Philadelphia in 1 Day for Families - Private, expert-led walking tour focused on Alexander Hamilton and his contemporaries
In Collaboration with phillyPHAT. Updated on February 2, 2026.
Private 2.5-hour guided walking tour following Alexander Hamilton’s footsteps in historic Philadelphia. Meet at the Independence Visitor Center and visit Independence Hall, the President's House site, the Second and First Banks of the United States, Carpenter's Hall, the site on Walnut Street associated with Hamilton's Philadelphia life, and Christ Church. Suitable for families with children age 9
This itinerary was created in collaboration with phillyPHAT, inspired by the tour Hamilton Private Walking Tour-The Tour where it Happens!. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private, expert-led walking tour focused on Alexander Hamilton and his contemporaries
- See the President's House site, Second Bank, First Bank, Carpenter's Hall and Christ Church
- Designed for family groups (minimum age 10) with clear pacing, regular breaks and photo stops
Itinerary
Day 1
A paced, private 2.5-hour family walking tour through Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park focusing on Alexander Hamilton's life and local sites from his time in the city.
Meet & Briefing — Independence Visitor Center
Assemble at the Independence Visitor Center for check-in, quick introductions, safety briefing, and a short overview of the route. Guide hands out a simple map and points out restroom locations and meeting points.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to use public restrooms inside the Visitor Center (helpful for families).
- Strollers are OK on flat sidewalks but keep them folded on narrow pathways near historic sites; there are benches inside the Visitor Center for diaper changes/snack time.
- Bring a lightweight daypack with snacks and a refillable water bottle — spring weather in May can be cool in the morning and warm by midday.
Outside Independence Hall — Introduction to Hamilton in Philadelphia
Short outside visit and storytelling near Independence Hall to set the historical context: Hamilton’s role in early U.S. government and key characters you’ll meet on the walk.
Tips from local experts:
- You’ll view Independence Hall from outside — plan for light walking across cobblestones; comfortable shoes recommended for kids.
- If your family member needs a quieter spot, the small lawns around the building offer seating away from the main crowd.
- Spring mornings can still be windy; bring a light layer and a small umbrella in case of a shower.
President's House Site — Conversation about the Early Presidency
Guided stop at the President's House site to discuss how Philadelphia functioned as a capital and Hamilton’s interactions with presidents and politicians of the era.
Tips from local experts:
- This site is mostly an open-air interpretation area — supervise younger kids near the edge of memorial features.
- Use this 15-minute stop for a quick hydration break — public benches are nearby.
- Guide will share an age-appropriate summary of complex topics (e.g., slavery in the era) — tell the guide if you want a simplified or a deeper explanation for teens.
Second Bank of the United States — Financial history and Hamilton’s legacy
Stop at the façade of the Second Bank to discuss early U.S. finance, Hamilton’s banking ideas, and how these buildings shaped civic life.
Tips from local experts:
- Great photo-op: the bank's columned façade makes a fun family portrait backdrop.
- There is a block of flat sidewalk here for stroller parking while families step closer for photos.
- If kids are restless, plan a quick 'spot the eagle' scavenger hunt on the façade to keep them engaged.
Carpenter's Hall — Craftsmen, politics and the people
Explore the exterior and nearby area of Carpenter's Hall while your guide explains grassroots political life in Revolutionary Philadelphia and where Hamilton fit into that world.
Tips from local experts:
- Carpenter's Hall area has short stair access; if anyone in your group needs step-free routing, tell the guide and they’ll point out the gentler path.
- Ideal 15-minute stop for a quick storytelling moment—kids often enjoy imagining the meeting scenes described by the guide.
- There’s a small cafe nearby for a restroom or snack if needed after the stop (good backup for families).
First Bank of the United States — Site visit and children's engagement
Discuss the First Bank’s role and Hamilton’s influence; guide uses short interactive prompts to help children remember key facts.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this quieter 15-minute pause to let kids stretch —there's space on the sidewalk and benches nearby.
- Guide offers a simple, age-appropriate explanation of banking — ask for recommended kid-friendly reading or activities if you want to continue learning later.
- If anyone needs toilets, the guide will point to the nearest public restroom (often at the Visitor Center or nearby museums).
Walnut Street 240 — Hamilton's Philadelphia connections & Maria Reynolds context
Visit the Walnut Street area referenced in the agenda to talk about where Hamilton lived and the social circles of his time; guide uses the corner as a storytelling anchor (short walk-through and photo stop).
Tips from local experts:
- 240 Walnut St is a public street address; watch for traffic while regrouping — guide will control crossing points.
- This stop is great for teens — suggest asking the guide about the scandal of Hamilton and Maria Reynolds for an engaging historical drama angle.
- Bring a small hand sanitizer and wet wipes — spring pollen can make little hands itchy after touching building plaques or railings.
Christ Church — Religion, community, and Hamilton’s connections
Visit the exterior and grounds of Christ Church to discuss the role of churches in 18th-century civic life and any Hamilton ties. Walker-friendly stop with benches and shade in spring.
Tips from local experts:
- Christ Church has a peaceful lawn — perfect for a short family snack/rest break and a calm moment amid the tour.
- There are steps to some parts of the church; if anyone needs step-free access, the guide will point out the accessible route.
- Check the church's posted hours if you’d like to step inside after the tour; many families enjoy visiting the burial ground for a quiet moment.
Wrap-up, Q&A and Photos — Final reflections
A 15-minute wrap where the guide answers questions, offers tailored reading or family activities, and points out nearby attractions or kid-friendly museums you can visit next.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for family-friendly follow-up activities — local suggestions often include short museums or playgrounds within walking distance.
- This is a good time to exchange photos — the guide can take a group picture for you against a historic backdrop.
- Before leaving, confirm restroom locations and transit/ride-share pick-up spots if you have younger family members who need a seat or a rest.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Experience |
