Explore Philadelphia with the CityPASS: A Money‑Saving Option for Families and First‑Time Visitors
Philadelphia is packed with iconic museums, hands‑on science exhibits, historic neighborhoods, and family‑friendly attractions. If you’re planning your first trip to the city — especially with kids or teens — the Philadelphia CityPASS is one of the easiest ways to save money in Philadelphia while checking off several must‑see spots. It works the same way as other CityPASS programs across the country: you choose how many attractions you want to visit, and the pass bundles them at a discounted rate.
During my own visit to Philadelphia, I found that the Philadelphia CityPASS made planning simple. It let us mix big‑name museums with fun outdoor attractions, and it gave my teenage son the chance to spend extra time at his favorites — especially the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Zoo.
How the Philadelphia CityPASS Works
The Philadelphia CityPASS is structured differently than the versions in Atlanta, Chicago, or Seattle. Instead of one fixed set of attractions, you choose how many places you want to visit:
- C3 Pass — Choose 3 attractions
- C4 Pass — Choose 4 attractions
- C5 Pass — Choose 5 attractions
Each tier gives you access to the same list of participating attractions. You simply pick the number that fits your itinerary. This flexibility is great for families who want to balance museum time with outdoor activities. It’s also ideal for first‑time visitors who want a “sampler” of Philadelphia’s best experiences.
The more attractions you choose, the more you save. If you plan to visit at least three included spots, the Philadelphia CityPASS almost always costs less than buying individual tickets.
What’s Included in the Philadelphia CityPASS?
Here’s a quick look at the attractions you can choose from.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is one of Philadelphia’s most iconic museums. It’s also one of the best science museums in the country. Families love it because everything is hands‑on and interactive. My son wanted to spend the entire day here — and you easily could. From the giant walk‑through heart to physics exhibits, flight simulators, and rotating special exhibitions, there’s something for every age. If you’re visiting with kids or teens, this is one of the strongest reasons to choose the CityPASS.
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is my personal favorite museum in Philadelphia. It’s inspiring, interactive, and dedicated entirely to the U.S. Constitution. Exhibits like “The Story of We the People” and Signers’ Hall make history feel alive. Teens connect well with the multimedia displays and hands‑on activities. While it’s not part of the CityPASS, it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. It pairs perfectly with Independence Hall and other historic sites nearby.
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium sits just across the river in Camden. It’s a fun, immersive stop for families who love marine life. You’ll find sharks, rays, penguins, hippos, and plenty of kid‑friendly exhibits. The Shark Tunnel and Touch Tanks are always favorites. The layout makes it easy to explore without feeling rushed. If you’re already planning a day near the waterfront — or pairing this with the Battleship New Jersey — it’s a great addition to your CityPASS itinerary.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country. It’s also one of the most family‑friendly attractions in the city. My son loved watching the big cats roam overhead through the Zoo360 trail system. The zoo features primates, reptiles, birds, and African wildlife. It’s easy to spend a half‑day wandering the grounds. Weekends are lively and full of families, making it a memorable stop for kids of all ages.
Big Bus Philadelphia Tour
The Big Bus Philadelphia Tour is a hop‑on, hop‑off experience that’s perfect for first‑time visitors. It’s an easy way to explore the city without worrying about parking or navigating unfamiliar streets. The narrated loop gives you a great overview of Philadelphia’s history and major landmarks. You can ride the full loop or hop off at stops like Old City, the Museum District, or the waterfront. Families appreciate the flexibility and the chance to see more of the city with less effort.
Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution is one of Philadelphia’s most engaging museums. It brings the Revolutionary War era to life through immersive galleries and powerful storytelling. The centerpiece — George Washington’s actual field tent — is unforgettable. It’s a fantastic complement to the attractions scattered throughout Philadelphia. Families, history lovers, and teens who enjoy interactive exhibits will find plenty to explore here.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is one of Philadelphia’s most fascinating historic sites. Once the most famous prison in the world, it now offers a self‑guided audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi. You’ll walk through crumbling cellblocks, hear stories of inmates, and learn about criminal justice reform. It’s surprisingly family‑friendly for teens who enjoy history or architecture. If you want a break from traditional museums, this is a memorable addition to your CityPASS lineup.
Battleship New Jersey & Memorial
The Battleship New Jersey is docked just across the river in Camden. It’s a massive, hands‑on naval museum where you can explore the decks and climb through passageways. Families love the interactive feel. You’re not just looking at exhibits — you’re walking through them. If you’re already visiting Adventure Aquarium, this pairs perfectly as a two‑stop day.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
The Academy of Natural Sciences is Philadelphia’s oldest natural history museum. It’s a great pick for families with younger kids. You’ll find dinosaur skeletons, wildlife dioramas, live animal encounters, and rotating science exhibits. It’s smaller and easier to navigate than the Franklin Institute, making it a nice half‑day option for families who want something educational but not overwhelming.
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Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation holds one of the most impressive art collections in the country. You’ll see works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and other masters. The galleries feel more like exploring a private home than a traditional museum. While it’s not as hands‑on as the Franklin Institute or the zoo, it’s a fantastic choice for art lovers or families with older teens who appreciate world‑class collections.
Tips for Using the Philadelphia CityPASS
- Plan your days around neighborhoods. The Big Bus Tour helps you move between areas without worrying about parking.
- Start early at the Franklin Institute. It’s big, popular, and easy to spend several hours exploring.
- Check operating hours. Some attractions have seasonal schedules or special events.
- Mix indoor and outdoor activities. The zoo and aquarium pair well with museum days.
Helpful Gear for Exploring Philadelphia
A Philadelphia CityPASS makes it easy to explore some of the city’s most popular attractions. But having the right gear with you can make your day even smoother. Whether you’re visiting the Franklin Institute, hopping on or off the Big Bus Tour, or spending time at the Philadelphia Zoo, these items help keep families comfortable and organized.
- Lightweight shoulder bag – Something to carry all the small things around Philadelphia
- Water bottle – Staying hydrated is important
- Portable power bank – If you take as many photos as I do, you’re gonna need a phone charger
- Wireless earbuds – Handy for audio tours while touring museums or the Big Bus Tour
Conclusion
The Philadelphia CityPASS is a simple way for families and first‑time visitors to save money while exploring some of the city’s most popular attractions. It gives you the flexibility to choose the experiences that fit your schedule, whether you want hands‑on science, outdoor adventures, historic sites, or world‑class art. With options like the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, and the Big Bus Tour, it’s easy to build a trip that keeps everyone engaged. If you’re planning a visit to Philadelphia and want a mix of fun, learning, and convenience, the Philadelphia CityPASS is a smart place to start.
DISCLOSURE: I received three complimentary Philadelphia CityPASSes for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
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