What are some fun things to do in Philadelphia with a toddler? Also, what are some nice family restaurants?|102388

I already plan on checking out the zoo and Fairmont Park, Franklin Square and the Betsy Ross house. We are going on October and my daughter will be almost three.Free or inexpensive would be great.

General Info:

http://www.gophila.com/C/Your_Philadelph��


The Art Museum is free on Sundays, although I don_t know how willing you_d be to go with a toddler. It_s still a nice enough place to hang out on the outside and appreciate the weather. As a matter of fact, I believe all museums in Philadelphia are free on Sundays.

You may want to check on the status of the old Please Touch Museum (open or not). They_re building a new one out at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, but its not scheduled to open until October...I_m guessing that the old one will stay open for at least a little while until they have to start moving exhibits, but maybe you_ll catch the opening.

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That_d be nice...the first ones in the Please Touch Museum (could you imagine what it_s like in there during flu season, 10-15 years after it_s opened? yuck)

Check on the Franklin Institute as well. There are plenty of things for kids to get into, and they sometimes have special exhibits...I think Star Wars just finished up...not sure what_s next.


http://www2.fi.edu/


In terms of restaurants, there are a ton of options in the city. For something most likely inexpensive and toddler friendly, there_s the Spaghetti Warehouse on 10th-ish and Spring Garden. Brunch is always nice too...you can_t walk two blocks in this city without tripping over a brunch spot. Many of the bars have them as well, and as I_m sure you know, all of the bars are non-smoking now. That first link in here should have more restaurant ideas though.

If you_re driving, you could check into Longwood Gardens. It_s a good 30-45 minute drive outside of Philly (not difficult though) and is always displaying something seasonal...I wonder if it_d be too early to catch the beginnings of the Christmas Lights?


http://www.longwoodgardens.org/


Across the Delaware River (by PATCO high speed line from The Gallery or by Ferry at Penn_s Landing) is the Aquarium and Battleship New Jersey. I imagine a 3 year old will have more fun with the aquarium though.


http://www.njaquarium.org/index.html


Good luck and have fun.

You should definitely check out the Please Touch Museum. It_s located in Center City, within walking distance of the Franklin Institute and Academy of Natural Sciences. It_s got tons of hands-on activities for children. My 3 kids had a blast there last year. I believe admission was $10.


http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/


The zoo is great - definitely check it out.

We_re always visiting family in Philly, so I don_t have any ideas for restaurants. We rarely go out there.

You have most of the bases covered. The Art Museum is nice, but not for a 3 year old. You may really want to go over to the Adventure Aquarium. It is very accessible via public transportation, and there is a Ferry that takes you over to NJ and it_s a short walk to the Aquarium. If your daughter has seen _Finding Nemo_ she is going to love the Aquarium...so will you!!

You can go to the Zoo, or the Please Touch Museum, I_m pretty sure the Franklin Institute has an area for toddlers. I can_t really think of any family restaurants sorry.

Hi, I live in Philadelphia _ I have a son that is about to turn 3, so I can tell you from my own experiences. I say definitely Yes to the Please Touch Museum. It has a lot for young kids. Franklin Square is a nice park. Its small but it has a playground _ a merry-go-round(costs a few bucks). Also if you want to see some of the sights in Philadelphia then you can try a short walking tour _ bring a light stroller or else try _Ride the Ducks_. That is a open topped bus-boat that shows you the sights _ goes in the river, plus they give everyone quackers(noise makers). The zoo is nice, but I would only go if the weather is nice. My son actually wanted to run around more than look at animals, lol. Adventure Aquarium is nice too. That is in Camden right across the river. You can get the ferry at Penn_s Landing. But just to let you know the Zoo _ the Aquarium aren_t so cheap, so get coupons online. Also if you want to see the famous Art Museum, then go _ help your daughter run up the stairs, but just dont go inside, too boring for a kid. Sesame place is a half hour from Philly, if you can find public transportation it is nice for toddlers, but more in summer. Have fun :)