PHILADELPHIA - If you're planning a family vacation to Philadelphia this spring, you should know a few things. You'll want to spend time at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Franklin Institute, and the Legoland Discovery Center, among other things. For younger children, the Crayola Experience will be a hit! Legoland is an excellent destination for a family day out for the older set.


Easy Spring Break Vacations for Philly Families

Listed below are a few of our staff-pick for getting out of the city for a fun day trip with the entire family!

Elmwood Park Zoo

An educational experience is guaranteed at Elmwood Park Zoo. The Zoo's education department is dedicated to providing visitors with hands-on learning opportunities. Specialty programs allow guests to experience the Zoo from a different perspective and offer the chance to purchase unique souvenirs. These programs include onsite animal shows, spring and summer camps, and "Zoo-On-Wheels" community outreach programs.

While the Zoo is not a huge place, it's still manageable for young children. Located in Norristown, PA, the Zoo features a variety of animal exhibits, snack vendors, and restrooms. A reward system lets kids earn stamps as they feed the animals. Parents can also use the Zoo's playground to spend time together as a family.

Washington Crossing Historic Park

A day trip to Washington Crossing Historic Park in eastern Pennsylvania offers 500 acres of American history and natural beauty. You'll get to see the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776, turning the tide of the Revolutionary War in his favor. You can help preserve the park's historical materials by making tax-deductible donations to the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park. The Friends collect artifacts and equipment from the colonial era, and they greatly appreciate your support.

You can also visit the Civil War battlefields near Philadelphia. The park also features a hidden gem, the American Helicopter Museum, and Education Center. This attraction offers family activities like making ice cream and drinking tea. During fall, you can visit the historic site's historical structures and relive the history of the city's founding. There are guided tours available Wednesday through Sunday. If you don't have time to tour the park, you can explore the grounds and enjoy a picnic. Be sure to pack some water and food for your picnic!

Crayola Experience

Take your family on a spring day trip to the Crayola Experience, a museum that features over 26 interactive attractions. Kids can make their own crayons, name a star on a coloring page, etc. There's even a place to play on an 85-foot water table. The Crayola Experience is located in Easton, PA, just a short drive outside Philadelphia.

Legoland Discovery Center

A day trip to Legoland Discovery Center Philadelphia is perfect for kids from three to ten years. The center is housed inside the Plymouth Meeting Mall, just 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia. There are several rides, 4D movies, master model builder workshops, and party rooms to enjoy during your visit. For those who want to avoid the lines and crowds, a cafe serves pizza, sandwiches, and other snacks.

The Miniland features more than 1.5 million LEGO bricks, including the famous Rocky climbing the stairs of the Museum of Art. There are also several interactive displays where kids can test their building skills, including the Eagles playing in Lincoln Financial Field and the Schuylkill River. For older kids, the Pirate Island Adventure is more exciting because it resembles the city of Philadelphia. Despite the price tag, it's well worth the trip.

Reading Pagoda

Located on Mt. Penn, the Reading Pagoda is one of the area's most famous landmarks. It has been a beacon for more than a century and is owned by the city of Reading. It attracts visitors worldwide and offers an unrivaled view of the city. It is especially meaningful at night. In addition to being a great place to visit with children, it's also home to an onsite museum and cafe.

If you are looking for a day trip from Philadelphia for families, visit the Reading Public Museum. The museum features an impressive collection of over 300,000 artifacts that span many subjects. It features three floors and has sections dedicated to different types of art and civilizations. The museum also regularly hosts special exhibits and offers a planetarium. The grounds also have a sculpture garden and arboretum.


The Philadelphia area is home to many kid-friendly attractions, so your children can get some great exercise. They can take a low-key day trip or an all-out amusement park excursion. Remember to use masks and social distancing techniques, and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs and bacteria. This isn't an excuse to avoid visiting the Franklin Institute or the Liberty Bell! Philadelphia has enough kid-friendly destinations to offer an unforgettable spring or summer day trip.