Itinerary: Student Tour

As Ben Franklin said, “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”

• Half-Day Itinerary

Start with a guided tour of Independence National Historical Park — America’s most historic square mile, where the Declaration of Independence were drafted and debated, and where the nation’s first executive mansion stood. Before you leave be sure to snap a picture of the Liberty Bell, a globally recognized symbol of freedom.

Once your group has worked up an appetite head over to Franklin Square. Located in one of William Penn’s original parks as part of his effort to create a “green country town,” Franklin Square offers a student-friendly elective in the heart of the historic district. Grab lunch at Square Burger — a tasty lunch spot by famed restaurateur Steven Starr and enjoy the  Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, an 18-hole miniature golf course, sand sculpturesand storytelling benches.

• Make It a Full Day

Board the River Link Ferry from Penn’s Landing and cross the Delaware River to New Jersey to visit Adventure Aquarium. Consider a 4D movie as the Aquarium provides an immersive movie experience combining unique special effects and 3D projection, but be sure to check out the hippos and the shark tunnel, where you might be able to see a hammerhead shark.

Back in Philadelphia, take the ultimate taste test and sample a classic cheesesteak from Philadelphia’s two most famous cheesesteak purveyors at 9th and Passyunk streets.

Independence After Hours takes your group on an evening walking tour led by Colonial characters bringing history to life right in the place where it happened. The tour begins with a three-course meal at historic City Tavern, where Colonial townspeople entertain. The Colonial host then “sneaks” you back to the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) where your entire group will witness several Founding Fathers deep in discussion over the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Keep your eyes out for the night watchman!

• Make It a Weekend: Day 2

The day begins with a museum tour that takes you through the giant model of a human heart at The Franklin Institute and a short walk over to the dinosaur exhibit at The Academy of Natural Sciences. After that, you can re-enact Rocky’s triumphant run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps.

Stop at the Comcast Center, the tallest building in Philadelphia and the tallest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified building in the United States. Watch the lobby walls come to life with high-definition video on the world’s largest TV, and then enjoy lunch at The Market, the food court on the lower level.

Visit the National Liberty Museum, dedicated to world heroes and their struggle to protect and preserve freedom.

And consider setting aside some time to visit the 150-year-old Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo. See more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals from around the world, take a ride on the Amazon Rainforest Carousel and soar to new heights with the Channel 6 Zooballoon.

MORE ATTRACTIONS FOR STUDENTS: American History

• Battleship New Jersey Memorial & Museum: Tour the Navy’s most decorated warship and visit simulated operations areas spanning five deck levels.
• Betsy Ross House: Visit the house of Betsy Ross – the Philadelphia patriot believed to have made the first American flag – and see how working-class people lived in Colonial Philadelphia.
• The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia: See more than 20 sites on a 75-minute walking adventure through Historic Philadelphia. Group tours year round.
• Fireman’s Hall Museum: Located in a restored firehouse, the Fireman’s Hall Museum features all the history and heroic moments of firefighting in Philadelphia. Visitors can peruse the museum’s various exhibits and attend its public programs.
• Historic Houses of Germantown: See where the Battle of Germantown was fought during the American Revolution, where the first American edition of the Bible was published, and more.
• Independence Seaport Museum: Explore the region’s maritime heritage with interactive exhibits, magnificent ship models and more than 14,000 artifacts. Visit Admiral Dewey’s 1892 cruiser Olympia and the World War II submarine, Becuna.
• Lights of Liberty Show: Experience the drama of the American Revolution as it happened, where it happened. Five-story projections on historic buildings and wireless headsets equipped with 3-D sound bring Colonial Philadelphia to life.
• National Liberty Museum: Celebrate American heroes and the ideals of freedom at this museum honoring more than 1,000 outstanding individuals of all ethnic backgrounds.
• Once Upon A Nation: The sights and sounds of Colonial Philadelphia come alive through a cast of storytellers who take to the streets sharing Philadelphia’s rich past through interesting tales.
• Valley Forge National Historical Park: Visit this historic site and recreation area where General George Washington and his troops survived the famed encampment of 1777-78.
• Washington Crossing Historic Park: Visit this 500-acre site and recreational area where General George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River for a pivotal battle.