Planning a fun day out with the kids? These family-friendly attractions are all within easy driving distance from Philadelphia and offer memorable experiences for children of all ages—from thrilling rides to hands-on museums and animal encounters.

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Top Family-Friendly Attractions You Can Drive To From Philadelphia

John’s Driving School is not affiliated with any of the locations below.

Please Touch Museum

Location: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

This iconic museum encourages interactive learning through imaginative play. Kids can shop in a mini grocery store, explore a city bus, and even take a ride on the indoor carousel.

Sesame Place

Location: 100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047

Located in Bucks County, Sesame Place is perfect for younger children with themed rides, splash zones, and live character shows. It’s a colorful, cheerful day out just a short drive from Philly.

Adventure Aquarium

Location: 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103

Home to sharks, sea turtles, and even hippos, this interactive aquarium lets kids get up close to marine life. A touch tank and underwater tunnel make it a favorite for curious little explorers.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Location: 500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

With rides, building stations, and a 4D cinema, this indoor attraction is a dream for LEGO fans. Best for kids 3–10, it offers hours of creative fun in a climate-controlled setting.

Elmwood Park Zoo

Location: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401

Smaller and easier to manage than larger zoos, Elmwood Park Zoo features over 100 species, giraffe feeding, and a kids’ splash area. Great for younger children and first-time zoo visits.

Franklin Institute

Location: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

One of the most popular science museums in the country, the Franklin Institute offers hands-on exhibits about the human body, space, electricity, and more. A hit for school-aged kids and teens.

Crayola Experience

Location: 30 Centre Sq, Easton, PA 18042 

About 90 minutes from Philly, this colorful indoor play center offers 25+ creative activities like custom crayon-making and digital art. It’s a fun, artsy outing for the whole family.