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Hey there, fellow parents of energetic boys! I recently took a trip to Philadelphia with my 10-year-old son, Will, and let me tell you, it was an adventure we’ll never forget. If you’re planning a visit to the City of Brotherly Love with your own little guy, I’ve got some insider tips on the best attractions that’ll keep both you and your son entertained. Here are 13 must-do activities that made our trip unforgettable:
Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
First things first, we had to dive into some American history. I was worried Will might find it boring, but boy, was I wrong! The tour guides at Independence Hall really know how to bring history to life. Will was fascinated by the stories of the Founding Fathers and couldn’t believe he was standing in the same room where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
After that, we checked out the Liberty Bell. The crack in the bell sparked Will’d curiosity, and he peppered me with questions about its history. Pro tip: go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. We were in and out before the place got too packed, which was perfect for Will’s attention span.
The Franklin Institute
If your boy is anything like mine, he’ll go crazy for the Franklin Institute. This science museum is hands-on heaven! Will’s favorite part was the Giant Heart exhibit – you can actually walk through a huge model of a human heart. He also loved the Sports Zone, where he got to test his pitching speed and practice his rock climbing skills.
We easily spent a whole day here, and Will still didn’t want to leave. The planetarium show was a hit too – Will’s eyes were as big as saucers watching the stars and planets swirl above us.
Philadelphia Zoo
No trip with a 10-year-old boy is complete without a visit to the zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo didn’t disappoint. What sets this zoo apart is its Zoo360 animal exploration trail system. Will was thrilled to see monkeys swinging overhead as we walked between exhibits.
The highlight for Will was the Big Cat Falls exhibit. We timed our visit right and got to see the lions being fed – talk about excitement! The zoo also has a great playground area for when the kids need to burn off some energy.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Now, this might sound like an odd choice for a kid, but trust me, boys love this stuff. The Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison turned museum, and it’s fascinatingly creepy. Will was captivated by the stories of famous inmates like Al Capone and the escape attempts.
We took the audio tour, which was perfect because we could go at our own pace. Will especially enjoyed the part about the prison’s design and how it influenced prisons worldwide. It’s a bit spooky, so know your kid’s limits, but Will thought it was “super cool.”
Please Touch Museum
Despite the name, this isn’t just for little kids. Will had a blast at the Please Touch Museum. The Flight Fantasy exhibit let him design and launch his own rocket, while the Centennial Exploration area gave him a chance to play in a mini version of the 1876 Centennial Fair.
What really got Will excited was the huge walking piano (think the movie “Big”). He spent ages jumping around, creating tunes. It’s a great place to let kids be hands-on and creative.
Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the Rocky Steps)
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how Will would handle an art museum. But the Philadelphia Museum of Art surprised us both. They have an excellent audio guide for kids that kept Will engaged. He particularly loved the arms and armor collection – what boy doesn’t like swords and shields?
But the real highlight? Running up the “Rocky Steps” outside the museum. Will insisted on doing it three times, raising his arms in victory each time. It’s a great way to burn off some energy before heading inside.
Reading Terminal Market
When it was time to refuel, we headed to Reading Terminal Market. This place is a food lover’s paradise, and it’s perfect for picky eaters because there are so many options. Will’s eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw the giant cookies at Famous 4th Street Cookie Company.
We had fun trying different foods, from Philly cheesesteaks to Amish pretzels. Will loved watching the vendors prepare the food right in front of us. It’s a great place to expose kids to new foods in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Elfreth’s Alley
For a quick history lesson that doesn’t feel like one, we strolled down Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America. Will was fascinated by the idea of people living in houses older than our country.
We played a little game, trying to spot the differences between the houses and imagining what it would be like to live there centuries ago. It’s a short visit, but it really brings history to life in a way kids can understand.
Adventure Aquarium
Okay, so this one’s technically in Camden, New Jersey, but it’s just across the river and well worth the trip. The Adventure Aquarium was a huge hit with Will. The highlight was definitely the shark tunnel – walking underneath as sharks swim all around you is an experience neither of us will forget.
Will also loved the Hippo Haven exhibit (did you know hippos can open their mouths 180 degrees?) and the penguin area. The touch tanks were another favorite – Will got to pet sharks and stingrays!
The Academy of Natural Sciences
If your boy is into dinosaurs (and let’s face it, what 10-year-old isn’t?), the Academy of Natural Sciences is a must-visit. Will was awestruck by the towering T-Rex skeleton and spent ages examining the fossil exhibits.
But it’s not just dinosaurs – the live animal center was another highlight. Will got to see a variety of animals up close and even touch some of them during the live animal shows. The butterfly garden was surprisingly popular too – Will loved having butterflies land on him.
The Betsy Ross House
I wasn’t sure how Will would react to the Betsy Ross House, but it turned out to be one of his favorite stops. The audio tour is kid-friendly and engaging, and Will was fascinated by the story of how Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag.
The best part? At the end of the tour, we met “Betsy Ross” herself! The actress stayed perfectly in character as Will peppered her with questions. It really brought history to life for him in a way textbooks never could.
The Franklin Square
After all that sightseeing, we needed some pure fun, and Franklin Square delivered. This park has a little bit of everything. Will loved the Philly-themed mini-golf course, especially the holes that featured miniature versions of local landmarks we’d visited.
The playground was a hit, of course, and the carousel was a nice nostalgic touch. We ended our day here with some tasty burgers and milkshakes from SquareBurger. It was the perfect way to wind down after our busy days of exploring.
Museum of the American Revolution
I’ve saved one of the best for last – the Museum of the American Revolution. Now, I know what you’re thinking – another history museum? But trust me, this place is something special. From the moment we stepped inside, Will was captivated.
The museum does an incredible job of bringing the Revolutionary War to life. Will was fascinated by the immersive galleries and the interactive exhibits. He got to try on Revolutionary War uniforms, see what it was like to stand on the deck of a privateer ship, and even experience a revolutionary war battle through a 4-D theater experience.
The highlight for both of us was Washington’s War Tent. It’s presented in a theater with a dramatic video telling the story of Washington’s leadership during the war. When the screen lifted to reveal the actual tent that Washington used as his command center, Will’s jaw dropped. It was a powerful moment that really drove home the reality of the history we were learning about.
What I appreciated most about this museum was how it told the whole story of the revolution, including perspectives we don’t often hear about. Will learned about the roles of women, African Americans, and Native Americans in the war, which led to some great discussions.
We spent nearly half a day here, and Will was engaged the entire time. He left feeling like he’d experienced the Revolution firsthand, and I left feeling like I’d learned quite a bit myself!
Final Thoughts
Philly turned out to be an amazing destination for a trip with my 10-year-old son. The city offers a perfect blend of history, science, and pure fun that kept Will engaged and excited throughout our visit. We learned a lot, laughed a lot, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
One piece of advice: consider getting a Philadelphia CityPASS if you’re planning to hit multiple attractions. It saved us money and time, letting us skip some lines.
Remember, the key to a successful trip with kids is balancing educational experiences with pure fun, and throwing in plenty of snack breaks! Philadelphia offers all of this and more. From running up the Rocky steps to walking through Washington’s War Tent, from petting stingrays to exploring a giant heart, this city has something for every interest.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the City of Brotherly Love. With these 13 attractions, you’re set for a trip that will not only entertain your boys but also spark their curiosity and imagination. Your kids will thank you for it, and who knows? You might just find yourself learning a thing or two as well!
