Culture vulture families encouraged to choose family-friendly Philadelphia this summer
With the school summer holidays in full swing, Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia is the destination of choice for many families looking for a holiday which combines the best of culture alongside child-friendly entertainment.
This summer, families in search of wildlife, culture, history and activities to keep the younger ones entertained are encouraged to make Philadelphia their must-visit city in August and discover why 88,000 visitors arrive from the UK at its doors each year.
Philadelphia's Convention and Visitors Bureau has mapped out its top choice of activities for families throughout August including:
Soar High Above Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo holds the title of being America's first zoo and this summer it welcomes back its ever-popular ZooBalloon. The ZooBalloon allows guests to soar up to 400 feet above the Zoo into the tree tops for a bird's eye view of some of the Zoo's most majestic animals whilst also offering far reaching views across the city centre. Brave balloonists can enjoy the 10 minute flights from £9 per person or £30 for a family of four. For further information, visit www.philadelphiazoo.org
Thomson Worldwide is offering a seven-night package from £3,575 for a family of four. Package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Philadelphia and seven nights' accommodation at the 4 Star Sonesta Hotel. Price is based on a room-only basis for a family of four departing Heathrow on 12 August. To book visit, thomsonworldwide.com
Get Closer To The Money At The US Mint
Have you ever wondered what goes on in the United States Mint? Philadelphia Mint opened its doors in 1792 when Philadelphia was the country's capital city and since then it has gone on to produces billions of US dollars. The Mint opens to the public offering fascinating tours for visitors to see early coins and learn the story behind the nation's currency. Stroll through the visitor's gallery and view the modern coin-making process demonstrated by huge machines that work 24 hours a day, five days a week and then take a look back to see the original coining press used in 1792.
For more information, visit usmint.gov
British Airways is offering a seven-night package from £4,134 for a family of four. Package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Philadelphia and seven nights' accommodation at the 3 Star Hampton Inn Philadelphia. Priced is based on a bed and breakfast basis for a family of four flying from Heathrow on 14 August. To book, visit britishairways.com
Get Hands On At The Please Touch Museum
Recognised as the best museum in Philadelphia for children under seven, based on its mission to encourage learning through play, the Please Touch Museum will open its doors on 24 August when it launches Star Wars Day for visitors to meet and greet their favourite science-fiction characters. For the younger ones, Thomas the Tank will be on hand on 16 August. Under ones go for free and tickets for all other visitors cost £10 per person. To find out more, visit pleasetouchmuseum.org
Virgin Holidays is offering a seven-night package from £3,684 for a family of four. Package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Philadelphia and seven nights' accommodation at the 3 Star Hampton Inn Philadelphia. Price is based on a room-only basis with complimentary breakfast for a family of four travelling on 20 August. To book, visit virginholidays.co.uk
Embrace The Outdoors At Spruce Street Harbor Park
Visit the brand new Spruce Street Harbor Park, a summer pop-up park complete with an American-style boardwalk, urban beach, a series of floating barges, water gardens, a restaurant and bar, and hammock orchard. The park reflects the maritime history of the area, and celebrates the River's industrial past and the bright future ahead for Philadelphia's waterfront. Every Thursday night throughout August, a different film will be available on a giant screen at Penn's Landing. Come prepared with a blanket or deck chair and enjoy some family classics such as Jaws on August 7, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on August 14, Frozen on August 21 and The Lego Movie on August 27. To find out more, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/spruce-street-harbor-park
British Airways is offering a seven-night package from £3,732 for a family of four. Package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Philadelphia and seven nights' accommodation at the 3 Star Hilton Garden Inn. Price is based on a room-only basis for a family of four flying from Heathrow on 22 August. To book, visit britishairways.com
For more information on Philadelphia, visit discoverPHL.com.
