Philadelphia, often called the birthplace of America, is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. Established by William Penn in 1682 as a place of religious freedom, Philly quickly became a hub for innovation, diversity, and progress. It played a pivotal role in the American Revolution as the site of the Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and it even briefly served as the nation’s capital. Today, its iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell stand as powerful reminders of its historic legacy.

But Philadelphia offers more than just history. Visitors can explore vibrant neighborhoods, stroll the cobblestone streets of Old City, admire colorful murals, or savor a classic Philly cheesesteak. The city’s food scene thrives at places like Reading Terminal Market, while its rich arts and cultural offerings, from world-class museums to lively festivals, ensure there’s something for everyone in the City of Brotherly Love.

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1. The Same
   1. Visit Independence National Historical Park
   2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
   3. Local Cuisine
2. The DINKs
   1. Sports
3. Philly Zoo

The Family

1. Sesame Place
2. Please Touch Museum
3. Amish Country Pennsylvania

Summary

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The Same

While exploring Philadelphia, both The Dinks and The Family shared memorable experiences at iconic locations like Independence National Historical Park, where they immersed themselves in the rich history of the nation’s founding. They also climbed the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, enjoying the same panoramic view of the city skyline that Rocky Balboa famously did. And of course, they couldn’t leave Philly without indulging in the city’s famous Philly cheesesteaks, savoring every bite of the delicious local specialty.

Visit Independence National Historical Park

Explore iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American freedom.

• Start at the Independence Visitor Center: Begin your tour at the Independence Visitor Center, where you can pick up maps, brochures, and tickets for guided tours. The visitor center also houses exhibits and films that provide an overview of the park’s attractions.
• Liberty Bell Pavilion: Head to the nearby Liberty Bell Pavilion to view the iconic Liberty Bell, one of the most enduring symbols of American freedom. Learn about the bell’s history and significance as you admire its cracked but resilient frame.
• Independence Hall: Make your way to Independence Hall, the birthplace of American democracy and the site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Join a guided tour to explore the historic rooms where these pivotal events took place, including the Assembly Room and the West Wing.
• Congress Hall: Next, visit Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress met from 1790 to 1800. Learn about the legislative process and the role of Congress in shaping the young nation’s laws and policies.
• Old City Hall: Continue your tour with a visit to Old City Hall, which served as the seat of Philadelphia’s government from 1791 to 1854. Admire the building’s Georgian-style architecture and learn about its history as you explore the interior.
• Franklin Court: Take a stroll through Franklin Court, a historic site commemorating the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin. Visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum to learn about his many contributions to science, politics, and diplomacy.
• Betsy Ross House: Make your way to the Betsy Ross House, where the legendary seamstress is said to have sewn the first American flag. Explore the historic home and learn about Betsy Ross’s role in American history.
• Christ Church Burial Ground: Conclude your tour with a visit to the Christ Church Burial Ground, the final resting place of many notable figures from America’s past, including Benjamin Franklin and several signers of the Declaration of Independence. Pay your respects and reflect on the legacies of these founding fathers and mothers.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Home to an impressive collection of artworks spanning centuries and cultures, including pieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet. Okay let’s be honest, we just stopped by to run up the museum’s famous “Rocky Steps” for a photo op with the city skyline

• Rocky Steps: . Of course, we had to reenact the iconic scene, sprinting (okay, maybe jogging) to the top and throwing our arms in the air like champs. It’s a fun, touristy moment, but honestly, the view from the top is worth it all on its own. You get a sweeping look down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and for a few seconds, you really do feel like you’re on top of the world.
• The original Rocky bronze statue sculpted by A. Thomas Schomberg and gifted to Philadelphia by Sylvester Stallone in 1982, first appeared at the top of the Art Museum steps during the filming of Rocky III. Not long after, the city’s Art Commission decided it didn’t fit the museum’s aesthetic and relocated it to the Spectrum in South Philly, where it stood for about two decades. When the Spectrum and Veterans Stadium were demolished in the early 2000s, the statue was put into storage. Then, on September 8, 2006, the statue found its current and permanent home: a pedestal at the base of the Art Museum steps, just off to the side rather than at the top

Local Cuisine

Sample #AllTheFood including Philly Cheese Steaks & Roast Pork Sandwiches. No visit to Philadelphia is complete without trying the city’s most iconic dish, the cheesesteak. While Philly is famous for its cheesesteaks, the roast pork sandwich is a local favorite that often flies under the radar & something we regretted waiting so long to try.

• Philly Cheesesteak: This beloved sandwich is made with thinly sliced ribeye, melted cheese (usually provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz – yes, you must try each kind), and often onions, all served on a hoagie roll.
• Roast pork sandwich: We tried one loaded with juicy roast pork, sharp provolone, and sautéed broccoli rabe on a crusty roll—it was absolutely delicious and arguably more flavorful than the cheesesteak!

While everyone has their favorite spot (and a strong opinion to match), here are some of the most famous places to grab a cheesesteak in Philly (and nearby):

• Pat’s King of Steaks – Widely considered the original creator of the cheesesteak, Pat’s has been serving up sizzling sandwiches on East Passyunk Avenue since 1930.
• Geno’s Steaks – Located right across the street from Pat’s, Geno’s is known for its flashy neon signs and its fierce rivalry with Pat’s over who does it best. We got both a Philly and a Roast pork. The Philly wasn’t great. The Roast pork was delicious, but not as good as Chickiee & Pete’s.
• John’s Roast Pork – Though best known for its roast pork sandwiches, John’s cheesesteak is a local favorite and has won national acclaim for its flavor and quality.
• Tony Luke’s – A South Philly staple, Tony Luke’s offers hearty cheesesteaks with freshly baked rolls and high-quality meat, making it a go-to for locals and visitors alike. (If you catch a game, they have a stand at the ball park.)
• Campo’s – Located in Old City, Campo’s is a family-run shop known for its welcoming vibe and classic cheesesteaks—a great choice if you’re near the historic district. (They have a stand at the ball park as well.)
• Donkey’s Place (Camden, NJ) – Just across the river in Camden, Donkey’s is legendary for its cheesesteaks served on a poppy seed kaiser roll instead of a hoagie. Even Anthony Bourdain called it better than anything in Philly.
• Chickie’s & Pete’s is a Philly institution known for its lively sports bar atmosphere and signature Crabfries (rinkle-cut fries dusted with a secret blend of spices and served with warm cheese sauce) We stopped by the South Philly location near the stadiums, which made it a perfect pregame spot. We trid their Italian roast pork sandwich and it may have changed our lives for ever. (or at least our sandwich selection while visiting Philly.) Tender, flavorful pork topped with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, all packed into a fresh roll, it was a Philly classic done right.

The DINKs

No trip for us would be complete without catching a sporting event, and while in Philly, we made sure to catch a game. (Pun intended)

Philadelphia is a city that wears its sports passion proudly. Home to teams in all four major professional leagues, the city’s sports scene is as intense as it is iconic. Fans pack Lincoln Financial Field to cheer on the Eagles, while the 76ers and Flyers bring the energy inside the Wells Fargo Center. Right next door is Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, where the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd fill the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. And just a short drive away in Chester, Subaru Park hosts the Philadelphia Union, bringing world-class soccer to the city’s devoted fan base.

Sports

Philadelphia Phillies (MLB): Watching a baseball game in Philadelphia is a quintessential experience for sports enthusiasts and visitors alike. Citizens Bank Park is a beautiful, fan-friendly stadium with fantastic sightlines, iconic Philly eats like crab fries and cheesesteaks, and plenty of interactive experiences for all ages. Whether you’re watching a Bryce Harper home run soar into the outfield or singing along to “High Hopes” during the seventh-inning stretch, a Phillies game delivers classic American baseball vibes with the bonus of a fiercely loyal and spirited hometown crowd. One time just so happen to go on the day you can bring you dogs to the game which made it extra special.

• Chickie & Pete’s, Tony Luke’s, and Campo’s have booths at the stadium. Be like us and get a Philly from each. We couldn’t choose a winner.
• Free parking & shuttle from Chickee & Pete’s Packer Avenue location: You can avoid the hassle (and cost) of stadium parking and hop on their convenient game-day shuttle. It’s a fan-friendly option that lets you grab a famous Crabfries appetizer and a cold drink before heading to the game.

Philly Unions (MLS): We’re Charlotte FC fans through and through, so when the schedule dropped and we saw an away game in Philly, we jumped at the chance to make the trip. There’s something special about cheering on your team in a rival stadium, and Subaru Park didn’t disappoint. Beautiful riverfront views, passionate fans, and an electric atmosphere from kickoff to final whistle.

Craft Beer

There aren’t a ton of options for pregaming before a Philly Union game, but we made the most of it. We first checked out Union Yards right outside the stadium—it had a good vibe, but with beers priced at $15.50, we didn’t stick around long. Instead, we headed over to Larimer Brewing, and we’re so glad we did. They had an amazing dark lager, a solid selection of regular lagers, and even some local hard seltzers. It was a much better (and more affordable) spot to relax before the match.

Philly Zoo

The Philly Zoo is one of those places that never gets old no matter how many times you go. This time, the primates were the stars of the show. The monkeys were swinging nonstop, and the gorillas were so active and interactive. We’ve never seen them so lively before!

We spent a good amount of time watching the big cats too. There’s something mesmerizing about seeing lions and tigers up close. They have such power and grace, even when they’re just lounging around. The otters were playful as ever, zooming around in the water and entertaining everyone nearby. And of course, we had to stop by to see the red pandas. They’re just ridiculously cute, climbing around and curling up in the trees.

The zoo itself is really well laid out with shaded paths, interactive exhibits, and lots of space to explore. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the country. We loveed how close you can get to the animals.

The Family

Exploring Philadelphia with kids offers a great mix of fun, education, and adventure. Our kids were younger when we visited, but we quickly discovered that Philly has something for every age and interest. From interactive museums to historic landmarks and kid-friendly eats, the city is full of engaging experiences that make learning feel like play.

Sesame Place

Located just outside of Philadelphia, this beloved theme park brings the magic of Sesame Street to life with exciting rides, water attractions, live shows, and meet-and-greets with favorite characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster. With attractions suitable for children of all ages, Sesame Place promises a day of laughter and joy for the whole family.

Please Touch Museum

Head to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park for a hands-on learning experience that’s perfect for kids. This interactive museum features engaging exhibits and activities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in young minds. Kids can explore themed play areas, experiment with art and science projects, and even climb aboard a life-sized replica of a wooden schooner. With plenty of opportunities for imaginative play and discovery, the Please Touch Museum offers endless fun for children and parents alike.

Amish Country Pennsylvania

Take a day trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to experience the unique culture and heritage of the Amish community. Explore picturesque countryside dotted with traditional farms, horse-drawn buggies, and charming villages. Visit attractions like the Amish Farm and House or the Amish Village for a glimpse into Amish life and customs. Kids will love learning about farm animals, riding in a buggy, and sampling homemade treats like whoopie pies and fresh-baked pretzels. Don’t forget to stop by a local farmers’ market to pick up fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other authentic Amish goods to take home as souvenirs.

• Find out more details about our trip at

The Best Things to do in and around Philadelphia With Kids

Summary

In comparing the experiences of the DINKs and the Family in Philadelphia, both groups discovered the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and family-friendly attractions. The DINKs immersed themselves in the excitement of a Phillies baseball game, adding a sporting highlight to their exploration of Philadelphia’s vibrant urban landscape. Meanwhile, the Family delved into a different facet of the city, exploring Sesame Place for whimsical family fun, engaging with interactive exhibits at the Please Touch Museum, and experiencing the tranquil beauty of Amish Country in nearby Pennsylvania. Together, both experiences underscore Philadelphia’s ability to cater to diverse interests and ages, from its iconic landmarks like Independence National Historical Park to its dynamic cultural institutions such as The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Whether cheering at a game or engaging in educational adventures, Philadelphia offers something memorable for everyone, weaving together past, present, and future in a city that invites exploration and discovery.

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1. The Same
   1. Visit Independence National Historical Park
   2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
   3. Local Cuisine
2. The DINKs
   1. Sports
3. The Family
   1. Sesame Place
   2. Please Touch Museum
   3. Amish Country Pennsylvania
4. Summary

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