Author: local researcher

National Constitution Center

The world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. constitution brings this amazing document to life through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. An upbeat show in the Kimmel Theater uses music, a live actor and 360 degree multimedia images to tell the constitution’s story. The children are involved in the process along the way, from donning judicial robes and taking a seat on the Supreme Court to voting for president and even taking the presidential oath of office. They can even email their elected officials with questions and comments.

Contact number: (215) 409-6700

Location: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Learn more here.

South Street

Where do all the hippies meet? You remember the song, but your children won’t. But they will love the artsy street scene, complete with lots of fun places to eat (Steaks on South, for one), great shops, offbeat performance spaces and galleries. It’s a bit on the edgy side (yes, that is a CondomNation you’re seeing), with plenty of tattoos and punk posing, but South Street is a terrific slice of Philly life. Walk up Fourth Street to get a look at Philly’s version of the Garment Center, Fabric Row.

Contact number: (215) 413-3713

Location: South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Learn more here.

Independence National Historical Park

America’s most historic square mile — and smallest national park — Independence National Historical Park is home to such national landmarks as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the First Bank of the United States. Stop by the Independence Visitor Center at Sixth and Market Streets for free timed tickets to Independence Hall and ask about a Junior Ranger activity map. The children will have fun collecting stamps at various park sites (and learning along the way), as they earn an official Junior Ranger Badge.

Contact number: (215) 965-2305

Location: 143 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Learn more here.

Elfreth’s Alley

And you thought your house was old. Take the children to the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street, dating back to 1755. Although most of the houses are private residences, there’s a museum that recreates the life of trades people and artisans in the 18th century. During June Fete Days, the homes and gardens are open for tours, and the children can dress up in colonial costumes, try chair-making or lace-making, and listen to a genuine fife and drum corps.

Contact number: (215) 574-0560

Location: 126 Elfreths Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Learn more here.

City Hall

See Willy Penn up close and personal from City Hall Tower, which offers the best view of the city skyline in town. Situated in the exact center of William Penn’s original 1682 plan for the city, City Hall is a gorgeous Victorian wedding cake of a building, topped by Alexander Calder’s 37-foot-high statue of Penn himself. Four people are allowed up in the tower every 15 minutes, with free timed tickets available at the Tour Information Center in room 121. For real architecture buffs, a docent-led 90-minute tour of building and the tower takes place every weekend at 12:30pm.

Contact number: (215) 686-2840

Location: Broad Street and John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Learn more here.

Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

Whether Betsy sewed the first flag or not — her historic role is up for debate — this tiny federal style house offers telling insights into the life for a working woman in the early Colonies. Summer is the best time to come for a visit. That’s when the children can enjoy historical plays, music, magic shows, and meet Betsy and other costumed early Americans.

Contact number: (215) 686-1252

Location: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Learn more here.

Burgh Bits ‘n Bites Food Tour

The Strip District is filled with grand little shops and sights, and here’s a cool way for you and your children to enjoy it all: the Burgh Bits ‘n Bites Food Tour. The tour is a walking (and tasting) excursion that visits six food stops, including an on-site bread bakery, a European cheese shop, a pastry shop right out of Northern Italy, a biscotti bakery, and a sandwich and pizza place. Bring your walking shoes and your yen for good food. You’ll be eating on the run — or the walk — and loving every minute of it!

Contact number: (412) 901-7150

Location: 1711 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Learn more here.

Mount Washington

There is Scenic Byways Park to explore, with more than 200 acres of open space, and hiking and biking trails. All of it is within easy walking distance of Shiloh Street and its restaurants and shops. It’s a perfect place to spend the day, where untouched nature and the best of the urban world intersect.

Location: Mount Washington, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Learn more here.

Duquesne Incline

Learn the history of the city and that of the incline itself — as well as what funicular actually means (we’re talking cable and rail cars). It is touristy, but it is truly a remarkable view.

Contact number: (412) 381-1665

Location: 1220 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Learn more here.