The City of Brotherly Love is a great place to spend the summer - especially for families. This eclectic and intriguing city boasts a huge range of exciting attractions, activities and events. If you’re going to be visiting Philadelphia area, or if you live nearby, you should study up on the many great possibilities that it has to offer in terms of family fun this summer. From topnotch historical sites to exciting outdoor adventures, Philadelphia truly does have something for everyone to enjoy.
Great Family Attractions
If you’re going to be headquartered right in Philadelphia, you won’t have to go very far to enjoy some outdoor fun. The Philadelphia Zoo is a world-class institution, and it’s a must-see for any family. Since 1874, this scenic zoo - which is located on the banks of the Schuylkill River - has been charming adults and children of all ages. Be sure to set aside a pleasant day to visit its impressive range of animals.
Over in Fairmount Park, there’s plenty of wide open spaces for kids and their parents to enjoy. If you’re traveling with children under the age of five, be sure to stop by Smith. This play mansion is designed with the under-five set in mind, and is jam-packed with kid-friendly activities, toys and games.
Chances are, you and your kids have never touched a live stingray before. If you’ll be in Philadelphia this summer, you’ll have the opportunity to change that. The Stingray Beach Club, which is located on the Delaware River, gives adults and kids the chance to feed and touch real live stingrays. This is one unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss!
Catch Some Thrills
Families with young kids will be happy to learn that the ultra-popular Sesame Place theme park is located nearby. Although you won’t find lightning-fast rollercoasters at this park, you will find an adorable cast of all of your child’s favorite Sesame Street characters. Spending a sunny summer’s day on Sesame Street is sure to thrill any young child!
Will you be traveling to Philadelphia with older kids? Teenagers need a little more excitement, and Philadelphia has plenty to dish out. In fact, there is world-class whitewater rafting over at Lake Nockamixon, which is in the nearby Delaware Valley. A short drive out of the city limits will get you there, and everyone is sure to have an unbeatable time!
Explore the City of Brotherly Love
Philadelphia is one of the most historical cities in the United States; it’s also home to the Franklin Institute, which boasts a bevy of great exhibits and features for families. The Science Center at the Franklin Institute is an especially apt choice, thanks to its many fine hands-on attractions. Keep this place in mind for rainy summer days.
Just a few blocks from Independence Hall, you can immerse your kids in American history with a visit to the Betsy Ross House. It was built in 1740, before the United States was even founded, and is a great way to learn more about that important period of time. You’ll be especially glad to know that refreshments - and hot dogs - are served in the home’s courtyard.
By taking a short drive northwest of the city, you and the kids can visit the Valley Forge National Historic Park. The park is a blast to visit in the summer, and it’s dotted with lovingly restored buildings and interesting monuments. Don’t miss the museum, which includes a huge number of Revolutionary-era artifacts.
Summer Events
The city of Philadelphia truly shines in the summertime. On and around the fourth of July, the city’s Wawa Welcome America! celebration is one of the most enchanting Independence Day events in the country. A huge range of free events and a vast selection of fun carnival attractions make this the best summer event that Philly has to offer. There are two separate fireworks shows, too - make sure to bring the kids to at least one.