Three days in Philadelphia is enough to hit the major landmarks, fit in real kid-friendly activities, and still not feel like you sprinted through everything. This itinerary groups things geographically so you're not doing loop-the-city driving all day. Budget roughly $300–500 for the family over three days in activities alone, depending on which paid stops you pick.
Day 1: Center City and the Art Museum Area
Morning (9:00am–12:00pm)
Start at Von Colln Playground right next to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It's free, has a 5.0 rating, and the adjacent athletic field burns off morning energy before you head into anything structured. Park in the Art Museum lots — often free on weekends.
From there, walk up to Sister Cities Park in Logan Square. Free entry, splash pad in summer, a nice open park layout. If you want coffee, the adjacent cafe is there. Budget $0–20 for the morning.
Lunch (12:00–1:30pm)
There are plenty of options around Broad Street and the parkway. Grab something casual — budget $30–45 for the family.
Afternoon (1:30–4:30pm)
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the anchor afternoon activity. Dinosaur hall, live butterfly garden, hands-on nature exhibits. Budget $70–90 for a family of four, plan 2–3 hours. It's walking distance from the park area.
Alternatively: swap the Academy for Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street ($50–60 for the family, 1–2 hours) if your kids are into visual art and weird immersive spaces.
Evening (5:00–7:00pm)
Walk down to Franklin Square for the playground (free) and a round of Philly-themed mini golf ($10–12/person). The square has a food truck area — easy, affordable dinner with the kids. Total evening spend: $30–60.
Day 1 total: $130–215
Day 2: Camden Waterfront + South Philly
Morning (9:30am–12:30pm)
Cross the bridge to Camden for Adventure Aquarium. This is the big-ticket anchor: shark tank, touch pools, hippo exhibit, stingray bay. It earns a 4.6 rating because it consistently delivers. Budget $100–140 for the family, plan 2.5–4 hours. Buy tickets online in advance to save at the door.
Lunch (12:30–1:30pm)
Eat at the aquarium (they have options) or cross back and grab food near Penn's Landing. Budget $30–45.
Afternoon (1:30–4:30pm)
Independence Seaport Museum is a short walk from Penn's Landing — historic ships docked on the Delaware River that kids can board. $65–85 for the family, 2–3 hours. For kids who've learned anything about American history, walking actual ship decks is memorable.
If the aquarium exhausted the group, swap in East Fairmount Park for a free decompression afternoon — pack a snack and let them run.
Evening (5:00–7:00pm)
South Philly has excellent casual dining options. Budget $40–60 for dinner.
Day 2 total: $235–370 (aquarium-heavy day; the biggest spend of the trip)
Day 3: Northeast Philly + Active Fun
Morning (9:00am–12:00pm)
Star Park Indoor Playground – Franklin Mall in Franklin Mills runs 1.5–2.5 hours of multi-level play for $40–60. It earns a 4.9 Google rating — the best indoor playground in the Philadelphia area. Franklin Mills Mall has food options for lunch built right in.
Lunch (12:00–12:30pm)
Mall food court. Budget $25–35.
Afternoon (1:00–4:00pm)
Pick your afternoon energy level:
High energy option: Altitude Trampoline Park - Feasterville or Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park. Budget $75–120 for the family, 1.5–2 hours.
Lower-key option: Reading Science Center for a 4.9-rated hands-on science afternoon at $30–50 for the family.
Free option: Fitzpatrick Playground in Northeast Philly — free, solid, lets kids run before the drive home.
Evening
Wrap with dinner near the hotel or near wherever you're staying. Budget $40–60.
Day 3 total: $130–250 depending on afternoon activity pick
Full Trip Budget Summary
| | Budget Version | Splurge Version | |--|--|--| | Day 1 | ~$130 | ~$215 | | Day 2 | ~$235 | ~$370 | | Day 3 | ~$130 | ~$250 | | 3-Day Total | ~$495 | ~$835 |
Includes admission and food. Excludes hotel and transportation.
Logistics Notes
- Parking: Center City parking is expensive. Use garages on weekends for better rates. Franklin Mills and Adventure Aquarium have free/easy parking.
- SEPTA: For Day 1, transit to Center City is often easier than driving. Kids under 5 ride free.
- Timing: Adventure Aquarium gets crowded by 11am on weekends. Get there at opening (9:30am) to see the shark tank without fighting crowds.
- Weather backup: If Day 1 or Day 3 rains, the indoor trampoline parks and Star Park absorb a full morning without any planning pivot.
Optional Add-Ons and Day 4 Ideas
If you're staying a fourth day or have gaps to fill, these work well as half-day additions:
The Philadelphia Zoo: A full zoo day runs $90–120 for a family of four and covers Big Cat Falls, the Reptile House, KidZooU, Bear Country, and the McNeil Avian Center. Plan 3–4 hours. Best on a weekday morning when crowds are thinner. The Reptile and Amphibian House alone is worth it for kids who are into snakes and lizards.
Treetop Quest: If you have outdoor-adventure-ready kids who haven't been zip-lining yet, Treetop Quest Philly Adventure Park and Ziplines is a half-day at $120–160 for the family. Age and weight minimums apply — check before booking.
The Mütter Museum: Best for 10+ crowd as a 1.5–2 hour afternoon stop at $65–90 for two adults and two teens. Skip it for younger kids.
What to Skip (Honest Assessment)
Not everything on the Pigeon Forge strip earns it. A few Philadelphia-area notes:
- Urban Air ($90–140) and Sky Zone ($80–120) are solid trampoline parks but you're paying a premium for brand recognition. Altitude Trampoline in Feasterville and Launch in Deptford offer comparable experiences for less.
- The Mütter Museum is genuinely great but not for everyone. If you have sensitive kids under 8, the medical specimens and oddities can be upsetting rather than fascinating. Know your kid before you buy tickets.
- Parking in Center City is expensive and stressful on weekends. For Day 1 activities around the parkway and Center City, use SEPTA if you're comfortable with it — kids under 5 ride free and it eliminates parking stress entirely.
Packing for a Philadelphia Family Trip
A few practical notes that make all three days smoother:
- Bag for walking: The Academy of Natural Sciences, Franklin Square, and the Magic Gardens all involve significant walking. Bring a quality backpack with snacks, water, and a light rain layer.
- Comfortable shoes: This applies especially if you're doing Treetop Quest or Adventure Aquarium, which both involve a lot of walking and standing.
- Stroller or carrier: For toddlers, bring both if you can. Some venues are stroller-friendly; some work better with a carrier.
- Cash: Franklin Square's mini golf and carousel, and some food trucks, prefer cash. Have $20–40 on hand.