These World War II-era, amphibious army vehicles are now taking families on quack-happy tours of Philadelphia. You and the children can sing and quack your way past more than a dozen sites in Old City and South Street, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the United States Mint, and the Betsy Ross House, finishing up with a splash as you cruise into the Delaware.
Contact number: (877) 887-8225
Location: Sixth Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Learn more here.
This beautifully restored train station, which was featured in the films Trading Places, Witness (starring Harrison Ford), and M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable, is alive with the hustle and bustle of busy urban commuters. The children will be thrilled to take a suburban rail train to and from the station, especially if the outing includes lunch at McDonald’s or one of the other eateries. The statue of an angel lifting a dead soldier honors Pennsylvania Railroad employees killed in World War II. Septa and Amtrak operate at the station.
Contact number: (215) 349-3196
Location: 30th Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Learn more here.
Learn about the land of Indonesia and the magical art of batik with artist Laura Cohn, who brings her traveling batik studio to your home for groups of ages 6 to 12. Experimenting with traditional tools, techniques, dyes, wax, and cotton, you and your children will make several individual batik pieces to be sewn together into a family quilt or creation. Have fun making mistakes and masterpieces while discovering your creativity.
Contact number: (610) 667-5071
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19004
Learn more here.
The family that paddles together … This friendly canoe club, with a funky clubhouse located in Manayunk, offers regularly scheduled canoe and kayak workshops for all skill levels. All PCC activities — which include day and overnight trips, training courses, social events, etcetera — are open to non-members.
Contact number: (215) 487-9674
Location: 4900 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Learn more here.
Founded in 1968, Philadelphia Aikido trains thousands of adults and kids in the defensive art of Aikido. Classes adults and children ages seven to 12 are offered after school and on weekends. Contact Philadelphia Aikido for specific schedule and price information.
Contact number: (215) 877-6304
Location: 3901 Conshohocken Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Learn more here.
MacGuffin Theatre and Film Company helps kids ages three to 17 learn to express themselves and grow confident through acting classes; musical, film and play productions; and summer camps.
Contact number: (215) 922-1141
Location: 2030 Sanson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Learn more here.
The Philadelphia Dance Academy offers classes in creative movement, ballet, modern, tap, and more.
Contact number: (215) 922-2422
Location: 219 Cuthbert St, 3rd Floor, The Creative Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Learn more here.
Jen Goldstein, Philly’s premier in-line skating instructor, founded Skate101 School, the city’s first skate school. She has taught thousands of students to skate, including basketball legend Julius Erving and actor John Cusack. Skate101 School offers one-hour group, private, or semi-private indoor beginner skating classes that start at $25. Classes include free skate and gear rental. Outdoor and advanced classes are also available. Jen also produces “learn to skate” CDs, rap music designed to help teach students. The CDs can be ordered online.
Location: One Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Learn more here.
This highly regarded dance center offers instruction in a large range of dance styles, including Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater, Ethnic, Hip-Hop, and Funk. Exercise classes are also offered with Exercise with Dance leading the way. Classes are offered daily and private and group lessons are arranged as needed.
Contact number: (215) 222-7633
Location: 3611 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Learn more here.
The Music Class offers developmental music and movement classes for babies and toddlers.
Contact number: (215) 701-0594
Location: Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, 8812 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Learn more here.
