Whether you’re keeping your kids busy in the weeks between school and camp or entertaining out-of-town visitors this summer, think about forgoing the trip to the shore and keeping it local by exploring Philadelphia.
Mini Golf at Franklin Square
Get into the swing of things at the Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course at Franklin Square. It’s a great way to get to know the city as players putt their way around miniature Philly icons like Elfreth’s Alley, Independence Hall, the Rocky Steps (aka the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps) and the Chinese Friendship Gate. Perfect for a play date or date night.
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Tip: Take a photo next to each mini icon. Then, go to the real life-sized attraction and take a second photo. The task creates a scavenger hunt taking you to the city’s most popular attractions (and makes for some fun Instagram posts).
Explore Laurel Hill Cemetery
Head over to Laurel Hill Cemetery, a 78-acre picturesque cemetery that is a National Historic Landmark, and the final resting place of General George Meade and 46 other Civil War-era generals, six Titanic passengers and prominent Philadelphians with last names like Strawbridge and Rittenhouse. Visitors will also find the familiar name of Harry Kalas, the Phillies sports announcer who died in 2009. His grave is marked by seats from Veterans Stadium and a giant stone microphone.
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Tip: The cemetery invites joggers, runners, bicyclists and walkers to come and enjoy the elaborate tombstones and monuments and the lovely views of the Schuylkill River. There are also guided tours filled with amusing stories about the permanent residents.
Take a Neighborhood Tour
Philadelphia is full of history, get to know some of it by taking a tour with The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. Those who are curious about the intimate details of the city’s little streets and charming neighborhoods will enjoy an architectural walking tour. The guides, some of whom are retired architects, will tell you about the neighborhood’s early inhabitants, sharing the stories about the dramas that took place behind the walls and pointing out details you’ve never noticed even if you walk by the buildings every day. Learn why many row homes have smaller windows on the top floors, how the littlest streets snuck into William Penn’s design for the city, and about long ago parties thrown by Philadelphia’s elite in the mansions lining Rittenhouse Square.
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Tip: While you can purchase your tickets ahead of time, you don’t have to, so you can decide at the last minute when you know if the weather is cooperating. If it’s not rainy or too hot, you can walk up the day of the tour and buy your tickets from the tour guide.
Play on the Parkway
Check out The Oval+, a “Park on the Parkway” which will be open from July 19 through August 18. This seasonal pop-up park will have even more family-friendly programming and free events this year, including movie nights, food and drinks, themed zones featuring art installations, music and activities. Last year’s popular Ribbon Garden, giant sandbox and Mr. Mister spray garden will also return.
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Tip: Cool down with a beer or cocktail in the Rodin Museum’s beer garden. Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s facebook page for the schedule as it’s open mostly on weekends.
Stay Cool Indoors
And on that occasional hot, humid, rainy summer day when you’re seeking indoor refuge, hit Thirsty Dice in Fairmount. The board game cafe stocks 800+ board games including many beloved classics. Wash it all down with a milkshake (make it boozy if you like). Great for dates or families.
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Tip: If you want to learn a new game, you don’t have to read the instructions on the back of the box. “Game-tenders” are on-hand to explain the rules.