PENNSYLVANIA
Please be sure to call and verify times and rates as they are subject to change

ACTIVITIES     RESTAURANTS     LODGING

ACTIVITIES:

GETTYSBURG-  BOYDS BEAR COUNTRY
75 Cunningham Rd., Gettysburg  866.367.8338
COST:  Store and museum are free but there are there is a cost for activities inside
HOURS:  Thursday - Monday 10a - 6p
Three stories of stuffed animals, plus a small museum area which shows the history of Boyds Bears.  Build your own bear at the Boyd's Super Duper Bear Factory.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Close to the main historic part of town so it makes a nice stop.   Our review family enjoyed making their own bears with the special stuffing. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  The kids were not very interested in the museum, so don't expect to spend a lot of time there.

GETTYSBURG-  EXPLORE AND MORE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
20 E. High St., Gettysburg  717.337.9151
COST:  $4 Adult / $6 Child (age 2 - 14)
HOURS:  October - March:  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday- Saturday 10a - 5p, Sunday 12p - 5p;  April - September:  Monday - Saturday 10a - 5p
You could plan to spend all day here!  This is a historic house turned into a children's museum.  They have many exhibits including a historical area that lets the kids dress up in civil war outfits and cook or camp.  Not a lot of room for adults to sit, so be prepared to be involved in the activities.  There is an art room upstairs which is a great place to start, so your child's masterpiece has time to dry.  There is a small gift shop at the entrance.  You can buy a nice variety of educational toys there.  One of our review family's favorite activities in Gettysburg!
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   It's all about kids!  Lots of hands-on fun.    Inexpensive, especially considering how long you can enjoy yourself here.

LANCASTER-  AMISH FARM & HOUSE
2395 Lincoln Hwy E., Lancaster  717.394.6185
COST:  $7.95 Adult (age 12+) / $5.25 Child (age 5 - 11) / $7.25 Seniors (age 60+);  Bus tour is additional
HOURS:  Hours vary slightly throughout the year but is usually open 8:30a - 4p
This is an old Amish house that was converted into a museum of sorts.  There are extensive grounds around the house on which they show many aspects of Amish life.  The tour was very informative.  See the traditional clothing and learn about the Amish customs and lifestyle.  There is a lot for kids to do;  from faux cow milking to a playground.  You will see lots of animals.  Overall, a nice place for a family to visit and learn about the Amish lifestyle.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Very informative.  Some hands-on opportunities for kids.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  The tour was not very entertaining for young children. 

PHILADELPHIA-  THE LIBERTY BELL CENTER
501 Market St., Philadelphia   215.965.2305
COST:  FREE
HOURS:  Daily 9 am - 5 pm
If you are visiting Philadelphia, this really is a must-see.  However, be prepared for younger children to be bored.  There is very little about this that they can understand or appreciate, aside from the fact that they get to see a really big bell.  For adults and older children, this is a profound and moving experience.  For the price (FREE) it's definitely worth stopping in to see, but be prepared to move through quickly if you have little ones.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Educational and insightful for older children.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Not entertaining for younger children.  There is a security screening at the beginning so try not to bring much with you so you can get through security quickly.  No restrooms in The Liberty Bell Center;  use the facilities in the Independence Visitors Center.
 

RESTAURANTS:

PHILADELPHIA-FRANKLIN FOUNTAIN
116 Market St., Philadelphia   215.627.1899
This old-fashioned soda fountain-style restaurant was called a MUST visit by our review family.  Their ice cream was the best they had ever head.  One banana split was even enough for all 4 to share.   The servers dress in theme and there is an amazing variety of ice cream flavors---  all homemade!   Be sure to check out the display of antique ice cream scoops.  The location was a little hard to find but worth the effort. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   A perfect place to take a break from visiting other tourist sites in the area.  Delicious ice cream in a fun setting! 
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  A little difficult to find but worth the effort.
 

LODGING:

GETTYSBURG-  GETTYSBURG BEST WESTERN
1 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg   717.337.2000
Great family hotel in a beautiful location.  The staff was in costume and had a great fire going in the lobby.  Complimentary afternoon tea.  For an additional fee, a horse and buggy will even meet you at the front door.  This is a wonderful place to stay during your Gettysburg adventure;  historical but with all of the conveniences of a modern hotel. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Great location and comfortable accommodations.  Complimentary afternoon tea. 
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Breakfast not included.

PHILADELPHIA-  INDEPENDENCE PARK HOTEL (BEST WESTERN)
235 Chestnut St., Philadelphia   215.922.4443
Our review family really enjoyed this hotel.  The building is on the National Register of Historic Places;  full of traditional charm.  Beautiful guest rooms include high ceilings with full-length curtains.  Complimentary breakfast with make-your-own waffle bar (the waffles have little Liberty Bells in the center and sweet strawberry syrup).  There is also a complimentary tea time including yummy cookies in the lobby.
FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS-   Beautiful rooms in a historic building.  Complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea.  Walking distance to many tourist attractions.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS-  Parking is a few blocks away.