Things To Do

Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell and Independence Mall are quintessential Philadelphia landmarks, especially for the 1st time visitor! Since June is the beginning of tourist season, we recommend you order tickets ahead for a timed slot ($1.50). The Constitution Center, where Rob’s brother Jeff got married, is at the top of the mall and is filled with more information about the birth of our country, and some cool statues of the Founding Fathers!

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Take an auto tour of the winter spot occupied by a Washington and his troops.

Philadelphia Zoo

America’s first zoo!

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Take a tour of their stunning collection, housed in multiple area buildings, or at the least dash up the steps like Rocky before snagging a picture with his statue.

Reading Terminal Market

Rittenhouse Square

One of the most popular squares in Philadelphia. Bonus: the Saxby’s coffee at 20th and Walnut is where we had our first date, and go each year on our anniversary!

Sesame Place

A fun spot for the kiddos to hit up for a visit with Elmo and the gang.

Philadelphia Beer Week (various locations)

May 31 - June 9th is Philly Beer Week, with events like tastings, lectures, and dinner pairings available across the city!

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

They've got a special exhibit on MYTHIC CREATURES: DRAGONS, UNICORNS AND MERMAIDS. Guests can touch fossils, explore winged mythological creatures, build their own dragon and come face to face with a sea monster at this Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University exhibition.

James A. Michener Art Museum

Through June 9th, they have a special exhibit: NAKASHIMA LOOKS: STUDIO FURNITURE FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION. Artist Mira Nakashima, daughter of acclaimed woodworker George Nakashima, guest curates an exhibit that showcases some of the stunning work in the collection by both father and daughter. All throughout June, you can also enjoy THE COLOR OF THE MOON: LUNAR PAINTING IN AMERICAN ART. The Michener Art Museum presents more than 50 works of art by the likes of Norman Rockwell and Thomas Cole that depict the moon and reveal its prominence in American landscape painting.

Franklin Square

Throughout June, they have a a special festival going on - PHILADELPHIA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL IN FRANKLIN SQUARE. With all-new, giant, light-up silken sculpture, this beloved festival returns to Franklin Square, as do live nightly performances, Chinese crafts and cuisine and the Dragon Beer Garden. Don't miss Franklin Fountain (bring cash for these old fashioned ice cream treats) and some fun other restaurants nearby!

Wissahickon Valley Park

This city park is Philly's version of Central Park, only it's not square! We love going on walks here, as we have an entrance right behind our house! Waterfalls, gorgeous flora and some fauna, historical buildings, and some great fishing (just ask Rob!)

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

It's a bit out of the way (its closer to Harrisburg than Philly, about a two hour drive) but this is a pleasant way to spend the day! We grabbed the auto-tour CD on our last trip and did our own tour (Rob added to the CD's knowledge with his own) through the sites of Gettysburg and the surrounding area. Make sure you get to the cemetery before dusk (at which point it closes) to see where Lincoln delivered his famous address.

Hersheypark

The Sweetest Place on Earth awaits! There is a free tour (Chocolate World) and museum (The Hershey Story) in addition to the paid theme park admission, and plenty to do in the town of Hershey - especially if you love chocolate!

Go "down the shore"

Philly doesn't go to the beach, we "go down to the shore!" There are dozens of New Jersey and Delaware beaches, with different vibes and attractions! Most are only about two hours from Philly.