Babymoon destination: Kid around in Philadelphia
When baby makes four (or five or six), you might […]
When baby makes four (or five or six), you might be inclined to turn your babymoon into a family affair. Revel in your final days as a trio, and clock some one-on-one time with your first little love before her brother makes his debut. In a bustling city brimming with history, peppered with parks and dishing up iconic cheesesteak sandwiches, Philly is bound to please every member of your brood.
Stay
With kids in tow, there’s no better place to set up camp than The Rittenhouse. This luxury hotel sits right on Rittenhouse Square Park and prides itself on family- friendly travel. For guests with little ones, perks abound: Kiddos 10 and under can choose a gift from The Rittenhouse Treasure Chest and enjoy complimentary in-room movies and popcorn for a fun night in. (You’ll even find tiny bathrobes come turndown time!) If you’re traveling with a younger babe, amenities ranging from bottle drying racks to infant tubs to cribs are available upon request. (Nightly rates from $329)
Do
Your tot may not be as intrigued by the Liberty Bell as you are, so make sure your plan for each day includes something for every member of your crew. A big hit among the small set? The Please Touch Museum. This interactive play place, housed in Fairmount Park’s Memorial Hall, encourages hands-on discovery and spontaneity. Let your wee one be your guide as you build an imaginary world out of giant foam blocks or pretend to be shopkeepers at ShopRite Supermarket. (Bonus: The museum also features a fully restored carousel that’s more than 100 years old.)
Other notable activities you won’t want to miss include a visit to Franklin Square, a fun-filled park where you can get your wiggles out at two playgrounds or putt a round of miniature golf, and the Philadelphia Zoo, which was the first zoo in the country. While you’re there, don’t forget to look up! Zoo360, an enclosed outdoor trail system, allows tigers, lemurs and orang- utans to roam around above visitors’ heads.
Eat
Make your dining experience more of an adventure by wandering around Reading Terminal Market, the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers market that dates back to 1892. Here you’ll find vendors cooking up virtually any type of cuisine, be it traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes or Middle Eastern fare. So, even those with picky eaters can find something to please every appetite.
If your little one struggles to sit still through an entire meal, let her burn off some energy while you chow down on a brick oven pizza at The Little Treehouse. This upscale family eatery is a restaurant and playground in one—in other words, it’s a lifesaver (especially on rainy days). The play center is inspired by the Waldorf philosophy of early childhood development, so expect to find toys that promote imagination and creativity.
