School’s out, now what?
With the endless opportunities summer brings to children, it can be difficult for parents to fill the time and keep them occupied. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with a list of fun and educational activities to do with kids this summer to keep with busy and stimulated.
1. Discover the animals at the Philadelphia Zoo
Who doesn’t have fond memories of going to the Zoo as a little kid? For kids, wild animals are such impressionable creatures that lighten up their curiosity. They also learn bout the importance of the environment and about living a sustainable life. The Zoo recently had a baby boom, so many babies are roaming the exhibits, discover which species have been born here. Currently a animatronic dinosaur exhibit is open for children and adults to learn about the pre-historic times and the dinosaurs that existed. However, to view this exhibit a separate ticket needs to be purchased. There is so much to discover at the Philadelphia Zoo!
Where: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Admissions:
- Adults (ages 12+): $24
- Children (ages 2-11): $19
- Infants (under 2): free
2. Explore marine life at the Adventure Aquarium
What better way to learn about the ocean and all the creatures in it than taking your kids to the aquarium! Nothing is more impressive than having a shark swim over you in the Shark Tunnel, or saying hello to the sea turtles up close at the Sea Turtle Cove. There are so many thrilling attractions at this aquarium, kids and adults will have such a good time!
Where: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Admissions:
- Adult (ages 13-64): $31.99 – $34.99
- Child (ages 2-12): $21.99
3. Spend an afternoon at the Please Touch Museum
Philly’s most excellent children’s museum made for kids! The Please Touch Museum‘s mission is based on four values: engagement, curiosity, community, excellence. With activities that will stimulate their brains, develop their curiosity, there is a whole lot of fun to be had here. No child will not love spending an afternoon here!
Where: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Admission: General admission for adult and child: $19
4. Take a day trip to an amusement park
Nothing says summer like a day on roller coasters and on water slides! There are many amusement parks outside of Philly that would make a fun day trip and that are fit for younger children. After running around all day and feeling excited on adrenaline, they will be pooped on the way home and sleep soundly all night.
5. Have a family outdoor movie night
Spend an evening out of the house and under the stars. This summer many parks and drive-in theaters are hosting movie nights where children-friendly movies will be shown on a big screen. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie snacks because movie night is going to look a little different this time!
6. Explore Camden’s Children’s Garden
This botanical garden is made for kids! While teaching them about the importance of plants to humans and to the ecosystem, kids will roam around and discover the beauty of nature. This non-profit environmental and educational organization has gardens, rides, a dinosaur exhibit, a potting shed to visit, and many more fun places and activities where children can learn. If this garden isn’t for you or you have bigger children here is a list of more botanical gardens and arboretums in the Philadelphia area to visit.
Where: 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
Admissions:
- General Admission:$6
- Camden City Residents with Valid I.D.: $6
- Infants (1 and under): free
7. Have a splash at Dilworth park
Dilworth Park is a particularly fun park to go to in the summer as a kid. They have installed a little water park with fountains to splash in and cool off, green spaces to run around on, and events to watch. It seems like the all-in-one park that has loads of fun things to do in!
Where: 1 S 15th St (West Side of City Hall), Philadelphia, PA 19102
8. Discover the dinosaurs at The Academy of Natural Sciences
For the dinosaur lover in your life, you must take them to this museum! Discover the Dinosaur Hall and the Permian Monster exhibit, learn about the food chain, and no many more intriguing artifacts. With huge reconstructions of the dinosaurs and large fossils on display, this exciting museum will not only thrill your children but also teach them about these massive prehistoric creatures that roamed the earth.
Where: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Admissions:
- Adults (age 13 and above): $22.00 ($20.00 online)
- Children (ages 2–12): $18.00 ($16.00 online)
- Children (under age 2): free
9. Visit the Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is another fantastic museum for children! They have educational exhibits where children can learn about the human body, meteorology, machines, electricity, space, and so much more. You can spend all day here and discover so many topics, as well as enjoy a cool air-conditioned environment.
Where: 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Admissions:
- Adults:$23
- Children (ages 3-11): $19
10. Enjoy a picnic at a park
One of the joys of summer is to have a simple picnic at a park under the sun. Pack up some sandwiches, snacks, a ball, and some games and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. Another idea would be to bring art supplies and have an arts and crafts day at the park. Find a park near you here.
11. Visit an art museum
Children have a remarkable sense of creativity that is important to develop. Taking them to Phillys’ most iconic art museums that have some of the most renowned collections in the world, can spark that creativity into a flame. Not only is the architecture of these buildings impressive for small children, but all the colors, interesting sculptures, and appealing artwork can really make an impression on children.
12. Learn about firefighting at the Fireman’s Hall Museum
Is there a child in your life who is fascinated by big trucks, heavy tools, and history? This is the place to visit! Located in a renovated 1902 firehouse, The Fireman’s Hall Museum was one of the first museums dedicated to preserving Philly’s fire history and promoting fire safety. This museum would be an educational experience to take curious children and learn more about the honorable job of firemen.
Where: 147 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Admissions: free
13. Play in the Franklin Square Park
Franklin Square is another park perfect for children. They have existing events like free yoga, dance lessons, DJ sets, and more! A carousel, mini-golf course, and playground are here too. Kids can have fun all day at this sweet little park.
Where: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
[Featured image: Center City Philadelphia]