Philadelphia Zoo
Found on the banks of the Schuylkill River, the Philadelphia Zoo originally launched in 1859 as America's first zoo. Visitors will find more than 40 acres of zoo habitats and exhibits housing everything from common animals such as goats to exotic animals such as African lions and Amur tigers. One of the zoo's biggest draws is its animal feedings. Check the zoo schedule at its entrance to find when the next feeding takes place. Every day, zoo workers let audience members watch them feed animals such as monkeys, giant river otters, African savanna birds and vampire bats. As of September 2009, admission for adults is $18, while children cost $15.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-1196
(215) 243-1100
philadelphiazoo.org
United States Mint
Philadelphia is home to the largest of the U.S. Mint's four active mints. This mint is responsible for creating the master copies of every coin made in the country, and also helps produce and maintain more than $100 billion in U.S. money. See where the contents of your wallet came from during one of the mint's self-guided tours, which run every weekday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Though reservations are not needed, bring government-issued photo identification such as a passport or drivers license. Expect to spend approximately 45 minutes on the tour.
United States Philadelphia Mint
151 N. Independence Mall E.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 408-0114
usmint.gov
Walnut Street Theatre
Philadelphia has a vibrant arts and culture scene, but none of its theaters, galleries or museums are as old as the Walnut Street Theatre. Founded in 1809, The Walnut is not just the city's oldest theater, but also the oldest continuously operating theater of its kind in the western Hemisphere. Visitors will find local and major plays featured nightly. After your play, enjoy local delicacies and coffees at the historic Barrymore's Café.
Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-5195
(215) 574-3550
walnutstreettheatre.org
African American Museum of Philadelphia
African Americans figure prominently in Philadelphia's history, and the history of America. The African American Museum of Philadelphia highlights their contributions to the nation and features dozens of exhibits focusing on specific members of the Philadelphia community and some of the historical inventions, innovations and cultural ideas they have contributed to society. Open daily except for Mondays. As of September 2009, admission of adults is $10, while children or students with a high school or university ID are $8.
African American Museum of Philadelphia
701 Arch St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1504
(215) 574-0380
aampmuseum.org
Liberty Bell Center
No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a trip to see the world-famous Liberty Bell. It was once popular to kiss or lick the bell, but too many kissers have led to the installation of a rope around the bell to prevent such acts. Along the way to the actual bell, encounter historical facts, interactive exhibits and entertaining movies discussing the concepts of liberty, freedom and how the bell symbolizes these concepts.
Liberty Bell Center
501 Market St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 597-8974
