Philadelphia's Top Stuff for Preschoolers

That magical age between being a toddler and heading off to kindergarten is one filled with learning, amazing energy, physical agility, and worst of all – the end of the daily nap! Finding things to keep your preschooler happy and entertained is nearly a full-time job. Luckily, Philadelphia is up to the challenge and offers plenty for the preschool set! - Cecily Kellogg

Smith: The Kid's Play Space in the Park

33rd & Oxford Streets
(215) 765-4325
smithkidsplayplace.org

Located in Fairmount Park, this combination of playground, play house, and sprayground offers something for every kid. This spot is preschool heaven – lots to climb and do! And best of all, most preschoolers are old enough to go down the big slide by themselves, so you can sit down and relax while they zoom down over and over.

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic
(215) 963-0667
www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

This children's museum, located in Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, is designed with this age group in mind. Kids will find plenty to explore and do here, including a faux grocery store, fun with water, an Alice in Wonderland exhibit and more.

Clark Park Tot Lot

43rd & Chester Avenues
(215) 552-8186
www.clarkpark.info

Located in the heart of West Philly, the tot lot at Clark Park has two playgrounds to choose from. It's also an excellent spot for young kids to learn to ride bikes, tricycles, and scooters (don't forget the helmets!).

The Wissahickon

Wissahickon Valley Park (part of Fairmount Park)
From Lincoln Drive to Northwestern Avenue along the Wissahickon Creek
(215) 683-0200
www.fairmountpark.org

The Wissahickon Valley in Fairmount Park is a great place to take your children hiking, biking, and walking. With plenty of trails, spots for kids to dip their toes in the creek, and gorgeous Forbidden Drive, it's a great place to explore.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org

You can't go wrong with this oldie but goody, the oldest zoo in the United States. Preschool is the perfect age for early zoo exploration.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

26th street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org

You might think this isn't the best place for preschoolers, and truthfully, it might not be a place where you can spend hours with them. But with lots of green space outside, and of course the famous Rocky Steps out front, you can still tire out your preschooler here.

Rittenhouse Square

18th & Walnut
(215) 683-0200
www.fairmountpark.org/RittenhouseSquare.asp

Lacking a playground, this park in the heart of Center City might not seem like the best spot for preschool kids. However, running, jumping off benches, and climbing in the fountain (which is thankfully shut off during the winter) are faves of this age group.

The Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
(856) 365-3300
www.adventureaquarium.com

Okay, this is actually in Camden, but it's just a short ferry ride across the Delaware River. Toddlers will love the various aspects of the aquarium, and don't forget to visit the Children's Garden while you are there, too!

The Philadelphia Free Library

Throughout the city
(215) 686-5322
www.freelibrary.org

Getting preschoolers ready for kindergarten? Your local library is here to help! Endless resources plus fun events and story times for preschoolers abound.