My son loves the National Treasure Movies so we felt it was time to take him to Philadelphia. He was 7 at the time. My brother lived in DC so after a visit with him, we all went to Philly and got a chance to catch up with our cousins who live there.
We took Amtrak train to Philadelphia from Washington DC. It is very easy to do. I would highly suggest you book tickets ahead of time. They do have a snack car that has a few tables you can sit and eat at, play games or work at. For more info on Amtrak click here: I took this train for about 10 yrs growing up from Ohio to NJ. We always paid for a sleeper car that had beds and a bathroom in a small private room.
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Once we got there we got a taxi to our hotel. We usually stay at Marriott's so we chose the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel.
Once Upon a Nation are story tellers, reenactments of history from the past around Philadelphia. We loved this and happened to fit one into our schedule. They have them at these locations:
1. Independence Visitor Center
2. Independence Square, behind Independence Hall
3. Signer’s Garden
4. Carpenters’ Hall
5. Museum of the American Revolution
6. The Powel House
7. Elfreth’s Alley
8. Franklin Court
9. Christ Church
10. Betsy Ross House
11. Arch Street Meeting House
12. The Lincoln Financial Storytelling Bench at the National Constitution Center
13. Franklin Square
You Get a flag at your first one and if your Flag has all the stars colored you can be redeem it for a History Hero Certificate and a free carousel ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel at Franklin Square.
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is amazing to see. At this time they only allow 20 people at a time to go see it. The address is 526 Market Street. It is a first come first serve The year we went, pre-covid they let larger groups in, but I bet it is nice to have only a few at a time in there.
We got to go up ot the rope to take pictures and take a better look at the crack.
After this we went to Independence Hall right across the street. You need a ticket to the tour.
You can book your tickets on line ahead of time here. If you want to call that day and see what they have call this number 215-965-2305 or starting at 8:30 am each day you can get tickets at the Ranger’s Desk in the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets.
We then took a carriage ride around the area to see and hear more history.
We then went to Franklin Square
They have the most adorable Putt Putt here!
We ate at the Jones Restaurant.
Day 2
We started our day having breakfast at Cosi
After here we went to Fragments of Franklin Court
This was great as my son got to see first hand how they use to make a newspaper. They also have a museum you can go through here.
Right near here is the Betsy Ross House so we walked there.
Located at 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 There current hours are Friday - Monday, 10 am - 5 pm.
Tickets are $5, $4 for Seniors and children and it is a self guided tour. There are some stairs in the house to walk up and down. You can buy tickets here:
After this we took a taxi to eat at the Reading Terminal Market, one of Americas oldest markets! They have lots of "shops" to gran something to eat at, fresh fish, fresh food, and little regular shops here too. (In National Treasure remember she hid behind the fish counter, that was here!) We chose to sit down in one of the places in here and my son had his first Philly Cheesesteak at the Down home Diner inside the Market. Some places are cash only. so make sure you have cash.
We then took a taxi to the Franklin Institute.
It is a great hands on museum!
Click here to get tickets.
It was a quick but fun trip to Philly and we hope to come back soon!
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