|
Philadelphia
Attractions
Philadelphia
Please
Touch Museum
A favorite among Wharton moms and one of the country's best children's museums, the Please
Touch Museum is specifically designed for children seven
years and younger. Its exhibits and programs reflect the
Museum's philosophy that hands-on, self-directed, open-ended
experiences facilitate learning and are fun. With such
exhibits as a recreation of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild
Things Are" and a supermarket where children can stock
shelves, work the checkout counter or shop, the Please Touch
Museum is a unique and wonderful destination for families.
Recently moved and renovated
to a fantastic location at Memorial Hall in Fairmont Park,
the museum is a "must see" when visiting or coming to
Wharton! 15 month memberships available which include
unlimited admission and parking on site.
Memorial Hall in
Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia,
PA 19131
215-581 3158
http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/
Smith Memorial
Playgrounds and Playhouse
Open Monday through Saturday 10am - 3pm, this is a terrific
free area to take children 5 and younger to play. Located in
Fairmount Park not far from Boathouse Row, this historic
house so much to offer. The three story playhouse includes:
"Smithville" - a town you can ride a tricycle through; an
entire floor of toys, including kitchen, dollhouse, and a
mini carousel; a train; an area for puppet shows and much
much more.
Reservoir Drive at 33rd Street, Philadelphia 215-765-4325
http://www.smithplayhouse.org
Philadelphia Zoo
Founded in 1874 as America's first zoo, The Philadelphia Zoo
houses over 1300 animals in the 42-acre facility. From lions to tigers to bears, the zoo
has everyone's favorite animals. It also has many activities
for children, highlighted by a hot air balloon that rises
above the zoo for a bird's-eye view of the animals and
people below. 12 month memberships are available that
include unlimited trips to the zoo as well as free parking.
34th Street and Girard Avenue in Fairmount Park.
215-243-1100
http://www2.philadelphiazoo.org/
Philadelphia Museum
of Art
Featuring a truly world-class collection (including such
pieces Van Gogh's "Sunflowers"), this museum is one of the
city's finest attractions. It is a great place to introduce
children to the world of art, as well as a nice place to
spend a winter afternoon. The Art Museum is family-friendly,
offering many programs for parents and children; families
can make medieval crafts, learn to draw, or hunt for answers
to Museum-prepared activity sheets. For those date
nights or a moms' night out, check out the "Art After 5" program
every Friday evening from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.!
26th
Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.
215-763-8100
http://www.philamuseum.org/
Academy of Natural
Sciences Museum
This museum features four floors of exhibitions and
activities about the environment and its diverse species
that will educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Stroll
among live butterflies, pet a live snake or hissing
cockroach, learn about the importance of water, and much
more. The Academy also houses 17 million specimens of
plants, animals and other organisms, including rare library
holdings that document scientific discovery from the 1500's
to today.
1900
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. 215-299-1000.
http://www.ansp.org/
Franklin Institute
This 300,000 square foot museum is a terrific resource for
kids who are interested in science. The museum houses many
historical and scientific artifacts, and uses great
interactive devices to allow children to explore basic
science principles and learn about ever-changing technology
that will affect our lives. The Institute is also home to
the nation's largest Omnimax theater. The Tuttleman
Omniverse Theater is a fun place to take a 30 minute journey
to the Grand Canyon or the Great Barrier Reef without ever
leaving Philadelphia.
222
North 20th street, Philadelphia. 215-448-1200.
http://www2.fi.edu/
Free Library of
Philadelphia
With 55 locations, the Free Library is a wonderful resource
for Philadelphia families. Offering children's activities
such as Lap Reading time for parents and children, the Free
Library is a great place to teach children the joys of
reading. In addition, there are many workshops and classes
for adults--so you can engage your mind as well as your
child's!
1901 Vine Street,
Philadelphia. 215-686-5322
http://www.library.phila.gov/
Outside
Philadelphia
New Jersey
State Aquarium
Just over the Ben Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia, the
Aquarium is home to thousands of different animals,
including sharks, seal, penguins, and hundreds of kinds of
fish. This attraction is ideal for kids, who can explore the
world of marine life first hand by seeing the animals up
close. In fact, they can even handle starfish and other
water life! During the warmer months (May -
September), take a ferry across the river to the aquarium
right from Philadelphia's Penn Landing!
1
Aquarium Drive, Camden, New Jersey. 856-365-3300
http://www.adventureaquarium.com/
Fun Factory at Kehler's Gym
A local gem, this indoor gym is a great respite on hot summer days or
chilly winter afternoons. Kids ages 1-11 years old love climbing through the three story
maze of slides or just messing around in the ball pits. A great
energy release for all you moms with active tots!
680 Parkway
Boulevard, Broomall, PA 19008. 610-359-9999
http://www.kehlersgym.com
Longwood Gardens
Visit the world’s premier horticultural display garden. Longwood
Gardens was created by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (and is sometimes
referred to as the DuPont Gardens) and offers 1,050 acres (425 hectares)
of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; 20 outdoor gardens; 20 indoor gardens
within 4 acres (1.6 hectares) of heated greenhouses; 11,000 different
types of plants; spectacular fountains; extensive educational programs
including horticultural career training and internships; and 800 horticultural
and performing arts events each year, from flower shows, gardening demonstrations,
courses, and children’s programs to concerts, organ and carillon
recitals, musical theatre, and fireworks displays. Longwood is open
every day of the year and attracts more than 900,000 visitors annually.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett
Square, Pennsylvania.
http://www.longwoodgardens.org/
Sesame Place
There are so many special ways for parents and their children to have
a great time together. Smiles and togetherness certainly go hand in
hand at Sesame Place. And Sesame Place has water slides for every age.
There are more than 50 fun-filled physical activities at the park. Only
30 minutes from Philadelphia this is a place where you can hug Elmo,
and hang out with all your other Sesame Street pals.
100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047.
215-752-7070 http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame/pa/index.html
Crayola Factory
At The Crayola FACTORY visitors enter a world of discovery as
they experience more than a dozen hands-on activities as well as learn
how Crayola Crayons and Markers are made. This is not the real
manufacturing plant. It's a colorful and interesting visitor center that
allows children of all ages to unleash their creative spirit. Each
quarter, themes and projects change to give visitors a variety of
projects to create throughout the year.
30 Centre Square, Easton, PA 18042. 610-515-8000
http://www.crayola.com/Factory/
| 
Important Information/Links