Two historic ships are the main draw at the Independence Seaport Museum, but what really fascinates kids is the WWII Submarine Becuna. The Cruiser Olympia, with her glorious history, may interest older kids.

In the museum proper, don't miss the Home Port Philadelphia exhibit. Visitors can climb aboard the cold, hard bunks of an immigrant's journey in a ship's steerage compartment, unload cargo from a container ship using a miniature Kocks crane, weld and rivet a ship's hull or just relax and take an imaginary trip down the Delaware River.

Family/Household membership includes unlimited free admission to the Museum, the Workshop on the Water and the National Historic Landmarks, the Olympia and the Becuna, free or discounted admission to programs and special events, 10% discount on all purchases at the Museum Store, plus special Members' Days discounts, and more.

The museum is a participant in CityPass®, a convenient way to visit five Philadelphia attractions. Other great combined ticket bargains include the RiverPass which allows visitors to see both the Seaport Museum and New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium, and take a ride across the river on the Riverlink Ferry in between. The Ships Pass includes visits to the Seaport Museum, the New Jersey Battleship, and a ride on the ferry.

tips:

Admission is "pay-what-you wish" on Sunday mornings from 10am-noon!

getting there:

Take SEPTA buses 17, 21, 33, 48 or 76 to Penn's Landing along Delaware River. Walk down the steps or path of Penn's Landing's Great Plaza. You will see Independence Seaport Museum's sign and signal flags marking the Museum's entrance to your right. The Philly Phlash (tourism bus) also stops adjacent to the Museum. By subway, take the Market-Frankford Line to the Second Street station. Exit and walk south (with the one-way traffic) two blocks to Walnut Street. Turn left onto Walnut Street, crossing Front Street, then across the pedestrian bridge to the Museum on your right. Parking is available in the Penn's Landing lot, and at several attended lots along Penn's Landing, as well as at meters and several lots within the Old City vicinity.