Philadelphia Family Activities Leading Up to July 4th

Sometimes a press release has such perfect timing and complete information, it has to be shared. The timing is right because I am speaking at Digital Family Summit in Philadelphia June 30 and it is open to families to attend. This list can help round out your weekend with some fun local stuff to do. You can get more info at www.visitphilly.com/july4 and www.uwishunu.com.

Independence Hall “Open House”

Learn the art of marching and musket etiquette at 2 & 3 pm daily June 25 – July 4 in Signers’ Garden at 5^th & Chestnut Streets.
Only on July 4^thcan you enter Independence Hall without a timed ticket. Visit any time you want throughout the day.
Hear a moving reading from the Declaration of Independence at 3:45 pm daily June 25 – July 4 behind Independence Hall.

Betsy Ross House

10 am every day all summer long kids help raise the flag with Betsy and some of her Colonial friends. On July 4^th at 1:30 pm the Betsy Ross House will host a free kids’ U.S. naturalization ceremony.Franklin Square

EZ PARK discount at 9^th & Race Streets is offering Franklin Square guests an exclusive price of $7 for up to 6 hours with this coupon valid through July 6.
Franklin Square is open until 9 pm June 25 – July 4 (weather permitting)
Free games and activities will be offered from 12 – 3 pm on July 4

Storytelling Benches

·Open from 11 am – 4 pm June 25 – July 4

·11 benches throughout the Historic District, FREE

1. Independence Visitor Center

2. Historic Philadelphia Center

3. Independence Square, behind Independence Hall

4. Signers’ Garden

5. Second Bank of the United States presented by PNC Bank

6. The ACE INA Foundation Storytelling Bench at Carpenters’ Hall

7. Franklin Court

8. Christ Church

9. Betsy Ross House

10. The Lincoln Storytelling Bench at the National Constitution Center

11. Franklin Square

National Constitution Center

Open from 9:30 am – 8 pm July 2, 3 and 5
FREE Independence Day events outside June 28 – July 4 and include:
Revolutionary War re-enactors set up camp and give demonstrations
School of Rock students perform throughout the day
Indoor events included with museum admission June 28 – July 4 and include:
The Fourth of July Show – from the first Independence Day to today, learn the history of July 4^th celebrations
Flag Etiquette Workshops – discover the history and symbolism behind the US flag, and learn the proper way to treat it
Star Spangled Banner Show – learn the story of Francis Scott Key and his inspiration for our national anthem
Colonial demos – butter churning, candle & paper making
Arts and crafts – patriotic hats, star wands, wreaths, pinwheels and paper flags

Adventure Aquarium

Best view of the Wawa Welcome America! Taste of Philadelphia Fireworks on June 30
Hosting Independence Day Splash from 6 – 9 pm with music and mascots followed by an amazing view of the fireworks from their private balcony open to event guests only
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids

Bathroom breaks

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The Historic Philadelphia Center at 6^th & Chestnut Streets

The Independence Visitor Center at 5^th & Market Streets

Super Scooper All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival at Penn’s Landing on June 30. The event starts at noon and gets crowded. Arrive early (around 10:30 am) to be one of the first people through.

Credit: Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC