PhillyEntertainmentGuide.comGo. See. Do.

PHILADELPHIA'S TOP ATTRACTIONS

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Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.299.1000  |  ansp.org

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural history museum in the Americas. Our mission is “the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences.” Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Parkway Museums District, the Academy is known for its scientific research, collections, exhibitions and educational programs.

Hours
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. 
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
 

Admission
$12 for adults
$10 for children ages 3-12, college students, seniors and military personnel
Free for members and children under 3
$2 additional for Butterflies!

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive  |  Camden, NJ  |  866.451.2782  | adventureaquarium.com

The Adventure Aquarium, formerly the New Jersey State Aquarium, is a for-profit educational entertainment attraction operated in Camden, New Jersey on the Delaware River waterfront by the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation. It originally debuted in 1992, and re-opened in its current form on May 25, 2005, featuring approximately eight thousand animals living in varied forms of semi-aquatic, freshwater, and marine habitats. The facility has a total tankage volume of over two million gallons, and public floor space that covers nearly 200,000 square feet

Open daily 9:30am to 5:00pm.   $22.95 Adults, $17.95 Children 2-12.

African American Museum

701 Arch Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.574.0380  | aampmuseum.org

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution built by a major United States city to house and interpret the life and work of African Americans. Our doors are open for your enjoyment and enlightenment six days a week. Visit us and experience the richness and vibrancy of African American heritage and culture come alive in four magnificent exhibition galleries filled with exciting history and fascinating art.

The year 2011 marks AAMP’s 35th Anniversary.    In line with the theme for this year-long salute, “Celebrating Our Legacy…Embracing Our Promise”, we are planning a host of outstanding events and activities.  Please be sure to review upcoming newsletters or visit our website at aampmuseum.org for more details as they become available.

Open Tue-Sat 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sun Noon to 5:00 PM. $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Youth, Students and Seniors.

Battleship New Jersey Museum

One Convention 62 Battleship Place  |  Camden, NJ  |  866.877.6262  | battleshipnewjersey.org

America's most decorated Battleship is now the area's most exciting museum, open for tours, events and overnight encampments. Exploring “BB62” is experiencing history in a whole new way. Not only do you see exhibits of artifacts from the ship’s past, but you are put into the exhibit as you go through the tour route. Sit in the chair from which Admiral Halsey commanded the fleet. Stretch out on the bunks where the sailors slept. Climb into the 16” gun turret and learn how the projectiles were loaded.

From the moment you step across the ship’s brow you will understand that this is a museum where visitors take an active role. From strolling across forecastle to climbing the original ladders up to the bridge, and beyond, each step in your journey brings you closer to understanding what life was like for a sailor on the Battleship New Jersey.

Welcome aboard!

Call for Hours.  $19.95 Adults, $15.00 Seniors, Veterans and Children 6-11.

Betsy Ross House

239 Arch Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.686.1252  | betsyrosshouse.org

No visit to Historic Philadelphia would be complete without a stop at the home of America's most famous flagmaker. The Betsy Ross House is located in the heart of Philadelphia's Most Historic Square Mile, at 239 Arch Street, just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Hot dogs, drinks and snacks are offered in the courtyard from Thursday through Sunday in March and April and daily beginning May 1.

After you tour the house, make sure to meet Betsy Ross and plan to spend some time relaxing in our shady courtyard where you'll enjoy free family friendly programming, hear storytelling and see colonial crafters at work.

Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Daily.  Suggested admission $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Children.  $5.00 Audio Tour.

Christ Church

20 N American Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.922.1695  | christchurchphila.org

The original church structure was a small brick and wooden structure that fit into its Quaker-dominated surroundings in the late 1600s. The current church was started in 1727, and has long been considered one of the finest Georgian structures in America. The steeple, financed by a lottery organized by Benjamin Franklin, was the tallest structure in the colonies for 56 years.

The interior of the church is as impressive as the exterior. It includes the baptismal font from the 1300s donated by All Hallows Church London in which William Penn was baptized, a pulpit from 1769 built by Thomas Folwell and a chandelier still in use since its installation in 1740.

Those who worshiped regularly at Christ Church include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Robert Morris, Absalom Jones, Benjamin Rush, John Penn (William Penn's grandson), Francis Hopkinson and many others.

The church today is still an active Episcopal parish and also the location of daily talks for visitors about the history of the church.
 
Open Mon-Sat 9:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Donations accepted.

Delaware Museum of Natural History

4840 Kennett Pike  |  Greenville, DE  |  302.658.9111  | delmnh.org

The Delaware Museum of Natural History opened its doors in 1972 to excite and inform people about the natural world through exploration and discovery.

Encounter life-sized dinosaurs, look beneath the seas, experience an African watering hole, come face-to-face with a jaguar, marvel at the diversity of birds and shells from around the world... These and many other discoveries await you at the Delaware Museum of Natural History!

Open Mon-Sat 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Sun Noon to 4:30 PM.

Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Avenue  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.236.5111  | easternstate.org

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.

Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts.

Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious criminals, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone.

Open every day, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  $12.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors & Children, $8.00 Students.

Edgar Allen Poe National Historical Site

532 N 7th Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.597.8780  | nps.gov

The literary works of Edgar Allan Poe continue to thrill readers today. Here he established his reputation as a literary critic, perfected his gothic tales, invented the modern detective story, and wrote poetry. Today his home offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on the author's life and legacy.

Open  Wed-Sun 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Fairmount Park

4231 N Concourse Drive  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.685.0000  | fairmountpark.org

Fairmount Park. What is it exactly? For some, it's their neighborhood park. For others, it's the Schuylkill River bordered by Kelly and Martin Luther King Drives. Yet others describe it as "a big park in Philadelphia". But when pressed to elaborate, some confusion abounds.

In the here and now, Fairmount Park is Philadelphia's Park System. With over 9,200 acres, it claims 10% of the land in Philadelphia (City and County). Fairmount Park has been called "one of the largest urban parks in the country" (although other cities are catching on to this great idea and are collecting green space).

Fairmount Park is comprised of 63 regional and neighborhood parks. The larger of these parks are: East and West Parks, Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, Pennypack Park, Poquessing Park, Tacony Creek Park and Wissahickon Valley Park.

Center, Franklin, Logan, Rittenhouse and Washington Squares are also part of Fairmount Park. Add in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, JFK Plaza (a.k.a. Love Park) and the Isaac D. Levy Park (Race and 17th Streets) and hopefully the parameters or our wonderful Park are becoming a little less confusing.

Fairmount Park is owned by the City of Philadelphia. The Fairmount Park Commission determines the Park's policies and procedures. The Fairmount Park staff, employees of the City of Philadelphia, carry out these policies and procedures.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy is the non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that is the fund raising entity for Fairmount Park.

Franklin Institute

222 N 20th Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.448.1200  | fi.edu

In the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin, the mission of The Franklin Institute is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.

On January 1, 1934, The Franklin Institute Science Museum opened to the public, making it one of the first hands-on science museums in the United States. (The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry opened in phases between 1933 and 1940.) The Franklin Institute's hands-on approach to science and technology, combined with the Fels Planetarium, made the Institute a popular spot. As the end of the twentieth century drew near, major changes were beginning at the Institute. In May of 1990, The Mandell Center, Tuttleman Omniverse Theater (now known as the Tuttleman IMAX Theater), and Musser Theater opened, adding dramatically to the size and appeal of The Franklin Institute. The new exhibits, exciting Omnimax films, and interactive presentations continued the Institute's long tradition of making science and technology fun.

Over the years, many famous scientists have demonstrated groundbreaking new technology at The Franklin Institute. For example, Nikola Tesla demonstrated the principle of wireless telegraphy at the Institute in 1893. Later, on August 25, 1934, Philo Taylor Farnsworth gave the world's first public demonstration of an all-electronic television system.

Today, The Franklin Institute is a vibrant 21st-Century organization that continues to offer new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would both amaze and delight Mister Benjamin Franklin. The Institute has become a dynamic agent of change through its rich array of internationally recognized exhibitions and programs, lectures and discussions themed to illuminate issues in contemporary science, community outreach initiatives particularly targeted to girls and to urban youth, and its series of innovative partnerships in public education. The Franklin Institute's universal appeal is reflected in the diversity of its audience—from world famous working scientists to involved citizens of any age; from elementary school through university level students; from inner city to suburban families. All are drawn here by a common interest in science and technology.

IMAX and permanent exhibits open daily 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.  Call for current admission prices.

Independence Hall

601 Chestnut Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.597.8974  | nps.gov

Located on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets. The building is open year round, though hours vary by season.

Visitors are admitted free of charge by tour only, with tours beginning in the East Wing. Visitors need a free timed ticket for the Independence Hall tours from March through December. Printed materials are available on request in 8 foreign languages (Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Russian).
Constructed between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania, it is considered a fine example of Georgian architecture. From 1775 to 1783 (except for the winter of 1777 - 1778 when Philadelphia was occupied by the British Army) this was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress. It was in the Assembly Room of this building that George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775 and the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. In the same room the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781, and the U. S. Constitution was drafted in 1787. The building, inside and out, has been restored whenever possible to its original late-18th century appearance. Most of the furnishing are period pieces. The "rising sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention is original.

Open Daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Independence Seaport Museum

211 S Columbus Boulevard  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.925.5439  | phillyseaport.org

The Independence Seaport Museum (formerly the Philadelphia Maritime Museum) is a museum dedicated to the maritime history of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley. It is located in the Penn's Landing complex along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The museum was founded in 1961 by J. Welles Henderson and has dozens of exhibits including the warship USS Olympia and the submarine USS Becuna.

The museum was founded in 1961 as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum by J. Welles Henderson. The museum consisted of Henderson's own personal collection and was housed in a rented room in the Athenaeum on Washington Square. Henderson founded the museum because he felt that Philadelphia's maritime history had been forgotten and was frustrated there wasn't a maritime museum in the city like many other cities in New England.

The museum later moved to Third and Chestnut Streets, and then moved again to Penn's Landing along the Delaware River.  The museum moved to its current location at Penn's Landing in 1995, when it was renamed the Independence Seaport Museum. (Wikipedia.com)

Open Daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  $12.00 Adults, $10 Seniors, $7.00 Children, Students and Military.

Liberty Bell Center

501 Market Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.965.2305  | nps.gov

The Liberty Bell Center is located on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets. The building is open year round, though hours vary by season. The Liberty Bell Center offers a video presentation and exhibits about the Liberty Bell, focusing on its origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom. Taped presentations about the history of the Liberty Bell are offered in a dozen languages for the convenience of foreign visitors. The Liberty Bell itself is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background.
 
The Liberty Bell's inscription conveys a message of liberty which goes beyond the words themselves. Since the bell was made, the words of the inscription have meant different things to different people. When William Penn created Pennsylvania's government he allowed citizens to take part in making laws and gave them the right to choose the religion they wanted. The colonists were proud of the freedom that Penn gave them. In 1751, the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered a new bell for the State House. He asked that a Bible verse to be placed on the bell - "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof" (Leviticus 25:10). As the official bell of the Pennsylvania State House (today called Independence Hall) it rang many times for public announcements.

The old State House bell was first called the "Liberty Bell" by a group trying to outlaw slavery. These abolitionists remembered the words on the bell and, in the 1830s, adopted it as a symbol of their cause.

Beginning in the late 1800s, the Liberty Bell traveled around the country to expositions and fairs to help heal the divisions of the Civil War. It reminded Americans of their earlier days when they fought and worked together for independence.

In 1915, the bell made its last trip and came home to Philadelphia, where it now silently reminds us of the power of liberty. For more than 200 years people from around the world have felt the bell's message. No one can see liberty, but people have used the Liberty Bell to represent this important idea.

Open Mon-Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sat-Sun 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road at US Route 1  |  Kennett Square, PA  |  610.388.1000  | tomasellowinery.com

Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world.

When visiting Longwood Gardens, you are immersed not only in the breathtaking surroundings, but in the rich history as well. The traditions and elegance of the gardens have evolved over time, and resulted in the magnificence we have today. Step back in time and learn about the important cultural events and their contribution to today’s Longwood Gardens.

Longwood Gardens is sure to delight anyone who loves exquisite flowers, majestic trees, and opulent architecture. Here, amid 1,050 acres with 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, you’ll find beauty at every turn. Explore this section of our site to read about and view wonderful photos of our conservatories, fountains, outdoor gardens, historic house and upcoming renovation projects.

Each season, each display offers the visitors a different experience. If you haven’t seen Longwood at all different times of the year, come again. You’ll be surprised at how different the same place can be!

Open Daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  $16.00 Adults, $14.00 Seniors, $6.00 Students.

Love Park (John F. Kennedy Plaza)

1500 Arch Streeet  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.636.1666

Love Park is the brainchild of former Philadelphia City Planner Edmund Bacon and architect Vincent Kling. The park is across from City Hall and was designed as a terminus for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The park, which was designed by Vincent Kling, was built in 1965 and covers an underground parking garage. The main features of the plaza are curved granite steps and a single spout fountain which was added in 1969. What was once the city visitor center was closed down for five years, but opened up in May 2006 as The Fairmount Park Welcome Center. The park was dedicated in 1967 as John F. Kennedy Plaza after President John F. Kennedy. (Wikipedia.com)

The park is situated at Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Logan Square.

Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

100 E Northwestern Avenue  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.247.5777  | morrisarboretum.org

Morris Arboretum is an interdisciplinary center that integrates art, science and the humanities. Thousands of rare and lovely woody plants, including some of Philadelphia's oldest, rarest, and largest trees, are set in a romantic, 92-acre, Victorian landscape garden of winding paths, streams, flowers and special garden areas.

Spend time with family and friends exploring the Arboretum’s 92-acre lush and colorful gardens. Discover your favorite garden spaces and learn from 13,000 labeled plants, trees and flowers. Sign up for some of the more than 100 classes, educational tours and lectures offered in spring and fall, catering to visitors of all ages. An ever-changing color palette in every season keeps your senses focused on nature. See the forest from a new perspective from 50 feet up in the treetops on the Out on a Limb canopy walk, part of the Arboretum-wide interactive Tree Adventure exhibit. Enjoy events all year long. There’s so much to experience at Morris Arboretum!

Hours vary throughout year so it's best to call ahead.  $14.00 Adults, $12.00 Seniors, $7.00 Students & Youth 3-17.

National Constitution Center

525 Arch Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.409.6600  | constitutioncenter.org

The National Constitution Center in historic Philadelphia is America's most interactive history museum. Located just two blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it is the only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution and the story of we, the people.

The Center is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of, and appreciation for, the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance, through an interactive, interpretive facility within Independence National Historic Park and a program of national outreach, so that "We the People" may better secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.

Open Mon-Fri 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Sat 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Sun Noon to 5:00 PM.  $12.00 Adults, $11.00 Seniors, $8.00 Children.  Free for Military.

National Liberty Museum

321 Chestnut Street  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.925.2800  | libertymuseum.org

The National Liberty Museum is dedicated to preserving freedom and democracy by fostering good character and understanding for all people through education. We invite you to explore our exhibits of glass art and heroes from around the world that illuminate the strength and fragility of democracy and recognize the role each person plays in safeguarding our freedom.

Glass art is a key component of the Museum because it represents both the beauty and fragility of freedom. The Museum houses one of the largest and most important collections of contemporary glass sculptures in the world. The centerpiece of the Museum is a 21-foot "Flame of Liberty" by the world's most renowned glass artist, Dale Chihuly.

Another important theme of the Museum is the universality of heroism — the idea that anyone can be a hero. The Museum honors 2,000 people of all backgrounds and walks of life to promote pride in oneself and respect for others. We also teach ways to resolve conflicts peacefully and stress the necessity of civic involvement as a means of preserving America's heritage of freedom.

All of these messages are presented in visually stunning exhibits and through interactives that are both challenging and fun.

Hours 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Memorial Day through Labor Day.  The Museum is closed on Mondays the remainder of the year.

$7.00 Adults, $6.00 Seniors, $5.00 Students, $2.00 Children 5-17 with an Adult.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.684.7965  | philamuseum.org

Rising majestically at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as one of the great art institutions of the world. In the over 125 years since its founding, it has grown far beyond the limits originally set for it. Today, the Museum houses over 225,000 works of art encompassing some of the greatest achievements of human creativity, and offers a wealth of exhibitions and educational programs for a public of all ages.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art - in partnership with the city, the region, and art museums around the globe - seeks to preserve, enhance, interpret, and extend the reach of its great collections in particular, and the visual arts in general, to an increasingly diverse audience as a source of delight, illumination, and lifelong learning.

Open Tue-Sun; 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Fri evenings until 8:45 PM). $16.00 Adults, $14.00 Seniors, $12.00 Students.

The Philadelphia Zoo

300 W Girard Avenue  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.243.1100  | philadelphiazoo.org

The Philadelphia Zoo’s 42-acre Victorian garden is home to more than 1,300 animals, many of them rare and endangered. The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world. Cheetahs, hippos, giraffes and much more make the Zoo Philadelphia's leading family attraction with over 1.2 million visitors last year.

Like many other Philadelphia landmarks and institutions, the Philadelphia Zoo is an American first. The charter establishing the Zoological Society of Philadelphia was approved and signed on March 21, 1859. Due to the Civil War, however, it was another 15 years before America's first zoo was ready to open.

The Zoo opened its gates on July 1, 1874.  In its first year of operation, the Philadelphia Zoo had 813 animals and received well over 228,000 visitors. Today, the Zoo has more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals, and its attendance is approximately 1.1 million visitors a year.

Open Daily 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  $18.00 Adults, $15.00 Children 2-11.

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic  |  Philadelphia, PA  |  215.581.3181  | pleasetouchmuseum.org

Please Touch Museum is home to six interactive exhibit zones across 38,000 square feet, designed to encourage learning through play. Let your child be your guide as you explore our unique environment. The open-endedness of our unique exhibits allows families to personalize each visit, for there is no wrong way to play!

Please Touch Museum tends to be busier on rainy days. You may want to schedule your visit on fair weather days. Mornings are also a busy time with most school groups visiting during this time. Afternoons are a great time to visit the museum as well as Mondays when groups are not scheduled.


Open Mon-Sat 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  $15.00 Children and Adults.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 N Outer Line Drive  |  King of Prussia, PA  |  610.783.1099  | nps.gov

Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honors the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

The site of the encampment became a Pennsylvania state park in 1893 and, on the 4th of July, 1976, it became Valley Forge National Historical Park. The modern park features historical and recreated buildings and structures; memorials; and a newly renovated visitor center, which shows a short film and has several exhibits.

A chapel was built in 1903 as a memorial to Washington. An adjoining carillon of 58 bells represents all U.S. states and territories. It resides in a tower built by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Other park amenities include walking and bicycle trails. The park supports around 1,000 deer which can be seen grazing in the wide-open fields.

Open Daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Washington Crossing Historic Park

1112 River Road  |  Washington Crossing, PA  |  215.493.4076  | ushistory.org

From this site, General George Washington and men of the Continental Army and militia crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 and marched to Trenton, New Jersey.

There they attacked and defeated Hessian troops quartered in and around the village.

This surprise attack and victory set the stage for Washington's subsequent victories at the Second Battle of Trenton and Princeton.

The Crossing and the Trenton/Princeton campaign have become known as the Ten Crucial Days — a campaign that saved Washington's army from defeat, allowing them to fight another day and achieve ultimate victory.

Open Wed-Sat 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Sun 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.