Historic Philadelphia Field Trip Itinerary for Educators

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Independence National Historical Park are the #1 destination for Revolutionary War related field trips in the Mid-Atlantic region. This suggested itinerary will help you get the most out of your time in Philadelphia

Before you go:

• Call the National Park Service’s Visitor Center at the Independence National Historical Park at 215- 965-2305. Alternatively, you can call their Park Headquarters at 215-597-8787.
• Email the National Park Service at the Independence National Historical Park.
• Preview the National Park Service’s trip itineraries.
• Contact the Museum of the American Revolution at 215-253-6731 or email them at info@amrevmuseum.org.
• Show your class our Revolutionary War Animated Map.
• Apply to the Field Trip Fund.
• [Only if you have more than one day] Contact your lodging and restaurant reservations to ensure everything is in order.

Ideal Itinerary if you are visiting for one-day:

Time: 5-6 hours

What to do:

Arrive at the Visitors Center to preview some exhibits and get tickets to enter Independence Hall.

• 41 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
• 215-965-2305

Visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were signed. 

• 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

Visit the Liberty Bell Center where the Liberty Bell is kept.

• 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Participate in the National Park Service’s Independence Historical Institute.

• Call 215-597-2760 or emailing the NPS here.

Visit the Museum of the American Revolution and participate in one of the many hands-on exhibits that the museum features.

• 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
  • 215-253-6731
  • info@amrevmuseum.org

Most importantly, enjoy your visit!

If you are visiting for more than one day:

Same itinerary as above for the first day in addition to the following:

Visit the Betsy Ross House.

• 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
  • 215-629-5801
  • visitorservices@historicphiladelphia.org

Visit Valley Forge and participate in a Ranger Program or Tour.

• 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406
  • 610-783-1000

Visit the National Constitution Center.

• 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
  • 215-409-6600

Explore Carpenters Hall.

• 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
  • 215-925-0167
  • carphall@carpentershall.com

Restaurants that serve groups:

• City Tavern
  • 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
  • 215-413-1443
  • info@citytavern.com
• HERSHEY'S Kitchens​
  • ​599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• Penrose Diner​
  • 2016 Penrose Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145-5744
  • 215-465-1097

Travel Tips:

• Renting a bus can be costly in the Philadelphia area. Budget accordingly.
• Vehicle traffic is very heavy, and roads are congested throughout the day, especially during rush hour.
• Many of the sites around Independence Hall are close by. Once off of the bus you may not need it again until the end of the day.
• Bus parking is available near Independence Hall. Plan ahead with your bus company.
• Get started early in the day. Crowds are smaller earlier in the day, which will allow you to explore sites more freely. 
• Most major Philadelphia museums have security check points with metal detectors. On busy days it can take a while to get through security.
• April-June are the busiest months for field trips. This means that the historic sites in the district can be jam packed.