NightOrbs

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.

No matter where you are in Philadelphia, Fairmount Park is never too far away. This enormous park sprawls over 4,100 acres and has become the namesake for the entire municipal park system, all 9,200 acres spread throughout 63 public parks. No matter what your interests in the outdoors—hiking, biking, boating—Fairmount will meet all your needs.

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.

Have fun learning about science and natural history as you explore the attractions at The Franklin Institute. One of the oldest centers of science education and development in the country, the Franklin Institute provides a variety of permanent and traveling exhibits that are sure to appeal to people of all ages and interests—from a giant walk-through heart to the interactive KidScience exhibit.