Fun for All Ages
Yes, you have our permission: Go Play!
Day One
Morning: Visit The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia's famous science museum. Generations of school-aged children flock there each year and well into their adulthoods can recall walking through the giant-sized heart (local couples have been known to get engaged there as well). Permanent exhibits cover the science and magic of train travel, space, electricity and the brain. The Fels Planetarium - the nation's second oldest - reveals the secrets of the cosmos on its 60-foot-diameter dome. The Tuttleman IMAX Theater envelopes viewers in science and nature films that are stunning in their vision and scope.
Afternoon: Philadelphia is best seen on foot, especially as you walk the pathways our forefathers trod when coming to and from sites like Independence Hall and Carpenter's Hall. The Constitutional Walking Tour is a 75-minute outdoor family friendly walking adventure. Visit more than 20 sites, including Betsy Ross House, the Liberty Bell and the Declaration House. After dark, a "Spirits of 76 Ghost Tour" appears on the scene. To keep the mood festive and fun, admissions include a free glowstick.
Evening: Get your game on at Dave and Busters! Enjoy a lively atmosphere with hundreds of games to play, from the classics to games with the latest cutting-edge technology. Sharpen your skills, pile up the ticket wins and redeem them for cool prizes. Then fill up from a menu of great food and drink. If your li'l gamers prefer to watch the pro's, the dining room has plenty of HD flatscreens, streaming sports from all across the world.
Day Two
Morning: The National Constitution Center is a unique museum with interactive programs and exhibits that focus on the Constitution, its history and relevance today. The story is presented in age-appropriate doses, so that even youngsters can appreciate the story of our protection of individual freedom. A favorite spot is Signer's Hall, where 42 life-sized, bronze statues are captured in life-like poses. Selfie with Ben Franklin, anyone?
Afternoon: The comic genius of The Three Stooges is preserved at The Stoogeum, a one-of-a-kind museum devoted to their novel knuckleheadedness. Through artifacts, posters, merchandise, and genuine props used by Moe, Larry and Curly (and Shemp... and Joe... and Curly Joe...), the mayhem of the Stooges is presented in all its pie-throwing glory. If that's not enough, the 85-seat theater plays an endless run of the team's comedic short films.
Evening: Each ski season, the thrills of Spring Mountain Adventures and its 535-foot drop take on a totally different character when the sun goes down. The seven trails become even more challenging when bathed in the blue of a moonlit winter evening. Afterward, you and your ski school grads can warm up with a snack in the Freshies Café.
Day Three
Morning: Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, where General George Washington and his troops encamped during the winter of 1777-1778. Programming throughout the year captivates children in the story of the soldiers and their struggles to ensure liberty. Children can periodically "enlist" in the Continental Army; each President's Day, kids serenade General Washington with a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday to You," before diving into his huge cake; and nature-loving children can take part in the Junior Ranger program, earning a badge in the process.
Afternoon: Has your afternoon turned damp or rainy? No need to sit at home or bide your time in a hotel room. Jump on over to Sky Zone, a unique indoor trampoline park. Imagine a seemingly endless sea of trampolines, all connected to form one massive, springy surface. Now, imagine that surface enclosed with angled trampolines that allow kids to literally bounce off the walls. Zones are segmented by age and activity, meaning that even if you've got a little-jumper, he or she can have fun safely. Half-pint hoppers can jump around at nearby BounceU.
Evening: Experience the endless fun at Arnold's Family Fun Center with go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, duck pin bowling and inflatable bounces. The largest arcade in the area lets you challenge the latest in video gaming and also reach back to the retro days of pinball and skee-ball. If all that carb-burning leaves you hungry, the Pizza and Salad Bar Buffet caters to more youthful tastes, and the Bistro & Bar provides refreshment for the adults.
