Family Fun in Philly

If you’re in Philly this summer and looking for different activities to satisfy the whole family, then look no further. Here are some family-friendly destinations in the Philadelphia area. 

If you have younger children…

Visit Sesame Place. This Sesame Street theme park opened in 1980 and has been a family favorite ever since. Little children will be star-struck when they meet famous characters such as Big Bird, Grover, and Elmo. With amusement rides, water rides, live shows, and parades, Sesame Place has it all. There are several dining options on site whether you want a meal or just a snack. This is an allergy friendly park- the staff has been educated and trained in allergen management to ensure the safety of visitors.

Experience the Please Touch Museum. Little kids will love getting hands-on with the exhibits at this museum. Straying from the notion that museums are for “looking and not touching”, the Please Touch Museum features over 38,000 square feet of exhibition space in which children can immerse themselves and play while simultaneously learning. According to Alice Emerson, Communications Manager at the museum, “The museum exhibits are separated into zones and each zone has its own type of learning that it supports to prompt variant experiences.” The exhibits are always evolving, so even if you’ve already visited the museum, you should revisit and see what has changed!

For older children and teens…

Explore Eastern State Penitentiary.  This former prison was designed to inspire penitence or “true regret” in the hearts of criminals. This penitentiary held many of American’s most notorious criminals including Al Capone. Tours can be with a guide, or self-guided with audio. Director of Education and Tour Programs, Lauren Zalut says the self-guided audio tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi, is very popular. “Probably the coolest thing is there’s a sense of discovery as you’re walking down the corridors,” she says. Tours are available seven days a week, year round. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

For the whole family…

Grab a bite to eat at Reading Terminal Market. This 124-year-old market features countless dining options and you won’t find any franchises or chains. All of the businesses are independently owned. Sandwich lovers can sink their teeth into The Travel Channel’s “Best Sandwich in America”, a roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s. Or treat yourself to an ice cream cone from Bassett’s Ice Cream, the oldest ice cream company in the country.

Take a day trip to Hershey and treat the family with loads of chocolate. Just over an hour from Philadelphia, is Hershey’s Chocolate World and it’s totally worth the drive. Admission is free and includes a complimentary chocolate tour and sampling of Hershey’s iconic chocolate. The whole family will enjoy the popular exhibit, “Create your Own Candy Bar” where visitors venture inside a real Hershey’s factory for an authentic chocolate-making experience. Chocolate World is less than a five-minute walk from Hershey Park, another popular family attraction. 

- By Ettractions Digital Content Editor PAULA MARINO