my family of 5 has a 3 hour layover (3:20 pm - 6:30 pm) on a saturday in philadelphia.
any suggestions of how to pass the time?... or get some really good food?
kids are 10, 12 & 15
last time we went to the liberty bell.
thanks

Take the R1 from the Airport to the Market East Station. From there you're just a block from Reading Terminal Market, where's the tons of good Philly food. As soon as you grab your food, get right back to the airport. One hour (and more!) delays through security have been known to happen at Philly. For a family of five on a Saturday afternoon with only a three-hour window, I'd recommend staying at the airport.

i don't have kids, but i would head downtown. the new-ish constitution center (close to the liberty bell) can be visited within that time frame if history is your thing. the phila museum of art is fabulous but a quick dash into town for a museum doesn't sound like fun for a bunch of 'tweens. rittenhouse square and strolling the shops along walnut street could be a way for everyone to stretch their legs, and there are several parkside restaurants in ritt squ (rouge, devon, barclay square): first 2 w/ outdoor seating, last expensive and very tasty beef. smith and wollensky also on the park. lots of delish cheap-ish non-fast-food-chain eats and fun browsing at reading terminal downtown also.

With only 3 hours I don't think you have enough time to get downtown and back with weekend traffic, and security and gate check, and three kids taking their time as kids are want to do.

There are a few shops and restaurants at the airport that might keep their interest.

Good luck and have a great trip.

I agree, Stay put.

bummer, but good advise...

Absolutely - stay at the airport. Security lines alone would eat up a big part of your time . . . . .

Last time thru PHL there was a TGI Fridays (for them) and one of the "bypass" corridors between terminals (so that you don't have to go thru security) had rocking chairs with a view of the airfield (for you). Agree that 3 hours just is too little time.

You may have time to eat in South Philly...you'll avoid downtown all together and that's much closer to the airport, but make sure there's no baseball game. You could go casual and have roast pork at Tony Luke's or cheesesteaks at Pat's or Geno's. If you want a nicer dinner you could go to Ralph's or Villa di Roma...both in the Italian Market.

Three hours isn't a layover--it's a lengthy connection. Remember, you've got to be at the gate within 20 or 30 minutes of departure.