The Liberty Bell

By: Nancy Solomon of Ciaobambino

Within a few blocks in Philadelphia lays a detailed history of the formation of our country.  These magnificent exhibit halls are packed with information and will certainly not disappoint!  Made up of Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, The Visitors Center and The National Constitution Center, this area makes it both easy and fun for families to explore and learn together.  Being a little rusty in my American History, it was such a pleasure to learn together with my children the details involved in the signing of The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution.

The Visitor Center, which has been beautifully renovated, is the place to start.  There, you pick-up your pre-ordered* tickets for The Independence Hall tour.  Both expansive and accessible, this exhibit hall was just the place to bring the history of the American Revolution to life.  Both of my older children had been studying colonial times and the exhibits and movies captured their interest.  They particularly enjoyed a movie that highlighted the different experiences of young adults in that time period.  It addressed how they had to choose which side to support and the fall out from those decisions.

The Liberty Bell Center wonderfully displays the Liberty Bell and tells its story.  It was interesting to see how the Liberty Bell later served as a symbol for freedom movements both domestically and abroad.  We had some wonderful photo opportunities here!

The tour for Independence Hall is fairly quick.  It showcases the rooms, still shown as they were then, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed.  This was informative with fun little facts that the children enjoyed.  From there we went to the National Constitution Center.

What is so appealing about the National Constitution Center is that it imparts not only the historical value of The Constitution, but also the value that the Constitution provides today.  With interactive exhibits and the Signer’s Hall, filled with life-size bronze statues of the people who signed the document, this is a great stop for kids.

*Please note: You need advanced reservations for Independence Hall and The National Constitution Center.  You can make those reservations on the websites directly.  Be sure to arrive 20-minutes before your allotted time.

Here is great list of links for your kids to explore more about the Constitution.  Also, for more information on the Old City, you may find this Go City Kids link helpful.  For books to read to prepare the kids for Philadelphia, check out my Travel with Kids- Philadelphia book list on Amazon.

Nancy Solomon is an avid traveler and writer for Ciao Bambino.  She lives outside Boston and has four children 10,8,6 and 1 with whom she enjoys sharing the world.

Photocredit to zoonabar