Cottage Green

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! You’re not in the Land of Oz, you’re entering the World of the Philadelphia Zoo. The first zoo in the United States, the Philadelphia Zoo remains one of the premier zoos in the world especially for endangered animals. See everything from big cats and primates to exotic birds and reptiles throughout the exhibits and attractions here.

Head to North Bowl for the ultimate leisurely hang out. Housed in a renovated former garage, this bowling alley is "strikingly different" because it doubles as a nightlife haven. With a retro 1950s vibe going on, North Bowl offers good, clean family recreation and fun before 9PM as well as two bars and a lounge area for the 21 and up crowd.

Take in the marvelous works at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country. Known as the Parthenon on the Parkway, this enormous museum features a quasi-Greek Revival design. Within its 200 galleries you can find over 225,000 objects showcasing the creative evolution of the Western world from the first century onwards.

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.