Philadelphia is easy for me to get to since it is only about an hour and a half away. I have seen many of the sites within the city and decided it would be nice to compile a list of the top tourist attractions for visitors who may be a bit father away than I am.

1. The Liberty Bell: This is a must see for history buffs or children traveling to Philly on a class trip. Although the Liberty Bell no longer remains inside of Independence Hall (another great location to stop in when visiting the city), it can now be viewed from the Liberty Bell Center.

2. The Franklin Institute: You can’t miss this one-of-a-kind museum when you plan a trip to Philadelphia. The kids can touch and experience science for themselves with the many displays and interactive exhibits. Perhaps the most famous exhibit is the beating heart that kids and adults can actually walk inside of. Another favorite of mine is the planetarium, which has several shows daily.

3. The Philadelphia Zoo: We have a nice zoo about four minutes from my house, but my daughter loves animals. A trip to the Philadelphia Zoo is a must, but be prepared to keep the zoo guide and map on hand. This zoo is huge, and houses more than 1,600 animals. If you don’t have your guide you may get lost.

4. Congress Hall: I still remember taking field trips to the Congress Zoo as a kid. From 1790 to 1800 this spot served as the meeting place for the United States Congress. Tours are free, but be prepared to go through a security line to get in. You may want to take this tour in conjunction with a tour of Independence Hall since they are right next door to each other.

5. The Betsy Ross House: Although it is uncertain as to whether Betsy Ross created the first American Flag, this site is a must-see. Betsy Ross owned her own upholstery shop, and her house depicts what it would have looked like back in the 18th century.