movie screenings under the stars to open-air concerts.

Christ Church Burial Ground, which dates back to 1719, serves as the final resting place for some of the most important figures in colonial Philadelphia, including Benjamin Franklin and his wife, Deborah. In a nod to Franklin’s motto of “a penny saved is a penny earned,” visitors partake in an unofficial tradition of throwing one-cent pieces onto his grave.

The Independence Seaport Museum delights young visitors seven days a week, with three historic vessels that they can explore and fun hands-on exhibits and artifacts like a mock cannon.

The first U.S. Mint opened in Philadelphia in 1792, and while there are four such production facilities around the country today, the majority of coins in circulation still come from Philly. During free, self-guided tours, families can learn about the history of coin-making and look for their home state’s quarter.