Family Weekend in Philadelphia

Description:

Sporting a free shuttle service to surrounding attractions, as well as daily complimentary continental breakfasts and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, Comfort Inn Downtown/Historic Area situates guests within walking distance to Penn's Landing Riverside Park as well as the Betsy Ross House. Visitors highlighted the hotel's lobby bar, and in-room perks such as microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers. On-site parking is provided for a moderate fee, and some of the guestrooms feature riverside views. Minor complaints concerned the hotel's removed location from the city center. While guests often utilized the Inn's shuttle, those who chose to stroll found downtown a decent 30-minute walk.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a wonderful museum for young children, offering interactive exhibits that they will never forget.

Description:

The Please Touch Museum offers a unique experience for children. Its exhibits are all hands-on, and young children can experiment with and understand things in the way that is most effective for kids – by manipulating and physically exploring them. In 2008, the Museum moved to Memorial Hall in west Fairmount Park. The Hall was built to house the centennial exhibition in 1876, and exhibits to engage children and adults include an 1876 train depot and a restored and functioning carousel.

Our Local Expert Says:

There's never a dull moment at this zoo. Watch sea otters play, giraffes graze, and lion cubs learn from their parents.

Description:

The Philadelphia Zoo, in operation since 1874, is the oldest zoo in the United States. Frank Furness designed the beautiful Victorian gates and gatehouses, still standing grandly at the entrance. The zoo has nearly 1500 animals in various habitats, including a small mammal house, a reptile and amphibian house, a prairie dog field, and "African Plains." Kids and parents will enjoy the children's zoo with animals to pet, a ride on a camel's back in the African Plains, and a trip around the zoo on the monorail.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Franklin Institute is an ever-popular science museum for people of all ages. Its biggest draws are the Tuttleman Omniverse Theater (an IMAX theater), the newly renovated Observatory, and the room-sized replica of a human heart. Walk through the heart to get an educational and visual experience you will never forget.

Description:

The Franklin Institute is one of the country's premier science museums, with informative exhibits and activities for children and adults. The Institute's biggest draws are the model of the human heart, through which visitors can walk, the IMAX theater, and the Fels Planetarium, where visitors can study the night sky and get a lesson on constellations. Visitors can also learn about mechanics, trains, airplanes, Franklin's study of electricity, and other aspects of science that comprise the modern world. The Institute also offers an educational outdoor play space and an observatory. Check the website for temporary exhibits and IMAX films.

Our Local Expert Says:

Popular new bowling alley where you can order fancy drinks to go along with your bowling shoes.

Description:

One of a national chain of swank alleys, this centrally located hot spot spreads its 24 lanes over two floors, charges $45 to $65 per hour plus $4 for shoe rental -- and, yet, there is a wait to play on weekends. The large, low-slung lounge makes for a nice waiting space, and serves buckets of beer along with sliders, cheeseburger fries, and sweet-tart cocktails. 1

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A Stephen Starr restaurant of pure mid-century American décor and cuisine

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There is no city in America that is more historic than Philadelphia, and what better time to explore the haunts of this famous city than at night? Join costumed tour guides for a leisurely stroll through Society Hill in America's most historic and most haunted city! This candlelight walking tour is based on the book "Philadelphia Ghost Stories" by Charles J. Adams III. Listen to tales of the unknown as you walk in the footsteps of famous men and women. These ghost stories are sure to delight the entire family.

Description:

William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682 as the capital of the Pennsylvania colony. This park was named after Penn's ship, the Welcome. The statue of Penn in the middle of the park is a miniature of the one atop City Hall that was designed by Alexander Milne Calder. The Friends of Independence National Historical Park built Welcome Park in 1982 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of Pennsylvania. It is located on the site of the Slate Roof House, Penn's residence in Philadelphia from 1699-1701, across the street from the City Tavern.

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Since 1939 this dining mainstay has been consistently rated as one of the area's best for having mastered the culinary art of creating authentic Philly cheesesteaks. Cheez Whiz, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and peppers are just a few of the extras that are always on call to top the thinly sliced rib eyes. Put them together on a long Italian torpedo roll and you have a sandwich masterpiece. The menu also offers several cheesesteak variations as well as soups and salads. Its late hours make it a favorite with the bar crowd.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Liberty Bell stands out as one of the most important symbols of American freedom. Its prime location in Independence National Historical Park makes it an easy stop on a tour of historic Philadelphia.

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The Liberty Bell, located in Independence National Historical Park, rang in 1776 as a summons to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was to be read publicly. What started as a small crack became an irreparable chasm, and the Liberty Bell never rang out again. While the Bell initially symbolized America's independence from Britain, abolitionists adopted it in the mid-19th century as a symbol of freedom for all Americans, no matter their race. Today, it represents different things to different people, but it is inarguably one of the most important symbols of our nation, and well worth a visit.

Description:

The Philadelphia Doll Museum is home to one of the world's premier collections of black dolls, with more than 300 dolls from the early 19th century on display. Other highlights include European and American folk arts, doll artists' dolls and a collection of European dolls and reproductions by Leo Moss.

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There are a slew of games for adults and kids alike from virtual golf, racing simulations, classic arcade games, slot machines (that pay off in tickets), shuffleboard to pocket billiards. Youngsters can enjoy a bevy of video games, pinball, interactive simulations and virtual reality rides. Dave and Buster sells "debit cards" that activate most of the games that pay off in tickets redeemable for prizes. Check out their burgers, fries, chicken and fish platters too. You can't miss the spectacular view of the Delaware River waterfront. There's a parking garage under the building.

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It's hard to believe the Hard Rock has been around for over 30 years now. It started as a place in London to get authentic American hamburgers and somehow turned into an international institution. The rock memorabilia includes Pete Townshend's blue Rickenbacker and Mick Jagger's Green Velvet Pants. Non-stop rock loudly pumps to every corner of the cafe. Stop in to rock and shop at the gift store. Check out the huge selection of collector pins, t-shirts, leather jackets and tons more!

Description:

Sporting a free shuttle service to surrounding attractions, as well as daily complimentary continental breakfasts and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi, Comfort Inn Downtown/Historic Area situates guests within walking distance to Penn's Landing Riverside Park as well as the Betsy Ross House. Visitors highlighted the hotel's lobby bar, and in-room perks such as microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers. On-site parking is provided for a moderate fee, and some of the guestrooms feature riverside views. Minor complaints concerned the hotel's removed location from the city center. While guests often utilized the Inn's shuttle, those who chose to stroll found downtown a decent 30-minute walk.