Olvera St.

Located downtown in front of Union Station, this tidy tourist attraction approximates a Mexican Street with mariachis, taco stands, and craft vendors. Free docent-led tours take place daily at 12PM, 11AM, and 10AM, providing historical insight into the lives of early Spanish settlers in LA. Holiday celebrations are colorful and festive. A great place to immerse your children in the roots of LA’s vibrant Latino culture.

Contact number: (213) 628-1274

Location: Olvera Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

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Dave and Buster’s — Franklin Mills Mall

This one-stop game emporium features a midway packed with hundreds of electronic games and simulators, plus billiards, shuffleboard, and just-for-fun blackjack. Expect loudness, all the games make a real racket; but the children will be in heaven. There’s decent pub fare and a kid’s menu for chow.

Contact number: (215) 632-0333

Location: 1995 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia, PA 19154

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Doylestown Rock Gym Adventure Center

This indoor rock climbing gym and adventure facility offers 7,000 square feet of indoor climbing surface, including overhangs, boulders, chimneys, caves, and lead walls. Geared to climbers of all ages and abilities, the gym offers group and family climbing sessions, including a Kinder Climb for tots ages 2 and a half to 5.

Contact number: (215) 230-9085

Location: 3853 Old Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 18902

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Lucky Strike Lanes

Who knew that bowling would become hip? But that’s the scene at this downtown bowling lounge with its neon lighting, cool art, and comfy seating. The children will love the tasty comfort food and fun atmosphere, and you’ll love the retro-chic vibe.

Contact number: (215) 545-2471

Location: 1336 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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Ride the Ducks

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

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30th Street Station

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

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Family Batik Workshops

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

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The Philadelphia Canoe Club

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

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Philadelphia Aikido

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

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MacGuffin Theatre and Film Company

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.