The Perfect Philadelphia Experience for Out-of-Town Visitors (Reading, Franklin: home, live in)

[Sassygirl18]

My husband's sister and teenage daughters (ages 13 and 16) are coming to visit us for 3 days this August and we want to plan a really fun time for them. Hubby and his sis grew up in Cherry Hill, so she's familiar with the area, but the girls have never been here - in fact, never seen the ocean (they live in the midwest). So given the short time frame, we are thinking of taking them into Philadelphia one day for a touristy type day...Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House....maybe lunch at the Reading Terminal Market. And then a day in Wildwood to go to the beach and walk the boards/go on rides.

For the third day, I am thinking we can just hang out and relax, or maybe if they are still into going to the shore, we can take them to Island Beach State Park which is more laid back and totally a beach day, as opposed to the frenetic Wildwood experience.

Am I missing anything good? Do you think this would be a good plan - I am mostly interested in the girls having a fun time since, as I said, his sister is from this area already so it's old hat to her.

Any additional ideas or suggestions are most welcome.

Thank you!

Edited to Add: I was also wondering about the Lights of Liberty tour in Philadelphia. Is it still around? Is it good? I used to see discounted tickets all the time on Philly Fun Guide but haven't seen them lately. I wonder if that would be a fun way to end our day in Philadelphia.

Oh, and one more thing...we're not into the horse drawn carriage rides so that's out.

[phlydude]

Here are all the areas in old city worth looking at - you can get a good number of these done if you get in early and don't mind spending the day
The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Getting to Reading Market will involve a long walk (on a hot day) or a quick "El" ride or a "Phlash" ride from the historic area...walking 7-8 blocks might sound easy but when it is 95° and 100% humidity, it will make folks cranky really quick.

I would also suggest a Duck Boat tour - being a local, my out of town family wanted to do it and I was dreading it but it was actually very good and I learned a thing or two when doing it.

Just remember when going to Wildwood how far the beach is from the boardwalk to the water...Ocean City might be better for the beach aspect and Wildwood later on for the rides and the boardwalk (and I actually don't mind OC's boardwalk but then again, I don't play the games or ride the rides!)

But also take into consideration what the girl's interest is...if they like history then the Old City stuff will appeal to them (and everyone should see the Liberty Bell once in person) but if they like science, then the Franklin Institute or the Museum of Natural Science would be a great thing to see.
If they like art, Philadelphia's art museum (along with many other museums) are home to some wonderful works of art. The zoo can also be a good side trip...especially since it is the country's oldest...

Also, if they like the gross stuff (you never know with kids these days), the Mutter Museum is a great showcase of medical odities and general physological items dating from the 1800's that started as one man's personal collection.

[shannybannany]

My aunt who is travel agent always told me: "Wherever you go, take a tour first".

I drive by those double-decker buses (Think London) that are always situated near 5th and Market (I pass them everyday going home from work) and that is a good start. I believe they are hop on /off buses....Great way to get your bearings of any city.

Whenever I travel, I always take a tour...no matter how small the city ....The tour guides are really great.

Enjoy your time!

Shanny

[orrmobl]

Second the recommendation on going to Ocean City - Wildwood has too many rough elements and it can kind of ruin your day. If you grew up here you put up with it for the nostalgia but honestly I don't really want to take my kids there until they are older. If the girls are from the Midwest I would plan on spending 2 days at the beach as it is something they don't get at home and I haven't really met a girl or teen who doesn't love the beach, especially if they've grown up never seeing the ocean.

Don't forget Elfreth's Alley on your tour of Old City.