Philadelphia with kids questions
 

We will be heading to Philly this weekend for 4 days with our 2 kids, ages 5 and 2. We are planning on Independence Hall, Go Touch Museum, King Tut exhibit...what else? We are considering one day at a beach in New Jersey, which is closest? We're up for an hour or two drive to get there.
Any kid-friendly restaurant recommendations?
We are staying at the Courtyard by Marriott, across from City Hall. Just planning on parking the car and walking (or trolley) everywhere.
Many thanks!!
Angie

My beach recommendation would be Ocean City, NJ.

Take the Atlantic City Expressway to the Garden State Parkway. Go south on the Parkway to exit 30. From there it's about four miles to Ocean City.

It will take about an hour and fifteen minutes unless you go on Saturday morning. Saturday moning it could take three hours.

Here are some good Jersey Shore maps: http://MyJerseyShore.com/roadmap.php

Hi Angie,

I agree with Rich that Ocean City, NJ would be a good beach destination. Another would be Avalon which is a little farther south. Note: get reservations and AVOID arrival on Saturday anytime from 8AM until 3PM because you would just be wasting your holiday sitting in the car. That said, if the weather is good the kids will love the beach. The advantage of OC is that it also has a nice boardwalk for kids. There is one pier of amusements that is particularly good for kids - I think it is called Playland. In any case, it is at the northern end of the boardwalk. Another treat is Johnson's caramelcorn.

Forgive me for saying this but I think that the King Tut will be great for you but the kids will tire of it rapidly - something to keep in mind. However, I think that your admission will include entry into the entire Franklin Museum so that will be good. The FM also has a pretty good kid-friendly restaurant.

The other good kids attraction in the area is the NJ State Aquarium in Camden. Have a great weekend.

The aquarium is a great visit for kids. Add more fun by taking the boat over from the Philly waterfront.
Avalon will require beach tags. OC may also.

Here is a list of (some) less conventional things I have for when my sister visits... I have not been to all of them so I can't vouch for their quality.

~Academy of Natural Sciences
Natural science exhibits include Dinosaur Hall, The Dig, Live Animal Center and Outside In.
Website: www.acnatsci.org

~American Helicopter Museum & Educational Center (note this is not IN Philly)
Brandywine Airport, 1220 American Blvd.
West Chester, PA 19380
Website: www.helicoptermuseum.org

~The Children’s Museum
3112 Fire Rd.
Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234
609-645-7741
Website: http://www.eht.com/childrensmuseum/
The Children's Museum in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, offers 14 wonderful exhibits which are hands-on and interactive with Parents. Children ages 2-10 can construct an automobile on the assembly line, become a TV weather person, examine household appliances inside and out

~Crayola Factory
Two Rivers Landing, 30 Centre Sq.
Easton, PA 18042
610-515-8000
Website: www.crayola.com
See crayons and markers made; learn about the history of Crayola crayons; do arts and crafts; try the interactive studio.

~The Franklin Institute Science Museum
222 N. 20th St.
Phila., PA 19103
Website: www.fi.edu

I would not recommend the King Tut exhibit due to your kids ages. However, I would recommend Sesame Place.......they have a website. Your kids will love it.

Wow! Great suggestions - thanks!