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Philly's Green Phase Reopening: What's Open Now for Kids

A number of nearby theme parks, such as Hershey Park, are now welcoming visitors. Photo courtesy the theme park
A number of nearby theme parks, such as Hershey Park, are now welcoming visitors. Photo courtesy the theme park
7/28/20 - By Kristen Sullivan

As Philadelphia reopens slowly in a modified green phase, Philly families have been making the most of what can only be described as the most unusual summer on record.

Venturing to a campground, cooling off in area splash pads, and going retro at a drive-in movie are among the top favorites. But since the counties in the Delaware Valley have been in the green phase since early July, many more local Philly attractions are reopening their doors to visitors with new social distancing rules in place.

We rounded up all the top things to do in Philly for kids right now, including all the reopened museums, zoos, amusement parks, and arboretums. Some expect to reopen soon, so we've included those dates below. Outings in the COVID-19 age look different as venues are limiting capacity, requiring face masks, and encouraging social distancing. Accordingly, be prepared to secure tickets in advance, wear masks, and pack a reusable water bottle—and the hand sanitizer...maybe a portable potty, too!

Continue reading to discover what's reopening in Philadelphia and throughout the Delaware Valley.

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The Atlas moth is hard to miss at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Photo by Jeff Fusco/Visit Philadelphia
The Atlas moth is hard to miss at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Photo by Jeff Fusco/Visit Philadelphia

Philly Museums and Cultural Attractions

Independence Seaport Museum Reopens

Now open
Independence Seaport Museum reopens its doors to visitors on March 20. The museum is operating on a weekend-only schedule, from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 12 noon to 5 pm on Sunday, with 25% capacity limits in place to ensure social distancing. READ MORE

The Franklin Institute Reopens

Now open
The Franklin Institute is open and ready for visitors with a new explosive science exhibit. The museum promises a "modified experience" with face coverings, temperature checks, and advance ticket sales. READ MORE

Penn Museum Reopens

Reopens July 28
Penn Museum opens to the general public beginning Tuesday, July 28. Members of the Museum can return for a members-only week from July 21–26. Timed tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Time slots are 2 hours in duration. Face coverings are required for guests over 2 years old. READ MORE

The Academy of Natural Sciences Reopens

Reopens July 31
Visit dinosaurs, butterflies and more when the Academy reopens to the public in late July. Tickets will be for timed entry, and admission will be limited to 25% capacity. READ MORE

Brandywine River Museum Reopens

Now open
Guests can visit the Brandywine River Museum beginning June 20. Timed tickets are necessary to limit capacity so advance reservations are recommended. Ralston Crawford: Air & Space & War is the new special exhibit on display. READ MORE

Delaware Museum of Natural History Reopens

Now open
Guests can visit The Delaware Museum of Natural History Wednesday- Sunday by reserving tickets in advance. Tickets are for one hour time slots so that the Museum can be cleaned between sessions. Walk-ins are only allows if space is available. READ MORE

Fort Mifflin Reopens

Now open
Families can explore over forth acres of history and nature at Fort Mifflin. Activities include walking the beach along the Delaware, hiking a nature trail through the High Battery, and completing a no-contact scavenger hunt. Weekend programs are also held. Parking is free. READ MORE

American Swedish Historical Museum Reopens

Now open
Normal operating hours are in effect at the American Swedish Historical Museum where families can learn about the history, culture, and experience of Swedes in America. Each gallery is limited to 10 guests and some have restrictions regarding hands-on learning components. READ MORE

The Barnes Foundation Reopens

Now open
View the spectacular collections at The Barnes Foundation beginning July 25. New procedures such as timed ticketing, contactless transactions, and one-way walking patterns have been implemented to keep visitors safe.  READ MORE

Museum of the American Revolution Reopens

Reopens September 3
Experience a piece of history as the Museum of the American Revolution tentatively plans to reopens to the public on January 8. Safety protocols include advanced online tickets and reduced capacity. READ MORE
Catch the lions at the reopened Philadelphia Zoo. Photo courtesy the zoo
Catch the lions at the reopened Philadelphia Zoo. Photo courtesy the zoo

Zoos and Aquariums Near Philly

Philadephia Zoo Reopens

Now open
Furry friends await as Philadelphia Zoo opens for the season. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the zoo will limit capacity of visitors.  READ MORE

Elmwood Park Zoo Reopens

Now open
Elmwood Park Zoo is open again! Tickets are available online on June 24, and social distancing guidelines will be in place. READ MORE

Adventure Aquarium Reopens

Now open
Embark on an aquatic adventure at the aquarium which is open for the season. Visit 15,000 aquatic animals, including sloths, sharks and penguins. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and capacity is limited. READ MORE

Brandywine Zoo Reopens

Now open
Brandywine Zoo is excited to welcome visitors to see the animals daily from 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. State guidelines limit the capacity at the zoo so it is important to reserve a timed session. Guests over 13 years of age must wear a mask or face covering.  READ MORE

Cohanzick Zoo Reopens

Now open
This Southern New Jersey zoo is back open and ready for visitors. Safety protocols are in place including one-way traffic and masks for guests 2+. READ MORE
Hurricane Harbor in NJ reopened in late July! Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure
Hurricane Harbor in NJ reopened in late July! Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great Adventure

Amusement Parks

Sesame Place Reopens

Now open
Open Sesame! Sesame Place reopens for the season with limited capacity and safety guidelines in place. Masks are required for guests over 2. All tickets can be purchased online. READ MORE

Hershey Park Reopens

Now open
Both Hershey Park and the new Chocolatetown are now open. Guests can ride the all-new roller coaster, Candymonium, the park's biggest coaster ever. READ MORE

The Funplex and Splashplex Reopen

Now open
Games, rides and water are all part of the fun when The Funplex and Splashplex reopen to the public. Reservations must be made online, and safety measures are in place. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure Reopens

Now open
Get ready for a summer of thrills when Six Flags Great Adventure reopens for the season. New safety measures and an online reservation system will be in place. READ MORE

Storybook Land Reopens

Now open
This magical park, geared towards the younger set, opens for the season on July 3. The park will operate at 50% capacity. READ MORE

Dutch Wonderland Opening Weekend

Now open
Dutch Wonderland opens for the season! Enjoys rides, attractions, and all kinds of family fun. READ MORE

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Season Opening

Now open
Get set to get wet when Hurricane Harbor opens for the season. Check out the Big Wave Racer, Caribbean Cove, Hurricane Mountain, and more.  READ MORE

Diggerland USA

Now open
Diggerland USA is the only construction-themed adventure park in North America where kids can drive, ride, and operate actual machinery. The park, which covers about 21 acres in West Berlin, New Jersey, also includes a brand-new water park. READ MORE

OC Waterpark

Open now
Enjoy multiple water slides, a lazy river, and a children's water play area––Lil Buc's Bay––at this beachfront Ocean City, New Jersey water park. READ MORE

Crayola Experience Easton Reopens

Reopens August 1
Kids can once again get creative at The Crayola Experience which opens to visitors on January 6. Guests must purchase timed tickets online to restrict capacity. Face coverings are required and only clear bags for personal belongings are permitted. READ MORE
Enjoy an outdoor outing with a trip to Longwood Gardens. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Enjoy an outdoor outing with a trip to Longwood Gardens. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Gardens, Arboretums, and Outside Attractions Open

Longwood Gardens Reopen

Now open
Longwood Garden invites visitors to experience the beauty and splendor of the amazing gardens this summer. When visiting, guests are asked to be aware of the one-way paths, wear a mask, and allow space between one another. Timed tickets are required. READ MORE

Franklin Square Reopens

Now open
Franklin Square is back open and jam-packed with activities. Play mini-golf, ride the carousel and check out the new fountain show, which starts later in July. READ MORE

Tyler Arboretum Reopens

Now open
Get outdoors with a visit to the unique gardens of Tyler Arboretum. Guests should be aware that parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis and once it reaches capacity will be closed.  Currently the treehouses are closed; however, the trails are now open. READ MORE

Morris Arboretum Reopens

Now open
Advanced tickets are required for all who visit Morris Arboretum. It is important to note that water fountains are not currently available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and snacks. Additionally, The Garden Railway, the Fernery and the Log Cabin are temporarily closed. READ MORE
Candytopia, a sugar-sweet indoor playground, has reopened in Philly. Photo courtesy Ally Noel
Candytopia, a sugar-sweet indoor playground, has reopened in Philly. Photo courtesy Ally Noel

More Philly Reopenings and Nearby Day Trips

Candytopia Reopens in Philadelphia

Now open
Spend a sweet day at Philadelphia's candy wonderland. All tickets must be purchased online, and guest capacity will be limited. Masks are required for guests 4+. READ MORE

Strasburg Railroad Reopens

Now open
All aboard! Visitors to the Strasburg Rail Road can now find a seat on the train to take a 45-minute journey. Pre-purchased or advanced reservations are needed. Guests can expect contactless check-in, temperature checks, and face mask requirements. READ MORE

Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families: Sandy Hook to Cape May

Now open with reservations required at some beaches
Here are the top Jersey Shore beaches to check out this summer. READ MORE

Six Flags Great Adventure Safari Drive-Thru Opening

Now open
Six Flags Great Adventure's drive-thru safari is back open for the season. This is a contact-free experience where guests see the attraction's 1,200 exotic animals, which live on 350 acres, from their own cars. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Penn Museum (University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology)
Brandywine River Museum
Delaware Museum of Natural History
American Swedish Historical Museum
Museum of the American Revolution
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
Strasburg Rail Road