School is almost out and you are probably have your mind filled with planning fun trips for you and your family to do. Whether you are traveling into Philadelphia for a vacation or you live here and are looking for staycation ideas, there are plenty of things to do.
Check out these 13 places to visit in Center City, Philadelphia for Summer 2019:
1. Historic Philadelphia
As the birthplace of the U.S., Philadelphia’s Historic District is a definite place to visit while in Center City Philadelphia. Walk the cobble stones from the colonial era and stop by Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley to journey back in time and learn more about your history.
2. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Love to be by the water? Don’t forget to visit the Spruce Street Harbor Park at Penn’s Landing. It features a boardwalk and beach type atmosphere along the Delaware River with hammocks to relax in as well as a beer garden and plenty of fun games. Spruce Street Harbor Park in Located at 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
3. Penn’s Landing and Blue Cross RiverRink
Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River in Center City Philadelphia hosts a lot of family-friendly events and festivals throughout the summer. Most events take place at the Great Plaza or the Festival Pier, and the Blue Cross Riverrink at 101 South Columbus Blvd. has outdoor roller skating during the summer.
4. Franklin Square
The kids will love a visit to Franklin Square which has a beautiful fountain, playgrounds, a Philly Mini Golf Course and a carousel. Franklin Square, located at 200 N. 6th Street, also hosts festivals, free outdoor movie nights and other fun events.
5. Reading Terminal Market
The Reading Terminal Market, located at 51 N. 12th near the Pennsylvania Convention Center is a must stop for foodies. It is one of the country’s largest and oldest public markets and offers a variety of delicious delicacies and fresh produce, meats and seafood.
6. Love Park
Any visit to Center City Philadelphia is not complete with a photo by the iconic Love Park statue near City Hall. Recently renovated, it now includes a great lawn and two gardens. LOVE Park also hosts cool activities throughout the summer.
7. Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a mecca for artists with its over 200 galleries of painting, artifacts and architecture from all over the world and from different time periods. Ask about museum tours to experience the museum to the fullest. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located at 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
8. Franklin Institute
At the Franklin Institute in Center City Philadelphia, you and your kids can climb up in the giant heart and learn about space exploration and other cool medical and scientific advancements. There are plenty of live shows and hands-on exhibits to keep everyone enthralled. Also be sure to check out the IMAX, planetarium and 3D theater. The Franklin Institute is located at 221 North St. in Philadelphia.
9. Academy of Natural Sciences
Not far from the Franklin Institute is the Academy of Natural Sciences where you can learn more about creatures of our present and past including dinosaurs. Your kids will love digging for fossils and all the other special hands-on activities held there. The Academy of Natural Science is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
10. Please Touch Museum
The Please Touch Museum is completely hand-on for your kids’ enjoyment. There are two floors of interactive exhibits including a kid-size supermarket, hospital and construction zone. And there are always special exhibits going on as well. The Please Touch Museum is located at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic in Philadelphia.
11. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Located on South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a folk art gallery space that spans three city lots and includes indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden. Spend a few hours immersed in some beautiful art and sculptures. The best thing is that there is something fun to do no matter the weather. The Philadelphia Magic Garden is located at 1020 South St.
12. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
If you love going to concerts and shows, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on the Avenue of the Arts is another must stop. It hosts a variety of performance by some of the premier performing arts groups in the world. It is also the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra. From concerts to musicals, you can find plenty of ways to be entertained at the Kimmel this spring. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is located at 300 South Broad Street.
13. The Mütter Museum
Do your kids love science and cool medical specimens? Then be sure to take them to the Mütter Museum which houses unique collections of anatomical specimens, models and medical instruments. They will be fascinated about the role of leeches in medical history and other interesting stories from our medical history that most people don’t know about. The Mütter Musuem is located at 19 S 22nd St.
