Philadelphia - 2 full days, limited mobility!
 

So, I have recently moved to Philly and my parents are coming to visit for two full days. My previous visitors I've taken on walking tours, to the art museum, eastern state penn, hiking trails, reading terminal market, etc.

However, my dad recently seriously injured his foot and is on heavy painkillers. He requested that anything we do not involve walking more than a couple blocks or standing for long periods. That throws out my usual touristy itineraries. My parents are approximately 60 and will be here the first weekend of May, so weather should be nice.

Any suggestions? All I can think of are activites that are not Philly-unique (going to the movies). They are not sports fans, so a Phillies game is out too. I hope we're not stuck "riding the Ducks" or something like that...! I live right off South Street, which is otherwise a perfect location for walking to just about anything.

Thank you so much!

1) Does your dad have a wheelchair for the time being? I think you can visit lots of touristy sites (Independence Hall, Art Museum etc) with w/c. Even if he doesn't have one, chances are those popular tourist sites will have wheelchairs available to borrow? Call those places ahead of time to double check. Also, Fairmont Park should be quite beautiful at that time of year...

2) See if the Philly Phlash will be operating by early May. It's a good way to see the city without spending lots of $.

He doesn't have a wheelchair (and when I mentioned a motorized scooter to him earlier he was quite stubborn about refusing even the possibility!), but maybe I could talk him into using one at the touristy sites, if they have them available.

Philly Phlash is also a good recommendation.

Thank you!

I really do think most touristy places should have wheelchairs available. But if your dad is too stubborn to even use those, perhaps you can ask them to postpone their trip until his foot is better? It's a real shame to visit Philly and can't really do much, as it is such a walking city.

Anyway, if that's not an option either, I recall the Art Museum has having quite a lot of benches in the galleries, so he can rest from room to room. The National Constitution Center also has plenty of benches.

Kind of cheesy, but look into the Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise.
http://www.spiritofphiladelphia.com/ph/index.jsp

They've already booked their plane tickets, and are looking forward to the trip--so postponing is out of the question (though I also agree there's little point to visit when Philly is such a walking city!!).

The cruise is a great idea--I don't know why I didn't think of that before. They've done similar cruises on Lake Tahoe that they really enjoyed (not my cup of tea, but I think it would keep them entertained).

Thank you again for the suggestions!

Regarding standing: search for "seat cane" it's like a folding chair with a walking cane, or get a small folding chair. This way, you can take them anywhere in the car, let them off at the entrance, your dad will sit waiting for you to park the car.

This chair is useful at any sightseeing, he can sit down any time he feels so while you and mom walk around.

Also, he can get a temporary disability placard at his DMV - he can get a blank form from the website I think, or call they will mail it to him - take to the doctor to sign, so you can park in the blue space.

It doesn't matter who owns or rents a car if the disabled person is in the car. And the placard can be used in another state.

Thanks Dayenu! The seat cane is a great tip!

The cruise isn't cheap, I think. And honestly, cruising down Delaware River around Philadelphia/Camden isn't very scenic. I've gone on once as a dinner cruise - some kind of company celebration I guess... Just want you to beware since I doubt you can compare Delaware River vs Lake Tahoe!

Dayenu's suggestion is great regarding the seat cane!

I agree that the disability placard is a good idea although I would probably rename it 'preferred parking' or something a little more positive.

I was thinking of Longwood Gardens. Provided the weather is nice, the timing would be great. They have very good facilities and I expect that a scooter might be available. He would be self-propelled. The website would get you started.

Has anyone mentioned the theatre or the orchestra - limited walking or standing.

Have a great family visit in Philly.

Hi oobylicious - I had a similar experience with visiting parents who preferred not to walk. Luckily I had a car - I took them on a driving tour around the city, starting off in Center City, passing by the historical areas, going through Chinatown, driving down South Street, taking them through University City, the Art Museum etc. with intermittent stops for picture taking.

Another place I took them to was Valley Forge National Park. Other areas to explore, not too much walking or at least done with frequent breaks are Manayunk and possibly New Hope. I second Longwood Gardens too.

Hope you have a great time!

For a unique view of Philadelphia, take a Mural Arts trolley tour. You'll be on one of those open trolleys, exploring a portion of the city, learning from a docent about those amazing murals on so many of the buildings.

http://www.muralarts.org/getinvolved/tours/

I second/third the driving tour of the city and a visit to Longwood Gardens.

More wonderful recommendations! These all sound great. I'll discuss these with dear old dad this coming week (mom will go along with anything!).

Thank you again!

There's always the horse/carriage tours through the historic district also.
Valley Forge tour have started and they also offer a tour you can do in your own car by usuing your cellphone.

I've always found the drive along Kelly Dr. very scenic...You might consider driving to Valley Green in Fairmount Park. I remember there's a parking lot near the duck pond with lots of benches. If they want, they can stroll a bit--there's really no place like Fairmount Park...

You've had many great suggestions. A couple yrs ago dh and I were in the same boat when my sister-in-law and nephew visited at a time when she was temporarily disabled.

We rented a wheelchair from a shoe repair place (go figure) on 10th St., I believe it was near Spruce, if you're interested I'll hunt down the name of it. It was a big help, should your father become open to the idea.

In addition to much already suggested (especially like the mural arts tour idea!) I'll add driving by the lit up boathouses at night. Also, if they like live music of any kind, looking up who's playing where that weekend. In addition to the classical possibilities, jazz at Chris's, blues at Warmdaddy's, folk/pop/rock/usually indy depending on what's going on at World Cafe Live. The stairs at Tin Angel might be too difficult, so you might want to stay away from there even if there's anyone appealing, but Chris's and WCL are very accessible (haven't been yet to WD's myself!)

Where are they coming from, btw? Depending on the answer to that, while a movie is a movie, maybe there'd be something playing at one of the Ritz's that they wouldn't have access to at home?