Experience · Philadelphia

Family Science Fun in Logan Square

Ignite your family's curiosity with a visit to The Franklin Institute, where hands-on science exhibits await. Afterward, refuel with a tasty and easy meal before heading to a nearby park for some playful outdoor relaxation.

A 4.5-hour Philadelphia afternoon plan for families — The Franklin Institute, Topside Tavern, Dilworth Park.

Duration
4h 30m
Cost
$75–$150
Stops
3 stops
Area
Logan Square + 1 more
Walking
Moderate walking · Total 0.9-mile driving route
Best time
12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for
Families · Kids · Solo · Friends
Customize
Family Science Fun in Logan Square

The plan

The plan

  1. 1The Franklin Institute(2 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Topside Tavern(1 hr)→
  3. 3Dilworth Park(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 0.9 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Philadelphia instead of crossing town between them. The Franklin Institute is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Dilworth Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, solo, and friends who want a planned Philadelphia outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Ignite your family's curiosity with a visit to The Franklin Institute, where hands-on science exhibits await. Afterward, refuel with a tasty and easy meal before heading to a nearby park for some playful outdoor relaxation.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. The Franklin Institute1
    2h 30m
    The Franklin Institute

    Arts & Culture · Logan Square

    Lively, family-friendly science museum with many interactive exhibits & displays plus a planetarium.

    What to do — Dive into the interactive exhibits, perfect for all ages. Don't miss the iconic Giant Heart and check the planetarium schedule for a show.

    0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive

    Then Walk a short distance from The Franklin Institute to Topside Tavern for a convenient lunch.

  2. Topside Tavern2
    1 hr
    Topside Tavern

    Food & Drink · Center City West

    What to do — Grab some satisfying pub food in a relaxed atmosphere to refuel after exploring the museum. There are options for everyone.

    0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive

    Then Take a short walk to Dilworth Park, just a few blocks away, for some outdoor fun.

  3. Dilworth Park3
    Optional 1 hr
    Dilworth Park

    Outdoors · Center City West

    Modern urban park with a splash fountain, cafe & seasonal events like outdoor movies & ice skating.

    What to do — Enjoy the refreshing splash fountain during warmer months, or simply relax on a bench while the kids play. Check for any seasonal events happening in the park.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Philadelphia itinerary for families?
Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, solo, and friends and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at The Franklin Institute.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Philadelphia itinerary cost?
Roughly $75–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.9 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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