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Old 08-04-2011, 01:39 AM   #1
Goofy'sGal
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Question Spending a day in Philly

Hello all! I usually come here to discuss Disney, but a few yrs back, I had great success getting info from my fellow Passporters for a quickie trip to Boston. So I'm hoping that you'll help me once again.

We're unable to take a regular summer vacation this year as my husband is limited to taking just a day off here and there. We live in central NJ and we're not far from Philly at all so a day trip is totally do-able. The kids (and I) have gone to Philly for their class trips, but only having had time to see the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center; my oldest was able to visit the Franklin Institute (loved it!); my youngest will be going there on her class trip next year. The girls are 13 and 10-1/2.

They really enjoyed what little they saw of the city and I did too - I would love to explore it more but we only have 1 day. I've gone on their visitor's site and I'm intrigued by the tours that are available - walking, trolley, carriage, even the Duck Tours, which btw we loved in Boston, thanks to recommendations from this board Part of me just wants to walk around and see what we can on our own, but I'm afraid with so little time, we really won't see much at all. That has been the problem with the girls' class trips - they're usually given some free time to explore until we all meet up at the Constitution Center. However, unless you have a tix for Independence Hall or know where you're going to see some of the other sights, we spent more time walking in circles or shopping than anything else.

So if you have a day to spend in Philly with your family of 4 with two tween/teen girls who enjoy learning but also want to have some fun, what would you suggest? Thanks so much for any suggestions or advice
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Old 08-04-2011, 01:47 AM   #2
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We did the carriage tour and thoroughly enjoyed that, as we got to see a lot of the city in an hour or so - and it was a good chance to rest our feet! We also loved just walking through the city, as it's so walkable. There's so much to see on almost every street corner.

We also really enjoyed visiting City Hall, as well as all the things you've mentioned. To me, Philadelphia is all about the history, so the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are must-dos, but it sounds as if you've done those before.
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Old 08-04-2011, 03:29 PM   #3
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I *love* the carriage tours around Independance Mall, the Art Museum and the Zoo. There's a restuarant by the Art Museum called The Waterworks which is so amazingly fabulous. It's pricey, but worth it for the food and ambiance (gorgeous views of the museum and boathouse row in the evening). Here's the website: Water Works Restaurant and Lounge - Philadelphia's Landmark Dining Experience
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Old 08-04-2011, 04:09 PM   #4
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If you have done the Duck boats in Boston, I would skip the Philly one. We did it a few years ago. It definitely isn't as picturesque on the Delaware River and it is SUPER pricey for a family of four.

I would check out the Comcast Center. There is a HUGE video wall in the lobby with a show every 20 min (I think that is the timing)...and it is FREE!

Franklin Square is a cool park. We spent the day there a couple of months ago. They have a minature golf course (Philly themed), a food kiosk (run by Steven Starr...awesome Tastycake Shakes!), playground, carousel, and a pretty fountain. It is on the north end of the historic district.

You can check out this site for more info. Historic Philadelphia

The Philly Art museum or the Academy of Natural Sciences are worth looking into as well as the Maritime museum and the Camden Aquarium.

Any questions, give a yell.
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Old 08-04-2011, 04:40 PM   #5
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I am glad I came across this. My DH wants to go camping in Philly next year for our vacation.
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Old 08-04-2011, 10:08 PM   #6
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Thanks for the suggestions, everyone
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