Places recommended by the AALL locals and their children.

Katrina's Picks:

Katrina recommends visiting places associated with Benjamin Franklin's name. Her children, Alexis (9) and Chris (11) love to visit the Franklin Institute Science Museum which is packed with gadgets, games and many hands on activities. My kids enjoy walking through the gigantic heart and pretending that they are one of the red cells in the blood stream.

Chris loves Aviation Hall in the Franklin Institute where the original Wright brothers' biplane is placed. During our visits to the Omniverse Theater we have visited the Serengeti and climbed Mount Everest. Right now you can relax while watching Elephant Kingdom.

Did I say let's think Franklin? Another place worth visiting in Philadelphia is the Franklin Court (located at 314 Market St.) This unusual museum was built at the place where Franklin once lived. You can see the metal frame where his house once stood and experience Franklin's talents as a scientist, inventor, statesman, printer, and philosopher. We often run into Ben Franklin wandering the courtyard. When you visit this place don't forget to stop at the Franklin Exchange where you can listen to what other famous people have said about Franklin.

Collectors and Star Trek fanatics should visit The Franklin Mint Museum located only 45 minutes West from Philadelphia. This small charming museum offers many treasures.

For kids loving dinosaurs my son Chris definitely recommends a visit to the Academy of Natural Sciences' Dinosaur Hall . While exploring dioramas you can listen to the roars of dinosaurs. The third floor offers Outside-In where my kids always have a ball touching (my kids love to touch everything) live animals (turtles, scorpions, crawl through the cave, dig for fossils, etc.)

My daughter Alexis recommends a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Her favorite "must see" exhibits are the Japanese Teahouse and a collection of miniature silver pots.

Katrina Piechnik
Jenkins Law Library

Kathy's Picks:

Children: Emily age 7 and Zachary age 3.
If you are looking for a pre or post convention day of fun in the sun and your children are 8 or under, we recommend a day at Sesame Place located in Langhorne, PA. It's only a 45-minute car ride from center city Philadelphia. In addition to meeting Big Bird, Elmo and many other characters, there are lots of interactive shows and water attractions. Don't miss the "Rock Around the Block Parade" which goes right down Sesame Street or "Big Bird's Rambling River" which is Emily's favorite family inner tube ride.
Mom's tip: If it is a really hot day, get there early and do the water rides first. The lines get long later in the day. Take in the shows, fountains, and the wading pools in the p.m. Dress and pack as though you were going to the pool for the day. Lockers and changing rooms are available. Don't forget the suncreen!

If your children like boats, fish and playgrounds, take them on the RiverLink Ferry for a combined visit to the Camden Children's Garden and NJ State Aquarium. If you buy a PhillyPHLASH pass, you are entitled to a discount. The PHLASH will take you from your hotel to Penns Landing where you will board the ferry. If your children are older than 8, skip the Garden and only visit the aquarium. In the Children's Garden, Zachary enjoys hiding in the dinosaur eggs, climbing through the tunnels, and watching the penguins swim.
Moms tip: The food at the aquarium is overpriced. Try to time it so you eat before or pack a lunch. There is a nice outside porch with tables that overlook the river. Bring a camera.

The Please Touch Museum is a great place to spend part of a rainy day. My children have a lot of energy and like to experience things using all of their senses. Children's storybooks come to life here. Zachary's favorites are the bed and dress up clothes from Where the Wild Things Are. Try to time your visit during one of the many live performances or "Special Events" in their theatre. We discovered singer songwriter Sue Trainer on our most recent visit. There is an outdoor interactive play area, Science Park, across the street that is included as part of admission to the Please Touch Museum or the Franklin Institute.
Mom's tip: Strollers are not allowed past the coatroom. Snuglies are available free.
On Sunday's from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. the admission fee is a voluntary donation.

You can't go wrong with a visit to The Philadelphia Zoo. There are more than 2000 animals on 42 acres. Here the peacocks wander freely with the pigeons. Emily always wants to ride the camel (this is an additional price). Zachary likes to watch the lions being fed. Don't miss the beautiful but noisy Lorikeet birds.
Mom's tip: There is a McDonald's right inside the zoo. If you want to eat outdoors, there is a large shaded picnic grove.

Kathy Coon
Jenkins Law Library