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Old 07-09-2010, 01:32 PM
 
29 posts, read 83,213 times
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My husband has a conference in Philadelphia this summer, and our 4yo and I are coming along. We're staying near the convention center for five days and will have no car. Can anyone recommend things to do, places to go-- and also what areas to avoid as the two of us explore? Thanks!!
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Old 07-09-2010, 01:47 PM
 
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Please Touch Museum: Homepage

PHLASH:
The Phlash Downtown Loop makes a stop right in front of the museum, with service every 12 mins, May 1 through October 31, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
www.phillyphlash.com

There is a stop right near the convention center.
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Old 07-09-2010, 02:10 PM
 
Location: The City
22,378 posts, read 38,888,203 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by newmarlig View Post
Please Touch Museum: Homepage

PHLASH:
The Phlash Downtown Loop makes a stop right in front of the museum, with service every 12 mins, May 1 through October 31, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
www.phillyphlash.com

There is a stop right near the convention center.

Please touch is amazing for a 4yo!
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Old 07-09-2010, 04:16 PM
 
Location: Pennsylvania
548 posts, read 2,015,411 times
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Definitely the Please Touch Museum (warning: a bid pricey)

The Philly Zoo is nice and the whole zoo can be seen within 3-4 hours depending on your speed.

The Natural History museum or whatever is decent.

of course the Liberty Bell.

I was at Rittenhouse Square park on a Saturday and there were a ton of kids running around.
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Old 07-09-2010, 05:40 PM
 
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Also on the Phlash route:


Franklin Square Philadelphia — visitphilly.com
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Old 07-09-2010, 05:57 PM
 
Location: Villanova Pa.
4,927 posts, read 14,208,904 times
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There is an excellent aquarium across the river in Camden which you can get to by cab or public transit and I second the Zoo suggestion. The Franklin Institute has alot of educational stuff and of course the historic sites and neighborhoods are worth exploring + seeing.

If you all have a free day you could perhaps rent a car and go to the beach. Cape May is fabulous and Wildwood has an enormous boardwalk that has all kinds of fun amusements/waterparks etc for kids. The beach is about 1 1/2 hrs from the city.

Good luck.
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Old 07-09-2010, 08:39 PM
 
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I definitely agree with the suggestion to go to the Please Touch Museum. My kids (3 & 5) can't get enough of that place! Please Touch Museum: Homepage

My kids also enjoy the dinosaurs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. They have a neat exhibit where they can dig for fossils too. Academy of Natural Sciences | Natural History Museum in Philadelphia

Franklin Square (6th & Race Sts.) is cute! It has a carousel, mini golf, and a park. Franklin Square

I always ran into nice people at Three Bears Park on Delancey St. between 3rd & 4th Sts. It's a small playground, but might be helpful to burn off some steam!

Gelato at Capogrio is a wonderful treat. There are a few in the city. Capogiro Gelato Artisans : Makers of Fine Artisanal Gelato and Sorbetto

The Philadelphia zoo and the Camden Aquarium are also great, as other posters mentioned.
Philadelphia Zoo - Home
Adventure Aquarium | Camden, New Jersey, Philadelphia

To get to the Camden waterfront you can either take a ferry from Penn's Landing or the "waterfront connection shuttle" from the Independence Visitor Center. It's quick, safe walk from the Camden waterfront to the aquarium.
RiverLink Ferry System | Delaware River Ferry | Freedom Ferry
Phillyfunguide.com - MUSEUMS | Waterfront Connection Shuttle | Battleship New Jersey | Battleship New Jersey

The Camden Riversharks are a minor league baseball team, a short (also safe) walk from the aquarium. The tickets are inexpensive and it's a very cute ball field with lot of entertainment between innings. Camden Riversharks - riversharks.com

Also on that side of the river is the Battleship New Jersey, which you can tour. Battleship New Jersey :: Visit

Of course, try to visit the historic sites, beginning with the Independence Visitors Center (6th & Market Sts.). It's a beautiful building full of friendly people who can give you guidance on the nearby attractions. The National Constitution Center is really cool, though admittedly not all that entertaining for a four-year old! National Constitution Center: Home

Have fun!
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Old 07-09-2010, 10:25 PM
 
Location: East Coast
2,932 posts, read 5,419,003 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maestro View Post
Definitely the Please Touch Museum (warning: a bid pricey)
I haven't been to the Please Touch Museum at its newest location, as I don't have little kids any more <sniff sniff>, but I've heard nothing but wonderful things about it from other people. Are you a AAA member? The website mentions that you can get a discount on tickets.
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Old 07-15-2010, 10:05 AM
 
Location: Center Twp, PA
469 posts, read 1,451,615 times
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I was looking here for suggestions as well. My family and I moved to the Pittsburgh area in January. We want to visit Philadelphia, and explore the area. It will be me and my husband, 3 kids (ages 17, 4 & 3,) and my mom.

Can anyone recommend a nice hotel in a safe area downtown? We will have a car, but would prefer to use public transportation.

On our list so far: Valley Forge, Battleship New Jersey, Washington's Crossing, Liberty Bell, and from all these suggestions, the Please Touch Museum.
Thanks everyone!!
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Old 07-15-2010, 11:18 AM
 
Location: New York, NY
307 posts, read 927,747 times
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Over the July 4th weekend, we stayed a couple of nights at the Sofitel on 17th Street and it was wonderful. Very convenient to all of the downtown sights. The hotel is top notch and one of the best in Philly. The rates were what we considered reasonable, under $175 with tax included.

If you are looking for family friendly restaurants, check out Ruby Tuesdays, one block from the Sofitel, also Little Pete's and Marathon were great for an inexpensive breakfast (the hotel breakfast will set you back a bundle if not included in your hotel rate), also a block from the hotel.

In the past we have stayed at the Marriott and Omni and enjoyed them both. We didn't care for the Latham, Loews, Sheraton Society Hill, Hyatt at the Bellvue or the Four Seasons.
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