Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is a city full of learning opportunities, iconic historic landmarks, great food, and above all, tons of fun attractions!!
Perhaps when you first think of Philadelphia you don't necessarily think of it as a very kid-friendly place, but trust us, there is so much to see and do with children throughout the city, especially children under the age of 10! Take a look at our 10 suggestions for kiddos in Philly, then give us a call and book your own trip today!
10 Things to Do in Philadelphia With Children Under 10
- Please Touch Museum -Our absolute favorite place to send kids under the age of 10 in Philadelphia is the Please Touch Museum, the top place to learn and play and touch EVERYTHING. No need to watch your children extra close and repeating 'look, don't touch', this hands-on adventure provides several different interactive exhibits, programs, and games your kiddos will love! Placing heavy importance on the 4 C's of learning (creativity, collaboration, community, and critical thinking), we guarantee your kids will walk out of here with a new sense of discovery! They will learn about everything from basic English and storytelling to physical science and ecology! Before you go grab a bite to eat at the onsite cafe, with several kid-friendly (and allergen friendly) options such as pizzas, wraps, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and the like.
- Sesame Place - Welcome to the nation's only theme park based entirely on Sesame Street! Over 16 kid-friendly rides and 9 water rides await you and your kiddos inside, as well as several different live shows with all your favorite Sesame Street characters. Explore Cookie Monster Land, take a ride on Elmo's Cloud Chaser, and enjoy the daily parade of characters while here. There are plenty of onsite dining options, you can even choose to dine with Elmo and his friends at the buffet! One of the greatest things about Sesame Place? It is the only theme park in the nation to double as a Certified Autism Center, so your kids can come and enjoy themselves regardless of their ability level!
- Philadelphia Zoo - Over 1300 animals will greet your kids here at the popular Philadelphia Zoo, one of the best zoos in the nation! Spend the day exploring and learning all about different animals such as the Andean Condor, Chinese Alligator, and Amur Leopard. There are several different exhibits to discover, from the Amazon Rainforest to the Barnyard. Exhibits are interactive and hands-on and teach your children the importance of conservation and ecological education. There are a handful of onsite eateries and shops on-site, as well as a few rides like the carousel and swan boats.
- Once Upon a Nation - The Once Upon a Nation storytelling bench, of which there is 13 total throughout the Franklin Square area, are clearly marked as such and offer free short story sessions of just a few minutes. There are professional storytellers stationed at each bench throughout the day each Memorial Day through Labor Day. These little story sessions are great ways to entertain your children, allow them to learn something new, and enjoy some fresh air at one of Philadelphia's most popular public spaces!
- Blue Cross RiverRink - Sitting on Penn's Landing, Blue Cross Rink is a seasonal delight for locals and guests alike! This Olympic-size ice skating rink overlooks the Delaware River and holds a gorgeous outdoor seating area with fire pits, warming cabins, and even a kids lodge with arcade games! There are plenty of food and drink options around the rink, as well as various special events that happen here often. The regular season for the rink is typically November through March. Talk about a great way to get your kiddos active and have a really great time!
- Treetop Quest Philly - Give your kids some adventure during your Philadelphia visit here at Treetop Quest, Philly's first treetop obstacle course! This aerial adventure park is perfect for young ones needing to get some energy out and explore, offering guests from ages 4 and up the opportunity to zip line, Tarzan swing, and walk the tightropes all while safely harnessed in. Children ages 4-6 will be restricted to the Chick Pea Course, whereas children 7-11 have access to certain levels in the main course (1, 2A, 2B, and 3). Adult supervision is required on the Chick Pea Course, and close-toed shoes are a must on any course!
- Legoland Discovery Center - Kids ages 3-12 are going to love this lego-filled wonderland, a seriously fun place to let your kids play and learn in a really fun environment! Inside you will find an interactive ride, a 4D cinema, 10 different play areas, and even a Lego Ninjago obstacle course. We fully believe that combining education and fun is the best way to spend a day with children under 10, and this is the perfect place to do so.
- Elmwood Park Zoo - This small zoo is located in Norristown, Pennsylvania, just about 40 minutes away. Inside your children will find 300 different animals of over 100 different species, many of which are indigenous to the Americas. Your kiddos will have the chance to explore such exhibits as the Grasslands Area, Olivia’s Eagle Canyon, South American Basin, Petting Barn, Bayou Wild Encounters, and so on. Go visit Noah the Eagle or Stella the Great Horned Owl, or perhaps even the Animal of the Month as you explore the various worlds of jaguars, howler monkeys, and big horned sheep. There is an onsite cafe, Treetop Cafe, to grab a bite to eat at, as well as several concession stands throughout.
- Adventure Aquarium - The Adventure Aquarium is the perfect place to take your children in Philadelphia, this aquatic education wonderland featuring over 8,500 different species. Your kids can see African Black-footed Penguins, Orinoco Crocodiles, Bamboo Sharks, Snake Neck Turtles, and the Hammerhead Sharks! Featured exhibits include Creature Feature, Caribbean Currents, the Jules Verne Gallery, Kid Zone, Ocean Realm, Penguin Island, Shark Realm, Stingray Beach Club, Touch a Shark, West African River Experience, and the 4 D Theater. Your kids will learn a lot, and have tons of fun while doing so! What could be better?
Courtesy Adventure Aquarium
- Franklin Square - This 8-acre park serves as 'Center City's favorite playtime oasis', holding a gorgeous fountain, the Parx Liberty Carousel, the highly unique Philly Mini-Golf Course, and the iconic SquareBurger eatery. Franklin Square also borders the Betsy Ross House and holds the popular Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches mentioned before. The Mini Golf course here presents a spectacular learning opportunity because it features all the most iconic Philadelphia historic hotspots, such as the Liberty Bell and Elfreth's Alley.
