Beltway Bambinos

The City of Brotherly Love is a place that is near and dear to our family for a variety of reasons. We recently took a family road trip to Philadelphia and had an absolute blast. An easy car ride or train trip from Washington, DC. The city is so walkable and easy to navigate and has so much to offer families visiting. We’ve put together a 3 day itinerary below but keep in mind you can easily spend all day at the museums if you plan to stay longer than 3 days.

Day 1:

Walk around The Italian Market where dozens of vendors line the street, selling vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.

Lunch & Dessert at the Italian Market. Angelo’s Pizzeria for cheesesteaks and Isgro for italian pastries and cookies.

Play– Eat lunch at the nearby playground at S 10th St & Fitzwater St around the corner from Angelo’s Pizzeria.

Explore The Liberty Bell, housed inside of the Liberty Bell Center which spans almost an entire city block on 6th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets. Entrance to the Liberty Bell Center is free and no tickets are required. Walk across the street to Independence Hall, located on Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Tickets are required for entrance to Independence Hall from March through December. After your tour you can sit in the courtyard on benches and relax and take in all of the history.

Day 2:

Explore The Franklin Institute, one of America’s most celebrated museums—a renowned leader in science and technology. You can spend all day here- it is simply the best! Purchase tickets here.

Late lunch or dinner at the famous Reading Terminal Market. For 127 years, Reading Terminal has been providing Philadelphia neighbors with their grocery & meal planning needs and more than ever, we stand committed to being here for our community. You can spend a great deal of time walking around, looking at what each vendor has to offer. Think Union Market but on a much, much larger scale.

Day 3:

Grab a coffee from the first La Colombe location found in Rittenhouse Square and walk to Love Park and take a photo in the iconic park.

Tour Eastern State Penitentiary, which 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. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone. Purchase tickets here.

Play at Please Touch Museum, with two full floors of fun, engaging exhibits, children are empowered to pursue their curiosity and explore the wonder of the world around them and within their own imaginations. Make online reservations here.

A few of our favorite places to eat:
Osteria
Abe Fisher and any of their other restaurants
Cleavers for cheesesteaks
Great breweries in Philadelphia
You gotta try water ice

More recommended museums & attractions:
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Museum of American Revolution
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Mütter Museum
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky statue & steps
Elfreth’s Alley
Check out a sports game if you are there at the right time
Google parks near you to experience a local spot

For extensive guides on places to see and visit, head to Visit Philadelphia’s for families & kids guides.