Likened to an oxymoron, combining the words kids and stress-free is arguably a laughable phrase. Children can and will cause stress, but they also can be the best fun that an adult can-and should- allow themselves to have. Where else would we want to see the sights through the eyes of children than the magical city of brotherly love, Philadelphia? With the activities and the attractions that Philly offers, it may be the perfect place to take your children on vacation. They will be learning about the history of their country, and witnessing first-hand some of the greatest symbols of freedom and independence. Yet, the kids will only know that they are having a blast in one of the coolest, most historic cities in the country. They will also think that their parents are pretty cool for taking them to such a city that they can be as much a part of, as the adults, if not more-so. Philly has attractions that kids will be jumping to do or see.
~The Liberty Bell.
There are few attractions in the United States that rival the unique and individual qualities that the Liberty Bell holds. Kids will love the bell, and even though it no longer actually chimes, the story of it is captivating. It is a kid-friendly story, that above all else, will be easily understood by children of all ages. It is a cool story, and it is full of meaning, and the bell is fascinating to behold. Pictures can be taken, with your kids and the bell, and it will be something that will appeal to both their friends, as well as their teachers.
~Sesame Place.
What kid has never dreamed about hanging out in sesame street? All children fall in love with the characters, learn and grow with the series, and 30 miles from Philadelphia there is an amusement park to proove it. The park features wet and dry rides and attractions, shows, parades, and features several of the Sesame Street characters greeting the children. There may be no easier way to impress a child than allowing them to meet Elmo or Bert and Ernie, or even Big Bird. Kids can even get their pictures taken with the characters, and partake in 'sesame treats'.
~Hershey(park), PA.
Known as Chocolate Town USA, this amusement park will delight any kid, as well as a chocolate loving parent. With dozens of different rides, and attractions, this is a great place to take children of all ages. Not only will kids enjoy the amusement park itself, they will be astounded when taken to the nearby Hershey's chocolate world, and shown how their favorite candies are made. A trip to ZooAmerica will show the kids over 200 animals that are native to America, and after sampling all of that candy (I think most parents will allow more than the normal candy intake for these special circumstances) taste-testing, the walk between the 11 acres of animals might just tire the kids out enough that they actually will sleep at night.
~Adventure Aquarium.
From 'Penguin Island' to the 'Caribbean Current', kids can witness all of the sea life that 'Finding Nemo' may omit. Kids can touch a shark, walk through a realistic rain forest, and witness the sights and sounds of Irazu Falls, which is a two story mimic of a real life waterfall that empties into a pool filled with real Amazon fish (Arawana, Pacu). This is a great adventure for both adults and their offspring.
~Lights of Liberty show.
Given in Independence National Historic Park, it is a light and picture show that tells the story of the American Revolution. The pictures are displayed upon some of the buildings that were actually a part of our history in one way or another. The images are displayed up to 50 feet high. It is a spectacle to behold, complete with befitting music from the time period that the story is reciting for us.
~Accomodations.
Of course, taking children anywhere requires that you will want to make sure that you stay in a kid-friendly hotel, that both encourages children's delight, and has very fair rates for the time that you will spend there. Perhaps researching the hotels and comparing the prices and amenities would be a great start to deciding upon what your personal itinerary should entail. Some great rated places to stay in Philadelphia, by parents are;
~Loews Hotel Philadelphia (2 star)
~Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel (1 star)
~Comfort Inn Downtown (Historic/Area) (2 star)
~Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel (1 star)
~Weather.
You will also want to research what the predicted weather will be during your stay in Philly. Study the weather trends, as well as the forecasts, and be prepared for anything in order to reduce stress levels. Take the proper clothing for which season that you are visiting the city in. Comfortable shoes, sweatshirts or sweaters, bathing suits (for the amusement parks and the hotel pool), shorts, sunglasses, sunscreen, a stroller (if you are towing a toddler), and either poncho's or a few umbrella's. You do not want to have to resort to using your souvenir money on a necessary purchase that otherwise could have been avoided.
Make sure that you take a tour through down town Philly to visit the true attractions that all Americans should witness, beyond the liberty Bell. The museums may bore the kids, but they will be happy to gaze at the 'Declaration of Independence' while proudly donning their new Elmo t-shirt, or their Hershey park tee-shirt from the previous days' activities. Most of the biggest attractions of the city are all within a four mile walking distance of each other which will allow you, and your children to tour Philadelphia at your own pace, and on your own schedule. It even allows you to take breaks for lunch or dinner, and stop for snacks, as well shop for souvenirs.