First time to Philadelphia
Mar 30th, 2019, 07:21 PM
#1
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First time to Philadelphia
Hello. My family (husband, 3 kids) and I plan to travel to PA this July. We plan to go to Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Jersey shore, Amish Lancaster area and then Hershey. We have never been to any of these places. We do not have a lot of experience visiting large cities, but love history, and would like to see the sites of Philly. We only have a day and a half there and are staying in the Old city, walkable distance to Independence Hall. Any recommendations of places we should see? tours to take (there are so many!)? We would like to get in as much as possible in the short time we have there. We get there on a Sunday evening and leave Tuesday afternoon. Thanks in advance!
Mar 30th, 2019, 11:58 PM
#2
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Get timed tickets ahead for Independence Hall. I think they’re free (maybe just handling or shipping added), but you’ll really be glad you got them rather than taking a chance the day of.
Here one list of historic attractions:
https://www.visitphilly.com/articles...ction--item-16
Several fine art museums, plus the Franklin Science Museum as well.
Here one list of historic attractions:
https://www.visitphilly.com/articles...ction--item-16
Several fine art museums, plus the Franklin Science Museum as well.
Apr 1st, 2019, 04:13 AM
#3
Get advance tickets to Independence Hall.
Go to the Visitors' Center to get maps and info on the historic sites. Everything is pretty much within walking distance.
Admission to Independence Hall is by tour only. From March through December, timed entry tickets with a specific date and time are required. These tickets eliminate the long wait for Independence Hall tours and give you more time to see the other historic sites in the area. Tickets are not required in January and February, after 5 p.m. during summer hours, on July 4th, or on Thanksgiving Day. Independence National Historical Park is closed on Christmas Day.
How to Obtain Independence Hall Tickets
There are two ways to obtain tickets: walk up tickets on the day of your visit (free), or reserved tickets ($1.00 per ticket). It's best to plan ahead - whether you are picking up walk up tickets or making advance reservations. The procedures for individuals/families are different than those for groups. Read more about your options:
Individuals and Families
Go to the Visitors' Center to get maps and info on the historic sites. Everything is pretty much within walking distance.
Admission to Independence Hall is by tour only. From March through December, timed entry tickets with a specific date and time are required. These tickets eliminate the long wait for Independence Hall tours and give you more time to see the other historic sites in the area. Tickets are not required in January and February, after 5 p.m. during summer hours, on July 4th, or on Thanksgiving Day. Independence National Historical Park is closed on Christmas Day.
How to Obtain Independence Hall Tickets
There are two ways to obtain tickets: walk up tickets on the day of your visit (free), or reserved tickets ($1.00 per ticket). It's best to plan ahead - whether you are picking up walk up tickets or making advance reservations. The procedures for individuals/families are different than those for groups. Read more about your options:
Individuals and Families
Apr 1st, 2019, 04:29 AM
#4
Will you be in Philadelphia for the Fourth of July? The celebration goes on for days--
https://welcomeamerica.com/events/
https://welcomeamerica.com/events/
Apr 1st, 2019, 09:26 AM
#5
Here is our trip we took last year (report with photos ... link below). We spent five nights in Philly (loved it) and then drove to Gettysburg.
For dinner in Philadelphia, my highest recommendation goes to Ristorante Pesto (separate post underneath trip report. Reserve before you leave. It is a fantastic Italian restaurant.
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/phi...ginia-dc-2018/
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/ris...iladelphia-pa/
For dinner in Philadelphia, my highest recommendation goes to Ristorante Pesto (separate post underneath trip report. Reserve before you leave. It is a fantastic Italian restaurant.
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/phi...ginia-dc-2018/
https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/ris...iladelphia-pa/
Apr 1st, 2019, 10:36 AM
#6
Depending on ages and interests of your children, you may well find plenty to fill your day and a half in Independence Park itself. Begin at the visitors' center with a few films that explain the dilemmas of life in the colonies prior to the Declaration of Independence.
https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm
If the July weather is too hot and oppressive, both the Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution offer excellent displays that are engaging for children and adults. The Constitution Center is one block north of the visitors' center; the Museum of the American Revolution is at Third and Chestnut. Don't miss the Benjamin Franklin print shop and, next door, the post office.
https://www.nps.gov/inde/index.htm
If the July weather is too hot and oppressive, both the Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution offer excellent displays that are engaging for children and adults. The Constitution Center is one block north of the visitors' center; the Museum of the American Revolution is at Third and Chestnut. Don't miss the Benjamin Franklin print shop and, next door, the post office.
Apr 1st, 2019, 01:35 PM
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I enjoyed the Philadelphia Historical Museum. It is just a few blocks from Independence Hall. It is small so it does not take long to go through but it is out of the heat. I don't know the ages of your children but the Eastern Penitentiary is pretty interesting as well. However, it may not be age appropriate for smaller children. The Franklin Institute has many hands on exhibits.
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Apr 1st, 2019, 02:20 PM
#8
Philadelphia History Museum/Atwater Kent has suspended visiting hours as the board considers its future.
Oh, yes! Eastern State Penitentiary might be fascinating for older children.
As you walk and drive through the city, look for paintings on the sides of buildings, evidence of the excellent Mural Arts Program. Tours are available with them or you can use your cell phone--
https://www.muralarts.org/
Oh, yes! Eastern State Penitentiary might be fascinating for older children.
As you walk and drive through the city, look for paintings on the sides of buildings, evidence of the excellent Mural Arts Program. Tours are available with them or you can use your cell phone--
https://www.muralarts.org/
Apr 1st, 2019, 03:14 PM
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Philadelphia History Museum/Atwater Kent has suspended visiting hours as the board considers its future.
As you walk and drive through the city, look for paintings on the sides of buildings, evidence of the excellent Mural Arts Program. Tours are available with them or you can use your cell phone--
https://www.muralarts.org/
As you walk and drive through the city, look for paintings on the sides of buildings, evidence of the excellent Mural Arts Program. Tours are available with them or you can use your cell phone--
https://www.muralarts.org/
Another place that the children may enjoy is the US Mint. It too is very close to Independence Hall.
