Visit the oldest street in America, Elfreth's Alley. T. Kennedy/Visit Philadelphia

Friday: Family-Friendly Things to Do When You Arrive in Philadelphia

Afternoon Activities

Ease into the weekend with a walk down America’s oldest street, Elfreth’s Alley. Just a block down, stop into the free Fireman's Hall Museum, a must-see if anyone in your family is fascinated by fire trucks. One of the city's most kid-friendly spots, Fireman's Hall has an array of historic equipment from the Philadelphia Fire Department and encourages visitors to play dress-up with firefighter gear. 

Budget-Friendly Dinner Spots

Options abound for family-friendly and budget-friendly food in Philly. For your first evening in the city, head to Liberty Point for great waterfront views and casual eats or Pizzeria Stella for reasonably priced, tasty wood-fired pizzas.

Evening Fun

Play a round of mini golf and take a spin on the carousel at Franklin Square, or walk the Ben Franklin Bridge for sunset views.

Roller skate at Blue Cross RiverRink. Photo courtesy Visit Philadelphia

Saturday: Top Historic Attractions and Museums for Families in Philly

Morning: Explore Historic Philadelphia on a Budget

No trip to Philly is complete without a dose of history. Start at Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Tickets are free but time slots go quickly, so plan ahead. Just across the street, you’ll find the Liberty Bell. No tickets needed, and totally free to visit, it’s an iconic stop that belongs on every Philadelphia bucket list.

As you explore the neighborhood, settle into any of the eight curved Storytelling Benches and hear some of our nation’s most intriguing behind-the-scenes stories from trained, uniformed storytellers.

Lunch Ideas in Old City Near the Sights

Check out Sonny’s Cheesesteaks or Campo’s Deli. You can also order to-go and enjoy a picnic lunch in Washington Square Park.

Afternoon: Best Free Museums and Activities for Kids

Budding artists in your family? The marquee Philadelphia Museum of Art in Fairmount is free for kids 18 and under (don't forget to climb the "Rocky steps" out front!) as is the nearby Rodin Museum. The Institute of Contemporary Art in University City is also free for all ages.  

Kid-Friendly Dinner Options

If you're looking for relaxed Italian, Pizzeria Vetria, Pietro's, and Emmy Squared are all great options. Goldie is a go-to for affordable falafel and vegan shakes.

Evening Ideas for Family Fun

For post-dinner fun, explore the Penn's Landing waterfront, where different times of year bring different attractions. Wander along the boardwalk or lay in a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor Park, or visit the skating rink, arcade, and rides (including a 60-foot Ferris wheel and double-decker carousel!) at Blue Cross RiverRink. 

Cool off on a sumjmer day at the Dilworth Park Fountain. Photo courtesy Center City District

Sunday: Outdoor Play, Animal Encounters, and Sweet Treats Before You Leave

Best Breakfast Spots

You can't go wrong with a classic diner breakfast at Honey’s Sit ’n Eat, giant portions and playful vibes at Sabrina’s Cafe, or grab-and-go donuts and breakfast sandwiches from Federal Donuts.
 

Kid-Friendly Parks and Outdoor Morning Fun

Splash and explore at Sister Cities Park, or climb, slide, and play at Smith Memorial Playground. 

And no Philly visit is complete without snapping a photo in front of one of The City of Brotherly Love’s best-known landmarks: LOVE itself. The iconic Robert Indiana LOVE statue is in John F. Kennedy Plaza, also known as LOVE Park. 

While you're there, stop by nearby Dilworth Park, a public plaza at the base of City Hall. It's a lively public space with seasonal events year-round, from an ice rink and holiday market in winter to a roller rink in spring and a hay maze in the fall.

Afternoon Treats

Don't miss old-fashioned ice cream parlor Franklin Fountain, small-batch local ice cream (and ice cream sandwiches!) at Weckerly's, or 1-900-ICE-CREAM for crazy-good, one-of-a-kind scoops and soft-serve. 

Before You Go: Easy Stops on the Way Out

Grab a bite at Reading Terminal Market, stock up on take-home treats at Shane Confectionery, or browse the Di Bruno Bros. gourmet shop where you can pick up some snacks for the road.