Ultimate Pennsylvania Bucket List: 35 Things To Do With Kids in PA

Check out the amazing WildWorks Ropes Course at the entrance to the Philadelphia Zoo.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Pennsylvania has so many great places to visit including Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and the state capital of Harrisburgh. Whether you're taking a trip to the Poconos, or heading out to the Philadelphia suburbs, we've got bucket list items for you! Pack your bags and check out all the amazing things that Pennsylvania has to offer.

Looking for more getaways within driving distance? Check out our roundup of 10 PA Weekend Getaways.

The Giant Heart is Back and Better Than Ever at the Franklin Institute

Curiosity meets discovery in Body Odyssey, where the walkthrough Giant Heart is just the beginning.

If you've ever been to Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, you surely have seen or even climbed inside of the Giant Heart. Arguably the most popular exhibit in the entire museum, the Giant Heart has been closed for renovations since May of 2024 and it's finally back! Not only did they make improvements to the heart itself, but the entire three room 8,500 square foot exhibit around the heart has been completely redone and it's truly incredible. As someone who grew up visiting the Franklin Institute, Body Odyssey has to be my favorite exhibit.

Looking for even more museum fun? Check out our Museum Guide for everything you need to know about Philadelphia museums.

20 Philly Museums You've Never Heard Of

The Mercer Museum is a six-story reinforced concrete castle in Bucks County. Photo by Cait Sumner

If there's one thing Philly has plenty of, it's museums. From art to cars, history, and more, there is definitely no shortage of museums in Philadelphia. With so many unique places to visit, there's bound to be some you haven't even heard of yet. Check out this list of great lesser known museums and find some fascinating new places to explore. Quite a few of these places are even FREE!

Note: Some of these museums have odd hours. You may need to make an appointment or reservation before you go. Check each website for more information.

If you're looking for more local museum fun, check out our Guide to Philly Museums.

13 Best Skateparks Near Philly

Skateboarding culture has deep roots in the city of Philadelphia.

Whether you've got a kid who's just learning to skate, or you've got a pro shredder at home, there are lots of great places in the city to practice new and old skills alike. Skateparks are a great place to practice tricks, or even learn to roll for the first time. Whether your kiddo loves skateboarding, rollerblading, or rollerskating this is a great way to get your kids moving outdoors. So grab your helmet, strap on your pads, and roll out to one of these great Philly skateboard parks.

Looking for more fun on wheels? Check out our guide to the Best Roller Skating Rinks in Philly.

Best Philadelphia Boat Rides and Cruises for Families

Enjoy a trip through scenic Chester County. Photo courtesy of Northbrook Canoe Company.

If you and your family love to get out on the water in the summertime, there are some great options for family boating in the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for a fun way to explore on a warm day, this is it. While you're at it, you can check out some of the best family-friendly beaches in New Jersey or the best places to go swimming in a lake near Philadelphia to cool off when you're done!

For more summer fun, don't forget to check out our Ultimate Philly Summer Guide, full of activities and fun for the season.

A Philly Guide to Citizens Bank Park with Kids

Phillies baseball is a beloved activity, so cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park!

The Phillies are on fire this year, and nothing screams summer fun more than heading to the ballpark to watch your favorite team win. We've got tons of tips and tricks for navigating and enjoying Citizens Bank Park with little ones. So grab the sunscreen, throw on some Phillies gear, and let's head out to the ballgame!

Looking for more summer fun in Philly? Check out our Summer Acitivty Guide or our Guide to Area Beaches, Pools, and Lakes.

10 Swimming Lakes near Philly You Need To Discover

Dive into Parvin State Park; the water's fine! (And a little chilly...) Photo by Cait Sumner

There are no two ways about it: Kids love swimming! Lake swimming is the perfect way to cool off when the beach or the pool is too crowded, or when you just want to mix it up a bit. There are quite a few swimming lakes in the Philadelphia area that offer great little beaches, picnic areas, and, of course, swimming! As an added bonus, most of these swimming lakes are located in state parks, which offer lots of other great activities, including camping and hiking. Most swimming lakes in the Philadelphia area are open Memorial Day through Labor Day. So get your bathing suits on, load up the car, grab the sunscreen, and head out to one of these great local swimming lakes in the Philadelphia region!

Looking for more summer fun? Check out our favorite Jersey Shore Beaches, or browse our roundup of Where to Go Camping with Kids. For all the best Philadelphia-area swimming spots, our guide to Beaches, Pools, Spray Pads, and Water Parks has got you covered.

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