Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and was a centerpiece of early American history.  The social and geographical center of America’s original 13 colonies, Philadelphia was home to many of the ideas and subsequent actions led to the American Revolution.  Philadelphia was also home to several American firsts, including the nation’s first bank, hospital, and zoo.

It’s a great choice for educational family travel focused on American history. Many of the sites are free, which helps make Philadelphia an affordable place for a family vacation.

Its historic sites include Independence Hall (the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) and the Liberty Bell. The city also pays homage to the arts. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country. Its front steps were made famous by the 1970s blockbuster movie “Rocky.”

1. Storytelling Benches - Once Upon A Nation’s Storytelling Sessions storytelling Benches - available at 13 locations around Historic Philadelphia, including Christ Church, Franklin Square and Signers’ Garden. Children can obtain a Story Flag at any bench, collect a star from each storyteller and exchange the flag complete with 13 stars for a certificate and oupon book at the Independence Living History Center or the Franklin Square Shop. Benches are open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

2. Valley Forge National Historical Park - A half hour drive from Center City, the wintertime encampment of the Continental Army offers a glimpse into the Revolutionary War with Washington’s headquarters, memorial chapel, log huts, monuments and statues and four Once Upon A Nation storytelling benches. Visitors can explore the park by car, by bike or on foot guided by the park’s free cell phone tours. Admission to the park and to Washington’s Headquarters is free.

3. The Chemical Heritage Foundation – This new museum and conference center cost $20 million to build, but its exhibitions are offered free of charge. Located in a former Civil War-era bank building, the approximately 10,000-square-foot, two-story museum houses the permanent exhibition Making Modernity, showcasing hundreds of artifacts from the 18th to the 20th centuries, including scientific objects, artwork, rare books and everyday objects that tell the stories of discoveries that shaped the modern world.,

4. Curtis Institute of Music - Music lovers can see future stars of the music scene at the Curtis Institute of Music, where students perform solo and chamber works most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings as part of the free Student Recital Series.

5. Free at the Kimmel Series - Dance, listen and learn during free organ recitals, artist chats and concerts of all genres, some of which have audience members dancing along. Free daily art and architecture tours also give visitors a behind-the-scenes look inside the majestic building.

6. Macy’s in Center City – OK, it’s not free if you shop. But if you can resist the urge to buy, visit the store to hear the sounds of its 28,500-pipe organ. The organ debuted at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and now provides free 45-minute concerts daily.

7. Buckingham Valley Vineyards - Part of the Bucks County Wine Trail, family-owned and folksy. Houses the most sophisticated pressing and bottling equipment and offers tours and tastings six days a week that are self-guided and self-poured.

8. Philadelphia Comcast Center The tallest green building in the country. Ofers a range of viewing opportunities at no charge. Home to media giant Comcast, the 58-floor tower features The Comcast Experience, depicting nature imagery, urban landscapes and much more on the largest four-millimeter LED screen in the world. The lobby also showcases a dramatic eight-story winter garden, featuring Humanity in Motion sculptures by the world-famous artist Jonathan Borofsky.

9. Herr's Snack Factory Tour - Factory visits finish with samples of chips, just out of the cooker.

10. The Museum of Mourning Art - One-of-a-kind exploration of grieving rituals, mourning jewelry, artwork and emblem books throughout the ages. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

11. Scott Arboretum - Located on the grounds of Swarthmore College, this 300-acre arboretum features 4,000 varieties of regional ornamental plants and garden workshops, all free of charge.