Faculty’s out, however journey is in session.
AFAR journalist and mother of 4, Jamie Davis Smith, has named Philadelphia as one of many high underrated spring break locations for households in 2025.
Whereas many households flock to the standard seaside or theme park hotspots, Davis Smith spotlights Philly as a refreshing, crowd-free different for spring break, itemizing the town alongside locations like Poland, Iceland and Dubai.
A frequent customer herself, the journey professional praises the town’s immersive historical past, unbelievable meals and thrilling points of interest for all ages.
Right here’s what the well-traveled mother says households shouldn’t miss throughout their spring break in Philly.
What to See & Do
Within the “birthplace of America,” guests get a front-row seat to the nation’s historical past.
Davis Smith recommends exploring Independence Hall, the place America’s Founding Fathers gathered to signal the Declaration of Independence in 1776, seeing the Liberty Bell, an iconic image of freedom, and visiting the Museum of the American Revolution, the place households can be taught extra in regards to the nation’s founding.
Liberty Bell
— Photograph by D. Knoll for Go to Philadelphia
Past historical past, Philly presents quite a lot of museums and attractions for extra household enjoyable. Davis Smith calls out The Franklin Institute, a science museum that lately unveiled main exhibit upgrades and a newly curated collection.
For much more kid-friendly enjoyable, she suggests the Philadelphia Zoo, the place children can rise up shut with animals, or the Please Touch Museum, the place little ones can play.
Philadelphia Zoo
— Photograph by J. Fusco for Go to Philadelphia
For out of doors adventurers, Davis Smith loves Franklin Square’s year-round mini-golf course, carousel and playground. The journey fanatic additionally recommends strolling alongside the 30-mile-long Schuylkill River Trail and exploring the stretch of vibrant riverfront parks and attractions at Penn’s Landing.
Plus, within the spring, the luxurious gardens of Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center and surrounding Fairmount Park turn into a picture-perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing — should you’re fortunate sufficient to go to throughout peak bloom.
Fairmount Park
— Photograph by Ok. Kelly for Go to Philadelphia
The place to Eat & Keep
Philadelphia’s premier dining scene presents quite a lot of eating choices, from award-winning eating places to family-friendly eateries.
Davis Smith insists that no Philly tour is full and not using a cease at Reading Terminal Market, the place guests can pattern every little thing from Termini Brothers’ iconic Italian cannolis to the town’s famous cheesesteaks.
Studying Terminal Market
— Photograph by Go to Philadelphia
Then, after a day of exploring, the entire household can relaxation simple at one of many metropolis’s award-winning hotels.
The well-traveled mother boasts about family-friendly facilities on the luxurious Rittenhouse hotel, like treasure chests filled with toys and complimentary in-room motion pictures (with popcorn). Or she suggests profiting from the city’s walkability on the centrally situated Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City.
Toy Treasure Chest at The Rittenhouse
— Photograph courtesy The Rittenhouse
Philly continues to rack up main wins and accolades, showcasing the Metropolis of Brotherly Love as a rising star.
In simply the primary two months of 2025, Tripadvisor named Philly as one among America’s Top Travel Destinations and the USA Right now 10Best Readers’ Selection Awards bestowed Philly the title of Best City in America for Street Art (once more). (Plus, who may overlook the current Eagles Tremendous Bowl victory?)
