Want to share America's history with the little ones? Here's how to make it fun and educational.

You want to experience some American history, but how many young children want to be dragged along to see it, even if it is the birthplace of our nation? Well, now history doesn’t have to boring, in fact, it can be downright exciting. Take your kids on an entertaining (and little do they know, educational) trip, while you get all the adult-fun you need.

Philadelphia: Ben Franklin’s Home

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, so there’s many things to learn. Kick off your tour with a free visit to The Liberty Bell. If your kids love science, they can even see an X-ray of the bell. Stop by the Independence Visitor Center (800/537-7676, 6th and Market Streets) for one-stop ticket buying. Little ones will not have a huge appetite for these types of places, of course, but you might try one or two such as the flag-maker Betsy Ross’s surprisingly compact house where you can meet her impersonator.

The Lights of Liberty Show is a more kid-friendly option and runs from March through October, starting at dusk. It’s best described as an outdoor sound and light journey through history with 50-foot-high illuminated projections. Not only does it tell an educational story about the area, the huge colorful exhibits will astound children and adults alike.

Browse through the Reading Terminal Market (215/922-2317), one of America’s largest and oldest farmers’ markets dating back to 1893. It’s a great place for families to eat because there are dozens of different food outlets where everyone can find a new morsel to love. The 1,300-animal Philadelphia Zoo (215/243-1100) is the first in the nation and attracts young visitors with a pony at the Children’s Zoo.

If your family is looking for a fun nighttime activity, why not take a Ghost Tour? This 90-minute candlelit walking tour tells folklore and haunted tales about Philadelphia and its history. Not up for walking? They also offer a trolley tour that covers more ground. There’s more historical fun to be had at Franklin Square; the historical Philadelphia icon themed mini-golf and a carousel ensure a good time for everyone. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a story telling bench occupied by ‘Once Upon A Nation.” This organization provides free story telling about Franklin Square and the surrounding areas.

With history behind you, a can’t-miss in Philly is the Please Touch Museum (215/963-0667) where kids are encouraged to touch and explore. Performers include musicians and storytellers and shows are offered free with admission.  If you want to save money during your visit, bring along your own food and dine in the Recycled City Lounge, where beverages and snacks are available.

Once the kids have had their fill of museums and historical haunts, between late May and mid October, you can make the 30-minute drive from Philadelphia to Sesame Place (866/GO-4-ELMO) in Langhorne. Spend the day on whirling rides, water slides, watching colorful shows and getting to know Elmo and friends.

Philadelphia Eats – A lot

If you believe that dining with kids requires a decent wine list, try Jones (215/223-5663). No kids menu here, but portions are large and can easily be shared. Meatloaf and other upscale comfort food dominate and it’s known for its mac & cheese.

A small hot dog is only $1.50 at Pat’s King of Steaks (215/468-1546), which claims to have originated Philly’s famous cheese steaks. It’s not the best location but it’s worth braving it (this is generally as safe as any big city) at the restaurant founded as a hotdog stand in the famous Italian market in 1930. Some swear that it's the best cheese steak in town.

To satisfy the sweet tooth, there are two stops on Market Street in the Olde City district that are worth the trip. Shane Candies (214/922-1048) is a place where chocolates are still prepared with time-honored recipes and methods dating from 1876. While you can’t tour the facility, stop in quickly and indulge yourself (and your family).

Down the street is the Franklin Fountain (215/627-1899), where you can get the scoop on hand-made ice cream. There are often lines at this self-styled “ice cream saloon,” but it’s worth the wait. They offer tons of different sundaes, each of which you’ll want to try.  In keeping with the historical theme, your children will get an education: The shop offers memorabilia and “ephemera” in its Franklin Fountainalia exhibit.

Philadelphia Hotels

You shouldn’t worry too much about finding a room because there are 10,000 of them here just in Philly, with another 21,000 in the surrounding four counties. Room rates are generally comparable to other big cities or about $150 a night but there are plenty of discounts.

The Hilton Inn at Penn (800/445-8667) offers families both fruit and tea in a comfortable Library Lounge. The campus of U. Penn is across the street.

Windsor Suites (877/784-8379), well located near city hall and Rittenhouse Square, offers a one-room suite with two double beds and a kitchen for under $200. There’s also a generous continental breakfast and a seasonal roof pool.

For less than $200, you can also book the Latham Hotel Downtown (215/563-7474), a small, European style boutique hotel, which has refrigerators and microwave ovens and even offers babysitting. The hotel provides fine service and clean rooms with a good central location.

Photos courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.