Rodrigosaffiliates Magazine Travel Series
Do you recall the joy of a family outing at the Grand Canyon or the excitement of visiting the White House with your kids? Family trips have a special way of creating lasting memories, not just for us as children but also for our own kids. These vacation moments tend to stay with us forever. Travel enthusiast Jim Graves journeys with his wife and their two daughters, aged 10 and 11, sharing tips on destinations, activities, and dining options.
Philadelphia kicks off our series highlighting family-friendly travel ideas. We’ve also included several colleges in the vicinity, because it’s never too early to start planning for your child’s future adventures.
We encourage our readers to share their travel insights! Reach out to us with recommendations on where to visit, what to do, and the best eateries from your own travels. We would love to see your photos as well!
Email: Tricia@Rodrigosaffiliates.com
Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels!
Philadelphia
By Jim Graves
Attractions
Among Philadelphia’s highlights areIndependence Hall(https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehall.htm) and theLiberty Bell(https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/libertybellcenter.htm). Independence Hall is where pivotal documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were ratified, while the Liberty Bell stands as a powerful emblem of American liberty. If you’re planning to visit from March to December, it’s advisable to secure your tickets for Independence Hall online. The Independence Visitor Center also offers complimentary films.
Eastern State Penitentiary(https://www.easternstate.org/) is a must-see attraction in Philadelphia. This historical prison operated from 1829 until 1971, housing notable inmates such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton. With an audio guide, visitors can explore the old cells, expansive corridors, and the exercise yard, as well as the synagogue, while listening to stories from former inmates and staff. Several captivating displays showcase life in the prison and significant events, including the entrance to a 97-foot tunnel excavated by inmates during a 1945 escape attempt.
Just a short walk from the Penitentiary is thePhiladelphia Museum of Art(http://www.philamuseum.org/), a striking venue that showcases a world-renowned art collection, including magnificent Impressionist pieces from artists like Monet. Be sure to peruse the online calendar for current special exhibits; during our visit, we enjoyed a watercolor showcase featuring Homer and Sargent. The museum houses an extensive permanent collection, highlighting medieval armor, a Japanese teahouse, and artifacts from East Asia and the Byzantine Empire. On the first Sunday of the month or Wednesday evenings, visitors can “pay what you wish.” Don’t forget to visit the café—arrive early to beat the crowds, start from the top floor, and make your way downward. When you’re finished, don’t miss the chance to sprint up the renowned “Rocky steps” for a stunning view of Philadelphia.
At the historic end of the city, you can tour theBetsy Ross House(http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/what-to-see/) to learn about the woman who is believed to have stitched the first American flag. Betsy’s life story includes being widowed twice before age 30 and her involvement in the Revolutionary War. The audio tour allows visitors to engage with various exhibits in the house, and at the end, you can meet a character portraying Betsy Ross, who can show kids how to craft 5-pointed flag stars using fabric shears. On the ground floor, there’s a hands-on exhibit featuring items that kids can interact with. We also picked up a Philadelphia sweatshirt from the souvenir shop, and there’s a concession stand in the courtyard where you can relax and have lunch.
Crossing the Delaware River, in Camden, New Jersey, you’ll find theBattleship New Jersey(http://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/). Perfect for history buffs or children who love to explore, this battleship participated in World War II and served as Admiral William Halsey’s flagship. It was re-commissioned multiple times until its retirement in 1991. Your adventure involves navigating steep stairways and low ceilings as you explore various parts of the ship, including the gun deck, sleeping quarters, barbershop, laundry room, navigation area, and mess hall. The deck offers a picturesque view of the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline.
Lodging
We opted for three nights atThe Windsor Suites(http://www.thewindsorsuites.com/), an ideal family accommodation located downtown. Our spacious one-bedroom suite featured two double beds and a queen-sized sofa bed in the living area, along with a large walk-in closet, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a balcony with a delightful cityscape view. Its prime location places you near attractions like the stunning Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Dining
After arriving late, we headed toTGI Fridays(https://www.tgifridays.com/), just a block from The Windsor Suites on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and open until midnight. This spot is ideal for hearty meals including burgers, steaks, or salads. I enjoyed the grilled salmon, while the pot stickers and mozzarella sticks made for great appetizers. The vibrant atmosphere and lively music make it popular among both tourists and locals.
Across from Eastern State Penitentiary, you’ll findJack’s Firehouse(http://www.jacksfirehouse.com/default.aspx), a charming restaurant set in a historic fire station. Open for both lunch and dinner, we decided to try their weekend brunch. The décor features high ceilings and antique wood, with a brass fireman’s pole on display. Dine indoors or al fresco when the weather is nice. The menu showcases a delightful mix of Southern cuisine, like buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, and cherry dishes. Standout offerings also include black-eyed pea and ham soup, cheesesteaks, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, grilled shrimp salads, and homemade fries. Their unique selection of beers and the highly praised Bloody Mary should not be missed, and we treated ourselves to warm chocolate chip cookies and butter cake for dessert.
At the bustling Reading Terminal Market, we sampled Italian delights atMaggiano’s Little Italy(http://www.maggianos.com/). Known for its pizzas and pastas, the extensive menu features everything from lasagna, flatbread, and ravioli to a chopped salad and filet mignon medallions served with creamy mashed potatoes. The bustling atmosphere is family-friendly, with large portion sizes and a full bar available for adults.
While visiting Independence Hall, make a point to stop by theRed Owl Tavern(http://www.redowltavern.com/) located directly across from the iconic sites. This eatery offers delightful meals suitable for everyone. We enjoyed brunch here, with options ranging from waffles, pastries, French toast with apple cranberry compote, quiches, fresh fruit, and various egg dishes. Their lunch offerings include the Philly cheesesteak and tavern burger, with bakery-fresh pastries made on-site also available for purchase.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t missThe Franklin Fountain(http://www.franklinfountain.com/) at Market Street’s end in the historic district. This charming spot offers a wide variety of homemade ice cream, sundaes, shakes, banana splits, and floats. The nostalgic atmosphere and warm customer service make it a local favorite, though be prepared for a line (they only accept cash). We indulged in a float, sundae, and their unique ice cream flavors, and it was hard to make a final decision with so many tempting options on the menu.
TheCity Tavern Restaurant(https://www.citytavern.com/) transports diners to colonial America, providing a culinary experience that mirrors the food enjoyed by our founding fathers in the 18th century. Chef Walter Staib, renowned for his television appearances and published cookbooks, curates the menu. The restaurant’s colonial décor—complete with period furnishings, pewter goblets, live harp music, and staff in costume—creates an immersive dining environment. Entrees include period breads, crab cakes, corn chowder, turkey pot pie, and lobster pie, with a kid-friendly menu available. For adults seeking a taste of history, the “ales of the Revolution” sampler offers four different historical beers.
Lastly, we visitedIron Hill Brewery & Restaurant(http://www.ironhillbrewery.com/), a thriving chain with multiple locations in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. We dined at their Maple Shade, New Jersey location post-Battleship New Jersey tour. This establishment offers an appealing menu of burgers, pizzas, steaks, soups, sandwiches, salads, and fish & chips, along with a selection of craft beers brewed on-site (the sampler is a must-try). A kids menu and delectable desserts, such as the Triple Chocolate Hill, complete the experience.
Philadelphia is a remarkable city steeped in history, offering a wealth of attractions for families. Consider making a trip there soon!
Editor’s Note: Jim Graves is a family-focused travel writer whose work has been featured in various parenting publications, including Birmingham Parent, Family Time/Chicago, LA Parent, New York Family, OC Family, Pittsburgh Parent, Sacramento Parent, and Utah Family magazines. Now, Rodrigosaffiliates joins the list.
Colleges in the Philadelphia Area (partial listing)
University of Pennsylvania
Swarthmore College
Haverford College
Bryn Mawr
Drexel University
Villanova
University of Delaware
