Whether you’re traveling to Philadelphia to develop the kids’ sense of wonder or you’re visiting family or friends, one thing is certain - The City of Brotherly Love has a lot to offer. The kids will be happy to explore its many parks, gardens, and museums and you’ll have a bit of time to rest while they engage in all sorts of fun activities.
Still, the trip there and the entire planning (especially if you’re the only supervising parent) can be quite exhausting.
So here are a few tips to help you make it there and back and still remain with pleasant memories:
1. Check Your Budget Limits
When you travel alone things are a lot easier. First of all, you won’t need to check any bags since a carry-on should be enough for a few days. Second, there’s no one to drag you around while trying to leave the airport as fast as possible. And third, it’s a lot easier to respect the already established budget limits.
However, when you’re with kids, things change drastically and you have to be prepared to spend more (money and time) on the same activities. Still, your coils check on how to save money on transportation, and how to find safe accommodation on a budget.
Plus, many Philly restaurants offer kids' menus or have special offers for families that will help you keep that budget in check. So, it pays to do your research before leaving home.
2. Check Out Airport Facilities
Check to see if the airport you’ll land at has any kid-friendly facilities. For instance, at Philadelphia International Airport, there are family restrooms and a play area dedicated to parents who are waiting for their flight.
Plus, there are priority lines for families with young children and many airlines offer priority boarding. It’s important to know these aspects just in case you’ll ever need to find a safe area to rest while the kids burn their energy before or after a flight.
3. Where to Eat
If you’re visiting with friends or family, you don’t need much info on restaurants since you’ll have a local guiding you. However, if you’re here as a complete tourist, it helps to know the main culinary offers.
For instance, did you know Philly has a well-developed Chinatown area where you can enjoy authentic dim sum and bubble tea? Also, there’s the Italian Market where you’ll find a variety of meals, and the Terminal Market which is the oldest continuously operating farmers' market in the area.
4. Museums the Kids will Love
Philadelphia is a city of culture and fun activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. A good example of such an establishment is the Please Touch Museum, located in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall.
Here, you can interact with the exhibit zones and use their tactile senses to make sense of the world. Of course, parents can touch the exhibits as well, so it’s fun for the entire family.
Another location where kids can have fun for a few whole hours is the Franklin Institute. The museum has a huge area of interesting exhibits such as the Giant Heart, Sir Isaac’s Loft, and the Train Factory (among others).
Plus, there’s a Planetarium and an exhibit on Your Brain that kids who are passionate about science will definitely love to explore.
Key Takeaways
Philly is a great city for a family trip since it offers diverse attractions for a wide range of passions and hobbies. Plus, it’s great for walks and has lots of good food locations. Overall, if you want your kids to explore their sense of wonder and curiosity, Philadelphia is an amazing location for all ages!
