Things to Do For Kids in Philadelphia don’t have to be confined to the city’s theme parks. There are countless museums and historical sites to visit that will appeal to kids of all ages. In addition to the Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia’s Science Museum and Academy of Natural Sciences are excellent options.
Zoo360 Animal Exploration Trails
If you’ve ever wanted to get close to some of the world’s most exotic animals, you’ve got to visit the Philadelphia Zoo. Opened in 1874, this zoo now features over 1,300 animals from around the world on 42 acres. New animal exploration trails, including Zoo360, allow kids to walk through the zoo while viewing the animals above and below. The zoo also offers exciting exhibits and dining options.
The Zoo360 Insider app helps you plan your zoo day. It shows when special events occur, which animals are on the trails, and which ones are close to you. Moreover, it lets you build your own itinerary and lists of must-see stops. The app also lets you store photos and share them with others on social media.
The Zoo360 exhibit is the first of its kind in the world. You can walk through the zoo while learning about the different types of animals and how they are kept. You can also enjoy a balloon ride, a rainforest themed carousel, and other special events. The zoo also offers a “keeping up with the keeper” program where you can learn about the different aspects of zoo keeping.
For younger visitors, Zoo360 has a parallel maze with a lookout for Meerkats and other creatures. The maze allows kids to get up close and play with the Meerkats. Another exhibit offers paths for giant river otters and red pandas. These interactive exhibits are perfect for families with young children. They’ll learn about how animals live and interact with humans.
Another interactive feature is the Treetop Trail. It’s part of Zoo360, a network of see-through mesh trails that let you experience the animals’ habitats. You can also take the Big Cat Crossing, which is a 330-foot-long elevated path, and the Gorilla Treeway. The trails continue to be developed to add more experiences.
Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences is a great place for children of all ages. Its hands-on exhibits, family-friendly festivals, and special exhibits provide a variety of fun and educational experiences for children. The third floor features a life-sized tree and other interactive play areas. The museum also has a microscope where children can magnify objects and learn about their properties.
Kids can play with animals, touch bones, and dig for shark teeth. There are also interactive games and books related to natural history. A second floor is dedicated to African and Asian flora. There is a tropical butterfly exhibit and an Outside In exhibit. In addition to hands-on learning, families can also take in live shows and enjoy the cafe.
Located in Logan Square, the Academy of Natural Sciences is a convenient stop on public transportation. It is near the Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Parking for vehicles is available in nearby lots, but may be expensive. Admission fees vary depending on age and the day of the week. Buying tickets in advance online is a smart way to save money.
If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Philadelphia, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a great place to go. It is home to one of the largest natural history museums in the United States. Families can learn about the history of science and exploration at the museum’s hands-on exhibits.
The Academy of Natural Sciences is also a great place to educate young children about the world’s diverse wildlife. The museum houses 37 natural wildlife dioramas from around the world. While older children may be skittish about approaching the animatronic dinosaurs, younger ones will likely find these exhibits fascinating.
Philadelphia’s Science Museum
The museum has many hands-on experiences for young children. For example, Outside In lets kids dig for shark’s teeth and play with books and toys related to Natural History. They can also pet animals or handle animal skeletons. There are also special events throughout the year that are designed to engage children in the museum’s exhibits.
The museum also features a special exhibit dedicated to the science of optics. Children can see the way different colors interact with light, and explore how visual systems work. While older kids will probably be most interested in this exhibit, there is also a special exhibit on the 1918 flu pandemic.
Live science shows are held every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; they’re sure to captivate the whole family. The colossal heart display is a highlight, but there are also plenty of other exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. The 3D printer is one of the highlights of the museum’s third-floor Tech Studio. The museum has a sensory-alert map to help children navigate the exhibits. The museum also offers sensory-friendly backpacks, including headphones with noise-reducing features.
There’s also a zoo on the grounds. The Philadelphia zoo features animals from all over the world, including Asia. At the Wings of Asia exhibit, guests can feed Asian birds in an outdoor free-flight aviary. Other attractions include a carousel and swan boats. There’s also the Zooballoon ride, which offers a 400-foot view of the Philadelphia Zoo. You can save money by packing a lunch in advance and enjoying the museum and the zoo together.
The museum also offers a black history museum. This museum is a great place for families to visit with young children. It offers four exhibition galleries and offers a Harriet Tubman-themed art-making workshop. It also has Family Fun Days on every second Saturday.
Philadelphia’s Insectarium
The Insectarium is a museum that focuses on insects. It opened in 1992 and features live insects, mounts, exhibits, and hands-on activities. It is a great place to learn about all sorts of insects. Even your kids will love seeing the different types of insects and how they live.
The Philadelphia Insectarium is a fantastic place for the whole family to enjoy. With interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, and high-tech displays, you can learn about a variety of insects and their life cycles. The three floors are filled with hundreds of live insects, and the museum also features a 7,000 square foot butterfly pavilion. It also offers bug talks, cockroach races, and crafts for kids. You can even download a free app to experience augmented reality photos of the insects in the museum.
The Insectarium also features a petting zoo, where children can pet a variety of insects. They can also get close to some larger creatures, including giant black millipedes. There is also a mock web underneath a row of tanks where kids can experience the world from a spider’s perspective.
The museum’s second floor features displays that teach children about insects and arachnids. Hand-painted murals of insect anatomy are displayed throughout the exhibits, and kids can climb the fiberglass tree and climb the glass iguana enclosure. There are also displays of bees and butterflies.
Last year, the Insectarium went through a difficult period, primarily because the Insectarium was facing financial difficulties. While it had recently become a nonprofit, it was still struggling to pay its staff and veterinary bills. Despite the financial crisis, the museum’s animal care department struggled and had to do construction work.
Philadelphia’s Mummers parade
Every New Year’s Day, Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade celebrates the spirit of the holiday by letting visitors experience a true festive tradition. The parade features elaborate costumes, performance routines and movable scenery. The preparation takes months and involves a large amount of work. Each team works together to create a unique entry that will impress crowds.
The parade’s name derives from the ancient Greek word “Mumus,” a word used to mean mockery and satire. In Philadelphia, the tradition was introduced by Scandinavian immigrants, who held boisterous end-of-year celebrations. Many costumes were extravagant and included a tomfooo, which means “to play.”
While this tradition is incredibly entertaining, it is not without controversy. In the past, the Mummers parade has faced criticism for using blackface, appropriating Native American culture and other offensive depictions of minority groups. A sensitivity training program was instituted for the group in 2016, but there are still ongoing discussions about the parade’s racial discrimination.
In addition to the Mummers themselves, brass bands also perform during the parade. Unlike the mummers, brass band members don’t wear costumes. They wear heavy layers and hats and play instruments. The instruments are arranged in an elaborate array of instruments. The brass bands themselves are made up of mostly black Philadelphia musicians. Their goal is not to win awards, but to entertain their audience.
The Philadelphia Mummers parade is a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. In fact, it is America’s oldest folk parade. While the group’s appearance has varied over the years, the parade has become an iconic celebration.
Hi, my name is Charlotte and I am the author of the Sandbox Playground. I believe that play is an essential part of a child’s development and that playgrounds and sandboxes are a great way to inspire kids’ imaginations.
I have been working with children for many years, and through my work I have seen the amazing things that they can achieve when they’re given the opportunity to play. I hope to continue inspiring kids all around the world with my writing.
