Ten Places Your Toddler Will Go Nuts For

Raising kids in the city has tons of perks but the fact remains that for us city dwellers we aren't usually able to get the amount of space most can get in the suburbs. Lack of space can sometimes mean giving up that playroom or those big bulky toys and getting creative with keeping your little ones preoccupied on a snowy/rainy day. Luckily Philly has some gems when it comes to toddler friendly spots (indoor & outdoor). 

Below is a list of some of our favorite spots around town our little ones absolutely love. While most of them are within city limits, we've included a few that we have found are well worth the drive.

Franklin Square

This park may not be the easiest to get to and parking may be a bit of a nightmare but Franklin Square won us over after our first visit with the little one. There is a great park with swings and toys for kids, a beautiful carousel ($3/per ride and free for kids under 2) and the city's only miniature golf course which has 18 holes designed after Philly landmarks such as the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Liberty Bell. Bring a blanket and some food for a picnic after all the fun or pick up some food right in the park at Square Burger.

Smith Memorial Playground

If you haven't been to Smith Memorial with your kids, drop everything and go now. It's amazing and huge (the size of 6 football fields) and FREE (although donations are greatly appreciated). In addition to the actual park which is divided into two sections (one for little kids and one for bigger kids) there is a huge slide older kids can tackle solo or little ones can jump on to with a parent. There's also quite a bit of green space for a picnic.   

Seger Park

This park literally has something for the entire family. There's a great dog park, tennis courts, basketball courts, rec center with restrooms, fenced in tot lot, a special section for older kid equipment and even a spray area. On top of everything Seger Park has, it also has soft flooring in the kid's area which is great for early walkers. Oh and did we mention the park is around the corner from Whole Foods? Why not pick up some food and make a picnic out of it!?

Sister Cities Park

This is another park that isn't the easiest transportation and parking wise but given it's proximity to the Art Museum, Franklin Institute and Academy of Natural Sciences we think it's worth making a day trip out of. The Children’s Discovery Garden has a winding pathway and stream for kids to explore and there's also a boat pond and spray ground which kids also love. Logan Square Cafe also serves up yummy eats and features a kids menu with mac & cheese, tator tots and even a grilled PB & J.

Please Touch Museum

This children's museum is a dream and little ones go completely nuts for the various exhibits from a mini Shop Rite, life size Septa bus, Alice In Wonderland hedge maze and space station with rocket ships. The PTM can be a little costly so consider springing for a membership or visiting on the first Wednesday night of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. for only: $2 although we'll warn you that it can get quite busy.

Philadelphia Zoo

This one is probably a no brainer because what kid doesn't love animals. In addition to the monkeys, tigers, giraffes and array of farm animals, the zoo also has a carousel and a train for your little ones. Visiting the zoo can also be a bit pricey so consider a membership because it also includes parking.

Sky Zone

There may not be a location in the city but there are quite a few a short drive away. There is a dedicated toddler time so your little one can let loose without worrying about your toddler getting knocked over by any older jumpers. For $8 per child/$12 additional for parent to jump with their child, you get one hour of uninterrupted jump time. 

Adventure Aquarium

Visiting the Aquarium can be a bit of a coin toss because if you go on a day when 10 schools decided to do a field trip there it can be challenging to navigate but even when we've flipped the wrong side of the corn, the kids still have a blast. 

Longwood Gardens

This may not be the most obvious choice but between the flowers and gardens there's a few gems for kids such as a tree house and a fountain that'll provide hours of entertainment. Make sure you take a stroller cause you'll do a lot of walking and it can get the best of even the most energetic toddlers. 

Linvilla Orchards

Depending on the time of the year you visit you can pick your own fruits and vegetables, go on a hayride, do a little fishing and even play golf at their indoor mini golf course. Linvilla Orchards also has lots of festivities for Halloween, Christmas (including pictures with Santa), and even Easter to name a few! On top of that, they even have a nice little playground and plenty of ducks, chickens and goats around you can feed. 

Franklin Square Image Courtesy of VisitPhilly.com

Smith Memorial Playground Image Courtesy of MapofPlay.kaboom.org

Seger Park Image Courtesy of PhillyFun4Kids.com

Sister Cities Park Image Courtesy of elflamboyan.wordpress.com

Please Touch Museum Image Courtesy of VisitPhilly.com

Philadelphia Zoo Image Courtesy of USAtoday.com

Linvilla Orchards Image Courtesy of Everfest.com

Longwood Gardens Image Courtesy of LongwoodGardens.org

SkyZone Image Courtesy of Pompanofun.com

Adventure Aquarium Image Courtesy of NJfamily.com