Philadelphia
Parkway Museums
Philadelphia Museum of Art -
A world famous art museum, it's big, so allow plenty of time to explore with kids. Or better yet, come back the next day - museum ticket is good for two days.
The museum has an impressive collection of Impressionist paintings - Van Gogh "Sunflowers," Degas "Little Dancer," portraits of children by Renoir, plus modern artworks by Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Mondrian.
One of our favorite things about this museum are "rooms" - a Japanese ceremonial teahouse, Indian temple hall, Ming dynasty reception hall and Chinese scholar's study, Persian gateway, medieval cloister, grand salon of a French chateau.
Don't miss the Arms and Armor gallery, chock full of beautiful Italian and German armor, Spanish and sultan's swords, spiffy helmets, horse armor, and armor for children.
Franklin Institute -
An innovative science museum with a mirror maze of geometric shapes, explore a giant heart and your brain, hands on with electricity, climb aboard a steam engine, play with physics, check out a Wright Bros. Model B flyer and simulator, plus planetarium, IMAX theater and live science shows. Good for toddlers to teens.
Swann Memorial Fountain -
At the beginning of the Parkway is Logan Square, and a large fountain (also called the Fountain of the Three Rivers). The three sculptural figures represent the Delaware, Schuylkill, and Wissahickon Rivers in the area. In warm weather, this is a fun place for kids to dabble their toes.
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