first time to Philadelphia

we will be going to the Franklin Institute in late August. we have two boys, 6 and 8. aside from the liberty bell, any other must see things in a two day time period. any suggestions for dinner in the center city area for two active, picky boys?

first time to Philadelphia

Kids love the Academy of Natural Sciences, Lights of Liberty show, the Zoo, and the Duck Boats. Across the river in Camden (short ferry ride over) is the Aquarium and the USS New Jersey battleship tour.

first time to Philadelphia

The suggestions made by ILikePhilly are very good. Unfortunately, I don%26#39;t think that most of the attractions in Philly would be very interesting to kids: http://piytravel.com/pages/s.piy?t=uspaph

Sites such as Elfreth%26#39;s Alley and Independence Hall are very historic and interesting, but I%26#39;m guessing not very captivating from a kid%26#39;s perspective. They might be interested in a Phillies or Riversharks game, though.

Good luck!

I have sort of agree and disagree with the above poster. It depends of what your kids like. I didn%26#39;t recommend historical sites because I went for what all kids typically like. But mine love the historic sites. Probably due to our teaching them about this stuff ahead of time. Also, my young nephew recently stayed in Philadelphia and loved the historic sites. However, he also knew some of what he was looking at, having just learned it at school.

hi grew up in philly and still live. Franklin Insitute and Academy of Natural Sciences were just the best and still are - the giant heart is still my favorite.

Also, the Archaeological Museum at the University of Pennsyvlania has mummies - just loved them at that age- and lots of other stuff that kids might like.

lots of places to eat around Penn%26#39;s campus - if in late August, don%26#39;t drive to campus, just take the bus or trolley from pretty much anywhere in town.

for dinner, will they eat chinese - if yes, try china town for great food.

or, try the Down Home Diner at the Reading Terminal- and afterwards have ice cream at Bassets - my grand father took me there and his father took him

enjoy

http://www.museum.upenn.edu/

http://www.hollyeats.com/DownHome.htm

Fireman%26#39;s Hall, right near Elfreth%26#39;s Alley, is the Museum of the history of Philadelphia firefighting. Lots of old equipment, early photos, and more housed in a 19th C. firehouse. The museum is owned by the City and staffed by the Fire Dept.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art - Not just paintings! My six year old loves the functional art exhibits like the armor and the Japanese courtyard.

Franklin Court - everything Ben Franklin

Penn%26#39;s Landing - this is the waterfront of Center City. Sometimes there are special events like concerts or ethnic festivals. At the Landing you%26#39;ll also find the Seaport Museum.

National Liberty Museum - this is a museum that features art celebrating liberty and honoring its heroes. It is geared toward the young but adults can appreciate it too. It is a neighbor of Franklin Court.

Any of the site or museums of personal interest to you (for example, pertaining to your own family heritage)

Hubby needs the computer! I might add to this later.

Lynn