Don’t Skip These Kid-Friendly Attractions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a very family-friendly city, provided that you know the right places to take the little ones. Kids of all ages will love these exciting, fun-filled attractions, and the adults might even enjoy them just as much.

Please Touch Museum
Few museums are as hands-on as Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, which invites children to build, drive, climb on, and explore every exhibit. The museum is centered around the idea that kids learn best through play, and it features exhibits like mazes to teach special reasoning, an interactive neighborhood, and even a Flight Fantasy exhibit that teaches balance and coordination.

Smith Memorial Playground
This historic playground is located in Philly’s East Fairmount Park, and it is targeted toward children ages 10 and younger. The park spans 6 ½ acres and hosts more than 50 pieces of safe, age appropriate playground equipment to offer children the opportunity for creative and social play. Better still, entry to this Philadelphia institution is free.

Philadelphia Zoo
Tiny animal lovers and their parents will both enjoy spending a day at the Philadelphia Zoo. This expansive zoo is 42-acres large and is home to more than 1,300 exotic animals, many of which are rare or endangered. The zoo includes a KidZooU area that is specifically designed for children, including child friendly gates, accessible restrooms and more. This area teaches children about animals in a way that they can understand, and it even offers education about the zoo’s conservation and recycling initiatives.

Popular Fine Restaurants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s food scene may be best known for its cheesesteaks, but the City of Brotherly Love also has a number of fine dining restaurants to offer. Try one of these impressive, upscale Philly eateries for your next special occasion.

Morimoto
You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the future as soon as you enter this artistically decorated restaurant, which features abstract sculptures, a futuristic lounge area, and a main dining room furnished with colorful, lighted walls and modern tables. Chef Morimoto, star of television’s popular Iron Chef series, creates the restaurant’s upscale Japanese fare with his signature creative style. The best way to get the full experience is by choosing the Omakase, a multi-course tasting menu with thoughtful beverage pairings.
723 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19106; (215) 413-9070

Barclay Prime
Located in the historic Barclay Building in Rittenhouse Square, Barclay Prime is a luxury steakhouse with an old-school feel. The restaurant itself is decorated with traditional furniture and bright pops of neon colors and modern accents, and it contains a bar, lounge area, and spacious dining room.
237 S. 18th St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19103; (215) 732-7560

Vetri
This Italian restaurant is known as one of the best in the country, and after your first bite of fresh fish or homemade gnocchi, you’ll likely understand why. The six-course tasting menu is personalized to each diner’s unique preferences, and the dishes frequently change depending on which ingredients are in season and the mood of talented Chef Vetri. Vetri only seats 30 guests, which makes for a truly intimate dining experience.
1312 Spruce St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19107; (215) 732-3478

Philadelphia’s Most Popular Vegetarian Restaurants

In a city whose most famous food is the cheese steak, it may seem difficult to maintain a meat-free lifestyle. Don’t fret, vegetarians, because Philadelphia is home to many more vegetarian restaurants than you may realize. Here are a few favorite spots for veggie lovers.

1) Vedge
This award-winning gourmet vegan restaurant is owned and operated by two renowned vegetarian chefs. The menu includes all-vegetable dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, though all of the ingredients are locally sourced. Vedge’s handcrafted cocktails and an impressive wine selection also make the perfect additions to any dish.
1221 Locust St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19107; (215) 320-7500

2) HipCityVeg
For a more casual vegetarian lunch or dinner spot, HipCityVeg offers fresh, fast food made without any animal products. Each dish is 100% plant based, and everything from the food containers to the restaurant’s furnishings are recycled and made from energy-efficient materials. Flavorful salads, hearty veggie burgers, and sandwiches stacked high with toppings are all part of HipCityVeg’s tasty menu. Don't miss the eatery's signature Groothie!
127 S. 18th St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19103; (215) 278-7605

3) P.S. & Co.
With an industrial-style, light filled interior that’s just as appealing as its healthy menu, Locust Street’s P.S. & Co. is a must-try spot for Philly vegetarians and carnivores alike. The restaurant prides itself on being entirely organic, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, but each dish is prepared in such a way that even non-vegetarians will love the taste. Breakfast includes yogurts and porridges, while lunch and dinner soups, salads, and wraps will fill you up and make you feel good about what you’re consuming.
1706 Locust St. Philadelphia, Pa 19103; (215) 985-1706

Let Freedom Ring: 4 Fun Facts About the Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is a symbol of our nation’s independence, and it dates all the way back to the late 1700s. This beautiful icon is rich with American history, and even non-history buffs will appreciate its inspiring story. Here are a few key facts about the Liberty Bell.

The bell was originally cast in 1751.
The Pennsylvania colonists were so pleased that William Penn gave them the freedom to choose their own religion that the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly ordered the bell for the State House.

The original bell cracked and had to be replaced.
The first bell was cast in England, but cracked soon after arriving in Philadelphia. Two local craftsmen cast a new bell in 1753 out of metal from the original.

The Liberty Bell traveled around the country on tours.
In the late 1800s, the bell was such a symbol of freedom that it traveled around the U.S. to fairs and expositions to help unite the people after the Civil War. It returned to Philadelphia in 1915.

The bell weighs approximately 2,000 pounds.
It is made of 70% copper, 25% tin, and traces of lead, gold, silver, zinc, and arsenic. It still uses its original yoke, which is made of American elm and weighs 100 pounds.

Catch the Top Music Acts in Philly at The Electric Factory

The Electric Factory is one of America’s most well regarded indoor music venues and a center for Philadelphia’s own music scene. Opened in 1968, the venue moved from its original converted tire warehouse to a more appropriate converted electric factory in the mid-90s, where it remains a beacon for lovers of widespread musical genres. With a standing capacity of nearly 3,000 people (including a second-floor area overlooking the stage), this is one venue where you’ll want to be on your feet—whether that means dancing, head-banging, or scuffing along to the beat. The space is available for private functions and corporate events, but mostly it’s just a great place to go catch a live performance by local, national, or global acts.

The Electric Factory
421 N. 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-1332 (tickets)
www.electricfactory.info

Giorgio on Pine

Giorgio on Pine is a rustic trattoria featuring a savory menu of authentic Italian fare. Settle in with a glass of wine – it’s BYOB, but they’re happy to uncork and serve it to you. Fire up your appetite with an antipasti like Mussels & Clams with cognac & herbs, Grilled Caesar Salad, Carpaccio Salad with thinly shaved beef, and Sauteed Calamari with baby shrimp. Move on to a pasta course with something sumptuous like Linguini & Clams, Spaghetti with Baby Shrimp, or Ravioli with fresh basil cream sauce. Other entrees include Veal with Lemon, Loin of Pork, Chicken with Spinach, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Ribeye Steak, and Stuffed Chicken Breast. Pizza is also on the menu. Lunch specials feature three courses for $20.

Giorgio on Pine
1328 Pine St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6265
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giorgio-on-pine-philadelphia

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