Choose from 77 Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 77 listings.
Independence Seaport Museum
This celebration of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley’s roles in early American maritime trade was originally called the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, built around the extensive personal collection of J. Welles Henderson, a local lawyer and enthusiast of seafaring memorabilia who died in 2007.
Renovated extensively in the mid-1990s and now set in a large, modern space on historic Penn’s Landing, the Independence Seaport Museum houses several exhibition spaces, a wide array of model ships, historical documents, navigation devices and shipbuilding tools, and a comprehensive maritime library. The museum is affiliated with two National Historic Landmark crafts, both docked nearby on the Delaware River: the Olympia, the late 19th-century flagship of U.S. Navy Admiral George Dewey, and a World War II submarine called Becuna.
Practical Info
The museum offers several tours for groups of 10 or more, with
experiences that include behind the scenes visits aboard the Olympia and
Becuna, and explorations of the surrounding docklands; these tours can
be accompanied by lunch or dinner (tours vary from $20-50+ per person).
River tours are also offered from May to August in conjunction with the
RiverLink Ferry (which provides a 50-minute Interpretive Cruise) and
Summer Wind, a 48-foot yacht rigged with Chinese Junk sails. Additional
cruises are offered on historic watercraft during the mid-October Old
City Seaport Festival. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
From $ 17
Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell, a 2,000-pound (907-kilogram) piece of American history, was forged in London's Whitechapel Foundry and represents freedom in the city where the Declaration of Independence was crafted. Now set in the Liberty Bell Center, the bell was commissioned in 1752 and has been in Philadelphia since British Colonial rule.
The Basics
Visit the Liberty Bell Center to see the bell up close and read its famous inscription, which has been an inspiration to US leaders such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Many Philadelphia city tours include a visit to the center, including walking excursions, Segway tours, small-group driving tours, and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Most excursions also include stops at nearby landmarks such as the National Constitution Center and Betsy Ross House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s almost always a line to enter the Liberty Bell Center, but you can also view the bell through a window on the western side of the building.
- Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the Independence Visitor Center, and most buildings in the Independence National Historic Park are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- You must pass through security to visit the Liberty Bell Center; bring only small bags to minimize screening time.
How to Get There
The Liberty Bell Center is part of the Independence National Historical Park, located in Philadelphia’s Old City historic district. The nearest train station is located at 8th and Market streets, and the nearest Metro station is 5th Street Station. Street parking is scarce, but there are paid lots nearby. The PHLASH bus operates seasonally (spring and summer) with stops at 20 locations, including the Independence Visitor Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Zoo.
When to Get There
You can visit the Liberty Bell Center year-round, although the site is typically packed with visitors during summer and school vacation weeks. Opt for an early morning visit to avoid lines and crowds.
The Liberty Bell’s Famous Crack
Originally cracked during a test ring in 1752, the bell was fixed, cracked again after almost 100 years of regular use, then fixed again in 1846, prior to the anniversary of George Washington's birthday. The bell seen today is proof that “stop drilling,” the technique used to repair that last crack, worked.
Address: 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Institute of Contemporary Art
Give enough time between visits to Philadelphia's Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), and no two will be the same. The edgy and contemplative museum located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the few in the country without permanent collections. Rotating installations of everything from improvisational performance art to experimental music to miniatures have recently populated its cavernous blank space.
Visiting and local art-lovers will appreciate the museum's reputation as a magnet for the creative and its ability to identify emerging artists. Home to Andy Warhol's first solo showing in 1965, the museum continues to house popular installations, and can be easily visited on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour around the city.
Practical Info
Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, the Contemporary Art Institute is free to enter and easy to access. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am until between 5pm and 8pm.
Did you know? In 1965, the museum organized Andy Warhol’s first solo museum showing—a move that helped popularize his now household name. It’s said the event was so successful and the gallery crowds so effusive that Warhol had to escape through a hole cut in the gallery’s roof.
Address: 118 S. 36th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Hours: Wed–Sun: 11am–8pm (closing hours vary)
From $ 32
Gettysburg Heritage Center
Travel back in time to the Battle of Gettysburg during a visit to the Gettysburg Heritage Center. Interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and technologically advanced displays bring history to life as much for adults as they do for children.
Families will find engaging exhibits and 3-D productions that showcase stories and information about one of the nation’s most famous battles. Travelers will learn what Gettysburg was like before the battle, and how things changed once combat had ended. Tours include an informative movie that examines the three-day battle in-depth.
It’s easy to explore the center solo and visitors who want to commemorate the trip can pick up an informative book, sweatshirt, mug or other Gettysburg-themed item at the lobby gift shop.
Practical Info
Gettysburg Heritage Center is located at 297 Steinwehr Avenue near the Gettysburg National Military Park battlefield.
Address: 297 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg 17325, USA
Hours: Sun-Thurs 9am-5pm and Fri-Sat 9am-7pm
Admission: Adults: $8.95; Children: $6.95
From $ 9
Longwood Gardens
Located 30 miles outside of Philadelphia in the heart of Chester County, the epic estate of Longwood Gardens spans more than 1000 acres of well-groomed gardens and picturesque landscapes. Purchased by the du Pont family in 1906 in an effort to preserve local land and wildlife, Longwood Gardens eventually became one of the nation’s top horticultural attractions.
Travelers can explore the grounds of this idyllic Brandywine Valley institution and wander through highlights (inside and out) like the Italian Water Garden, the Birdhouse, Fern Passage, Cascade Garden and more. Mother Nature is on stunning display all year round, with seasonal highlights like the Spring Blooms, Fall Colors, Orchid Extravaganza, and the most popular Longwood Christmas. During the holiday season greenhouses and grounds are decked out in twinkling lights, making the gardens an even more incredible sight.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds and make a day of exploring Longwood Gardens, or hire a private driver and check out some of the nearby attractions like the Brandywine Museum and the home of Andrew Wyeth.
Practical Info
Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square.
Address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, USA
Hours: 9am-10pm
Admission: Adults: $23, Children 5-18: $12, under 4 Free. Prices increase during Christmas season.
From $ 49
Franklin Institute Science Museum
Few individuals influenced the rise of the young American nation as much as quintessential Renaissance man Benjamin Franklin- author, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, soldier, and diplomat. The Franklin Institute pays homage to Franklin's scientific side, as it is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the United States. The institute is comprised of three centers- The Science Center, The Franklin Center, and The Center for Innovation in Science Learning.
The most recognizable part of The Franklin Institute's Science Center is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Filled with numerous hands on exhibits, children and adults alike will be entertained for hours by wandering around the expansive museum. Be sure to check out some of the most popular interactive exhibits such as The Sports Challenge, Changing Earth, The Train Factory, Sir Isaac's Loft, and the famous The most recognizable part of The Franklin Institute's Science Center is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Filled with numerous hands on exhibits, children and adults alike will be entertained for hours by wandering around the expansive museum. Be sure to check out some of the most popular interactive exhibits such as The Sports Challenge, Changing Earth, The Train Factory, Sir Isaac's Loft, and the famous Giant Heart, a gigantic model walk-through that has become a Philadelphia icon.
Practical Info
The Franklin Institute Science Museum is located right in the heart of Philadelphia, between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, making it easily accessible from any part of the city.
Address: 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, USA
Hours: 9:30am - 5pm
Admission: Adult: $15.50; Child: $12
From $ 23
Italian Market
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a stop at the Italian Market, one of the oldest open-air markets in the country. This South Philadelphia landmark is not only home to endless vendors hawking spices, fish produce and cured meats from their stalls, but it’s also home to two legendary Philly cheesesteak locations: Pat’s and Geno’s. And while the Italian heritage of the market still underlies the area, it’s far from Italian-only as many shops also cater to Philadelphia’s many diverse ethnic populations. Today the Italian Market is the perfect place to find everything from Vietnamese banh mi, to Korean barbeque and authentic Mexican food.
Practical Info
The Italian Market is at the heart of South Philly, about 8 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot from the historic sites of downtown Philadelphia. The market itself occupies about ten blocks on either side of Ninth Street, from Christian Street to Washington Avenue. The market is open 7 days a week, though hours can vary among vendors, and some close on Mondays.
Address: 919 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19147, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 8am-1pm
From $ 30
Heinz Field
Home of the NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field can hold more than 65,000 fans in its stadium. It sits on the bank of the Allegheny River and from its seats you can view the iconic Pittsburgh city skyline and riverfront. Large concerts and University of Pittsburgh football games are also played here. At nearly 1.5 million square feet in size, the stadium holds an impressive range of facilities from seating and lounges to concessions and televisions.
The horseshoe-shaped stadium opened in 2001 after two years of construction, in which more than 12,000 tons of steel was used (an ode to the city’s history of steel production.) The stadium’s field is comprised of natural Kentucky Bluegrass, which is heated from below to stay in season year-round. Six giant trophy displays showcase the team’s history of success. The stadium’s thousands of seats have impressively been sold out for every Steelers home game since 1972.
Practical Info
Located in the North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh, it is accessible from Exit 1B off of Interstate 279. Get there by driving or by taking the LightRail to the Allegheny station. Parking is available in several lots both in the North Shore area by the field and in the downtown area.
Address: 100 Art Rooney Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, USA
Hours: Tours are available seasonally at either 10 am or noon.
Admission: Varies
From $ 75
Manayunk
For visitors looking beyond the historical attractions of downtown Philadelphia, the hip and vibrant Manayunk neighborhood is a must-visit. Situated along the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, this formerly industrial area is now a trendy neighborhood packed with waterfront bars, cafés and art galleries. One of the biggest draws to Manayunk is the Philly Cycling Classic, an internationally renowned bike race that winds through the neighborhoods notoriously hilly streets, including the Manayunk Wall, a stretch of Levering Street with a challenging incline. As you explore the area, you can stop in at Orbit Gallery, which features local artists, or join a kayaking trip.
Practical Info
Manayunk is located in the northwest of the city, about 22 minutes’ drive from downtown Philadelphia. To get there by car, take either I-76 West or Kelly Drive. Most of the shops and restaurants can be found along Main Street, which fronts the Manayunk Canal.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 29
Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh
What began as an American cafe in London has spread around the world, and Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh is no exception to the classic food and rock ’n’ roll atmosphere found in the many restaurants. With a industrial interior as well as an outdoor patio, there are many comfortable places to sit and take in the energy. The exposed-brick stage always has some form of entertainment whenever classic rock ’n’ roll isn’t playing on the speakers. Frequently the space holds open mic nights and battle of the bands events.
While the bar features specialty cocktails, the menu has burgers, chicken wings, nachos, and potato skins to start. Entree choices range from fresh salads, sandwiches, and hickory-smoked barbecue specialties. Memorabilia found specifically at this cafe includes costumes from legends such as Elton John, Elvis, and Michael Jackson, or see the instruments once played by The Who and Stevie Wonder. There is even a handwritten draft of lyrics written by Bob Marley.
Practical Info
The Hard Rock Cafe Pittsburgh is located in Station Square, just across the river from downtown Pittsburgh. The cafe is between the Grand Concourse Restaurant and the Sheraton Station Square Hotel. It is open daily from 11 am.
Address: 230 W Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, USA
Hours: Mon-Thurs and Sun 11am-11pm
From $ 32
Magic Gardens
Explore an urban art landscape at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG). Multicolor glass bottles, unique ‘found’ objects and hand-forged tiles envelop visitors in a truly unique and creative art environment. Mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar’s largest public artwork, PMG spans half a block on South Street. The gardens are a nod to historical figures and influential artists, as well as the local community. Some of the art installations have been in creation for more than 14 years! A popular destination for culture seekers and nontraditional art lovers, PMG hosts workshops, concerts, and hands-on experiences. Tours are available so visitors can experience all aspects of the outdoor exhibition and indoor gallery.
Practical Info
Pennsylvania’s PMG is located on South Street. Metered and two-hour parking is available nearby — further streets offer free unlimited parking. The space is open 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday, be sure to check the schedule for holiday schedules, delays and special events. During peak hours (weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) visitors may have to wait in line. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for students, seniors and members, $5 for children and free for children younger than 5.
Address: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19147, USA
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Sunday (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day)
Admission: $10 adults, $8 students, seniors & members, $5 children
From $ 34
Logan Circle
This popular Philadelphia neighborhood known as Logan Circle, ironically also goes by the name Logan Square. One of the five key “squares” identified by William Penn in his original city design, it was named after one of the City of Brotherly Love’s most famous mayors.
Travelers to this destination will find plenty of history, architecture and Americana on the bustling streets, in addition to a large portion of the city’s central business district. Enjoy a self-led walking tour that includes the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Wesley Building and the Francis McIlvain House, in addition to numerous other iconic structures and the central Swann Memorial Fountain.
Practical Info
The Philadelphia neighborhood is market by Market Street to the south, Spring Garden Street on the north, Schuylkill River to the west and Broad Street to the east. It is north of Center City.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 32
Independence National Historical Park
Spanning 55 acres and bridging two neighborhoods—Old City and Society Hill—this national park is often called "America's most historic square mile" for encompassing many of Philadelphia’s famous historical landmarks. These include the UNESCO-listed Independence Hall; the Liberty Bell Center; Franklin Court; the First and Second Banks of the United States; and the National Constitution Center, among many others. Visitors should plan to spend one to two days in the park in order to visit several of these sites and explore the extensive grounds.
The Independence Visitor Center, set at the corner of Sixth and Market streets, is the nerve center of the park. Tourists can pick up area maps; get free, timed tickets to Independence Hall (required from March to December); and find bathrooms, WiFi, and snacks.
Practical Info
The Independence National Historical Park is bordered by Chestnut, Walnut, Fifth, and Sixth streets. The site is open daily from 9am to 5pm and is closed on Christmas Day. The Visitor Center has its own underground parking lot and is also adjacent to subway and bus stops.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
From $ 19
Independence Mall
Fanning out from the Independence Visitor Center at the corner of Sixth & Market streets, Independence Mall is a three-block stretch of the Independence National Historical Park that includes several of Philadelphia's most visited historic attractions: the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, and the President's House. Only the National Constitution Center charges admission ($8–$14.50); all other mall attractions are free.
Independence Hall, however, one of the area's most popular sites, does require timed tickets during its busiest season, from March to December. Be aware that the only place to pick up these free tickets is at the next-door Visitors Center.
Insider's Tip: Free twilight tours of the park and its historical landmarks are offered from mid-June to early September by the nonprofit Friends of Independence. These tours meet at the Visitor Center and run from 6 to 7:15pm.
Practical Info
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm. The center houses the only public restrooms in the immediate vicinity and sits atop the most convenient parking lot in the area. Both the center and Independence Mall are well connected by public transportation to all major points of the city.
Address: 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am–6pm
From $ 32
Love Park
If you love people watching, love fountains, and love the history of skateboarding, then chances are you’ll love Love Park when visiting Philadelphia. Officially known as JFK Plaza, the nickname is derived from the iconic “LOVE” sculpture that graces the downtown park. Originally constructed for the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, the sculpture lasted only two years before its temporary removal from the park. It wasn’t until the Chairman of the Philadelphia Art Commission purchased the sculpture and returned it to the park that it was once again open to the public. Though the sculpture is smaller than you’d originally think, what isn’t small is the level of crowds all waiting to snap a photo. Seemingly as iconic as the Liberty Bell and a modern symbol of the city, the sculpture is an artsy, feel-good centerpiece in the City of Brotherly Love. The sculpture, its crowds, and onlookers aside, Love Park is famous as an urban birthplace of the modern sport of skateboarding. Though skateboarding in the park is banned today, skaters still make pilgrimages to the park to see where their idols honed their skills and pulled their most famous tricks. Now, the activities of choice in Love Park are splashing about in the fountain, and soaking up the energetic vibe of the international crowd. As of 2015, the city is planning to give the park a large scale renovation, which will add more green space, clean the park up—and keep the famous sculpture.
Practical Info
Love Park is located by City Hall and is most easily accessed by the city’s metro by stopping at 15th Street station. By train, the closest stop is Suburban station which is accessed by multiple lines.
Address: 1599 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19103, USA
From $ 14
Franklin Court
First opened during the Bicentennial year of 1976, this fun, free indoor-outdoor museum near Independence Hall celebrates the life and times of Philadelphia’s most famous resident, Benjamin Franklin.
The central building is a reconstruction of what Franklin’s original home may have looked like (the architect, Robert Venturi, couldn’t be sure without proper plans and pictures to guide him), and contains a fascinating museum exploring the many interests and accomplishments of the political leader, diplomat, inventor, scientist, printer and more. For fans of American history, the interactive and audio exhibits here paint a detailed picture of Franklin and how he helped shaped his era and country.
On either side of the central building are some of Franklin’s rental properties, including a printing office and book bindery, a newspaper office where Franklin’s son was editor, and a post office. At the latter, where Franklin was once the city’s Postmaster General, you can get a letter or postcard postmarked: “The Benjamin Franklin Post Office.”
A mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, this complex includes a small archeological site known as the “Fragments of Franklin Court,” the remains of a house built by Benjamin Franklin in 1786. Found at 318 Market Street, Franklin built this house on a site that was very dear to him; in addition to having been the boarding house where he lived when he first arrived in Philadelphia in 1723, it was also where he met his future wife, Deborah – who was then the daughter of the boarding house proprietor.
Practical Info
The printing office and underground museum is open Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-3
p.m.; Sat-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The post office is open Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-5
p.m.
Address: 318 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm; Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
From $ 19
Independence Visitor Center
Located in the Independence National Historical Park beside Independence Hall, the 50,000-square-foot Independence Visitor Center welcomes travelers to the city of Philadelphia. Here guests can pick up various area maps and brochures; get free, timed tickets to Independence Hall (required from March to December); find public bathrooms and a variety of snacks; and connect to free WiFi.
The center is staffed by reps from the National Park Service, some of whom lead free tours of the Historical Park and Old City—these begin in the lobby. Short historical films are also shown at the center: Independence, a 30-minute film made by director John Huston in 1976 that illuminates Philadelphia's place in history during the 25 years following the American Revolution and the 15-minute Choosing Sides, which features modern-day teens reading letters written by post-Revolution-era teens.
Practical Info
The Visitor Center features an underground parking lot for easy access by car. On the ground floor, guests will find Philadelphia's official souvenir shop, which offers, among many other items, T-shirts and coffee mugs emblazoned with the city's signature logos.
Address: 1 North Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am–7pm
From $ 32
First Bank of the United States
America’s founding father established their original government in Philadelphia after the winning the Revolutionary War, and among their goals to help build the nation was creating a single currency and found national bank. Today that bank still stands, and can be found on Independence Mall. Alexander Hamilton created the First Bank of the United States, and the Roman-style of the building was intentionally imposing. The building was completed in 1795, and it served as the nation’s first bank until 1811. Today the building is a National Historic Landmark; however, visitors can only explore the bank from the outside, as it is not open to the public.
Practical Info
The First Bank of the United States sits on the east side of Independence Mall, next to Carpenters’ Hall and a few minutes’ walk from Independence Hall. The Independence National Historic Park Library sits just across the street.
Address: 116 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19112, USA
From $ 19
Library Hall (American Philosophical Society Museum)
Up until the early 18th century, books were almost exclusively owned by and available to clergy, universities, or wealthy people with private collections. In 1731, a group of some of Philadelphia’s most intellectually focused citizens, including Benjamin Franklin, decided to pool their resources and begin obtaining a large collection of books and other research materials that they all could use. Naming themselves the Library Company, this group would eventually house their collection in the original incarnation of Library Hall -- the first public library in America, and the predecessor of the Library of Congress.
Between the 1790s and the mid-19th century, the location of Library Hall would change several times due to the growth of the collections and financial troubles during the Great Depression. Its current home, a reproduction of its original Georgian-style building, was completed in 1966.
Now known formally as the American Philosophical Society Museum, Library Hall contains many historically significant volumes and documents, including the original journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition; a copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson; and a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. The Hall also contains some of the world’s most sought-after collections of research materials on genetics, cultural anthropology and more.
Address: 105 S 5th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: April-Oct: Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm; Nov-Dec: Fri-Sun 10am-4pm
From $ 19
Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia
Since 1998 the Hard Rock Café Philadelphia has been offering travelers a true taste of classic Americana in the City of Brotherly Love. Visitors can tuck into juicy burgers and sip on chocolaty milkshakes in an lively environment that pays homage to tons of musical greats. Relax in a cozy booth and gaze out at memorabilia from Elton John, The Beatles and Jim Morrison. It’s almost like dining with the stars!
Travelers can get an up close look at Hard Rock items like Van Halen’s guitar, a mic stand from Guns N ‘ Roses and even one of Elvis Presley’s colorful capes. Sip on craft cocktails and take in a show at the restaurant’s live venue, or continue a night of music and fun with a post-dinner trip to the nearby Electric Factory—another Philadelphia entertainment hot spot.
Practical Info
Hard Rock Café Philadelphia is located at 1113-31 Market Street and is open Sunday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight.
Address: 1113-31 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
Hours: Open Sunday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight.
From $ 32