Septa Trip with Kids for Fun (seriously!) (Reading, Doylestown: fit in, city hall)

[WaffleCone]

I'm the den leader in a cub scout troop and we're doing some requirements around mapping. We've done a bunch of hikes and found a few geocaches. One type of map they haven't used is a public transit map and some of them have never been on septa.

I'd like to setup a septa trip into the city to a few cool locations, taking as many forms of transportation as possible. Thinking... starting on the Media trolly to 69th st, then MFL into center city, the subway to somewhere, etc. Ultimately we'd end up at Reading Terminal for some treats. These are 2nd-3rd grade boys and their parents would be coming too.

Can anyone suggest some cool locations very close to a septa stop where we could do a quick picture and carry on? Preferably less touristy spots but still safe. Also, if there are any particularly interesting areas of the system that has good views.

Thanks.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by WaffleCone

I'm the den leader in a cub scout troop and we're doing some requirements around mapping. We've done a bunch of hikes and found a few geocaches. One type of map they haven't used is a public transit map and some of them have never been on septa.

I'd like to setup a septa trip into the city to a few cool locations, taking as many forms of transportation as possible. Thinking... starting on the Media trolly to 69th st, then MFL into center city, the subway to somewhere, etc. Ultimately we'd end up at Reading Terminal for some treats. These are 2nd-3rd grade boys and their parents would be coming too.

Can anyone suggest some cool locations very close to a septa stop where we could do a quick picture and carry on? Preferably less touristy spots but still safe. Also, if there are any particularly interesting areas of the system that has good views.

Thanks.

Not SEPTA, but if the parents are game for it, take the PATCO line to Haddonfield. There's a statue of the Hadrosaurus about the equivalent of 3 blocks from the station. Kids love the statue & love to pose with it. When you take the train back into the city, you get the skyline view as the train crosses the bridge.

[BPP1999]

Originally Posted by southbound_295

Not SEPTA, but if the parents are game for it, take the PATCO line to Haddonfield. There's a statue of the Hadrosaurus about the equivalent of 3 blocks from the station. Kids love the statue & love to pose with it. When you take the train back into the city, you get the skyline view as the train crosses the bridge.

In all seriousness, why do you bring South Jersey into every thread?

[MB1562]

You could take the MFL to 30th St Station and pose in front of Amtrak 30th St Station. It also gives a really good view of the river and Center City Skyline. Then you can just hop back on and take it to 13th St, which is right in Center City and only a couple blocks from Reading Terminal Market.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by WaffleCone

I'm the den leader in a cub scout troop and we're doing some requirements around mapping. We've done a bunch of hikes and found a few geocaches. One type of map they haven't used is a public transit map and some of them have never been on septa.

I'd like to setup a septa trip into the city to a few cool locations, taking as many forms of transportation as possible. Thinking... starting on the Media trolly to 69th st, then MFL into center city, the subway to somewhere, etc. Ultimately we'd end up at Reading Terminal for some treats. These are 2nd-3rd grade boys and their parents would be coming too.

Can anyone suggest some cool locations very close to a septa stop where we could do a quick picture and carry on? Preferably less touristy spots but still safe. Also, if there are any particularly interesting areas of the system that has good views.

Thanks.

Good views? From the MFL, get on the first car of the train, and take note of Center City's skyline once the train gets to the 63rd St station stop.

Have they ever been to Amtrak's 30th St Station? That might be somewhat cool to these kids as another photo stop. Both of my great-nephews(11 and 3 years old) are train buffs especially the younger one. Most of his "travels" consist of being strapped and harnessed into a child's car seat. He's been on the MFL a few times and absolutely loves it. He's got a bunch of train cars, etc.

Anyhow 30th St Station is historic and the second or third busiest in the country. As you may know, you detrain from the MFL at 30th St, and take the short walk to 30th St Station.

One thought since it sounds like you are starting in Media, maybe take Septa's Media/Elwyn directly to 30th St Station, visit the station, and then continue your trip to Center City on the MFL.

[cpomp]

Originally Posted by WaffleCone

I'm the den leader in a cub scout troop and we're doing some requirements around mapping. We've done a bunch of hikes and found a few geocaches. One type of map they haven't used is a public transit map and some of them have never been on septa.

I'd like to setup a septa trip into the city to a few cool locations, taking as many forms of transportation as possible. Thinking... starting on the Media trolly to 69th st, then MFL into center city, the subway to somewhere, etc. Ultimately we'd end up at Reading Terminal for some treats. These are 2nd-3rd grade boys and their parents would be coming too.

Can anyone suggest some cool locations very close to a septa stop where we could do a quick picture and carry on? Preferably less touristy spots but still safe. Also, if there are any particularly interesting areas of the system that has good views.

Thanks.

That's a tough one. There is a chance you could manage to get a picture with the Trolley on State Street in Media if traffic is light and the conductor isn't a jerk. It does stop at the west end of State Street before turning around so that might be a good spot.


I do know the Media/Elwyn regional rail into Center City has some great views approaching CC if you manage to get one of those Silver Line V cars. They have windows in the front so its like riding in a car looking out, but you won't know if you get that train or not.


You could always get off at 30th St Station and do a photo in the Main concourse and then take the MFL Line down to the Reading Terminal Market and then get a photo in front of City Hall as well.

[AJNEOA]

Train ride to Doylestown on Regional Rail and visit the castle:

https://www.mercermuseum.org/

FYI - It's a bit of a walk to the castle (not too far if you like to walk), but is probably better when the weather is warmer.

[Kevin1813]

Crica Green is near 30th Station, free, and good for pictures.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by BPP1999

In all seriousness, why do you bring South Jersey into every thread?

I don't. On the other hand, IF the OP took the MFL to 8th & Market & took the PATCO line to the hadrosaurus statue, they get a skyline view coming back. It's a safe place for pictures. Which view from transit tops the skyline? It follows everything that the OP asked for except switching to PATCO at 8th & Market.

What's your suggestion that's better? I'm all ears. Do you even know about the hadrosaurus? It's not like it wouldn't fit in for scouting.

[Ms_Christina]

You definitely have to add 30th St station on your route! The building is fantastic and it has , I think, the last flip board in use in the US with the train schedule. I used to take my daughter from South Jersey via the Nj transit train to 30th. Have lunch, then take next regional rail to Market East and go shopping. It was fun. She still loves trains.