Affordable attractions in Philly that your kids will love.
By Jana Seitzer
Kids in Philadelphia (Flickr: Visit St. Pete and Clearwater)
If you’re looking for budget-friendly attractions while on vacation in Pennsylvania, there are plenty of low-cost and free things to do in Philadelphia with kids and families.
Treat your Little Firefighter
Fireman’s Hall Museum (J. Fusco)
Do you have a kid who is fascinated by firefighters? Benjamin Franklin started the first fire company in Philadelphia and you can visit the historic Fireman’s Hall Museum to see a collection of fire trucks and more. In addition to the fire trucks on display in this restored 1902 firehouse, you’ll see firefighting tools, apparatus and uniforms, as well as photographs. While museum admission is free, the organization does request donations from its visitors.
Play, Play, Play
Located in East Fairmount Park, the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is a 24,000-square-foot play mansion that is free for families to enjoy. The playground is geared for kids ages 5 and under and the overall grounds for ages 10 and under, so this century-old landmark is a delightful stop if you have a younger family.
(MORE: Looking for a place to stay? Find a great kid-friendly hotel in Philadelphia.)
Liberty Bell
Another great Philadelphia tourist attraction is the Liberty Bell. Visiting this landmark, which is part of the National Park Service, is free to all. Watch the video presentations, which are available in dozens of languages, to learn more about the history of the bell and why it is a modern representation of freedom.
For Little Scientists
Do you already have a membership to a museum that is part of the Association of Science-Technology Centers? If you do, you can use it for free admission to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. From the Bird Classroom to the Live Animal Center, you’ll have access to four floors of environmental sciences exhibits. The Dinosaur Hall and Serengeti areas are particularly popular with kids and with all the fun to be found here, these areas can easily eat up an afternoon.
(MORE: Find more amazing things to do in Philadelphia with kids.)
Money in Action
United States Mint (Wiki: Beyond My Ken)
Looking for more free things to do in Philadelphia? You and your family can take a free, self-guided tour of the United States Mint and see firsthand how our coins are minted. Kids will really enjoy the experience and it’s a good platform to help them learn a little bit about money. You can also see some neat rare and unique coins.
Indulge in Culture
If you have older kids and are looking for places to go in Philadelphia with them, you could visit the Institute of Contemporary Art. Thanks to a grant, admission is free to see the works of influential artists, such as Andy Warhol. The Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site, which is also part of the National Park Service, is another educational and fun spot for older kids who are into literature. You can even tour the home where he lived for a year when he wrote Black Cat.
With so many free and inexpensive things to do in Philadelphia with kids, you can make your vacation fun and affordable!
Jana Seitzer contributed this to www.MiniTime.com.
