Philadelphia in 2 Days for Families - Please Touch Museum (hands-on for toddlers/preschoolers)
A relaxed, stroller-friendly 2-day plan in Philadelphia for families with young children. Focuses on interactive museums, outdoor play, short transfers, kid-friendly meals, and built-in rest/snack breaks. Best visited in May when outdoor waterfront spaces and playgrounds are lively but not yet crowded.
Highlights
- Please Touch Museum (hands-on for toddlers/preschoolers)
- Philadelphia Zoo (paved paths and family facilities)
- The Franklin Institute (interactive science exhibits)
- Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse (large shaded play area)
- Reading Terminal Market (varied, allergy-aware food choices)
- Franklin Square (carousel & mini golf)
- Spruce Street Harbor Park (waterfront hammocks & vendors)
Itinerary
Day 1
Hands-on morning at Please Touch, local lunch at Reading Terminal, afternoon at the Zoo, then a relaxed early evening on the Delaware River waterfront.
Please Touch Museum — hands-on play for toddlers & preschoolers
Large interactive museum housed in Memorial Hall with exhibits designed for ages ~1–7. Lots of space for little ones to explore, pretend-play areas, and stroller-friendly routes.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 1–7 — arrive at opening (9:30) to avoid lines and use extra exploring time before naps.
- Memorial Hall entrance is stroller-friendly; there is designated stroller parking near admissions and family restrooms/nursing rooms inside the museum.
- Bring a small snack and a water bottle—there are quiet corners and benches where caregivers can sit while little ones explore.
Lunch at Reading Terminal Market — flexible, allergy-aware choices
Historic indoor market with dozens of vendors so every child can pick something they like. Plenty of casual seating and quick-service options.
Tips from local experts:
- Great for picky eaters and allergies — vendors can often accommodate substitutions; ask for high-chair availability when you pick a spot.
- Stroller tip: go early (12:15) to avoid peak aisle crowds; plan to eat at the central seating to keep everyone together.
- If you need a quiet spot for a short nap or snack, head to the benches along the east side of the market or step into the adjacent Jefferson Station concourse for seating.
Philadelphia Zoo — animals on paved, stroller-friendly paths
One of the oldest zoos in the country with paved routes, family restrooms, and a children's zoo area. Good mid-afternoon outing when animals are active.
Tips from local experts:
- Best for ages 2–12 — bring a lightweight stroller or wagon; paths are paved and mostly flat for easy movement.
- Use family restrooms and the zoo’s nursing/quiet areas if you need a short break or diaper change; water bottle refill stations are near the main plaza.
- Plan a gentle loop rather than trying to see everything—target the Kids’ Zone and the big-cat viewing first to match typical toddler attention spans.
Spruce Street Harbor Park — waterfront wind-down and casual food stalls
Seasonal riverfront park on Penn's Landing with hammocks, family seating, shaded areas, and vendor stands — a mellow place for kids to run a little and parents to relax.
Tips from local experts:
- Seasonal opening (typically May onward) — early evening (around 5:30) is less crowded and more stroller-friendly.
- Hammocks are fun for older kids (supervised) and there are shady benches for toddlers—bring a light blanket for extra comfort.
- Food vendors vary; pick stalls with visible prep for allergy needs and sit in the family-friendly picnic areas near the playground.
Day 2
Playground morning, a short transfer to a big science museum with lunch and quiet zones, then an afternoon in historic Franklin Square with carousel and mini-golf before an early family pizza dinner.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse — big outdoor play area
Huge wooden play structure and shaded lawns ideal for energetic kids (best for ages 1–10). Free entry with a small fee for carousel rides; plenty of safe space for toddlers and preschoolers.
Tips from local experts:
- Perfect for toddlers and early school-age kids — bring sunscreen and water; the playground has large shady trees for breaks.
- Stroller parking is just outside the play area (bring a light lock or keep strollers on sight) and stroller-friendly paths lead to the playhouse entrance.
- There are nearby benches and restrooms; consider a short mid-morning snack break to avoid late-morning meltdowns.
Transfer: short drive or trolley from Smith Playground to The Franklin Institute
Allow travel time for restroom/change breaks and a calm transition before the museum visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Factor 30 minutes for a stress-free transfer with a stroller—use this time for a snack or diaper change in the car or stroller area.
- If using transit, the #15 trolley/nearby buses run between Fairmount and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway—check schedules in advance for stroller space.
- If driving, aim for short-term parking near the Franklin Institute to avoid a long walk with tired little ones.
The Franklin Institute — interactive science for curious kids
A hands-on science museum with child-focused exhibits (brain, sports, space) and planetarium shows. Good for ages ~4–12, with toddler-friendly areas and places to sit/rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to arrive for a specific planetarium show or live demo—shows have limited seating so book or line up early for the 1–2pm slots.
- Stroller-friendly with elevators and wide galleries; family restrooms and quiet corners can be used for short naps or sensory breaks.
- Pack a small bag of snacks; the museum café offers kid-friendly meals and allergy-aware options—eat in the cafe seating to regroup before more exploring.
Franklin Square — carousel, mini golf & playground
Compact park with a historic carousel, small playground, and a family-friendly mini-golf course—great short afternoon activity with picnic areas.
Tips from local experts:
- Carousel tokens are inexpensive and popular—buy early in the visit to avoid lines, and the nearby playground is shaded for toddlers.
- Mini golf is family-sized and relaxed; bring a light jacket in spring evenings as river breezes can be cool.
- Public restrooms are nearby; there are several picnic spots if you want to spread out snacks and let a child rest for 10–20 minutes.
Early family dinner at Pizzeria Vetri — kid-friendly pizza and options
Casual pizzeria with approachable menu for children, high chairs, and flexible ingredient options for common allergies. Good end-of-day relaxed meal before bedtime.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early (around 5:30) to avoid wait times and secure a high-chair or booth seating for family comfort.
- Pizzeria Vetri typically offers simple pizzas and can handle common substitutions—ask about gluten-free/vegetarian options if needed.
- Keep dinner short and calm to respect young children's bedtimes; ask staff for quick-check portions or a pizza to share so everyone eats without long waits.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 7 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Meal, Outdoor, Transfer, Restaurant |
