There are a variety of of hands-on-history activities available for kids. Become an archaeologist digging for artifacts, construct your own 18th century journal, or learn how much fun it is to play a musical instrument called the glass armonica that was invented by Benjamin Franklin!
Junior Ranger Program: Children visiting Independence National Historical Park can become a Junior Ranger online and/or by picking up a Junior Ranger Activity Book with activities for children ages five and up from the Independence Visitor Center (corner of 6th and Market Streets) or downloading it from this site. Participants who attend at least one ranger program and complete five activities will earn a Junior Ranger badge. Activities are related to locations throughout the park and include word scrambles, dot-to-dot, bingo, matching and more... as well as activities to do at home.
Independence Visitors Center, films
"Choosing Sides"
"Seizing Freedom" Exhibit - Learn about the Underground Railroad.
"Junior Ranger Induction Ceremony", 4pm, Daily.
Liberty Bell "History Channel" audio-visual presentation
Second Bank Portrait Gallery, (Chestnut Street between 4th and 5th Streets)
Hidden History
Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank – Chestnut Street between 4th & 5th. Ask a Park Ranger for a card. Wed. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Kids follow clues to uncover the special people in the exhibit, then get a reward.
"Moses Williams: Cutter of Profiles"
Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank – Chestnut Street between 4th & 5th. Wed. - Sun. 2p.m.
Hear the amazing story of Moses Williams who learned to operate the Physiognotrace to earn his freedom and a good living making silhouettes in Peale’s Museum.
FRANKLIN COURT Activities, Located Between 3rd & 4th, and Chestnut & Market Streets
Printing Office - 18th century printing press demonstrations, Wed. - Sun., 11am-5pm.
Underground Museum, Daily, 11am-5pm.
"Armonica Demonstration" Daily. 12pm & 2:30pm.
Listen to the story of Ben Franklin’s musical invention that started with water glasses and inspired Mozart to compose music for the instrument.
"Franklin Film Festival" Daily. 11am-4:15pm. "Ben & Me" film, Franklin Court Underground Museum
New Hall (Military Museum) Located on Chestnut Street, between 3rd & 4th Streets)
"Barnacles & Bullets", 4pm, Sat. & Sun.
_________________________________________
