Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has so much to offer visitors and is a fun place to visit. There are historical sites, entertainment options and much more! You will experience sights that are fascinating. Do you enjoy history? If so, there are several attractions to visit in Philadelphia. Featured historical sites include: Independence Historical National Park, The Liberty Bell Center, Eastern State Penitentiary, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Independence Hall, National Constitution Center, the Franklin Institute, the Rocky Steps, and the National Museum of Jewish American History. Take time and visit some of these famous attractions. If the group is looking for entertainment, Philadelphia has plenty of attractions available. Featured attractions include the following: the Philadelphia Zoo, Academy of Natural Sciences, Adventure Aquarium, Peddler’s Village, the African American Museum, the Independence Seaport Museum, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Merriam Theater, and the Prince Music Theater. Come with your group to this amazing destination!!
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Sample Itineraries
Philadelphia 3-day Group Tour
This 2 day trip will allow your group to experience a variety of attraction Philadelphia has to offer.
- Two Nights Lodging
- America’s Oldest Zoo
- Two Museums
Attractions
- Philadelphia Duck Tour
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Civil War & Underground Museum
- Independence Seaport Museum
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Valley Forge
- Vietnam War Memorial
- National Constitution Center
- Liberty Bell
- Independence Hall
- Franklin Institute Science Center
- Fort Mifflin
- Congress Hall
- Betsy Ross House
- Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia Duck Tour
The Ride the Duck Tour Company has a location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is a sightseeing experience you won’t want to miss! It is perfect for families, family reunions, and organizational events. These land and water vehicles are amazing and fun. Your group may want to view the historic streets and neighborhoods or splash down in the water for an exciting cruise! DURING these tours, the group can quack along with the captain and the music. The captain is entertaining and mixes music, fun and history into an interactive land and water unique experience. While on the tour, the captain will tell fascinating stories about the past and the present. Group members will be educated about history, famous personalities, and the area’s impact on the state and nation. The ducks are climate controlled so you can go on a tour rain or shine. You will also ride by many interesting local attractions and historic sights. Enjoy the entertainment and fun on the tour and even dance in your seat along with the fun music!
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is a historic site located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The prison was founded in 1829. It was in use for 142 years, closing in 1971. At one time, the penitentiary was the most expensive building in the United States. The Wagon wheel floor plan was the model used to reform criminals. This model focused on strict isolation of the prisoners. There are 300 prisons over four continents that have since adopted this model. The location is also known for its grand architecture. Your group is sure to experience interesting sights while touring the facility. There are various options to consider when planning a trip. These may include but are not limited to: hands-on history demonstrations, interactive audio voice tours, and observing exhibits in the prison Museums. These three tours are included in the cost of admission. The hands-on history tours involve group participation. They are offered in the regular season but can also be booked in the winter months. These demonstrations are shorter in length usually five minutes or less. One possible choice is for you to learn how to unlock an escape-proof iron cell door. During the audio tour, guests will be provided with an Mp3 player and headset. You will find an audio guide to help you through the complex. Listen to guards, wardens, and inmates that describe their prison experiences. This will enhance the walkthrough for the group immensely! The penitentiary has housed some famous prisoners. These include, Willie Sutton and Al Capone. While touring the location your group will be able to see Capone’s restored 19th century cell, hear stories of inmate escapes, and marvel at the exquisite art installations. There is also an annual tour for your group to consider called “Behind Terror Walls.” This is offered in the fall. Winter Adventure Tours are also available for the group to enjoy as well. Eastern State Penitentiary is a one of a kind prison with an interesting historical background.
Civil War & Underground Museum
The Civil War and Underground Railroad Museum is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Museum interprets the struggle for freedom, equality and national unity in 19th-century America, to inspire a better understanding of that struggle and a renewed dedication to its importance today. During a visit to the Museum, the group will encounter real things that belonged to the real people who “lived” during the Civil War. Featured artifacts include the following: clothes, supplies, arms they used, the relics of those who fought and died for freedom we cherish, and the compelling stories that went with those struggles. The location has a library, bookstore, and offers various programs to its visitors. The holdings in the library include: regimental and unit histories, biographies and memoirs, published diaries and letters, and works on topics such as abolitionism and slavery, naval history, women in the Civil War, espionage, medicine, and surgery. The tours offered are interpretive and use reenactments to educate visitors. The Featured tours include: the Ream’s Station Tour, the First Day at Chancellorsville Tour, the Mine Run Tour, the Slaughter pen Farm Tour, the Spring Hill Tour, and the Third Winchester Tour.
Independence Seaport Museum
Credit Independence Seaport Museum
Philadelphia Zoo
Credit Philadelphia CVB
The Philadelphia Zoo is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location features over 1300 animals. Other options include the following: dining, shopping, exhibits and other attractions. Dining options include: Smokehouse BBQ, Tiger Terrace, Philly Cheese Steak, and healthy options. If you love animals and beautiful landscape, then the Philadelphia Zoo is the right location to visit! There are several different types of animals which include the following: Most Endangered Animals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, and Mammals. The Most Endangered Animals exhibit contains the following: the Amur leopard, the Bali-mynah, the Blue-eyed black lemur, the Chinese Alligator, the Guam rail bird, Micronesian Kingfisher birds, the Panamanian Golden frog, the American Alligator, and many others. Birds of Prey include: the Andean Condor, the Northern Bald Eagler, and the Turkey Vulture. Other exhibits and attractions include the following: the Amazon Rainforest Carousel, Lorikeet Encounters, the Draft Horse, Camel Safari, and Swan boats. These will all make your group visit more memorable! The Philadelphia Zoo is a one-of-a-kind destination and a must-see during the trip to Pennsylvania.
Valley Forge
Valley Forge is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location is significant because of the fact that it was the 177-78 encampment for the army during the Revolutionary War. The location has a visitor center which contains the encampment store and a collection of museum exhibits pertaining to the winter encampment and the Revolutionary War. There are also various tours offered to groups. The group can take a ranger led guided walking tour that is 40-minutesin length and is a 1.4 mile trip. The tour will cover a variety of topics from the winter encampment and the American Revolution. When the walk is finished, visitors can learn about camp life by touring the replica log huts as well as the surrounding historic area of the Muhlenberg Brigade. Guests can also enjoy a Trolley tour. You will climb aboard an old fashioned trolley and take a tour of Valley Forge. The ride lasts 90-minutes. There are extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts and Washington’s Headquarters.
Vietnam War Memorial
Visit Philadelphia’s memorial from our nation’s longest war, the Vietnam War. This memorial was built so that others could learn and honor those who lost their lives in Vietnam. This is definitely an informative and moving memorial.
Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Philadelphia Tours
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is steps from the Liberty Bell and is an essential part of the historical experience in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location offers several fun options for adult groups. Visitors can take a guided tour, enjoy daily museum programs, and view a featured exhibition. The visit will begin with a live, multimedia performance, Freedom Rising, which is a stirring 17-minute journey from 1787 to the present. After the presentation, the group can explore the story of We The People which is an interactive exhibition that illuminates America’s constitutional history, and the iconic Signers’ Hall, where you can sign the Constitution which is alongside 42 bronze, life-size statues of the Founding Fathers. The museum features exhibitions and has a store for visitors to browse during the trip. There is a main exhibition as well as feature exhibitions that can be included in the visit. Featured exhibitions include the following: SLAVERY AT Jefferson’s MONTECELLO, AMERICAN SPIRITS, HEADED TO THE WHITE HOUSE, and LINCOLN: THE CONSTITUTION AND THE CIVIL WAR. The Town Hall Program is another option for your group to consider when planning your visit to the Constitution Center Museum.
Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Philadelphia Tours
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell Center is located close to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The location houses the iconic historic landmark known as the Liberty Bell. The group can listen to presentations about the history of the bell. You can observe the bell through glass with Independence Hall in the background. The experience will be unforgettable! The group will have the opportunity to view larger-than-life graphical images and historical documents where you will discover the facts and myths about the bell. X-rays give visitors a glimpse of the inside of the cracked bell and her inner workings. There is also a history film available shown in quiet alcoves of the center. The film traces how abolitionists, suffragists and other groups adopted the bell as a symbol of freedom. Other exhibits show how the image of the bell was used on everything from ice-cream molds to wind chimes. The Bell now known as the Liberty Bell was cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in the East End of London and was sent to the current location in 1753. It was an impressive looking object and had a pound clapper. The inscription was part of a biblical verse from Leviticus, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
Independence Hall
Credit Independence Hall nps.gov
Located in Philadelphia, Independence hall is a place for your group to enjoy. This location is a significant part of history. Prior to the current name, it was originally known as the Pennsylvania State House. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence was argued and finally adopted. The United States Constitution was also signed at this location. Your group will experience fascinating views of the past and can also enjoy the rest of the park. The hall is also well-known for the housing of the Second Continental Congress which consisted of a group of men from the Thirteen British colonies of North America. The building is part of the Independence National Historic Park. Visitors can enjoy fascinating views of history and also visit the rest of the park at the same time. The declaration of independence was read to the public at the place known as Independence Square. A picture of this piece of American history is engraved on the back of the bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. There is also a picture of the building printed on the back of the U.S 100 dollar bill. Within the hall, there is a room known as the Assembly room of which a picture is printed on the United States 2 dollar bill as well. Your group won’t want to miss this exciting part of our historical culture! During the tour, there are some interesting visual elements to view. For example, you will see the courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides shared law books and tables. You can also see George Washington’s “rising sun” chair. The original inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration and an original draft of the Constitution are displayed in the West Wing of the building.
Franklin Institute Science Center
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Franklin institute is a hands-on science museum with an IMAX theater and a planetarium. The group will enjoy this thrilling experience. Featured exhibitions include: the Sports Challenge, the Train Factory, A Full Weather Station, The Franklin Airshow, the Amazing Machine, Space Command, The Giant Heart, and Electricity. There are several different scientific disciplines from sports to space for the group to explore. There is also an indoor sky bike. The planetarium is the second oldest in North America. Founded in 1824, the Franklin institute was built in honor of Benjamin Franklin due to his inventiveness in the field of science. It is located in Independence hall. In 1934, the current building was under construction and due to the Fels Planetarium being nearby, the museum became hands-on. The IMAX Theater and the Mandell Center were added in 1990. Today, this science museum is the most visited museum in Pennsylvania. The rotunda houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. It contains a 20 foot statue of Franklin, the scientist and founding Father. Tickets are required for admission into the museum. Call and book your group tour today!
Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Philadelphia Tours
Fort Mifflin
Credit Fort Mifflin
Congress Hall
Credit Congress Hall nps.gov
Betsy Ross House
Credit Philadelphia CVB
The Betsy Ross House is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Betsy was a seamstress who is known to have made the first American Flag. She was a widow and lived at the location. The house has a gift shop with an exhibit area and historical tours available for your group to explore. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a group visit to the Betsy Ross House. They offer group tours during the visit. You will be personally introduced to Betsy in her upholstery shop. Visitors will also learn about her fascinating life and career. Featured topics include the following: Betsy’s undercover activities, her family life, and the iconic flag sowing story. There are also audio tours offered as well. After your tour, the group is encouraged to come out to the courtyard and enjoy free family friendly programming. Other features include hearing storytelling and getting the chance to meet history makers. The war for independence left many women without spouses. The famous flag maker lost three husbands and was left with seven children. She did not have enough resources to support her family but possessed skills as a seamstress. She operated her business until the age of 70 and died at the age of 84.
Academy of Natural Sciences
Credit Will Klein