Less than an hour and a half away from downtown Philadelphia, Allentown’s Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom is a popular nearby amusement and water park. Ride on the eight roller coasters (including the ninth longest steel roller coaster in the world!), enjoy the dozens of carnival-themed rides and cool down as you slide down the 22 water slides into pools of water recreation fun.
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.
Travel across state lines for a journey under the sea. Adventure Aquarium features 8,000 aquatic animals from all over the world living in their semi-aquatic, freshwater and marine habitats. Explore the exhibits and attractions and see the beauty of the ocean, including a large coral reef tank, as well as some of the most gorgeous, exotic, endangered and dangerous creatures found in the water.
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.