Kid-Friendly Philadelphia Hotels

1. Warwick — Rittenhouse Square

When families check into the Warwick, kids receive their own special gift bag. The gift bag includes a coloring book, crayons, and a "Kids in Philly Adventure Passport" with different activities to complete such as taking a photo with the concierge and discovering the name of the goat statue in Rittenhouse Square. Kids receive a stamp for accomplishing each task. Once finished, children receive a coupon for a scoop of ice cream from Ben & Jerry's which is conveniently located on Sansom Street. Cribs and a kid-friendly room service menu are also available.

2. The Inn at Penn — University City

Owned by the University of Pennsylvania and managed by Hilton, this property has high standards. Parents, there is no need to lug baby gear as cribs and high chairs for families with small tots are provided upon request. The front desk typically has activity kits that contain a coloring book and crayons to keep curious minds engaged. Nearby Penn Museum, Philadelphia Zoo, and Philadelphia Museum of Art provide wonderful sightseeing opportunities. For grown-ups looking for some alone time, contacts for babysitting care is available. Families can also expect complimentary WiFi and the use of iPads in guest rooms.

3. Loews — Center City

Located in the heart of Center City, Loews makes family travel easy. Guests can expect complimentary cribs, baby bath amenity kits, and night lights for restless sleepers. With the help of family activity guides, parents and kids can research sights to see. Once retreating to the hotel, parents can expect kid-friendly menus and service options. 

The Rittenhouse welcomes families with children and dogs too! Photo courtesy of The Rittenhouse

4. The Rittenhouse — Rittenhouse Square

This hotel is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly. The Rittenhouse offers a special add-on “camping package” which comes complete with a tent and s'mores setup in the room. Kid-sized robes, a kids' menu, and a toy chest at the concierge round out the children's enhancements. For Fido, The Rittenhouse has a doggie menu perfect to curb your pup's late-night munchies.


A rooftop pool makes for a refreshing break from Philly sightseeing. Photo courtesy of Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

5. Sonesta Philadelphia — Rittenhouse Square

After a long day of sightseeing, families are sure to appreciate cooling off at this property. Its "Stay, Swim, & Splash" package offers benefits for the entire family. In addition to access to the largest outdoor heated pool in the city, the hotel staff greets children 12 and under with a pool-themed present upon check-in. Parents receive complimentary cocktails as well as complimentary parking. 

6. Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District — Old City

This hotel's location is perfect for families who want to savor all Historic Philadelphia has to offer. Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, Liberty Bell, and Franklin Square are all within walking distance. After taking in the sights, relax in the outdoor pool or grab a snack from the lobby's snack shop which is open 24/7. Board games are also available for use in the lobby.

7. Chestnut Hill Hotel — Chestnut Hill

Nine miles outside Center City, this historical property provides families access to not only Center City but Valley Forge, Manayunk, and Plymouth Meeting. Locally, families can visit Morris Arboretum, Woodmere Art Museum, and Fairmount Park. At the hotel, guests can expect environmentally-friendly bath products, low flush toilets, complimentary parking, and free breakfast. In addition, Chestnut Hill Hotel offers ping pong, board games, and complimentary marshmallows for roasting at the fire pit located on the property. Three of the rooms have kitchenettes, perfect for families needing additional space. Families can even bring along the dog.

8. Sofitel Philadelphia — Rittenhouse Square

Nestled in the midst of Center City and Rittenhouse Square, this spot is strategically located for sightseeing. Upon check-in, families with children noted on the reservation are greeted with special amenities including homemade chocolate chip cookies and apple juice. The hotel's onsite restaurant called Liberte serves kid-friendly options such as grilled cheese, chicken fingers, and cheeseburgers as well as gluten-free options. When it is time for bed, children can relax in kid-size robes and slippers while coloring in a "Le Petit Prince" coloring book. Parents who want to hit the town without the kids can connect with the concierge office for childcare services through local companies. Suites at Sofitel boast full-sized sofa beds allowing more space for families to spread out.

Cozy up in kid-friendly comfort at Sofitel Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of Sofitel Philadelphia

9. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia — Center City

When arriving, children can select one of two special treats: a room service voucher for free cookies and milk voucher (a.k.a. Cookie Currency) or a free movie and popcorn voucher which gives access to watch a movie in their guest room. Board games are available in the lobby or to take up to the guest rooms as well. New in July, the hotel provides a booklet especially made for this property and the City of Brotherly Love. Kids and their parents seek out hidden gems listed in the booklet such as the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Once completed, children can select from several prizes. It is worthwhile mentioning the hotel's "Forgot It We Got It" program which offers parents necessities such as extra wipes, q-tips, and baggies.

10. The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia — Center City

At The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, kids are encouraged to explore the world around them, including this luxurious hotel, through its Ritz Kids program. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt while learning about the four important pillars of discovery which include water, land, environmental responsibility, and culture. This property's location is central to so many Philly attractions including Dilworth Park, Love Park, the Academy of Music, and Reading Terminal Market. 

11. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center — Center City

Spectacular views await Philly families staying at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. This 60 story property towers above the city skyline. Guests can dine at one of the four restaurants, or relax in the spa and float in the infinity-edge pool. Watch a movie as a  family on the Comcast X1 in-room video experience. Let the hotel arrange a cycling itinerary for the family on complimentary electric bikes from Cadence Cycling, along with a picnic lunch prepared by chef Jose Sanchez. Visit nearby sites like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Zoo, or Adventure Aquarium. 

12. W Hotel — Center City

W Philadelphia's suites offer luxury and chic living spaces, along with flat-screen TVs and a host of amenities. Take in the amazing views of downtown Philadelphia through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Rooms come in a range of sizes, from Wonderful (1 king) to Wow (1 bedroom with a larger suite), and Extreme WOW (2-bedroom suite). Enjoy the lap pool, sample Italian dishes at the restaurant, Dolce, and go on excursions in nearby Historic Philadelphia and the Avenue of the Arts.

13. Logan Hotel — Center City

The Logan aims to capture the spirit of Philadelphia, City of Brotherly Love and is located in the downtown cultural district, within walking distance of many local museums and attractions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. Swim in the indoor swimming pool, or pay a small fee to enjoy board games like Candy Land and Connect Four in the hotel room. For a special weekend, go on an in-room camping adventure with the Urban Campout Package (starting rate $509), staying in the Pennsbury Suite and enjoying the oversized living room and panoramic views. The Urban Campout Package includes such camping necessities as an indoor s’mores maker kit, assembled teepee tent with children's sleeping bags, an indoor star machine, kids “Rocky” style robes, coloring books and crayon set, bottle of wine (a treat for the adults!) and a take-home stuffed animal to help remember the trip.

Kid-Friendly Hotels in the Philadelphia Countryside

14. Hotel Warner — West Chester

Within easy walking distance of West Chester University and close to the historic district, Hotel Warner is known for its historical facade, once a movie theater in the 1930s. Take a trip to the nearby American Helicopter Museum during your stay, or get close to nature in nearby parks, such as the historic Marshall Square Park.  While at the hotel, make use of the pool, connect to the wireless Internet access, and enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast.

15. Hampton Inn & Suites — Chadds Ford

Staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chadds Ford puts your family within a short drive of the amazing gardens and fountain shows at Longwood Gardens, the art of famous son Andrew Wyeth and family at the Brandywine River Museum, and the art and gardens of the Winterthur Museum. Free cribs and infant beds are provided upon request, and the hotel boasts an indoor pool, laundry facilities, free wireless access, and a complimentary breakfast.

16. HollyHedge Estate — New Hope

For a truly unique experience, stay at HollyHedge Estate in New Hope, providing rooms within an 18th Century Manor house and its fieldstone out-buildings, ranging from standard rooms to grand suites for up to six guests. A full bed-and-breakfast, HollyHedge provides a full-service breakfast on the weekends and a continental breakfast during the week. The in-house bakery often includes such perks as homemade fruit preserves or syrup tapped from the estate's sugar maples. Staying there puts you nearby opportunities for shopping at places like Peddler's Village or visiting the Bucks County Children's Museum. 

17. Wayne Hotel — Wayne

If you're visiting Philadelphia's Main Line, book a room in the historic Wayne Hotel. Close to such attractions as the Chanticleer Garden and not far from Stoneleigh, use this hotel as a home base for a garden getaway. With a range of guest rooms and suites, the landmark hotel boasts a full-service restaurant, the Rosalie, serving "Italian soul food."

This article was originally published on June 29, 2019.