List of tourist attractions in Philadelphia facts for kids
Welcome to Philadelphia, a super cool city in Pennsylvania! It's often called the "Birthplace of America" because so many important things happened here when the United States was first forming. Imagine walking the same streets as America's founders!
Philadelphia is packed with amazing places to visit, from historic buildings where big decisions were made, to awesome museums, fun outdoor spots, and even cool places to watch sports. Get ready to explore some of the best attractions in this historic city!
Contents
Historic Places and National Parks
Philadelphia is like a giant history book you can walk through! Many places here helped shape the United States.
- Independence Hall: This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and the United States Constitution was written in 1787. It's a must-see!
- Liberty Bell: A symbol of American freedom, this famous bell has a crack but a huge story. You can see it up close.
- Independence National Historical Park: This park includes many important sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It's often called "America's Most Historic Square Mile."
- Betsy Ross House: Legend says Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag here. You can visit her home and learn about colonial life.
- Elfreth's Alley: Take a stroll down this narrow, cobblestone street. It's the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S., with homes dating back to the 1700s.
- Franklin Court: Explore the site where Benjamin Franklin lived. You can see a "ghost structure" showing where his house stood and visit a museum about his life.
- Fort Mifflin: This historic fort played a key role in the American Revolutionary War. It's a great place to learn about military history.
- Philadelphia City Hall: This huge, impressive building is one of the largest municipal buildings in the world. You can even take a tour to the top for amazing city views.
Museums
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Philadelphia has tons of museums for every interest!
Art Museums
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: This huge museum has art from all over the world and from different time periods. Don't forget to run up the "Rocky Steps" outside!
- Rodin Museum: See many sculptures by the famous French artist Auguste Rodin, including his well-known "The Thinker."
- Barnes Foundation: This museum has an incredible collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings.
Science Museums
- Franklin Institute: Get ready for hands-on fun! This science museum has interactive exhibits about space, electricity, and even a giant heart you can walk through.
- Academy of Natural Sciences: Explore dinosaur skeletons, learn about different ecosystems, and see live animals.
- Mütter Museum: This unique museum displays medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and antique medical instruments. It's fascinating but might be a bit spooky for some!
- Insectarium: Discover the amazing world of insects and other creepy crawlies.
History Museums
- Museum of the American Revolution: Learn all about the American Revolution through exciting exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
- National Constitution Center: This museum brings the U.S. Constitution to life with interactive exhibits and a powerful theatrical presentation.
- National Museum of American Jewish History: Explore the history and culture of Jewish people in America.
- African American Museum in Philadelphia: Discover the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans.
Historic Houses
Many old houses in Philadelphia are now museums, showing how people lived long ago.
- Betsy Ross House: As mentioned, visit the home of the legendary flag-maker.
- Cliveden: This grand house was the site of a major battle during the Revolutionary War.
- Elfreth's Alley Museum: Step inside one of the historic homes on Elfreth's Alley to see how people lived centuries ago.
- Historic Strawberry Mansion: One of the largest historic homes in Fairmount Park, offering a glimpse into early American life.
Other Interesting Museums
- Eastern State Penitentiary: This former prison was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. It's now a spooky and fascinating historic site.
- Independence Seaport Museum: Learn about Philadelphia's rich maritime history. You can even explore two historic ships, the USS Olympia and the USS Becuna.
- Please Touch Museum: While designed for younger kids, this museum still has fun, interactive exhibits that older kids might enjoy, especially if they have younger siblings.
- Mummers Museum: Discover the colorful history and traditions of the famous Philadelphia Mummers Parade.
Outdoors and Nature
Philadelphia has many green spaces and outdoor attractions where you can enjoy nature and fresh air.
Animal Life Institutions
- Philadelphia Zoo: America's first zoo! See animals from all over the world, from big cats to monkeys and birds.
- Adventure Aquarium (in Camden, New Jersey): Just across the river in Camden, this aquarium has sharks, penguins, and many other amazing sea creatures.
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum: A great place for birdwatching and enjoying nature trails.
Gardens and Arboretums
- Morris Arboretum: A beautiful and peaceful place with a wide variety of trees, plants, and gardens. It's a great spot for a relaxing walk.
- Bartram's Garden: America's oldest botanical garden, founded by botanist John Bartram. Explore historic plants and enjoy views of the Schuylkill River.
Parks and Squares
- Fairmount Park: One of the largest urban parks in the world, offering trails, historic mansions, and beautiful scenery.
- Rittenhouse Square: A lovely park in the heart of the city, perfect for relaxing, people-watching, or enjoying outdoor events.
- Franklin Square: A family-friendly park with a carousel, mini-golf, and a fountain.
- LOVE Park: Famous for its "LOVE" sculpture, it's a popular spot for photos and skateboarding.
- Penn's Landing: Located along the Delaware River, this area has parks, outdoor concerts, and offers great views of the waterfront.
Performing Arts Centers
If you love music, plays, or dance, Philadelphia has many fantastic venues.
- Academy of Music: A beautiful, historic opera house that hosts opera and ballet performances.
- Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts: A modern complex that is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra and hosts many classical music and other performances.
- Walnut Street Theatre: America's oldest continuously operating theater, putting on plays and musicals.
- Forrest Theatre: Another historic theater that brings popular Broadway shows to Philadelphia.
- Mann Center for the Performing Arts: An outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and performances during the summer.
Religious Buildings
Philadelphia has many beautiful and historic churches and synagogues.
- Christ Church: Many important figures from the American Revolution, including Benjamin Franklin, attended this historic church.
- Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church: The oldest church in Pennsylvania, built in 1700.
- Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul: A grand and beautiful Catholic cathedral.
- Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church: The oldest church property in the United States continuously owned by African Americans.
Shopping Areas
Looking for something to buy or just want to browse? Philadelphia has unique shopping spots.
- Reading Terminal Market: A huge indoor market with tons of food vendors, fresh produce, meats, and delicious prepared meals. It's a great place to grab a snack or a meal.
- Italian Market: An outdoor market famous for its fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and specialty shops. It's a lively and fun place to explore.
- South Street: Known for its unique and quirky shops, street art, and diverse restaurants.
- Fashion District Philadelphia: A large indoor shopping mall in the heart of Center City with many popular stores.
Sports Venues
Philadelphia is a huge sports city! You can catch a game with one of its many professional teams.
Professional Sports Venues
- Citizens Bank Park: Home of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.
- Lincoln Financial Field: Where the Philadelphia Eagles football team plays, and also home to Temple Owls football.
- Wells Fargo Center: This arena hosts the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team.
Collegiate Sports Venues
- The Palestra: A historic basketball arena at the University of Pennsylvania, known as the "Cathedral of College Basketball."
- Boathouse Row: Famous for its historic boathouses along the Schuylkill River, where collegiate and amateur rowing teams practice and compete.
Eateries
You can't visit Philadelphia without trying some of its famous foods!
- Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks: These two spots are legendary for their cheesesteaks. They are right across the street from each other, and people love to debate which one is better!
- McGillin's Olde Ale House: The oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, serving up food and drinks since 1860.
- Moshulu: Dine on a beautiful, converted 1904 sailing ship docked at Penn's Landing. It offers great views of the waterfront.
Transportation Hubs
- 30th Street Station: A grand and historic train station, one of the busiest in the country. It's a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture.
- Reading Terminal: This historic train shed is now part of the Reading Terminal Market, but you can still see its impressive architecture.
Maritime History
Philadelphia has a strong connection to the water and ships.
- Independence Seaport Museum: As mentioned before, this museum lets you explore maritime history and historic ships.
- SS United States: This amazing ocean liner, once the fastest in the world, is currently docked in Philadelphia.
Images for kids
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Independence Hall at 520 Chestnut Street
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Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park at 143 S. 3rd Street
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Merchants' Exchange at 143 S. Third Street
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Philadelphia Museum of Art at 2600 Benjamin Franklin
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Franklin Institute at 222 N. 20th Street
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National Constitution Center at Independence National Historical Park at 143 S. 3rd Street
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Eastern State Penitentiary at 2027 Fairmount Avenue
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Museum of the American Revolution at 101 South Third Street
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Entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo at 3400 W Girard Avenue
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Morris Arboretum at 100 East Northwestern Avenue
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Academy of Music at 240 South Broad Street
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Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts at 300 South Broad Street
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Mikveh Israel Cemetery at 831 Spruce Street
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Saint Clement's Church at 2013 Appletree Street
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Philbert at the Reading Terminal Market at 12th and Arch Streets
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The Palestra at 235 South 33rd Street
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McGillin's Olde Ale House at 13th and South Juniper Streets in Center City
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30th Street Station's main waiting room
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The SS United States still holds a speed record for trans-Atlantic crossing.
