Only Two Days in Philly
 

My husband,my 10 year old son and I are going to be in Philly for 2 1/2 days (Sunday Afternoon, Monday and Tuesday) in October. We are staying at the PennsView Inn at Front and Market. Other then having tickets for the Barnes Foundation on the day we arrive (Sunday, we have no plans. I am looking for suggestions.

Thank you.

Are you interested in the historical sites? If so. start at the Visitors Center and get tickets for Independence Hall. They are free, but have a specific time on them. Also go to the the Constitution Center and the Liberty Bell. Everything is in one area. There are several good walk tours also.
You and your son would probably love the Franklin Institute Museum.

Here's my trip report on Philly (was there last month):
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34825273

The Philly Art Museum is "donate what you wish" on Sunday. If you went to the trouble of getting Barnes tickets, you'll also like the Art Museum.

We are specifically going to Philly for the American Revolution history as my son will be studying it in school next year. Is there any tours etc that we should do?

Check out this link:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34808371

The Philly Zoo is fun or you might want to check out the aquarium just across the river in Camden, NJ - http://www.njaquarium.org/index.html. I think the aquarium closes down in the winter so I don't know if October would be too late.

If you have time, you can go to the Visitors Center at Valley Forge Park. They show a video dealing with the Revolution and provide park tours.

For info on tours in Philly go to
www.onceuponanation.com

Once Upon a Nation looks great. Unfortunately it all ends on Labor Day.

If you don't mind your 10 year old son seeing things that might be a little disturbing, I would suggest the Mutter Museum. It is dedicated to disease and medical oddities and is really facinating and educational. Just look it up online to be sure that you're ok with taking your son. He'd probably love it!