Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, City Pass Family Vacation Ideas – Dinosaurs, U.S. History and a Trolley Ride. Plan an urban family adventure filled with fun. Ride a trolley; go to the zoo; connect with Ben Franklin; watch

What’s included? What’s included? Visit six of these seven attractions The Adventure Aquarium, The Franklin Institute Science Museum and Fels Planetarium, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Zoo, with an option of either The Independence Seaport Museum or The Academy of Natural Sciences, and a Trolley Tour by Philadelphia Trolley Works

Space views, sports and a walk through heart. Check out all of the interactive exhibits at the Franklin Institute including Space Command, The Train Factory, Sports Challenge and KidScience along with classics like the giant walk-through heart. Ranked among the "50 Top-Rated Attractions" in the USA, by Zagat Survey's U.S. Family Travel Guide, The Franklin Institute is one of the nation's most visited science museums. IMAX® and some special exhibit tickets sold separately at an additional cost. Not to be missed: It’s been thirty years Tutankhamen’s treasures last visited the United States and more than 3,000 years after his death, and the treasures of the boy king are back in Philadelphia, the final stop on the current U.S. tour – so make sure to see this fabulous exhibit before it leaves. Just for families: Sir Issac’s Loft, a world of artistic experimentation, is the newest permanent exhibit at the Franklin Institute, blending art and science into a 3,600 square-foot display of interactive aesthetic innovation. Sir Isaac's Loft features "clusters" that demonstrate scientific concepts through various experiments.

Hippos, sharks and SpongeBob SquarePants. Adventure Aquarium features nearly 200,000 square feet of sea life and wildlife. Visitors explore the West African River Experience featuring hippopotamuses, porcupines and more than 20 species of African birds in a free-flight aviary, surround themselves with dozens of sharks in a suspended 40-foot walk through tunnel, discover the wonders of the deep sea in the Jules Verne Gallery, and more. Bonus points: There are now three exciting films playing in the 4D Theater: SpongeBob SquarePants 4D RIDE, Blue Magic, and Deep Sea. Not to be missed: Six new programs, Aquarium Adventures, have been designed to get you up-close and personal with some of Adventure Aquarium’s most exotic creatures.  You’ll swim with the sharks, help train seals, scuba dive with schools of fish, and explore the treacherous African river world of the hippo habitat. Just for kids: The Creature Lab is perfect for an growing mad scientists. Scorpions, cockroaches, electric eels, flashlight fish and a bevy of creepy-crawlies make this exhibit a favorite for kids of all ages.

Lemurs, cheetahs and a Zooballoon. Cheetahs, hippos and rhinos make the Philadelphia Zoo Philadelphia's leading family attraction. Visit the PECO Primate Reserve to see gorillas, ruffed lemurs and more. Experience the new Big Cat Falls home to lions, leopards, jaguars, and the largest of the world's big cats - Amur tigers. Bonus points: Play with the primates at PECO Primate Reserve and meet the new golden lion tamarin baby, just born in January of 20007. Not to be missed: Soar nearly 400 feet above the city on the Channel 6 Zooballoon (separate ticket required). Just for families: Spend an evening with the Zoo's animal experts and learn about the Zoo's day-to-day operations and worldwide conservation efforts firsthand. From rattlesnakes to rhinos, each evening will highlight the animals unique to the keeper you meet.

History, theatre and the U.S. Constitution. The National Constitution Center is America's first and only museum devoted to the constitution and the freedoms that empower us as individuals and as a nation. Located on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, this contemporary and moving experience includes an award winning live theater performance, more than 100 interactive and multi-media exhibits, film, photographs, text and artifacts to inspire everyone. Bonus points: Check out the National Constitution Center’s website – especially the interactive virtual constitution. Not to be missed: The interactive family-oriented DeVos Hall’s American Experience shows the significant role the Constitution has played throughout history. Just for families: The National Constitution Center's Constitution Quest for Family and Friends is an easy and fun way to explore the museum.

Dinosaurs, lizards and birds a plenty. At Academy of Natural Sciences, come face to face with the largest meat-eating dinosaur, explore wildlife on every continent, learn the truth about the water you drink and feel the cool scales of a legless lizard. The Academy of Natural Sciences, operating since 1812, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the environment and its diverse species while having fun. Bonus points: Not only does the Academy feature a scientific collection, it also houses its very own Live Animal Center, home to over 100 live birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates allowing visitors a look behind the scenes of animal care. Not to be missed: Special Behind-the-Scenes tours of the Academy’s collections and research facilities are a great way to familiarize yourself with the amazing specimens of the botany, entomology, ichthyology, malacology, ornithology and paleontology collections. Just for families: Safari Overnights at the Academy of Natural Sciences feature interactive activities, encounters with live animals, socializing and snacks. Bunk down next to lions, tigers or Tyrannosaurus rex, and then wake up to a light breakfast and more exploration.

A submarine, a cruiser and a boat shop. At the Independence Seaport Museum you can walk the gangplanks with your kids and enjoy a glimpse of the history and traditions of Philadelphia's maritime past. Tour a wooden boat shop and enjoy interactive exhibits of the region's shipbuilding, naval and small craft history. Bonus points: Independence Seaport Museum Admission includes unlimited touring of the galleries and exhibitions, the WWII submarine BECUNA, and the only remaining vessel of the Spanish American War - Admiral Dewey's 1892 Cruiser OLYMPIA. Not to be missed: Experience traveling in a steerage compartment first-hand, view photos of first class dining accommodations and try out model steerage dining compartments in the Coming to America exhibit. Just for families: Check out the website for a list of family events hosted throughout the year.

Get on and off all day long. Philadelphia Trolley Works is Philadelphia's premier tour company and CityPass puts you onboard. A local guide will to show you the sights and tell you the tales of a city that cheered for Rocky, forged a nation, invented the soft pretzel and is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Your CityPass gives you the freedom of unlimited on-and-off privileges at all 20 stops throughout the day using Trolleys and/or Double Decker buses. Need to know: Ticket entitles rider to two consecutive days of unlimited on/off privileges at 20 stops on trolleys and double-decker buses.

Philadelphia City Pass Booklet 2007. Visit six of these seven attractions to sample our nation’s beginnings and savvy present-day inventions: The Adventure Aquarium, The Franklin Institute Science Museum and Fels Planetarium, option of either the Independence Seaport Museum or The Academy of Natural Sciences, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Zoo, and a Trolley Tour by Philadelphia Trolley Works. Call toll-free 1-888-330-5008 or CityPass Philadelphia 

Details 

The Franklin Institute Science Museum. 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City. 1(215) 448-1200 or www.fi.edu 

Adventure Aquarium. 1 Aquarium Drive (on the Camden Waterfront). 1 (856) 365-3300 or www.adventureaquarium.com 

Philadelphia Trolley Works. Tours depart from in front of the Bourse Building on the east side of 5th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets across from Independence Hall. 1 (215) 389-TOUR or www.phillytour.com  

Philadelphia Zoo. Fairmount Park, at 34th Street and Girard Avenue (I-76, exit 342).1 (215) 243-1100 or www.philadelphiazoo.org  

National Constitution Center. 525 Arch Street (Independence Mall). 1(215) 409-6600 or www.constitutioncenter.org  

Academy of Natural Sciences. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 1(215) 299-1000 or www.acnatsci.org  

Independence Seaport Museum. 211 S. Columbus Blvd. at Walnut Street. 1 (215) 413-8655 or www.phillyseaport.org  

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General text and /images/ezine provided by CiyPass.com and FTF. Bonus points for families researched by Travel Communications staff. Copyright 3/2007.