Things To Do Near Independence National Historical Park, Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
At the national historical park and the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial area, you can explore the Science Museum, which has many hands-on activities designed for the whole family. View the stainless-steel airplane in front of the museum. Watch a show in the theater with its four-and-a-half-story-tall IMAX screen. Listen to prominent speakers give live presentations, and see the statue and many artifacts from Benjamin Franklin’s life.
Hiking Trails
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Boxer’s Trail
Boxer’s Trail starts at the Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Range. It runs past Woodford Mansion, built in 1756, Mount Pleasant Mansion built in 1765, Ormiston Mansion built in 1798, and Rockland Mansion built in 1810. This trail also offers stunning views of East Park Reservoir, which is a wildlife management area.
Location
Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Range, East Fairmont Park, 2839 W. Glenwood Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19121
Length
3.8 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Green Ribbon Hike
Park at the Upper Gwynedd Township Administration Building to start this trail running across Parkside Place, Penllyn Woods, Four Mills Nature Reserve, and Fort Washington State Park, ending near Wissahickon Valley Park. There are several streams to cross on cement stepping stones. This is a beautiful hike over gently rolling hills.
Location
1 Parkside Place, North Wales, Pennsylvania 19454
Length
12 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Saunders Wood Preserve Trail
The Saunders Wood Preserve trail runs across gently rolling hills near an unnamed tributary of the Schuylkill River. This preserve is an excellent place to go birdwatching. There is a 19th-century farm to explore along this trail. It is an especially great place to hike when the wildflowers are blooming.
Location
Natural Lands' Saunders Woods Preserve, 1020 Waverly Road, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania 19035
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is one of the oldest sanctuaries created to protect birds of prey. It is a fantastic place to go birdwatching because it is along the Atlantic Flyway. Expect to see the largest number of birds from late August through early November.
Location
1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, Pennsylvania 19529
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Peace Valley Park
Over 250 species of birds have been spotted at Peace Valley Park. Rent a boat, and play on Lake Galena. This is a fantastic place to go hiking and to see deer from trails northeast of the lake.
Location
230 Creek Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901
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John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Start your visit to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum by viewing the nature center where you can see large displays of taxidermied local wildlife. This refuge was the first urban wildlife refuge created in the U.S., and nature-themed family-friendly programming occurs at this location throughout the year.
Location
8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19153
Museums
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Fairmont Museum
The Fairmont Museum was the first museum in the U.S. to use paddlewheels to move water. The Classical Revival-style exterior of the waterworks building quickly became a tourist destination after its construction in 1812. Visit this museum to learn how water was treated after a smallpox epidemic threatened the city and to see this beautiful structure on the Schuylkill River.
Location
640 Waterworks Dr., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
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Independence Seaport Museum
Learn more about Philadelphia’s importance as a seaport by visiting the Independence Seaport Museum. Take a tour of the submarine USS Becuna and the Navy cruiser USS Olympia. See historical wooden boats being restored, or become an apprentice and work on your ship project.
Location
211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
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Mummers Museum
Learn about Philadelphia’s unique New Year’s celebration of hosting a parade. Explore the different categories, and hear stringed instruments played like they were played during the original parade. You can also see some of the colorful costumes from the past.
Location
1100 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Humphrys Flags
Humphrys Flags has been selling flags of all sizes for more than 150 years. This shop offers all types of flags in various sizes, including state, U.S., and organization flags. It will also make custom-designed flags for you.
Location
238 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 10106
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Shane Confectionary
Located in the building that contained America's oldest candy shop, get store-made buttercream eggs, almond toffee crunch, and other candies at Shane Confectionery. This location also offers drinking chocolate.
Location
110 Market St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
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Vedge
Find outstanding vegan and vegetarian options at the Vedge, where fresh vegetable entrees are served with unique twists. You will adore the brownstone setting of this restaurant, where you can dine on the sidewalk or in the spacious dining room. It also serves a great selection of natural wines.
Location
122 Locust St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107
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Fudena
Try the West African creations at Fudena. Start by choosing your rice, and then select between curried goat, tilapia, chicken wings, or shrimp. Mix in your level of heat by choosing hot or mild tomato sauce.
Location
2025 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146