Category: Things to do with kids: Attractions & Landmarks

Although the children won’t be able to ring this iconic symbol of our country’s freedom, an interactive exhibit of cracked bells will let them hear how a bell sounds before and after repairs. Cast in London for the Pennsylvania State House, the bell’s famous fissure emerged early in its life. Despite several repairs, the crack was destined to be. Commentary explaining the bell’s history, along with the presence of enthusiastic and patient docents, makes this an enjoyable historic field trip.

Contact number: (215) 965-2305

Location: 550 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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.