My family (myself, hubby, 17 year old son and 16 year old daughter) will arrive in Philly on the 4th and stay for 2 days. Any tips on what to do? What's usually closed? Suggested place to stay?

Many Thanks!

I would head straight for the Jersey Shore-that's where everyone else will be. It's only an hours' drive so you could go just for the day or get a hotel room.

If you are staying at the shore I would book the room now. If want to stay in Philly go to the shore on the best weather day and spend the other day in town. But honestly, the kids will like the beach and boardwalk much better.

For more Jersey shore info please check my Web site: MyJerseyShore.com

This PDF file tells all you can do in Philly for the Fourth.
http://www.americasbirthday.com/uplo...alpage/54_.pdf
Most every historic site will be open, although expect crowds at all of them. Note that there is a large variety of free stuff to enjoy at this time, including a concert by Hall & Oates. Even when "everyone else" is at the Shore, there'll still be about 400,000 people at the parade, concert, and fireworks.

My suggested place to stay is wherever you can find a vacancy, at the price you want to spend, that has the amenities you want, and allows you to get to Center City via the mode of transport you intend to use (mass transit STRONGLY encouraged).

Eat a cheesesteak at Jim's Steaks on South Street

If you are into history, you can visit the Liberty Bell, etc., but also go around the Old City area. In between Betsy's Ross' house, Elfreth's Alley and Christ's Church, there are galleries and cafes.

If you like art, you shoud visit the Art Museum and nearby Rodin Museum.

Depending on where you are from, and what type of beaches you are used to, I'm not so sure I second the Jersey shore recommendation.

There will also be a lot of activities going on around the Penss Landing area.
Go to www.gophila.com to see what's happening in Phila. while you'll be here. They also list hotels, restaurants, etc.

Our family of 4 sometimes uses Priceline to get an inexpensive room in Philly - we end up getting the Hyatt Penn's Landing. The location is on the waterfront, which might be a good location if you want to do things there over the 4th. Also, at this hotel, we've had no problem getting a room for 4 people, although a Priceline hotel only has to guarantee a room for 2 people. You can check www.biddingfortravel.com to see what rates people have been winning there lately and also if other hotels have been coming up in that category.

It is priced at $344 for July 4th on their website and you might be able to get it for $100-150 on Priceline. Of course, you run the risk of winning a different 4* hotel, so you should check what those could be and make sure those would be okay with you too.

My favorite place to stay with the family, when paying full price, is the Doubletree Hotel at the corner of Broad and Locust. I just really like that area and have always liked that hotel (although it gets mixed reviews from some people). It is $224 for July 4th.