Philadelphia is rich with American history, making it one of the best places to visit for families, history lovers, and anyone who has an appreciation to see where we started as a nation.
After living near Philadelphia my whole life, I’ve visited many of the historic attractions multiple times. And these are some of my favorite spots to visit.
If you want to see all of the best historic sites in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, you’ll need at least two days. However, you can get the big ones done in one day.
The nice thing about Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood is that all the historical things to do are relatively close together. So, you won’t have to walk too far to get to them all.
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The BIG Historic Things to Do in Philadelphia With Kids
1. Independence Visitor Center
Okay, you got me. This isn’t a historic site! But it should be your first stop before you wander around Old City Philadelphia to see the historic attractions.
The Independence Visitor Center is where you will get all the information you need about the historic sites in Philadelphia.
There is small exhibit in the building detailing more information about Philadelphia and its importance in American history.
In addition, they have a café, gift shop, and clean restrooms! Plus fun photo ops.
2. The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell (#10 on this Ultimate USA bucket list!) is located in the building across from the visitor center.
Get there early!! It is FREE to enter, and there are no tickets so the line and wait time increases as the day goes on.
In addition to the Liberty Bell, there is a small exhibit that discusses the history and importance of the bell, as well as other notable moments in American History.
Visitor Tip: You’ll have to go through a security screening prior to entering the building, so try to limit your belongings to small bags if possible. No weapons or pocket knives are allowed!
3. Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the main attraction in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood and is a primary reason Philly is one of the best cities to visit on the east coast.
The (almost) 300-year-old building was originally Pennsylvania’s Statehouse and later served as the meeting place of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution.
Tours of the historic building include the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed, a bucket list item for most people.
The side buildings of Independence Hall are also open for tours. Inside, you will find original documents such as the Declaration of Independence itself!
You’ll need tickets to enter Independence Hall from March through December and holidays on weekends in January and February. They can be reserved in advance through the National Park Service for $1 each.
However, tickets are not required for evenings after 5:00 PM in the summer or during non-holidays in January and February.
Visitor Tip: Like the Liberty Bell, you’ll have to go through a security screening prior to entering the building, so try to limit your belongings to small bags if possible. No weapons or pocket knives are allowed!
4. Congress Hall
Congress Hall sits on the same property as Independence Hall, but does not require tickets to enter.
And even though it’s not as famous as Independence Hall, we still love visiting this historic site in Philadelphia. Congress Hall is where the Bill of Rights was ratified and where both George Washington and John Adams were sworn in a president, so it plays an equally important role in American history as Independence Hall!
Congress Hall is FREE to visit. To get to Congress Hall, you’ll have to use the same entrance as Independence Hall and follow the same security screening procedure.
Other Can’t Miss Historic Sites in Philadelphia
5. Benjamin Franklin’s Gravesite
While you’re wandering around historic Philadelphia with kids, you’ll want to pay your respects to Ben Franklin at his gravesite in the Christ Church Burial Grounds, located on the corner of 5th and Arch Streets.
The grave is easily seen from the fence, and there are two plaques on the surrounding walls honoring him and his accomplishments.
Visitors throw pennies (and other coins) onto his and his wife’s gravestone in memory of his famous quote, “A penny saved is a penny earned”.
If you want a closer look, Christ Church offers both guided and self-guided tours of the cemetery for a fee. Visit their website for more information.
6. Betsy Ross’s House
Betsy Ross’s house, located on Arch Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets, is definitely a must-visit. Betsy Ross is known to be the first creator of the American Flag.
Take a self-guided tour her house and learn about her and her contribution to American history. Did you know she did more for the revolution than make flags?
Before you leave the house, kids will enjoy the small play space in the kitchen. Ask them to whip up some hot chocolate for you!
7. Elfreth’s Alley
A few blocks from Betsy Ross’s house is the nation’s oldest residential street: Elfreth’s Alley.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, the alley’s houses maintain their original charm as though they were just built in the late 1700s.
The Elfreth’s Alley Museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April through October, but visitors can stroll the street anytime!
8. The B. Free Post Office & Museum & Franklin Court Printing Office
Between 3rd and 4th Streets on Market Street, you will find a unique US Post Office.
It does not have a zip code and it’s the only US Post Office that doesn’t fly an American flag (because it is supposed to represent the post offices of the colonial times).
You can send a postcard or letter and receive the unique “B Free Franklin” postmark. There is also a museum on the 2nd floor. Learn more about this historic Post Office here.
9. Franklin Court Printing Office
Right next door to the post office is the Franklin Court Printing Office. Here, visitors can learn about the importance of the printing press during the American Revolution and get demonstrations of it in use.
It is FREE to enter the Franklin Court Printing Office. Visit the NPS website for updated hours.
10. Franklin Court Courtyard
Hidden behind the Post Office (walk through the post office, or talk the cobblestone alleyway) you will find the Franklin Court Courtyard, the former site of Benjamin Franklin’s home.
Although the structure no longer remains, an outline of the house has been constructed to give you an idea of size and shape. There are also windows in which you see where Franklin’s kitchen and privy were located.
The courtyard also serves as the entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum, one of our favorite museums in historic Philadelphia (more info below).
It is FREE to visit the Franklin Court Courtyard and it is open daily from 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
11. Carpenters’ Hall
At the corner of 4th and Chestnut Streets you’ll find another historic attractions in Philadelphia that very few people know about!
Carpenters’ Hall is the site of the First Continental Congress, before they moved over to the Pennsylvania State House (aka Independence Hall).
This building also served as a location for secret meetings during the revolution.
Carpenters’ Hall recently experienced a fire, but it is now reopened to the public and is one of the FREE museums in Philadelphia.
Awesome Museums in the Historic Area of Philadelphia
12. The National Constitution Center
At the opposite end of the mall from Independence Hall is the National Constitution Center.
This museum focuses on the creation and continued amending of the United States Constitution. It is recommended that you see the presentation first, and then begin your tour of the exhibits.
There are some hands-on attractions for kids and more in-depth exhibits for those who are interested. The Center also features a recreation of the signing on the constitution with life-size statues of all the men who were present that day!
You might be able to visit the National Constitution Center for FREE with your library card. Learn more here.
13. The United States Mint
The United States Mint in Philadelphia location is the largest mint in the world and opened in 1969. There were three previous locations, including a small house at the corner of 7th and Arch Streets in Old City.
The mint, located at 5th and Arch Streets, offers FREE tours every day except federal holidays.
The tour is self-guided, and if you go during the week, you’ll get to see the money-making process in action. During the tour, there are interactive activities for kids, including designing a coin.
14. Benjamin Franklin Museum
Within Franklin Court (Market Street between 3rd and 4th Streets) is the entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
This small museum highlights Franklin’s various personality traits, including his rebelliousness, his curiosity, and his persuasiveness. It has many interactive exhibits that children find enjoyable, including playing the glass armonica.
The Benjamin Franklin Museum is run by the National Park Service. There is a fee to visit the museum, or you can enter for FREE with the Every Kid Outdoors pass or your National Park Pass. They also offer FREE admission on select days of the year. Visit their website for more information.
15. Museum of the American Revolution
One of our favorite museums in Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution, walks you through the entire history of the revolution. The interactive exhibits, including the privateers’ ship, bring history to life.
This is the perfect museum to wrap up your visit to the historic sites of Philadelphia. You’ll be able to tie in everything you learned while visiting Old City and get some inspiration to visit some other notable places in the country, like the Yorktown Battlefield near Williamsburg, VA!
More Historic Attractions Near Philadelphia
And there are many other historic attractions near Philadelphia that are fun to visit.
The museum and tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park is a perfect day-trip activity. And Washington’s Crossing in Bucks County has several fun events throughout the year.
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