This post is in collaboration with VisitPhilly.com. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Our Experience Exploring Historic Philadelphia 

This summer my family was able to experience Philadelphia as tourists. My husband is originally from Philly, and his family is there, so our trips usually consists of spending a lot of time with relatives instead of touring the city. This time around, we attempted to see as much of Historic Philadelphia that we could in one weekend. We were guests at the beautiful Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. 

Penn’s Landing is the water front that sits along the Delaware River. There are lots of family friendly activities like canoeing, paddle boats, ferry rides, food trucks, skating, and even festivals. The view is beautiful and it’s just an all around fun place to be in the city. 

My boys are fascinated with maritime history, so we checked out the Independence Seaport Museum and toured the ship and submarine. You can actually spend an entire day at Penn’s Landing because there is so much to see and do. 

With just a short walk or ride on the PhillyPhlash across the original cobblestone streets that are still in tact in Philadelphia is the historic downtown area. Philadelphia City Hall is always a good site to check out, and you’ll notice it’s been the centerpiece in lots of Hollywood blockbuster movies. 

As a parent, I really enjoy Philly for the history lessons. While having a good time, we can all learn some US History in between the fun. We are able to see the sites where the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution were drafted and adopted. Inside the Independence Hall Visitors Center you can pick up free tickets to tour Independence Hall. 

The Liberty Bell Center is directly in between Independence Hall and the visitors center. I suggest early arrival if you plan to see the Liberty Bell. Lines can wrap all the way around the corner to get inside. 

Inside the Independence Hall Visitors Center, there are historically accurate figures to tell you all about early American History and they even share a joke or two. 

Historic Philadelphia has so much more to see and do like: 

Rittenhouse Square

City Hall Tours & Observation Deck

The Franklin Fountain 

The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in The Making of a New Nation

The Dream Garden

 Rocky Steps & Statue

Benjamin Franklin Museum

The African American Museum in Philadelphia

National Constitution Center

National Liberty Museum 

National Museum of American Jewish History

Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent

Philadelphia also has lots of delicious foods and of course you can’t visit without having a cheese steak or a soft pretzel. Reading Terminal Market is my favorite place to find a variety of different Philly flavors all in one place. Philadelphia is extremely family friendly, and in the past we’ve enjoyed the Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. 

It takes more than a weekend to see everything, but a weekend is just long enough to know that Philly is a place you’ll want to visit often. My family will be headed back this fall, and especially since the heat wave will be over then, we’ll get to see more sites! To plan your perfect trip to Philly and for more info on Historic Philadelphia, head to VisitPhilly.com!

Ashley