Summer Bucket List for Philadelphia Families

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The National Toy Train Museum offers an old-time train station look with themed train displays and special exhibits featuring trains from the mid-1800s through the present day. Many exhibits are interactive and hands-on for children to experience.

April-December

Tim Ponisciak said:  Hersheypark is a must-do for families who love roller coasters and water rides! Thrill enthusiasts will love the wooden roller coasters, and there are plenty of kiddie rides (and character greetings) for families with young ones. An 11-acre outdoor waterpark with several attractions is open seasonally.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A year round, tropical Butterfly Atrium with more than 400 butterflies make Hershey Gardens a favorite of children. Family fun awaits as kids can take part in special crafts and activities, scavenger hunts and create masterpiece coloring pages. The children's garden offers 32 themed gardens for endless fun.

Vanessa M. said:  Summertime means Longwood Gardens is in full bloom. Wander through the Mediterranean Garden, the Waterlily Display, the Topiary Garden, and the Children's Garden, to name a few of the attractions in the over 1,000 acres that make up Longwood Gardens. Don't miss the breathtaking Illuminated Fountain Performances and check out the dates for their Summer Performance Series.

Cost: Tickets start at $12

Tim Ponisciak said:  If your little Phillies fans don't enjoy major league games as much as you do, take them for a short hour and a half drive to Reading to see the Fightin' Phils! The Fightins are the double A affiliate for the hometown team, so your kids will enjoy getting to see the Phillies of the future. The Fightins play at First Energy Stadium, which is a pretty unique ballpark among minor league stadiums in that it has been around for quite a while, since 1951.

Cost: Tickets start at $5/person

April-October

Vanessa M. said:  Kids will love picking their own strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, summer squash and more at Linvilla Orchards. Check out their Farm Market for fresh baked goods, handmade candies and jellies, fresh produce, and more. Their calendar is full of fun, family-friendly festivals and events such as fishing derbies, story & craft sessions, and more.

Strawberry, raspberry & blueberry picking

Vanessa M. said:  Phila Flea Markets organize the largest indoor/outdoor flea markets in Center City Philadelphia and the Main Line. The outdoor markets pop up all over Philadelphia during the warmer months, while they are held indoors in colder months. Click here for the schedule. They are known for having friendly vendors and a large variety of interesting items. Browse for fun or find something unique for your home! Some are listed A&V for antiques and vintage only.

Vanessa M. said:  There is nothing better than a summer concert outdoors under the stars at The Mann Center. Bring a picnic for most events, and enjoy family time together. Families may enjoy the Philadelphia Orchestra's performances of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Barenaked Ladies, Harry Connick Jr., or Tchaikovsky's Spectacular (with fireworks)! The Mann Center also offers free Young People's Concert Series and outdoor movies.

Cost: Varies by event

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Over a 1.2 acre site in Fairmount Park, the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden contains a hill and pond style garden, courtyard garden, tea garden and Tea House. Children will learn about Japanese tradition and culture while experiencing the beauty of this delightful garden.

Open April-December

Shila said:  Visit the ballpark where the Philadelphia Phillies play! Ninety minute public tours guide you through the gates, and make stops at the Dugout, the Diamond Club, the Hall of Fame Club, Broadcast Booth and Media Room. This is a treat for MLB fans of all ages.

Tour tickets must be purchased in advance. Strollers are welcome.

Shila said:  The Philadelphia Zoo is home to lemurs, lions, leopards, tigers, bears and more.

Vanessa M. said:  Smith Playground and Playhouse boasts a giant, 16,000 sq ft mansion that was built as a playhouse for the children of Philadelphia. Inside, you will find a low-key children's museum type environment, with lots of fun activities for smaller children. Outside, you will see a sprawling, 6 1/2 acre, state of the art playground, with different sections for younger and older children. Kids and adults alike will love riding a potato sack down the giant wooden slide that has been a fixture at Smith Playground since 1905.

Cost: Admission to the playhouse is free, donations accepted

Closed on Mondays

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute features a 60 foot diameter dome to view the night sky as it would look without weather or pollution interference. With high tech sound and video, they offer mesmerizing shows about space, cosmic exploration and more.

The Bloom Observatory and Ben's Starlight Lounge provide Night Skies on select nights to view the night sky, planets, stars and more with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts. There are also presentations, hands-on activities and more. Free star maps are provided.

Cost: $10/each (Night Skies). Museum admission includes the Planetarium.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Sister Cities Park on the Ben Franklin Parkway offers outdoor play with a Children's discovery garden, fountain spray park in the Summer and special playground in the Winter. The Sister Cities Café is available to grab a quick bite or beverage. Your kids will love this park year round!

Vanessa M. said:  Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is an outdoor art museum and gallery space like you have never seen before, spanning half a block in downtown Philly. Artist Isaiah Zagar spent his life creating giant mosaic murals out of unique, found objects, as he worked hard to revitalize the South Street neighborhood. Wander through the outdoor sculpture garden, and enjoy the indoor art galleries. Most areas are wheelchair/stroller accessible. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as tickets often sell out.

Cost: $10/adult, $8/student, $5/child (age 6-12), under 5 free