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About and hour and half away from Philly is Bushkill Park, a smaller, family-friendly amusement park perfect for children. Historic Bushkill Park is famous for its antique rides, such as bumper cars, and has one of the oldest funhouses in the world. The park is currently undergoing some renovation but a revival is expected, especially after the park was featured on American Pickers.

While you may not sail the great blue seas, you can explore the history they played in Philadelphia’s development at the Independence Seaport Museum. A museum dedicated to the maritime history of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley and Pennsylvania, the Independence Seaport Museum is suitably located along Penn’s Landing, the historic site where William Penn first docked when he arrived in America.

As you walk through Independence Mall, be sure to pop into the National Constitution Center to learn more about the birth of America. As the Birthplace of America, it is fitting that the nation’s first and only nonpartisan institution devoted to the Constitution is located in Philadelphia. The whole family can enjoy the time spent touring the attractions, multimedia exhibitions and watching live performances.

Set aside some time to visit the oldest surviving botanical garden in the United States. Bartram’s Garden covers 46 acres in Fairmount Park, and is open to the public for free admission. Try taking a tour inside the historic garden area (the original 8-acre garden begun in 1728), the historic stone house, through the elaborate grove and the largest variety of North American plants in the world.