Philadelphia loves to educate and enchant its young visitors, whether it’s with a visit to a museum, the zoo or any other venue with special offerings just for kids.




Young minds can ponder the intriguing dinosaur, fossil and insect worlds at the Wagner Free Institute of Science (215-763-6529).

A Tyrannosaurus rex and Giganotosaurus, one of the largest carnivores ever discovered, as well as a simulated rain forest with a live tropical butterfly exhibit can be found at The Academy of Natural Sciences (215-299-1000).

The Franklin Institute Science Museum (215-448-1208) invites visitors to explore a cave and marvel at four floors of interactive exhibits.

Discover why boats float at the Independence Seaport Museum (215-925-5439). Or make a mask and find out what a mummer is at the Mummers Museum (215-336-3050).

History, art and culture are defined at the African American Museum (215-574-0380). What is a whirligig? You can find the answer at the Please Touch Museum (215-963-0667), home to theater performances and interactive exhibits.

At the National Liberty Museum (215-925-2800), young visitors cast their votes on national issues and use a paper shredder to dispose of unkind words — an unconventional way to learn about democracy, diversity and liberty.

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (215-482-7300) offers opportunities to observe metamorphosis in the Butterfly House.

Tours and history programs are offered at Valley Forge National Historical Park (610-783-1077), which includes a display of guns and cannon.

Meet Big Bird and the other Sesame Street characters at Sesame Place (215-752-7070).

Young visitors can view the evolution of the fire department — from the time of Benjamin Franklin — at Fireman’s Hall (215-923-1438).

Hear the cannon blast and cook 18th century-style soldier stew at Fort Mifflin on the Delaware (215-491-1881).

Take the “Call to Arms” at the family oriented Betsy Ross House (215-686-1252) and be inducted into the Continental Army.

Youngsters are dazzled by animals and cultures from around the world at The Philadelphia Zoo (215-243-1100).

From May through October, the Lights of Liberty show (215-542-3789) shines in its high-tech presentation of the story of American independence.

Youngsters get personal with spider crabs and stare with wonder at the coypu (quirky, South American beaver-like creatures with bright orange-yellow teeth) at the New Jersey State Aquarium (856-365-3300).

Forty minutes from Philadelphia, in New Jersey, are two amusement parks — Six Flags Great Adventure (732-928-1821), promising thrill rides and an animal safari, and Clementon Amusement Park & Splash World Waterpark (856-783-0263), where old-fashioned charm and high-tech thrill rides converge.

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Cool Sites For Kids

Coloring pages supplies by www.coloring.ws.

Arts& Crafts

Let's keep these kids busy doing fun and low cost activities! Check out these great sites for craft ideas.

• http://www.dltk-kids.com/ 
• http://www.crafts4kids.com/ 
• http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/ 
• http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/ 
• http://www.kinderart.com/ 
• http://www.artsncrafts4kids.com/ 
• http://www.mailjust4me.com/crafts/

Craft supplies are a great resource to always have on hand to chase away the boredom blues. Keep a box or Rubbermaid bin full with different supplies.

• Paper plates/bowls/cups (all sizes)
• paper lunch bags
• construction paper
• shredded paper
• glitter
• cotton balls, cotton swabs
• finger paint, paint, fabric paint
• glue, glitter glue
• scissors (straight ones, zigzag ones, curvy ones - you get the idea!)
• feathers
• string, ribbon, lace
• paint brushes (all sizes)
• stamps, stamp pads (all colors)
• sponges (all shapes & sizes)
• toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes,
• tongue depressors, popsicle sticks
• felt markers, yarn
• pipecleaners
• sequins, confetti
• crayons, pencil crayons
• stickers
• shells, rice, dried beans, peas, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
• buttons, beads, bottle caps
• rubber bands
• wiggle eyes
• pasta (all shapes & sizes), dried cereal - cheerios, honeycomb, alphabets, to name a few!)
• pompoms
• hole punch, stapler
•  scotch tape
• socks (to make puppets)
• chalk (inside and outside varieties)
• cookie cutters, molds
•  puzzle pieces (you know, the ones that are missing a few!)
• plastic lids, paper muffin cups, paper coffee filters, milk jug lids (make great wheels for shoebox vehicles)
• old catalogs and magazines, pics from old calendars, old greeting cards

The Crayola FACTORY® at Two Rivers Landing
Easton, PA
Bring your kids to the factory where creativity begins. Only Crayola ® could bring you and your family fantastic entertainment alive with color and creativity. There are hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and even a tour to see how crayons are made. Learning is fun at The Crayola FACTORY®.

Discovery Center of Science and Technology 
Bethlehem, PA
Explore a world where science, technology and learning are great fun at The Discovery Center. Designed to capture the imagination and challenge the mind with interactive exhibits about science and technology, The Learning Center is an excellent destination for children. They will learn through play at the science playground, invent and build at the Workbench, and learn about anatomy at the Bodyworks.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom 
Allentown, PA
Splash along the water rides, zoom down hills, and enjoy the sights. Where else can you hang out with Snoopy and his friends? Try to conquer all of the amazing thrill rides. You will love the spectacular live shows, along with the many attractions for the entire family.

Please Touch Museum 
Philadelphia, PA
Kids can learn while they play at the Please Touch Museum. This interactive museum is a perfect day trip. Each exhibit encourages exploration through seeing, hearing and touching. Children can experience "adult" activities, such as grocery shopping and driving. Children of all ages will enjoy the exhibits and shows that the museum has to offer.

Ride the Ducks 
Philadelphia, PA
An amphibious sightseeing company, with over 30 years experience, departs at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and takes you on an unique land and water tour of the Historic District and the Delaware River.

Sesame Place 
Langhorne, PA
Start your day off by eating breakfast with Big Bird and his friends. Next, explore the place where all your favorite friends live and play. Watch Sesame Street's characters come alive during their great family shows. Sesame Place even has water rides and the Vapor Trail roller coaster. Bring the whole family for great fun with the Sesame Street gang.