lgs513

We will be driving from Bowie, MD to NYC with our grandchildren ages 6 and 8 in mid June and thought a stop in Philadelphia would be fun, educational and a good way to breakup the drive and stretch our legs. We plan to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House. Any suggestions for other attractions in that area will be appreciated. Also we want to have lunch in Philadelphia - any suggestions--within walking distance of the historic area or anywhere else in the city that is particularly nice or different. Please no chain restaurants. Thanks for your help.

dgarland

We stayed on the water in Philly, within walking distance of the historic district and could see the battleship USS New Jersey from our window. It was across the bay so we took a cab, probably a 5-10 minute drive and it was the highlight of the trip for our 6 year old grandson.
www.battleshipnewjersey.org

His favorite meal was at an upscale diner that had "huge" pancakes. It was in or near the historical district since we walked but I don't remember the name. I remember some rock walls inside. Maybe someone knows the name....

bachslunch

There are lots of good threads here on Philadelphia, so a site search is a good idea. Lots especially on food.

I'd definitely recommend a look through a guidebook (Fodor's, Frommer's), as there's a lot to see in this city -- especially a number of kid-friendly things like the Franklin Institute Science Museum, Academy of Natural Sciences, Please Touch Museum, National Constitution Center, Independence Seaport Museum, Adventure Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey (both in Camden across the river), and Franklin Court.

It's wise to reserve tickets for Independence Hall ahead of time if you can.

schmerl

Visit these sites for info on entertainment and food:
http://visitphilly.com/
http://www.hellophiladelphia.com/attractions.cfm

wrongfoot

The National Constitution Center is excellent, lots of interactive stuff which kept us going for a couple of hours. My daughter was 7 or 8 when we went and she loved it.

PaulRabe

If you're having lunch, just go to the Reading Terminal Market and pick any of dozens of places to eat. Your kids might like the chocolate hearts
www.chocolatebymueller.com/images/ripley.jpg
at Mueller's Chocolate. Or maybe Bassetts Ice Cream, a company that's been making the stuff since 1860.

Amy

I agree with the Reading Terminal Market for eating; it's a sight-seeing spot and a food paradise all in one!

A few other kid-friendly places include Fireman's Hall and Elfreth's Alley (close to each other) but those are in the opposite direction of Reading Terminal. If they aren't familiar with public transportation, a ride on the El (underground at that point) from 2nd Street up to 11th might be fun; my nieces and nephews loved it! The Septa museum is a nice little drop-in spot, too. The recently revamped African American Museum is a good visit, and there is a great little park called Franklin Square just beyond it; one of the features is a "Philadelphia in Miniature" mini-golf course!

Here's an Old City walking tour that might be of interest: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm

TweedyXC

Franklin Institute is perfect for kids that age! Lots of hands on stuff for them to play with. Also in Franklin park is the Please Touch Museum though it's really aimed at kids ages 1-7 so it may be a tad "young" for them. You have the Philadelphia Zoo and the Camden Aquarium. Outside of the city is also Valley Forge National Park. It sits within a 5 mile loop and is loaded with the original log cabins and fields for them to run around in and get their energy out. In spring and summer the park is loaded with deer...cool for the kids to see...not so cool when running in front of your car so keep an eye out for them.

I also suggest Reading Terminal Market. All counter style restaurants with an endless variety of foods to choose from. The Termini brothers cannoli's are amazing! You also have the Italian Market area on 9th street if you want something with a little more home cooked feel.

JohnfromNewHope

All the suggestions are great. However, for a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else in the country go to the "Please Touch Museum". Visit their website and you'll see that at those young ages it is the PERFECT place to interact with your Grandchildren. Good luck and enjoy!

JohnfromNewHope

Oh one more thing...with grandchildren in tow you'll most likely won't be looking for upscale places to eat. So if you want to try local cuisine go to the philadelphia page at
http://www.hollyeats.com/Philadelphia. Just steer clear of the cheeseteaks at Pats and Genos in south philly. Tourist quality for sure.

MLTimes

The restaurant with the giant pancakes mentioned above is Jones. If you want sit-down, it's fine (and only a few blocks from the historic area), but I'll pile on to the reco for Reading Terminal, especially if a day when the Amish are in building. If you don't to go too far or need to appease a suddenly hungry kid, Race Street Cafe at 2nd and Race is always a safe bet as is Gianfranco Pizza on 3d just above Market.

For things to do and see, a lot of these suggestions are good for visitors spending several days in Philadelphia. With one day, you won't get to Valley Forge, the Battleship NJ, or the Aquarium. I think an 8 year old would be bored to tears at the Please Touch, and it's not located near anything else (closest other things for kids to do in West Philadelphia are the Zoo and Smith Playground). The Franklin Institute and Academy are on the other side of Center City from Old City, need half a day each, at least, have expensive admission fees, and are good options only if you have atrocious weather and need indoor time. [Or, if it's bad weather, stay east and try the African American Museum, the new Museum of Jewish History, the Portrait Gallery and the Constitution Center.]

Also, because I may be missing something, could someone explain the attraction of the Alley for a child? Small museum, barely a gift shop, can't get into the houses except twice a year, and its history isn't as straightforward as the "oldest block in America" marketing line suggests. Trust me, I love the Alley and Fete Day and the Christmas events, but if I was 8 years old, I'd be more interested in the cats at the PAWS shelter down the street or the Blues Brothers figures outside the chair store. Just wondering...

Amy

Well, as Elfreth's Alley is right next to Fireman's Hall, it kinda goes together. But I've found a number of children to be fascinated by the "tininess" of it, by the hidden courtyards, by the "busybody" mirrors on the top floors, the fire emblems...A lot has to do with the kids themselves, of course, and where they are in history in school, but as a general rule of thumb, outside=good for kids that age; most museums, not so much.

Hang20

Don't miss the Franklin! My boys were 7 & 5 and they loved it! Go to the science area and let them ride the race car and all the sports science exhibits. Just doing those are worth the admission. My husband is from Philly and as a school boy he went to all of the historical sites. He was glad to have seen them but ALL the kids loved the Franklin part of the field trip. The Zoo is great for the kids too. Enjoyed the otters esp.

My boys liked riding the train in and it helped us with parking. Have fun.