Three days is an ideal length of time to visit Philly, and there will be plenty to keep your kids occupied.

In the historic area, you shoud plan on visiting the Consitution Center, Independence Hall and Liberty Bell.

Your teens should also enjoy the Franklin Institute Science museum (includes a planetarium and IMAX theater) and a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary. The latter is not appropriate for your youngest.

Attractions ideal for the 4 year old would be the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, the Please Touch Museum, and the Philadelphia Zoo.

The whole family would enjoy a Ride the Ducks tour, and a visit to Reading Terminal Market.

see www.gophila.com for more

I agree that a three day stop in Philly is not too long. Many attractions are close together so that your group could easily split up for a while and then meet up again.

At what time of year would you be here? During the summer the historic district comes alive with actors portraying Colonials. They perform skits, demonstrate crafts, and talk about their lives. Also, there is a series of 13 sotry-telling benches that everyone can enjoy.

Regardless of time of year, I recommend visiting Franklin Court and the old Philadelphia Water Works (in Fairmount Park behind the Art Museum).

Lynn

I agree totally with the first two posters. Also, check out the theater district. They may enjoy an afternoon matinee, Philly is beginning to rival NYC (Which I adore) in the arts. If they didn't mention the art museum, the boys would like the Collection of Medieval armor.

You won't get bored here there's plenty to do. The Zoo would keep them busy for a day alone and the Franklin Science Museum would be on the top of my list.Getting around the city is easy.

Have fun :) Book

All of the above posters suggested excellent places to visit and things to do. I just want to mention that Philaelphia is MUCH easier to get around than NYC. You can walk almost everywhere you want to go, and depending on the time of year, there are a few different hop on/hop off tourist services that run to help you get to the farther out places.

Another "activity" would be grabbing a cheesesteak at Jim's, at 4th & South, or Campo's 2nd & Market.

I'm lucky, we have a Jim's steak near us and they're the best. Can't come to Philly without getting cheese steak.(excuse me vegetarians) I think the Italian Market is fun, but you have to really watch a 4 yr. old. If you can get a tour to see the murals all over town, that's a treat. Philly's answer to graffiti. They're for everybody, but my students were always astounded about the way that they can paint on the buildings and make it beautiful. They all have a story,too.

If I can get around town easily with public transportation, the previous poster is right, I'm physically challenged and have no trouble. With children the ages you say, Philly will be much easier than New York, and I go to New York as often as I can.

The Jim's Steaks at 4th & South is not affiliated with any other Jim's Steaks.

I didn't realize that, but I've eaten at the one you recommend, it's terrific!!!

Really, owlyn? I did not know that about Jim's Steaks. There's a Jim's Steaks in Springfield and while I have never stopped there, I also assumed the two were affiliated because I believe the logos are the same. Live and learn!

Suzanne

Jim's does have more than one location. I don't know if these are all current, but there have been Jim's Steaks in Springfield, NE Philadelphia, and West Philly.

Lynn

Thank you Lynn. I just wrrote a review about the one in Springfield. Thought I was a little crazy, but that's a possibility. :)