Philadelphia Historical Activities For Kids and Adults

Historical Things To Do In Philadelphia

‘Exploring The History of Philadelphia With The Family’

Philadelphia is so rich in history. Everything from the Declaration of Independence, to the first United States flag on record, to the oldest hospital in America and much more.

Many of us don’t take advantage of a good deal of historical activities and events that surround the City of Brotherly Love. You wouldn’t believe the number of things for kids of all ages to enjoy. Such things as: drill marching with the Continental Army, many historical tours, Once Upon a Time Story Telling Benches, and one of our favorites, listening to history makers as they tell the story of every day Philadelphian’s during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of historical activities for the family to enjoy for 2019. It doesn’t matter if you are a Philadelphian or visiting Philadelphia, there might be something that you have never explored before. Please tell us what your favorite activity is in the comments below. Thanks and Enjoy! – (keep in mind, many of these activities change dates and times throughout the summer and or the year. So please click on the direct link for the details. And bookmark this article as we will come back to update throughout the summer.)

  • Flag Raising at the Betsy Ross House ~ FREE ~ May 25  – September 2 ~ Starting at 10 am every day, start your day at the Betsy Ross House, as Betsy Ross and one of her Colonial friends, raise the 13-star flag with pomp and circumstance. ~ Details ~
  • Once Upon A Time Storytelling Benches ~ FREEMay 25 – 27 (Memorial Day Weekend) – 11 am to 4 pm; May 31 – June 8 – 11 am to 4 pm Fridays & Saturdays; June 11 – August 10 (also July 1) – 11 am to 4 pm Tuesdays thru Saturdays; August 16 – 31 – 11 am to 4 pm Fridays & Saturdays; September 1 & 2 (Labor Day Weekend) – 11 am to 4 pm ~ Located at 13 different locations, travel throughout Historic Philadelphia and stop at each of the 13 award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches. Hear free five minute stories from our nation’s past in the places where it happened! ~ Details about where the benches are located ~ ~ About Story Telling Benches ~
  • Join the Continental Army! (Military Muster) ~ FREE ~ May 25 – 26 (Memorial Day Weekend) – 2 pm & 3 pm daily; May 31 – June 8 – 2 pm & 3 pm Fridays & Saturdays; June 11 – August 10 (also July 1) – 2 pm & 3 pm Tuesdays thru Saturdays; August 16 – 31 – 2 pm & 3 pm Fridays & Saturdays; September 1 – 2 (Labor Day Weekend) 2 pm & 3 pm Daily ~ The Continental Army is recruiting a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. The Military Muster takes place at Signers’ Garden, at the corner of 5th & Chestnut Streets, across the street from Independence Hall . ~ Join the Continental Army ~
  • End of Day Declaration Readings ~ FREEMay 25 – 27 (Memorial Day Weekend) ~ Daily – Starting around 3:45 pm, these readings take place in Independence Square, directly behind Independence Hall. Here visitors can listen to History Makers as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence. All dates mentioned, start time is 3:45 pm: May 31 – June 8 – Fridays & Saturdays; June 11 – August 10 (also July 1) – Tuesdays thru Saturdays; August 16 – August 31 – Fridays & Saturdays; September 1 – 2 (Labor Day Weekend) Daily End of Day Declaration Readings ~
  • Independence After Hours ~ May 24 – June 8 Fridays & Saturdays; June 11 – August 10 Tuesdays thru Saturdays (no tour July 3); August 16 – October 19 Fridays & Saturdays. ~ Check out the Independence After Hours tours for the 2019 season that starts at 5:30 pm. Travel back to 1776 with your tour guide and fill up on a three-course meal from City Tavern and a visit from Thomas Jefferson. After dinner, visit Independence Hall for an after-hours tour of the national landmark. Tickets are available online.
  • 2019 Guide to Events & Activities Leading Up To 4th of July ~ July 1 – July 6 ~ Check out the many things taking place in the City of Brotherly Love that leads up to the 4th of July! ~ Will be updated soon for 2019 > Events & Activities Leading Up To 4th of July (will be updated June 12)~

 

Photo: End of Day Declaration Readings – Taken by Jeff Belonger of MyPhillyAlive