The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection has a plethora of sites that will wow you. From cultural, to historical, to just plain fun, Philly is jam-packed with awesomeness that eagerly awaits you. Coming to WordCamp Philly with the kids? No worries! We’ve got you covered. Pretty much everything on the list is totally kid friendly.
Old City
Franklin Square
Franklin Square is a breathtaking park with its own carousel, fountain and playground. Grab a bench and take a breather before hitting all that Old City has to offer.
Liberty Bell Center
Philly’s beloved cracked bell and 200+ year old symbol of freedom can be viewed through the glass from the outside or you can enter the building if you’d like an up close and personal experience. Fun fact: The last time the bell was rung was April 6, 2001, by Mitchell Guilliatt, who whipped a hammer out of his backpack and let freedom ring. He was sentenced to nine months in prison and had to pay some pretty hefty fees.
Philadelphia Mint
Ever wonder how coins are made? Go by the mint and get a firsthand look. Take note of how many coins fall onto the factory floor. Who sweeps, keeps?
The African American Museum
A mark of Philly pride, the African American Museum is the first institution built by a major US city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans.
Center City
Mutter Museum
Two words: Medical. Oddities. See it. Witness it. Try not to get the heebie jeebies. Disclaimer: If you’re taking your kid, you’ve been forewarned. Once again, medical oddities.
Franklin Institute
Science! I mean really. Do you need any more reason to go? How about a sky bike, a giant heart, a flight simulator, an IMAX and SCIENCE. Plus, it was founded in honor of Philly’s very own Benjamin Franklin, America’s first scientist.
Academy of Natural Sciences
The academy consists of floor after floor of dioramas, fully-erected dinosaur bones, a live animal area and a butterfly habitat where you can fully immerse yourself in a world of butterflies. You don’t have to be a natural history buff to enjoy what the academy offers.
Dilworth Plaza
If you want to see the WordCamp Philly logo in real life, take a spin by its temporary home, Dilworth Plaza, to take in the real deal sculpture by Robert Indiana. Bonus: Say “What up Jawn” to Billy Penn who’ll be towering over you from his spot atop city hall. Double bonus: You can stroll through the center of City Hall and take in all of its architectural glory while pretending to be Bruce Willis in 12 Monkeys.
Fairmount/Brewerytown
Philadelphia Museum of Art
A prized gem of Philly, the PMA houses thousands of artworks from around the world in its architectural enthralling building. Travel back in time in the medieval armory or see the Trojan war through Cy Twombly’s abstract eyes. Around every corner is another stunning piece of work. Bonus: Grab a selfie with the Italian Stallion before running to the top of the Rocky Steps for a stunning view of the city.
Boathouse Row
Seeing the beautiful, historic boathouses backdropped by the setting sun glistening off of the river, is to experience something quite zen. Stroll, run, rollerblade or bike—no matter the mode of propulsion the calm and beauty of Boathouse Row is something to behold.
Paine’s Skate Park
This is a public skateboarding park that is on the Schuykill River Trail. Take in a beautiful view of the river as you grind across the modern landscape architecture.
Fairmount Water Works
Nestled directly behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Water Works is also located on the Schuykill River Trail. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and looks out over the river. Dive into the history of the Water Works while learning about watersheds and our impact on the future of our water. Admission to the museum is free.
Smith Memorial Playground
Smith is a wonderful place where children can run amuck amongst Smith’s vast outside playgrounds including taking a ride down the big, wooden slide on potato sacks. They can also venture inside the Playhouse which hosts a full tricycle track in the basement, a miniature train, and doll house. Admission is free. Donations are welcome but not required. Suggested donation of $5/family. Bonus: If you’re into disc golf or hitting golf balls, there’s a disc golf course and driving range next door.
Visit the quaint gazebo that looks over the river or have a bite to eat at one of the many picnic areas. There’s a full size basketball court as well as a full playground. Find a grassy spot to relax and take in one of Philly’s many urban oases.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Totally eerie and educational any time of year; however, you’re in for a special treat since Terror Behind the Walls will be in effect during WCPhilly. Who doesn’t want to experience a massive haunted house inside of a historical prison!?
Pro Tip: If you’re taking kids to Terror Behind the Walls, or if you get too spooked yourself, use the code words, “monster be good”, and the ghouls will back off.
West Philadelphia
Clark Park
Clark Park is a West Philly gem. It’s a huge, grassy oasis that hosts constant community events. It’s always packed with families enjoying the outdoors. Take a stroll, play some basketball, play some frisbee, sunbathe, or partake of the play equipment. It’s the perfect place to relax and play.
Please Touch Museum
The place where everything is built to be touched! Housed in the last standing building from the 1876 World’s Fair, the Please Touch is a place of magic for kids and parents alike. Ride the carousel, walk through Alice in Wonderland, or shoot air rockets into space. The adventures that the Please Touch holds are endless.
Philadelphia Zoo
Head to the zoo and take a ride on the hot air balloon. Make sure to catch Pokemon! The zoo hosts 35 Pokestops and three gyms. In between catching Pokemon, be sure to check out the wildlife. Watch out for the peacocks. They run free throughout the zoo.
Penn Museum
Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt in the Sphinx room or take a gander at the African nail fetish figures. Make sure to pay homage to the beautiful coy in the lovely front patio pond before leaving.
North Philadelphia
The Wagner Free Institute of Science
A trip to the Wagner is like taking a time machine into the history of science. You would never know what amazing things lurk inside the walls of the Wagner due to it’s nondescript appearance from the outside. Get up close and personal with natural history specimens—birds, mammals, dinosaur bones, fossils, minerals—and more. Admission is free. A donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children is suggested for museum visitors.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in Philly. Remember to tag us on Instagram @wordcampphilly and/or Facebook @wordcampphilly so we can all vicariously enjoy your Philly adventures too!