Exploring Historic Philadelphia With Kids: A Revolutionary History Field Trip
Planning a trip to historic Philadelphia with kids? From Independence Hall to the Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia is filled with incredible opportunities to bring American history to life! Here’s how we spent a day exploring the birthplace of American independence with three homeschool families, plus our favorite experiences, money-saving tips, and a free field trip printable.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the United States! On July 4, 2026, our country celebrated 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
What better time to visit Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence?
We recently took a day trip to historic Philadelphia with two other homeschool families, and it was such an amazing experience!
My son is a huge history buff, so he was especially excited to see the places where so many important events in American history took place. But honestly, both of my kids absolutely loved everything we did.
Although we hadn’t spent a ton of time studying the American Revolution beforehand, we did watch Liberty’s Kids, which gave them a great foundation for understanding the people and events we’d encounter throughout the day.
One of the things that made this trip especially fun was experiencing it with friends. The kids were able to explore, ask questions, and discover new things together.
If you have friends who enjoy learning and exploring as much as your kids do, I highly recommend planning a trip like this together!
Here’s everything we did, what we loved, and some tips to help you plan your own historic Philadelphia adventure with kids.
Why Visit Historic Philadelphia With Kids?
Philadelphia is one of the best places to bring American history to life.
It’s where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and where the U.S. Constitution was written in 1787.
Instead of simply reading about these events in a textbook, kids can stand inside the buildings where history happened, walk along centuries-old streets, and imagine what life was like during the Revolutionary era.
Many of Philadelphia’s most important historic sites are located within walking distance of one another, making it possible to explore several attractions in a single day.
And while this makes an especially wonderful homeschool field trip, it’s just as valuable for families looking for a fun and educational outing.
Why We Loved Visiting With Other Homeschool Families
We went with two other homeschool families, and I’m so glad we did!
There’s something special about watching kids discover history together. They can share their excitement, ask questions, and talk about the things they find interesting.
Plus, spending the day with friends makes all that walking and sightseeing a little more fun!
I would highly recommend visiting Philadelphia with other families if you have the opportunity, especially if the kids enjoy learning together.
Of course, the key is finding families with similar interests and expectations. A day filled with historic sites, museums, and walking might not appeal to every child.
But when everyone is excited to explore and learn, it can be a fantastic experience!
You certainly don’t need a group to enjoy Philadelphia, though. There’s plenty for individual families to discover, too.
Our Day Exploring Historic Philadelphia
We spent a full day exploring some of Philadelphia’s most important historic attractions.
Our adventures included Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the Museum of the American Revolution, and a guided walking tour through Old City.
We also caught a glimpse of the Liberty Bell and visited several historic sites connected to Benjamin Franklin and other important figures from the Revolutionary era.
It was a busy day, but the kids had such a wonderful time!
Independence Hall: Where America Began
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Independence Hall.
This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed in 1776 and where delegates later debated and signed the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
It’s pretty incredible to think about the history that took place inside this building!
We visited during the morning open house, which was scheduled from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on the day of our visit.
Unlike the regular guided tours, the open house allowed us to explore the historic rooms at our own pace.
National Park Service rangers were stationed throughout the building to answer questions and share information.
I really liked this setup for visiting with kids because we could take our time, look around, and ask questions without worrying about keeping up with a tour group.
A few tips for visiting Independence Hall:
- Arrive early. Even though the open house was advertised as starting at 9:00 a.m., they began admitting visitors earlier. We arrived before 9:00, and there was already a line!
- Be prepared for security. Visitors must pass through a security checkpoint before entering.
- Check the current schedule. Open-house opportunities, tickets, and tour times can vary.
- Encourage your kids to ask questions. The park rangers are an excellent resource for learning more about the building and its history.
The open house was free, which made it an especially great stop for our families.
If you’re planning a visit, check the National Park Service website for current hours and tour information.
Congress Hall: Where the Early U.S. Congress Met
Right next to Independence Hall is Congress Hall, another fascinating historic building.
Congress Hall served as the meeting place for the United States Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the nation’s capital.
The House of Representatives met downstairs, while the Senate met upstairs.
We were able to see the historic chambers where lawmakers gathered during the early years of our country’s government.
This is a great stop for kids who are learning about Congress, the Constitution, and how our government works.
It also provides a wonderful opportunity to talk about the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Since Congress Hall is located right next to Independence Hall, I definitely recommend visiting both if you have the opportunity.
The Liberty Bell: A Quick Peek Through the Window
Of course, one of Philadelphia’s most famous attractions is the Liberty Bell!
Unfortunately, the line to enter the Liberty Bell Center was extremely long when we visited.
Since we had a full day planned, we decided not to wait.
We did manage to catch a glimpse of the bell through the window, though!
While it would have been nice to see it up close, we weren’t too disappointed. There’s so much to see in Philadelphia, and we can always save the Liberty Bell for another trip.
The Liberty Bell Center is free to visit, but visitors must pass through security.
My tip: If seeing the Liberty Bell is high on your list, plan to visit early or allow extra time in case there’s a long line.
A Kid-Friendly Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour
Another major highlight of our day was a guided walking tour through Old City Philadelphia.
We booked the kids’ walking tour with Step Into Philly, and it was absolutely worth it!
Our guide, Wendy, was a knowledgeable historian who was fantastic with the kids.
She didn’t just tell us dates and historical facts. She painted a picture of what life was like during the Revolutionary era and helped the children understand the people and events we were learning about.
She also made an effort to engage with each child, answer their questions, and make sure they understood what she was explaining.
The tour took us to several fascinating locations, including:
- Benjamin Franklin’s grave
- The Betsy Ross House
- Elfreth’s Alley
- The historic firehouse with the Benjamin Franklin statue covered in keys
- Franklin Court and the site of Benjamin Franklin’s home
- A historic printing press
- Carpenters’ Hall
The kids had a wonderful time, and Wendy even gave them a small gift at the end!
We paid $25 per person, and I felt it was completely worth the price. We also gave Wendy a tip because she did such a great job.
For families visiting Philadelphia with kids, I highly recommend considering a guided walking tour. There’s something special about hearing the stories behind the places you’re visiting rather than simply walking past them.
I’ll be sharing a separate, detailed review of our Step Into Philly kids’ walking tour, including what to expect, the stops we visited, and whether it’s worth the cost.
Museum of the American Revolution: A Must-Visit for Kids!
If there’s one museum I’d recommend adding to your Philadelphia itinerary, it’s the Museum of the American Revolution!
The museum explores the people, events, and experiences of the Revolutionary era through historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and immersive displays.
Both of my kids loved exploring the museum, especially because there were so many interesting things to see and do.
They also enjoyed completing the museum’s scavenger hunt, which gave them something specific to look for as we explored.
I love activities like this because they help keep kids engaged instead of simply walking from exhibit to exhibit.
Revolution Place: Hands-On History for Kids
Another favorite was Revolution Place, the museum’s interactive discovery area on the first floor.
This area lets kids explore what everyday life might have been like during the Revolutionary era.
My kids loved dressing up, pretending they were living during that time, and participating in hands-on crafts and activities.
After spending time exploring the museum’s exhibits, it was nice for them to have a space where they could play and use their imaginations.
I especially appreciate museums that include interactive experiences for children because they help make learning more engaging and memorable.
For families with younger kids, I’d definitely recommend making time for Revolution Place.
How We Visited the Museum for Free
One of my favorite money-saving tips from this trip was using our local library’s museum pass program!
Admission to the Museum of the American Revolution would have cost our family of four approximately $80.
But thanks to our library, we were able to get in for free!
Many public libraries offer museum passes that provide free or discounted admission to participating museums and other attractions.
Before paying for museum tickets, it’s always worth checking whether your local library offers this benefit.
Our library pass saved us around $80 on this trip alone!
I’ll be sharing a separate post explaining how library museum passes work and how you can use them to save money on family outings.
For current admission prices and visitor information, check the Museum of the American Revolution website.
Where We Ate in Philadelphia
Visiting a city with kids can get expensive quickly, especially when you factor in meals and snacks.
To save money, we packed our own lunch and ate at the shaded benches across from the Liberty Bell.
It was a convenient place to stop, relax, and enjoy our food before continuing our day.
Packing lunch was especially helpful since we were traveling with three families. We didn’t have to worry about finding a restaurant that could accommodate everyone in the middle of our sightseeing.
For dinner, we ate at Marathon Restaurant.
The restaurant was about a 26-minute walk from the Museum of the American Revolution.
And let me tell you, after a full day of walking and sightseeing, that was a little farther than the kids wanted to go!
They were hungry and definitely complained about the walk.
However, one of the biggest advantages of choosing Marathon was that they accepted reservations!
We had a group of 11 people, and finding a restaurant that could accommodate everyone on a Saturday night was important.
The last thing we wanted was to show up somewhere and wait an hour or more for a table with a bunch of hungry, tired kids!
Having a reservation meant we didn’t have to worry about a long wait for a table.
The restaurant itself was decent and accommodated our large group, which we appreciated. They also had a kids’ menu and enough options for everyone to find something they liked.
My recommendation: If you’re visiting Philadelphia with a large group, make dinner reservations ahead of time! I’d also suggest choosing a restaurant closer to your final attraction. After a full day of sightseeing, even a 26-minute walk can feel pretty long to hungry kids.
Where to Park in Historic Philadelphia
Parking in Philadelphia can be expensive, especially if you’re planning to leave your car somewhere all day.
When I was researching parking garages near the historic district, most of the options I found were around $28 or more.
Luckily, we found a much better deal!
We parked at One Independence Mall and paid just $13 for all-day parking on Saturday.
That’s a pretty significant savings compared to the other garages I looked at!
The location was convenient for exploring Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historic attractions. We were able to leave our car in one place all day without having to move it between stops.
There was one downside, though.
The parking garage didn’t open until 9:00 a.m.
Since we wanted to get an early start at Independence Hall, the garage’s opening time wasn’t ideal. We also discovered that Independence Hall began admitting visitors before its advertised 9:00 a.m. open-house time, so arriving early is definitely worth considering.
If you’re planning to visit Independence Hall first thing in the morning, keep garage opening times in mind when choosing where to park.
My parking tips:
- Compare parking rates before your trip. We found options costing $28 or more, so our $13 weekend rate was a great deal.
- Check garage opening hours. Some garages may not open early enough for your sightseeing plans.
- Choose a convenient location. Look for parking within walking distance of several attractions so you won’t have to move your car throughout the day.
- Verify current rates and hours. Parking prices and schedules can change, especially between weekdays and weekends.
Overall, I was really happy with our parking choice. For $13, we were able to leave our car in a convenient location for the entire day!
Tips for Visiting Historic Philadelphia With Kids
After spending the day exploring Philadelphia with our homeschool friends, here are a few things I’d recommend for families planning a similar trip.
1. Introduce the History Before Your Visit
You don’t need to spend weeks studying the American Revolution before visiting Philadelphia, but having some background knowledge can make the experience much more meaningful.
We watched Liberty’s Kids, which introduced my children to many of the important people and events from the Revolutionary era.
My son already loves history, but I think watching the series beforehand helped both kids connect what they were seeing to what they had learned.
You can also read books, watch educational videos, or talk about the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution before your trip.
2. Consider Visiting With Other Families
One of the things I loved most about this trip was sharing the experience with two other homeschool families.
Not only did the kids get to spend the day with their friends, but they also had the opportunity to learn and explore together.
I highly recommend planning educational outings with other families when possible, especially when the kids have similar interests and enjoy learning together.
Of course, not every child will be excited about spending an entire day exploring historical sites, so it helps to go with families who have similar expectations for the trip.
When everyone is on the same page, a group field trip can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience!
3. Start Your Day Early
Philadelphia’s historic attractions can get busy, especially on weekends.
We arrived at Independence Hall before its scheduled 9:00 a.m. open-house time, but there was already a line.
Starting early gives you a better chance of avoiding crowds and helps you fit more activities into your day.
Just remember to check parking garage hours if you’re planning to arrive early!
4. Check Your Library for Free Museum Passes
Before purchasing museum tickets, check with your local library!
Our library museum pass saved us approximately $80 on admission to the Museum of the American Revolution.
It’s a great way to make educational family outings more affordable.
5. Pack Lunch and Plenty of Snacks
Packing lunch saved us money and made our day easier.
We didn’t have to find a restaurant that could accommodate three families during our sightseeing.
I’d also recommend bringing plenty of snacks and water, especially if you’ll be walking around for several hours.
6. Make Dinner Reservations for Large Groups
If you’re visiting Philadelphia with several families, I highly recommend making dinner reservations in advance.
We had 11 people in our group, and finding a restaurant that could accommodate us on a busy Saturday night was a huge relief!
By dinnertime, the kids were hungry and tired from walking all day.
Having a reservation meant we didn’t have to worry about standing around waiting for a table.
If possible, choose a restaurant close to your final attraction, too!
7. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Plan for Breaks
Historic Philadelphia is very walkable, but that doesn’t mean you won’t cover a lot of ground!
We walked quite a bit throughout the day, and by the time we headed to dinner, the kids were definitely ready to stop.
Comfortable shoes, snacks, and occasional breaks can make a big difference.
8. Make Learning Interactive
One of the reasons my kids loved the Museum of the American Revolution was the scavenger hunt.
It gave them a fun challenge while encouraging them to pay attention to the exhibits.
You can make your entire Philadelphia trip more interactive by having your kids look for historical landmarks, write down interesting facts, or draw their favorite discoveries.
To help with that, I’ve created a free Philadelphia Revolutionary History Field Trip Printable!
We love finding creative ways to make learning hands-on, whether we’re exploring a museum or spending time outdoors. One of our favorite activities is nature scavenger art, which encourages kids to observe their surroundings and turn their discoveries into art.
Free Philadelphia Revolutionary History Field Trip Printable
Planning a trip to historic Philadelphia with kids? I’ve created a FREE Philadelphia Revolutionary History Field Trip Memory Book to help kids remember and reflect on everything they learned!
This 8-page printable is designed to be completed after your visit, giving kids a chance to think back on the historic places they explored and the interesting things they discovered.
The booklet includes writing prompts and drawing activities covering:
- Independence Square: Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and the Liberty Bell
- Benjamin Franklin’s Philadelphia: His grave, Franklin Court, and the historic printing press
- Historic Old Philadelphia: The Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, Carpenters’ Hall, and other walking tour highlights
- Museum of the American Revolution: Memorable exhibits, stories, and artifacts, including George Washington’s headquarters tent
- My Philadelphia Revolution Report: A final reflection where kids can share their favorite discoveries, three things they learned, and something that surprised them
I love that this gives kids an opportunity to revisit what they learned instead of letting all those interesting facts fade away after the trip.
It’s also a wonderful way to practice writing, critical thinking, and observation skills while creating a keepsake from your Philadelphia adventure!
If your kids enjoy creating keepsakes from their adventures, they might also love our Free Summer Memory Book Printable, which gives them another fun way to record their favorite experiences and memories.
Is Historic Philadelphia Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely!
This was one of our favorite educational family outings, and I’m so glad we made the trip.
Both of my kids genuinely loved the experience.
My son, who is a huge history buff, was especially amazed by the places we visited. But even though we hadn’t spent a lot of time formally studying the American Revolution, both kids were interested and engaged throughout the day.
I also loved that we got to share the experience with two other homeschool families.
Watching the kids explore historic sites, learn new things, and spend time with their friends made the trip even more special.
There’s something pretty amazing about standing in the same places where so many important moments in American history took place.
And visiting during the year of our country’s 250th anniversary made the experience feel even more meaningful.
We didn’t get to see everything, and that’s okay! We still want to visit the Liberty Bell up close, and I’m sure there are plenty of other places we’ll want to explore on a future trip.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational day trip with kids, I highly recommend historic Philadelphia.
And if you have friends who love learning and exploring as much as your family does, invite them along!
Sometimes the best field trips are the ones you get to experience together.
