The Philadelphia Region is full of family-friendly places, such as the Best Kid-Friendly Museums to Visit in Philadelphia. But where to go when you want some good old fashion family fun that the kids will definitely enjoy. From picking apples and hayrides at Linvilla Orchards to an excellent old interactive playroom at Giggleberry Fair in Peddler's Village, we have you covered with our staff picks of Family Fun Activities in and around Philadelphia.
Kid-Friendly Gardens & Tours Around Philadelphia
Camden Children's Garden
From April through December, the Butterfly, CityScapes, Picnic, Fitness, Dinosaur, and Storybook Gardens. All located at the four-acre provide horticultural experiences for creative and imaginative play. The garden also includes three indoor attractions: the famous Philadelphia Eagles Four Seasons Butterfly House, the tropical exhibit Plaza de Aibonito and Ben Franklin's Workshop, and more outdoor attractions such as a Tree House, Garden Carousel, Arrow River Train, and the Spring Butterfly Ride. 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ, (856) 365-8733
Herr's Snack Factory Tour
Children see how the company makes their favorite snacks, including potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn. Tours are by reservation. Kids can also get up close and personal with animals on the factory's annual summertime Zoo Day. Route 272 & Herr Drive, Nottingham, (610) 932-6400
Linvilla Orchards
Families can explore the Garden Center at a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, education, and entertainment. Kids can pick their seasonal fruit, hop on a hayride, and buy freshly baked pies to take home. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, (610) 876-7116, linvilla.com
Longwood Gardens
Indoors, children can hide in a Bamboo Maze, scamper into the Secret Room, and dodge the Drooling Dragon, all part of the Indoor Children's Garden in the Conservatory. Outside, a Children's Corner offers a Flower Fountain for splashing and plenty of adult seating. In October, Longwood makes room for a Pumpkin Playground. U.S. Route 1, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
Giggleberry Fair in Peddler's Village
At, kids can ride a restored 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company Grand Carousel and conquer Giggleberry Mountain. It's the area's most extensive indoor obstacle course. Kids can participate in Giggles Discovers, an interactive exploration environment, play in the Game Room, and enjoy a snack in the Painted Pony Café. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-4047.
Sesame Street
Big Bird, Elmo, and the other Sesame Street stars come out to play at Sesame Place. It's the only theme park in the nation featuring the popular TV show's most lovable characters. A water park, rides, interactive activities, parades, fireworks, and shows add fun. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (866) GO-4-ELMO.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Featuring the iconic Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse—one of the oldest playgrounds in America, dating back to 1899. The park offers children (ages ten and under) a free, safe place to jump, swing, and climb. For children five and under, the tot lot features more than 20 pieces of age-appropriate play equipment, and at the 16,000-square-foot Playhouse, kids run the show. 3500 Reservoir Drive (near 33rd & Oxford Streets), (215) 765-4325.
