Traveling with children can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially in a city as vibrant and historically rich as Philadelphia. From interactive museums to sprawling parks, from historic landmarks to kid-friendly eateries, Philadelphia offers a wealth of experiences for families. During my visits with my own family, I learned firsthand that thoughtful planning, the right accommodations, and a flexible itinerary make all the difference.
1. Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations
📍 Philadelphia has many family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, and picking the right place can define your trip’s comfort and convenience.
During one stay, we booked the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City through Booking.com. Its spacious rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and proximity to attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell made navigating the city stress-free. The hotel offered cribs and extra bedding without fuss, which is invaluable when traveling with toddlers or young children.
Another option is the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, conveniently located near the 30th Street Station. Its historic architecture fascinates children, and the indoor pool kept my kids entertained on rainy afternoons. Rates typically start around \$250 per night, and early booking through platforms like Expedia or Hotels.com can secure deals, especially when combining flights and hotel stays.
Tip: Look for hotels that offer complimentary breakfasts or kitchenettes. These small conveniences save time and money while keeping kids fed and happy.
2. Use Public Transportation Wisely
Philadelphia’s public transit system (SEPTA) is family-friendly and affordable. I purchased a one-day SEPTA pass for \$9, which allowed unlimited travel on buses, subways, and trolleys.
When traveling with children, I found that taking the subway during off-peak hours minimizes stress. Crowded trains can be overwhelming for young ones, but early morning rides provide a calm and easy experience.
Tip: Bring a lightweight stroller for younger children; it’s much easier than carrying them through subway stations. If you prefer comfort over cost, rideshare options like Uber or Lyft are readily available and convenient, especially late at night or for families with multiple children.
3. Plan Kid-Friendly Museum Visits
Philadelphia is packed with museums that cater to children.
The Franklin Institute is a must-visit for families. From the giant heart exhibit to interactive science stations, my kids were enthralled for hours. Tickets are \$23 online via the Franklin Institute official website, which I found faster than waiting at the box office.
Philadelphia Museum of Art also has family programs and activity guides. Before visiting, I checked their website for timed-entry tickets and children’s activity maps. Walking up the iconic Rocky Steps was an instant highlight for my kids—they loved pretending to run like Rocky while I captured photos.
Tip: For a combination of convenience and savings, platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide offer bundled tickets for multiple museums and attractions.
4. Keep a Flexible Itinerary
Traveling with children requires flexibility. On one visit, I had planned a full day at the Philadelphia Zoo. Midway through, my toddler was exhausted and hungry. Adjusting plans to include lunch at Woodlands Café inside the zoo and taking a short rest break made the rest of the day enjoyable for everyone.
Tip: Don’t overpack your day with attractions. Pick two major stops and allow time for parks, ice cream breaks, or unplanned exploration. Philadelphia’s Spruce Street Harbor Park is perfect for a relaxed afternoon with kids.
5. Prioritize Safety and Comfort
Safety is crucial in family travel. Always carry water, sunscreen, and small first-aid items. Philadelphia’s streets are walkable but busy, so teaching children to stay close and hold hands is important, especially near intersections or crowded tourist spots like Reading Terminal Market.
Tip: Use identification wristbands for younger children, including your contact info. This simple precaution can prevent panic if a child gets separated in a busy area.
6. Take Advantage of Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Philadelphia boasts several family-friendly parks and playgrounds.
Fairmount Park is massive, offering trails, picnic areas, and open spaces for children to run freely. I packed snacks and a blanket, allowing for an afternoon of spontaneous play.
Spruce Street Harbor Park, especially in warmer months, features colorful hammocks, floating gardens, and games. It’s a great way to recharge after a busy museum morning.
Tip: Plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Pack layers for unpredictable weather.
7. Meal Planning with Children
Finding meals that satisfy both adults and children can be challenging. Philadelphia has kid-friendly options at nearly every turn.
Reading Terminal Market is perfect for a family lunch. With vendors offering Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, fresh juices, and baked goods, everyone finds something they enjoy. I booked a table through OpenTable for one sit-down meal and relied on grab-and-go options for the rest.
Tip: Consider hotel breakfasts or cafes near attractions to reduce wait times. Booking via Resy for dinner guarantees a table at busy family spots, which is especially helpful on weekends.
8. Prepare for Weather Variability
Philadelphia’s weather can be unpredictable. During one fall visit, morning rain forced me to adjust my walking tour plans. Bringing lightweight rain jackets, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella kept the day enjoyable rather than stressful.
Tip: Check weather forecasts daily and plan indoor activities, like museums or the Franklin Institute, for rainy hours. Booking tickets online ensures that rescheduling doesn’t mean losing access.
9. Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
Traveling with a family can be costly. I found several ways to stretch the budget:
- Use Expedia or Kayak for bundled flight and hotel deals.
- Look for city passes that combine multiple attractions at discounted rates, available on Viator or GetYourGuide.
- Split meals at large portions, especially at places like Reading Terminal Market.
- Take public transportation or walk instead of relying on taxis for every trip.
Even small strategies add up, making a week-long family stay more manageable without compromising experiences.
10. Prepare a Travel Packing Checklist
A well-prepared packing list can prevent last-minute stress. Here’s what I always include for Philadelphia family trips:
- Stroller or carrier for young children.
- Comfortable walking shoes for all family members.
- Reusable water bottles.
- Snacks for museums and transit.
- Rain jackets or ponchos.
- Sunscreen and hats.
- Lightweight backpack for daily essentials.
- Identification wristbands for children.
Tip: Keeping these items organized in a lightweight backpack ensures quick access and prevents small emergencies from derailing the day.
11. Evening and Nighttime Activities
Philadelphia offers family-friendly activities even after dark. On one evening, I took my children to Franklin Square, which features a carousel, mini-golf, and illuminated fountains. It’s an engaging way for children to burn off energy before bedtime.
Night tours of historical landmarks, like Independence Hall, can also be educational and captivating. Booking tickets online through official platforms like the National Park Service website ensures timed-entry and smooth access.
12. Using Technology to Enhance Your Trip
Smartphones, travel apps, and GPS devices are indispensable for family travel. I used Google Maps to navigate city streets, OpenTable to reserve meals, and Booking.com to manage hotel bookings on the go.
For attractions, many offer interactive apps or digital guides. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, for instance, has an app with kid-friendly activity guides that make art more accessible for young visitors.
13. Accessible Attractions for Strollers
Not all historic buildings are stroller-friendly. Before visiting Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell, I checked their accessibility options online. Using ramps, elevators, and visitor services made touring with children manageable.
Tip: Arrive early or mid-week to avoid crowds, which makes navigating narrow hallways with strollers much easier.
14. Scheduling Rest Periods
Children (and adults) need downtime. During my visits, I scheduled a quiet hour back at the hotel between morning and afternoon activities. This allowed naps for younger children and a mental break for the adults, ensuring the rest of the day remained enjoyable.
Tip: Even short breaks in cafes or parks make a big difference. Philadelphia has plenty of spots to pause without losing momentum in your itinerary.
15. Safety Around Waterways
Philadelphia has beautiful rivers and fountains, but water can be a hazard for children. At the Schuylkill River Trail and Spruce Street Harbor Park, I kept a close eye on my children and held their hands near water features.
Tip: Lightweight life jackets or water-resistant footwear are helpful if planning boat tours or riverside activities.
16. Engaging Older Kids
For older children, I found history and art tours especially engaging. The Betsy Ross House and Museum provided hands-on activities and storytelling that made history come alive. Booking guided tours via Viator added educational value without adding stress.
17. Planning for Festivals and Seasonal Events
Philadelphia hosts family-friendly events year-round, from the Mummers Parade to outdoor concerts. Checking the city calendar in advance allowed me to integrate unique experiences into the trip.
Tip: Book tickets for seasonal events through official websites or Eventbrite to secure guaranteed entry.
18. Transportation from Airports
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main hub. I booked flights via Expedia, which offered bundled hotel deals. From the airport, SEPTA Regional Rail or taxis provide convenient access to Center City hotels.
Tip: For families with luggage and children, consider shuttle services or rideshare apps for comfort, particularly during peak hours.
19. Educational Opportunities on the Go
Philadelphia is rich with educational opportunities beyond museums. The Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences feature STEM-focused exhibits, while historic sites like Independence Hall provide interactive history lessons. Planning visits around these learning experiences makes family trips both fun and enriching.
20. Embrace Spontaneity
Despite planning, I learned to embrace spontaneous discoveries. Walking through Rittenhouse Square, stumbling upon a local farmers’ market, or catching a street performance added some of the most memorable moments. Philadelphia rewards curiosity, and leaving room for flexibility ensures that children remain engaged and excited.
Booking Platforms and Travel Tools Recommendations
- Flights: Expedia, Kayak, Skyscanner
- Hotels: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb for family-friendly rentals
- Attractions & Tickets: Viator, GetYourGuide, Ticketmaster
- Dining Reservations: OpenTable, Resy, Yelp Reservations
Philadelphia offers a rich tapestry of experiences for families, combining history, culture, art, and recreation. Careful planning, combined with the right accommodations, flexible itineraries, and accessible attractions, makes family travel in this city rewarding and memorable. Every corner of Philadelphia offers the opportunity for learning, laughter, and shared experiences, ensuring that children and adults alike return home with lasting memories.
