List of tourist attractions in Philadelphia facts for kids

Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.

Welcome to Philadelphia, a city full of history, fun, and amazing places to explore! Often called the "Birthplace of America," Philadelphia has many famous landmarks, cool museums, and beautiful parks. Whether you love history, science, art, or just being outdoors, there's something exciting for everyone. Get ready to discover some of the best attractions in this incredible city!

Exploring Philadelphia: Fun Places to Visit

Step Back in Time: Historic Sites

Philadelphia is packed with places where important events in American history happened. You can walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers and see where the country began.

The Liberty Bell is a famous symbol of American independence.

Elfreth's Alley is one of the oldest residential streets in the United States.

The Merchants' Exchange is a beautiful historic building.

• Independence Hall: This is one of the most important buildings in the U.S. Both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed here. It's a must-see!
• Liberty Bell: Right near Independence Hall, you can see the famous Liberty Bell. It's a symbol of freedom and has a big crack, which makes it even more special.
• Independence National Historical Park: This park includes many historic buildings and sites, all connected to America's early days.
• Betsy Ross House: Visit the home of Betsy Ross, who is said to have sewn the first American flag.
• Elfreth's Alley: Take a stroll down this charming street, which is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country. Its old houses look just like they did hundreds of years ago.
• Carpenters' Hall: This building hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774.
• Benjamin Franklin National Memorial: A grand memorial dedicated to one of America's most famous inventors and thinkers, Benjamin Franklin.
• Fort Mifflin: A historic fort that played a key role in the American Revolutionary War.
• Second Bank of the United States: This impressive building once served as the country's central bank.
• Philadelphia City Hall: A magnificent building with a huge tower, topped by a statue of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

Amazing Museums for Kids

Philadelphia has many museums where you can learn about art, science, history, and more. They are great places for curious minds!

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is famous for its art collections and the "Rocky Steps."

The Franklin Institute is a hands-on science museum.

The National Constitution Center teaches about the U.S. Constitution.

Eastern State Penitentiary was once a famous prison.

The Independence Seaport Museum explores Philadelphia's connection to the water.

The Museum of the American Revolution tells the story of America's fight for freedom.

Art and Culture Museums

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: This huge museum has amazing art from all over the world. You might also recognize its famous steps from the movie Rocky!
• Rodin Museum: See many sculptures by the famous French artist Auguste Rodin, including "The Thinker."
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: This is the oldest art museum and school in the United States.
• University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: Discover ancient artifacts and learn about cultures from around the globe.

Science and Discovery Museums

• Franklin Institute: Get ready for hands-on fun! This science museum has tons of interactive exhibits, including a giant heart you can walk through.
• Academy of Natural Sciences: Explore dinosaurs, learn about different ecosystems, and see amazing animal exhibits.
• Mütter Museum: This unique museum has medical oddities and anatomical specimens. It's fascinating for those interested in the human body and medical history.
• Insectarium: A museum dedicated entirely to insects and other creepy crawlies!

History Comes Alive Museums

• Museum of the American Revolution: Learn all about the American Revolution with exciting exhibits and historical artifacts.
• National Constitution Center: This museum brings the U.S. Constitution to life with interactive displays and exhibits.
• African American Museum in Philadelphia: Celebrates the history and culture of African Americans.
• Eastern State Penitentiary: Once a famous prison, now a museum where you can explore its historic cells and learn about its past.

Old Houses with Stories

Many historic houses in Philadelphia offer a glimpse into the past.

• Betsy Ross House: The home of the legendary flag maker.
• Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion: A beautifully preserved Victorian-era house.
• Powel House: A grand Georgian mansion that hosted many important figures during the Revolutionary War.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature

Philadelphia has many green spaces, parks, and places to enjoy nature.

The Philadelphia Zoo is America's first zoo.

The Morris Arboretum is a beautiful garden and research center.

Rittenhouse Square is a lovely park in the heart of the city.

Meet the Animals: Zoos and Aquariums

• Philadelphia Zoo: America's first zoo, home to hundreds of animals from around the world. It's a great place to see lions, tigers, bears, and more!
• Adventure Aquarium: Located just across the river in Camden, New Jersey, this aquarium has sharks, hippos, and many other sea creatures.
• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum: A peaceful place to observe birds and other wildlife.

Beautiful Gardens and Parks

• Fairmount Park: One of the largest urban parks in the world, offering trails, historic mansions, and beautiful scenery.
• Rittenhouse Square: A lovely, lively park in the city center, perfect for relaxing or people-watching.
• Morris Arboretum: A stunning botanical garden with unique plants, trees, and sculptures.
• Bartram's Garden: The oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, founded by famous botanist John Bartram.
• Penn's Landing: A waterfront area along the Delaware River with parks, events, and great views.

Catch a Show: Performing Arts

If you love music, plays, or dance, Philadelphia has many theaters and halls where you can see amazing performances.

The Academy of Music is a historic opera house.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts hosts many musical performances.

• Academy of Music: A beautiful, historic opera house where you can see ballets and operas.
• Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts: Home to the Philadelphia Orchestra and other classical music performances.
• Walnut Street Theatre: The oldest continuously operating theater in the English-speaking world, showing plays and musicals.
• Mann Center for the Performing Arts: A popular outdoor venue for summer concerts and shows.

Cool Places to Shop and Eat

Philadelphia offers unique shopping experiences and delicious food, including its famous cheesesteak.

Philbert the pig welcomes you to the Reading Terminal Market.

McGillin's Olde Ale House is Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern.

• Reading Terminal Market: A huge indoor market with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and many different kinds of prepared foods. It's a great place to try local treats!
• Italian Market: An outdoor market with a lively atmosphere, selling fresh food, spices, and specialty items.
• Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood with delicious restaurants, bakeries, and unique shops.
• South Street: Known for its quirky shops, street art, and fun atmosphere.
• Geno's Steaks and Pat's King of Steaks: These two famous spots are known for their delicious Philadelphia cheesesteaks. You can decide which one you like best!

Sports Fun in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city that loves its sports teams! You can catch a game at one of these exciting venues.

Citizens Bank Park is home to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.

The Palestra is a historic college basketball arena.

• Citizens Bank Park: Home of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.
• Lincoln Financial Field: Where the Philadelphia Eagles football team plays.
• Xfinity Mobile Arena: This arena hosts the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team.
• The Palestra: A historic college basketball arena, often called "The Cathedral of College Basketball."

Important Buildings and Transport

• 30th Street Station: A grand and historic train station, one of the busiest in the country.
• Independence Seaport Museum: Learn about Philadelphia's maritime history and see historic ships.

Images for kids

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  The SS United States is a historic ocean liner.