5 Family-Friendly Philly Spots to Visit Now

The sun is shining, and you've been cooped up too long. Here's where families should head in the Philadelphia area now.

If you've simply been cooped up too long and are looking for new family-friendly activities in the Philadelphia area, Maud Maciak, the founder of the popular Gowhee App, has free and affordable ideas you'll want to hit immediately.

"While I was traveling in my RV with my two-year-old, I realized how many challenges and how few resources parents have to travel with their kids," Maud says of her inspiration to create Gowhee. "So I set myself on a journey to change the travel industry and help parents find places to go with their kids around the world that are safe and comfortable for them. As travel starts to open up again, lots of families are starting to use to app to find covid-safe options near them (thanks to masks and social distancing filters), and use Gowhee to organize even small weekend getaways."

Here are Maud and Gowhee's top 5 must-see spots in the Philly area for you and your kids this week:

Dive right into spring festivities in the Longwood Gardens, located just 1 hour from Philadelphia

"With the many beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens showcasing plants and flowers from all over the world, as well as fountain shows, waterfalls and many sculptures, the whole family will find something to enjoy at the Longwood Gardens," says Maud. "For some unforgettable adventures, we especially recommend the Children’s Corner, which features a splash pad for the little ones, and the tree houses, tucked away in the Forest Walk, for the older kids."

Longwood Gardens, Photo by Nelson Marquina on Unsplash

The entire park is very accessible and stroller-friendly, making it a family favorite. Reservations are required for dining and to enter the gardens, so you know crowd control will be done right. Budget tip: Kids under 4 get in free and, if you are a Museums for All and PA ACCESS card holder, admission is only $2.

Put your Ranger hat on at the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park!

"You can visit this iconic American landmark, learn about its history, and study the symbol that many civil rights movement leaders, abolitionists, women’s rights activists and others took inspiration from, but with a kid-friendly twist," Maud says of this educational experience. "The Junior Ranger program, designed for kids five and up, is available for free throughout the U.S. in many of the national parks, including Independence National Historical Park. It gives children the opportunity to learn stories about the national parks and landmarks, like the Liberty Bell, with fun activities. They can even earn a Junior Ranger badge at the end of their visit!"

This is a free outdoor activity we love because it allows for social distancing and there is no need to make a reservation. Independence National Historical Park is limiting capacity to 20 people, so we recommend arriving as early as 9:00 AM to beat the crowd. Make a day of it and visit another of the park’s landmarks, Independence Hall. with the Ranger program.

Enjoy the theme park vibe at Franklin Square

Maud says you can easily get a theme park vibe right in Franklin Square, and at a bargain. "If going to a theme park is a family tradition for spring break, this little local favorite will hit the spot without even leaving the city. You can enjoy much of the fun for free by visiting the amazing Franklin Playground, or splurge on the spring-themed mini golf course for $15 for adults for some great memories. I mean, who doesn’t love a great competition, right?"

Franklin Square before opening, Photo by Dan Mall on Unsplash

Just remember to reserve your tickets ahead since many attractions have limited capacity for crowd control. If you want to make the day even more special, we recommend visiting Franklin Square on the weekend, so you can order a famous “SquareBurger." Tip: Franklin Square has limited parking, so make sure to pack your stroller and consider traveling via public transportation. Franklin Square is within walking distance of Jefferson Station, as well as the 8th Street and 5th Street bus stops.

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For the STEM lovers: Franklin Institute, where learning and fun come together

"The kids will be able to learn through play at tons of amazing exhibits, such as the giant heart or the train factory. The museum’s newest custom exhibit, Crayola Experience with RFID wristband, will probably be the highlight of the day! Franklin Institute is a great option for parents who don’t want to worry about the logistics. It offers an attached parking garage, a cafe, and even a return ticket option for sensory-sensitive children in case the museum is too overwhelming that day."

The museum is taking spring break safety seriously, so you can expect a temperature check, antimicrobial films on highly-touched surfaces, and reservations are required. Tickets start at $23 per adult without the Crayola experience and or $35 if it is included. You will have no problem keeping the kids entertained for many hours throughout your visit!

For a slice of beach life check out the Adventure Aquarium, located just across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge

"Here you will find a magical world full of colorful fishes, sharks, hippos and blue penguins! This COVID-conscious aquarium offers many ways to experience marine life: You and your family can walk across the Shark Bridge, feed stingrays or enjoy the Kids’ Zone, our personal favorite. The Kids’ Zone is, essentially, a playground under the sea, where kids 6 and under can jump, climb, crawl, and interact with starfish, crabs and other sea creatures in a touch tank."

Adventure Aquarium from across the water, Photo by Daniel ODonnell on Unsplash

You'll also appreciate their accessible program for sensory-sensitive children with amenities like weight blankets and sound-reducing headphones. They also offer alternative “soundsperiences” for physically-handicapped children who can’t participate in able-bodied attractions -- like the Shark Bridge. As the admissions tickets are somewhat expensive ($31 for adults and $23 for kids), you may want to check out the aquarium’s membership program, which offers a great value, as long as you come twice in a year.

Most of these attractions are also covered by the Go Philadelphia Pass, which includes free admissions.