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Things to Do in Philadelphia with Kids
Philadelphia brings history to life for kids: the Liberty Bell, a giant walk-through heart at the Franklin Institute, a park with a carousel and mini golf, and one of the best children's museums in the country. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Philadelphia Donut Tour mixes great donuts with the city's history, and families tell us it's a fun way to keep kids interested.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Square, Smith Memorial Playground, the Reading Terminal Market
- Rainy day picks: The Franklin Institute, Please Touch Museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences
- Sweet treat: Our Philadelphia donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Philadelphia, by neighborhood
Old City and Independence Mall
Elfreth's Alley
FreeOne of the oldest streets in the country, a quick and charming stop.
Parent tip: Independence Hall tours need a timed ticket for much of the year, so grab one early.
Center City and the Parkway
LOVE Park and City Hall
FreeA famous photo spot and a grand City Hall.
Parent tip: The Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences sit across from each other, so they're easy to pair.
Fairmount Park and beyond
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Philadelphia Donut Tour walks the city's historic heart with stops for local donuts and stories about the people and places that shaped America. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Philadelphia's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Philadelphia tours
"Our 2 kids loved it as well and we all enjoyed seeing parts of the city we wouldn't have gone to in our first visit in Philly."
Brian W., TripAdvisor, December 2019
"Our guide Benjy was informative and gave us lots of bits of trivia to keep the kids interested as we walked from sweet place to sweet place."
Jay M., TripAdvisor, June 2019
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Philadelphia guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Philadelphia covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Old City
- Morning: donut tour.
- Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Lunch.
- Carousel and mini golf at Franklin Square.
Day 2: The Parkway
- The Franklin Institute when it opens.
- Lunch at Reading Terminal Market.
- Academy of Natural Sciences.
- A photo at LOVE Park.
Day 3: Play day
- Please Touch Museum for little ones.
- Philadelphia Zoo.
- Smith Memorial Playground.
- Dinner in Center City.
Philadelphia with kids by season
Holidays
- Christmas Village: a holiday market by City Hall.
- Franklin Square Holiday Festival: a light show set to music in the park.
- Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest: skating on the Delaware River waterfront.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Philadelphia.
The rest of the year
- Spring: blossoms along the Parkway and great walking weather.
- Summer: Spruce Street Harbor Park and outdoor fun on the waterfront.
- Fall: crisp days for history walks.
- Winter: skating, holiday lights and indoor museums.
Philadelphia with kids FAQ
Is the Philadelphia donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, guides keep the history fun, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Philadelphia with kids?
The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Smith Memorial Playground, Elfreth's Alley and LOVE Park.
Do you need tickets for Independence Hall?
For much of the year, yes. Free timed tickets are released by the National Park Service, so get them early.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The Franklin Institute, Please Touch Museum or the Academy of Natural Sciences.