Philadelphia is probably best known for its involvement in the Revolutionary War, and for good reason. However, Philadelphia is more than just historic. This is a city that created history and evolved into a national power, a tourist destination, and a significant source of influence since it was founded in 1682.
If you’re heading to Philadelphia for a student trip, odds are you are interested in finding educational yet interesting adventures. You won’t have a problem finding this in Phillie. Explore Independence National Historic Park to see the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall where presidents George Washington and John Adams were inaugurated, and Independence Hall where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed into being. Philadelphia is also home to one of the only remaining Revolutionary War battlefields: Fort Mifflin. This fairly undiscovered fort is generally un-crowded and full of potential for an educational and interesting attraction. Valley Forge should not be missed as well, with fully reconstructed buildings and excellent exhibits on the training, hardships, and victories of the Continental Army.
On the strictly fun side of Philadelphia, check out the iconic staircase of the Philadelphia Museum of Art where Rocky ran in the first movie, and of course, look inside for some amazing artwork. Adventure Aquarium, located only minutes outside of the city, is the nation’s fifth-largest aquarium with over 8,500 animals in two million gallons of water! You can also visit the nation’s first zoo and their collection of rare and endangered species at the Philadelphia Zoo. For educational fun, try the interactive Franklin Institute Science Center where you can explore every facet of science from space exploration to physics, anatomy, ecology, geology, and more.
Whether you are interested in learning or blowing off steam after a hard semester, Philadelphia has everything you need for a memorable vacation. Make some history of your own in Philly!
