Good Life Family Magazine Travel Series
Whether you have fond memories of a family hike at the Grand Canyon or cherish the experience of touring the White House with your children, many of our best memories are tied to family travels—from our own childhoods to the adventures we now share with our kids. Vacation memories endure for a lifetime. Travel writer Jim Graves explores destinations with his wife and two daughters, aged 10 and 11, sharing insights on where to visit, what to do, and what to eat.
Philadelphia
By Jim Graves
Attractions
Two of Philadelphia’s most renowned landmarks are Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Independence Hall is historic as the site where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed, while the Liberty Bell is an enduring symbol of American liberty. If you’re visiting from March through December, be sure to reserve your tickets for Independence Hall online. You can enjoy free films at the Independence Visitor Center where tickets are also available.
Eastern State Penitentiary is another must-visit attraction. This historic prison housed inmates from 1829 to 1971, including infamous figures like Al Capone. With a headset and audio tour, you can explore old cells, long corridors, and the exercise yard while listening to stories from former inmates and staff, as well as viewing exhibits on prison life and notable events, including a 97-foot tunnel dug by inmates during a 1945 escape attempt.
A short distance from the penitentiary, you’ll find the Philadelphia Museum of Art, an iconic venue featuring a world-class art collection, including impressive Impressionist pieces by artists like Monet. Be sure to check their online calendar for special exhibitions; we enjoyed a watercolor showcase featuring Homer and Sargent. The museum has a rich regular collection—don’t miss the medieval armor, Japanese teahouse, and works from East Asia and the Byzantine Empire. Visit on the first Sunday of the month or Wednesday evenings to “pay what you wish.” And remember to run up the famous “Rocky steps” for a stunning view of the city when you reach the top.
In the historic district, the Betsy Ross House offers a glimpse into the life of the woman credited with sewing the first American flag. Betsy faced many challenges, including being widowed twice by 30, and she played a role in the Revolutionary War. You can take an audio tour and view exhibits on various floors. At the end, meet a living history character portraying Betsy, who demonstrates how to make five-pointed flag stars. Kids can engage with a hands-on exhibit in the house. Don’t forget to grab a Philadelphia sweatshirt at the souvenir shop; there’s a concession stand in the courtyard for lunch as well.
Across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey, discover the Battleship New Jersey. Whether you’re a fan of naval history or looking for a fun spot for the kids to explore, this attraction fits the bill. The ship served in combat during World War II and was once Admiral William Halsey’s flagship. You’ll navigate steep stairways and low ceilings on a tour, seeing living quarters, a barbershop, the navigation area, and enjoying views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia from the deck.
Lodging
During our stay, we enjoyed three nights at The Windsor Suites, an excellent choice for families in downtown Philadelphia. We had a spacious one-bedroom suite featuring two double beds and a queen-sized sofa bed in the living room. The suite also included a large walk-in closet, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with a lovely view of the city. Its central location made it easy to access attractions like the impressive Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Dining
After arriving in Philadelphia, we needed a late dinner and chose TGI Fridays, conveniently located a block from The Windsor Suites on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and open until midnight. It’s a great spot for burgers, steak, salads, and I enjoyed their grilled salmon. With a lively atmosphere and good appetizer options like pot stickers and mozzarella sticks, it’s a hit with both tourists and locals.
Across from Eastern State Penitentiary, Jack’s Firehouse offers a fantastic dining experience in a historic 19th-century fire station. We visited for weekend brunch, enjoying the unique decor and delicious Southern-inspired dishes, including buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, and assorted great soups. Their cheesesteak, pulled pork sandwich, and crab cakes are also popular. The restaurant offers great craft beer selections and their highly rated Bloody Mary. Be sure to leave room for dessert—we indulged in warm chocolate chip cookies and butter cake.
At Reading Terminal Market, we visited Maggiano’s Little Italy, which is known for its pizzas, pastas, and specialty Italian dishes. The lasagna, flatbread, ravioli, chopped salad, and filet mignon medallions with creamy mashed potatoes are all excellent choices. The venue features a full bar and generous portion sizes, making it a kid-friendly spot.
When visiting Independence Hall, consider a meal at the Red Owl Tavern in Center City, conveniently located across from the landmarks. We enjoyed brunch there, which featured a selection of waffles, pastries, French toast, quiche, and various egg dishes. Their lunch menu really shines with options like the Philly cheesesteak or the tavern burger. They also bake all of their own pastries and breads on-site for you to take home.
For ice cream lovers, a stop at The Franklin Fountain is a must. This delightful spot in historic Philadelphia serves a variety of homemade ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and unique flavors. The vintage ambiance and friendly servers enhance the experience. Be prepared for long lines, as they are quite popular in the community; they accept cash only. We enjoyed a float, a sundae, and several distinct ice cream flavors—take your time deciding!
The City Tavern Restaurant lets you step back in time to enjoy meals in a setting reminiscent of the 18th century, reflecting colonial-style decor, pewter goblets, and even live harp music. The menu includes period breads and pastries, crab cakes, and turkey pot pie. For a true colonial experience, order the “ales of the Revolution” sampler, featuring beers from the era. Don’t miss out on their unique baked goods for dessert.
Our final dining experience was at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, with various locations throughout Philadelphia and surrounding states. We visited the Maple Shade location after exploring Battleship New Jersey. Known for its pizzas, burgers, steaks, soups, and more, they brew their own beer and offer many craft beer options. The kids’ menu and delectable desserts, like the Triple Chocolate Hill, are also highlights.
Philadelphia is a remarkable city rich in history, offering fantastic attractions for families. Plan your visit soon!
Editor’s Note: Jim Graves is a family travel writer whose articles have appeared in many family and parenting magazines, including Birmingham Parent, Family Time/Chicago, LA Parent, New York Family, OC Family, Pittsburgh Parent, Sacramento Parent, Utah Family, and now Good Life Family.
Colleges in the Philadelphia Area (partial listing)
University of Pennsylvania
Swarthmore College
Haverford College
Bryn Mawr
Drexel University
Villanova
University of Delaware
