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Family Fun in Philadelphia

Enjoy these top spots for summer family fun

Philadelphia offers a fantastic array of family-friendly activities catering to all interests. Discover some of our favorite spots just steps from Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

Reading Terminal Market: “Let’s get a bite at the market” This space first opened its doors in 1893 underneath the Reading Railroad. (Ever play Monopoly? Yes, it’s that Reading Railroad!) Today it’s one of Philly’s favorite visitor destinations. It hosts over 80 merchants offering produce, meats, gifts, flowers, bakeries, and prepared foods.
Wannamaker Building: “Meet me at the Eagle” This famous building was completed in 1911 but started off in 1876 as Wanamaker’s Grand Depot which was a department store full of “firsts”. First department store to have price tags, electrical illumination, telephone, in-store restaurant, and pneumatic tubes for transporting papers and cash. There are two distinct features that have been there since the early days of the building and are still in place today. One is the 2500lb bronze eagle and the other is the massive organ originally consisting of over 10,000 pipes but by 1930 it had grown to 28,500 pipes. Both the eagle and the organ originated in the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
City Hall: “I see you up there, Willy Penn” A 37ft tall 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn sits on the top of this historic building that took 30 years to complete construction. It was the world's tallest occupied structure and the nation's largest municipal government building when completed and its load-bearing masonry construction is unique for a building of this size.
LOVE sign: “I’d LOVE a picture” This iconic 4-lettered sculpture by artist Robert Indiana (1928 - 2018) can be found in multiple cities however is known and “loved” by Philadelphians and visitors alike.
The Thinker: “Sit and Think it over” Auguste Rodin's iconic sculpture greets visitors as they enter the Rodin Museum. Originally to be called The Poet, Rodin chose for his subject Dante’s Inferno from The Divine Comedy.
Rocky Statue: “The Eye of the Tiger that won’t be found at the Zoo” Sylvester Stallone may not be in Philly but this statue depicting one of his most famous movie characters is a favorite for visitors to pose and take pictures with. If you have the energy, go ahead and run up the famous steps just like this character did in the movie.
Liberty Bell: “All it’s cracked up to be” This piece of history was originally known as the State House Bell. It acquired its current name in the 1830s when it became a symbol of the anti-slavery movement.
Elfreths Alley: “Stroll down the old alley” This National Historic Landmark is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. It was named after blacksmith and property owner Jeremiah Elfreth.
Walnut St Theater: “The show must go on” Located in the Washington West neighborhood, this theater founded in 1808 is the oldest operating theater in the U.S. Its name is also the street you find it on.
Philadelphia Magic Gardens: “The Magic on South St” This garden isn’t made up of plants and runs as a non-profit museum. This magical space was born in 1991 by local artist Isaiah Zagar. Zagar's signature style of brightly colored mosaics can be spotted throughout South Philly as he and his wife Julia have been beautifying the area with his works since the 60’s