The Best Family Fun Places in Philadelphia: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions for Kids and Parents

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Philadelphia is a city built for families—blending education, excitement, and hands-on engagement into unforgettable experiences. From historic playgrounds to interactive museums, animal encounters, and outdoor adventures, the City of Brotherly Love delivers something magical for all ages. This extensive guide ranks the best family fun places in Philadelphia based on reviews, popularity, and parent feedback, complete with locations and real visitor impressions.

For planning tips, event info, and local help, don’t miss the trusted city resources section and fun guides at My Philly Connection.

Family Fun Places In Philly – Enjoy The Outing.

• What Makes the Best Family Fun Places in Philly?
• Top 10 Best Family Fun Places in Philadelphia (Ranked by Reviews)
• Family Adventure Tips for Visiting Philly
• Explore More Family Resources
• Quick Reference Table: Best Family Fun Places in Philadelphia

What Makes the Best Family Fun Places in Philly?

The best family fun places in Philadelphia deliver on interactive learning, memorable thrills, and easy amenities for families. Whether exploring science, animals, parks, or arts, the top destinations combine:

• Age-appropriate exhibits or attractions
• Outdoor and indoor options for all seasons
• Convenient locations in walkable neighborhoods
• Creative programming and positive visitor reviews
• Inclusive facilities and kid-friendly dining

Top 10 Best Family Fun Places in Philadelphia (Ranked by Reviews)

1. Philadelphia Zoo

Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Why It’s #1:

Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country, the Philadelphia Zoo is famous for its innovative Zoo360 trails that let big cats and monkeys roam above visitors. With nearly 1,300 animals, hands-on exhibits like KidZooU, and year-round seasonal events, this historic zoo offers adventure and learning for every age.

Customer Review:
“My daughters loved this place! Especially the train that’s literally hanging in the air. The animals, the playgrounds, and the food options made it a full day of fun. Five stars!”

2. Please Touch Museum

Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Why Kids Love It:

This award-winning space turns learning into an immersive experience through pretend play, water exhibits, and life-sized environments (grocery stores, buses, carousels). Best for younger children, the Please Touch Museum encourages curiosity, confidence, and creativity.

Customer Review:
“My daughters had a blast! So much to do—especially loved the interactive train. It’s our top spot when visiting Philly with small kids.”

3. Franklin Institute

Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Why It Ranks High:

As Philly’s most popular science museum, the Franklin Institute thrills visitors with hands-on exhibits, a giant walk-through heart, planetarium shows, and rotating blockbuster attractions. It’s both educational and wildly entertaining, making it a must-do for families of all ages.

Customer Review:
“The Franklin Institute is a wonderland for kids and adults alike. My children especially loved the brain exhibit and the live science experiments!”

4. Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Address: 3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121

What’s Special:

A true Philly landmark, Smith Playground spans 16,000 square feet and features a four-story play mansion, giant wooden slide, and endless outdoor climbing, riding, and exploring. The playground’s six acres are dedicated to free, unstructured play, making it a parent favorite for burning off energy (and it’s free!)

Customer Review:
“The slide is epic! My kids never want to leave, and the playhouse inside is so creative. Easily the best playground in the city.”

5. Adventure Aquarium

Address: 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103 (just across the river from downtown Philly)

Why Families Recommend It:

This massive aquarium features sharks, hippos, sea turtles, and a thrilling Shark Bridge experience. Interactive touch tanks and a dedicated KidZone make marine life fun and approachable. Kids love getting up close with penguins and rays.

Customer Review:
“Walking over the sharks was the highlight for my son! The variety of animals and kid-centered areas make it worth the trip.”

6. Franklin Square

Address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

What Makes It Fun:

One of William Penn’s original five squares, Franklin Square has become a family wonderland with Philly-themed mini golf, an old-school carousel, a marble fountain, and food at SquareBurger. The park is a hit for picnics, seasonal festivals, and open play.

Customer Review:
“Mini-golf was a blast, and the fountain is gorgeous. There’s plenty for toddlers and teens. We loved relaxing and going from activity to activity.”

7. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Address: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Why It’s a Family Favorite:

Philadelphia’s natural history museum dazzles with dinosaur skeletons, interactive dioramas, live butterfly gardens, and bug exploration. It’s engaging for curious kids and budding scientists.

Customer Review:
“The dino hall and fossils blew my son’s mind! The butterfly room is beautiful and interactive. A great educational stop downtown.”

8. Sister Cities Park

Address: 210 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Unique Perks:

This downtown oasis is perfect for younger kids. Featuring splash fountains, a wading boat pond, and the Children’s Discovery Garden, Sister Cities Park also has a cafe and plenty of shade for parents to relax.

Customer Review:
“A favorite summer stop for our family! Clean, safe, and lots of space for the kids to get wet and play.”

9. Fairmount Park & Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Address: Shofuso House: Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Outdoor Fun:

Spanning 9,000 acres, Fairmount Park is Philly’s green paradise—ideal for hiking, biking, and picnics. The Shofuso Japanese House adds zen beauty and a koi pond where kids can feed fish.

Customer Review:
“The gardens are magical and the pond is mesmerizing for kids. Fairmount Park has activities for every season—can’t recommend it enough.”

10. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Address: 4999 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem, PA 19020 (A short drive from Philly, but essential for LEGO fans!)

Building Blocks of Fun:

With LEGO rides, build zones, and a miniature Philly, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a delight for younger children who love to create and imagine. Indoor attractions make it a go-to for rainy or cold days.

Customer Review:
“My kids could build and play for hours. The themed rides and 4D movie were a hit too—totally worth the trip.”

Family Adventure Tips for Visiting Philly

• Check for Discounts: Many museums offer combo passes, free days, or CityPASS deals for major attractions.
• Seasonal Events: Parks and squares often host spring festivals, light shows, and holiday markets—check ahead so you don’t miss out!
• Food and Breaks: Lots of sites have on-site cafes with kid-friendly dining, but Philly’s neighborhoods are full of casual local eats too.
• Transportation: Many attractions are clustered in Center City, making them easy to combine in a single day. Consider SEPTA’s buses and trains for simple rides between spots.
• Weather Plan: In summer, prioritize the parks and splash areas; for rainy or winter days, focus on museums and indoor play spaces.

For up-to-date schedules, local rules, and more family help, tap city resources as you plan.

Explore More Family Resources

From seasonal event calendars to community updates and kid-friendly city tours, My Philly Connection is your key to all things Philadelphia. Get trusted recommendations and support for making every Philly family outing a success.

Quick Reference Table: Best Family Fun Places in Philadelphia

Rank	Location Name	Address/Location	Highlight Features
1	Philadelphia Zoo	3400 W Girard Ave	Zoo360 trails, 1,300+ animals, events
2	Please Touch Museum	4231 Avenue of the Republic	Immersive play for ages 2-7
3	Franklin Institute	222 N 20th St	Science exhibits, planetarium, heart
4	Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse	3500 Reservoir Dr	44-ft slide, historic play mansion
5	Adventure Aquarium	1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ	Shark Bridge, touch tanks, KidZone
6	Franklin Square	200 N 6th St	Mini-golf, carousel, fountain
7	Academy of Natural Sciences	1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy	Dinosaurs, live butterflies
8	Sister Cities Park	210 N 18th St	Splash fountain, discovery garden
9	Fairmount Park & Shofuso House	Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr	Urban park, Japanese house, gardens
10	LEGOLAND Discovery Center	4999 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem	Indoor build zones, rides, movies

From roaring lions to LEGO towers, Philadelphia is packed with family fun places where memories are built to last. Use this guide to discover the best family fun places in Philly—and for even more ideas, trusted events, and city know-how, visit My Philly Connection!table for every taste. Whether you want to sip, salsa, laugh, or let loose, Philly’s after-dark culture is yours to discover. Plan your night with confidence and get the latest updates at My Philly Connection!