Landmarks of Independence Around Philadelphia to Show Kids

The summer of America’s 250^th anniversary is a good time for families to visit the place where it all started. On July 4, 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence, formally establishing the new nation.

They met in the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania, a building now known as Independence Hall. Eleven years later, the Continental Congress met here again and wrote the United States Constitution.

The Assembly Hall, where the Continental Congress met to discuss their hopes for independence from Britain, is also where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where George Washington was selected as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.

Across from Independence Hall sits Liberty Bell Pavilion in Independence National Historical Park. The bell with its long crack is a familiar American symbol, and its inscription, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof” has inspired Abolitionists, women’s suffrage advocates and Civil Rights leaders.

Allow time to view the exhibits and see the film. Admission is free and no tickets are required, but there may be a line at busy times. Plan for time also to stroll around the square mile designated as Independence National Historical Park. Stop at the Visitor Center off Dock Street for current information, tickets and walking tour maps.

Kids will enjoy Ben Franklin Museum, also in the park, where Franklin’s life, character and multiple accomplishments are explored in artifacts, computer animations and interactive displays. Along with being educational and challenging, exhibits are fun and inspire visitors to learn more about this remarkable man.

While in the area, you might add an important site in the Revolution at Valley Forge, about 35 miles from Philadelphia. At Valley Forge National Historic Park a 10-mile driving route explores the grounds where George Washington and his soldiers camped throughout the winter of 1777–1778.

Here you’ll learn how soldiers endured the months of cold without proper food, clothing or shelter, building a village of more than 2,000 huts and protecting it with miles of trenches and earthen redoubts. The stone house that was Washington’s headquarters is closed for restoration, reopening in 2027 to mark the 250th anniversary of Washington’s 1777 arrival at Valley Forge.