Welcome to Philly, the city of brotherly love. We were in Philadelphia this weekend to see the Dan TDM Live Tour. Dan TDM is a YouTube sensation who commentates video games and is loved by millions of young gamers all over the world. He is currently touring in the U.S. and stopped at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA, just outside Philadelphia. My kids had a great time at the show. The neighborhood around the theater is a little sketchy at night. Traffic in this area was terrible. It took well over n hour to go just 14 miles. If you come here with children, I’d suggest a matinee. Also, give yourself lots of extra time to secure parking.
You could easily spend a week in Philadelphia , taking in all the great things to do in town. But, since we were just making a quick weekend jaunt, we did the highlights.
First stop, Valley Forge.
Valley Forge is one of the infamous winter encampments of George Washington and his men during the American Revolutionary War. Sadly underfunded, Washington’s troops suffered with little food, inadequate clothing, and rampant sickness. Shockingly, nearly two thousand men died from sickness during the winter at Valley Forge. But, the soldiers’ tenacious patriot spirit and sense of duty prevailed. They left Valley Forge determined to secure their liberty.
For GPS:
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Some tips for families:
First, this is part of the National Park system. This particular park has free admission. Start your day with a video in the visitor center theater. Showings are every 30 minutes starting at 9:30. The last showing is 4:30. The video was short enough to keep my kid’s attention. There are some neat artifacts in the visitor center to see as well.
Also, have your national park’s passport book stamped more info about that here, pick up your junior ranger booklet more info here at the front desk. There is a nice gift shop and some light prepackaged snacks here as well.
There are several ways to tour the park. We saw several families on bicycles. This is a very hilly park. So, I’d only suggest this option for older kids who can handle some inclines.
There are several ways to tour this national park. There is an audio tour available on CD. You can purchase one in the gift shop and tour with your car. But, there is a FREE cell phone tour available as well. Call 484-396-1018. It’s available 24/7. The park opens at 7 am and closes at dusk. So, if you want to beat the crowds and come before the visitor center opens at 9am, you are welcome to. Another option is the trolley tour. It’s a 90 minute tour. $17.50 for adults. Students, seniors, and military are $14.50. Children under 11 are $9. Meet at the visitor center. These tours sell out. To pre-purchase and find out available dates and times call 610-783-1074. Finally, you can get a good old fashioned map and walk the park. click here for official map download, trail guides, and nature pamphlets
Be sure to check out the events calendar for scheduled bird walks, star parties, and even a 5 mile race day. calendar of events here
Homeschool families will appreciate these resources to supplement their curriculum. lesson plans here, field trip info here
