Philadelphia's Top Stuff For Young Kids (5-8 Years Old)

Smith: The Kid's Play Space in the Park

33^rd & Oxford Streets
(215) 765-4325
www.smithkidsplayplace.org

Located in Fairmount Park, this combination of playground, play house, and sprayground offers something for every kid. The playground alone is nearly six acres!

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic
(215) 963-0667
www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

Part science museum, part sensory experience and part exploration, this museum offers stuff to entertain kids of all ages.

Franklin Institute

222 North 20th Street
(215)448-1200
www2.fi.edu

This exciting science museum is ideal for the elementary school age group, and a favorite for school trips too.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org

You can't go wrong with this oldie but goody; it's the oldest zoo in the United States.

Franklin Square

6^th and Race
(215) 629-4026
www.historicphiladelphia.org

During the summer months, this spot offers some great fun – putt putt golf, a merry go round, and great milkshakes at Stephen Starr's Squareburger.

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

19^th & Ben Franklin Parkway
(215) 299-1000
www.ansp.org

Located close to the Franklin Institute, this museum can fill out a day of scientific exploration for kids.

The Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
(856) 365-3300
www.adventureaquarium.com

Okay, this is actually in Camden, but it's just a short ferry ride across the Delaware River. It's a wonderful way to explore the oceans without leaving the Philly area.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

26th street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org

You might think this isn't the best place for kids, but there are actually rooms full of ancient armor and other cool things that the kids will love.