The Academy of
Natural Sciences
CityPASS saves you 50% on admission to Philadelphia’s top 6 attractions.
Academy of Natural Sciences CityPASS ticket includes general admission.
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CityPASS Adult
$
59
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Child 2-12
$
39
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The Academy of Natural Sciences
Established in 1812, this is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas. It's recognized internationally for its vast collections, research, exhibits and educational programs.
The Academy’s collection of more than 17 million cataloged natural history specimens and artifacts is among the 10 largest in the United States.
Dinosaur Hall
The Mesozoic creatures of Dinosaur Hall are the first things visitors see when they enter the Academy of Natural Sciences. Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest predators to ever walk the Earth, measuring up to 42-feet in length and weighing-in at an estimated 7.5 tons.
More than 30 species are represented, about half of which are full skeletal mounts. In addition to skeletons, view dinosaur eggs, footprints, dinosaur sculptures, murals, paleontologist tools, a life-sized model showing the internal anatomy of a Stegosaurus. Project your own images into a world full of dinosaurs in the green-screen video studio.
Dioramas
The diorama — a distinctive fusion of art and science — provides a window onto wilderness through which to experience distant places and exotic wildlife. Impressive in scale and detail, and frequently capturing a dramatic moment, these displays were early versions of virtual reality.
There are 37 dioramas in the Academy, the majority of which were created in the 1920s and 1930s. Dioramas featuring bison, musk-ox, bears, mountain sheep and moose can be found on the main floor in North American Hall. African and Asian animals are located in African and Asian Halls on the second floor. Several bird dioramas are located on the third floor.
Outside In: The Academy's Children's Museum
The outdoors have been brought inside in this hands-on discovery center geared toward children ages 3-8 (but enjoyed by all). Its artifacts and activities provide fun and educational experiences for the whole family and challenge inquisitive minds.
Take a magical trip to the great outdoors. Visit a forest, a mountain pond, or an ocean shore. Touch a real meteorite. View a stream from underneath. Crawl through a fallen log. Look for fossil footprints. Pan for shark teeth. Watch a working beehive.
Science at the Academy
Science at the Academy is an exhibit showcasing some of the world-class science conducted at the Academy. View videos, photos and specimens from our research involving birds, fish, fossils, insects, microscopic diatoms, mollusks and plants.
Science at the Academy also features Tiktaalik roseae, the famous fossil that's transitional between finned-fishes and limbed tetrapods.
The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery
Opening March 24, 2012
Building on the Academy’s extraordinary collections and two centuries of scientific exploration, The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery celebrates the Academy’s groundbreaking discoveries of the past and present and provides a glimpse into the future of one of the world’s greatest natural history museums.
Flirtatious Feathers: A Colorful Collection of Academy Bird Photographs
May 26-Sept. 23, 2012
Whether in flight or in song, many birds display vibrant plumage that charms mates and photographers alike. This kaleidoscope of colored feathers is the subject of this stunning exhibit featuring images from the Academy’s Visual Resources for Ornithology (VIREO), the most comprehensive bird image bank in the world. Flirtatious Feathers provides a bird’s-eye view into the intimate world of winged creatures.
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The Academy of Natural Sciences Details
| Location: | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
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| Website: | ansp.org |
| Phone: | (215) 299-1000 |
| Hours: | Mon‑Fri, 10 a.m.‑4:30 p.m. Sat‑Sun & holidays, 10 a.m.‑5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day |
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| CityPASS Admission | General admission to the Academy’s collection of more than 17 million cataloged natural history specimens and artifacts. | ||||||||
| CityPASS Entry | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at main entrance at 19th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway (19th Street side entrance may be available with a shorter line during busy times). | ||||||||
| Special Exhibits & Upgrades | Included with CityPASS
Upgrades for CityPASS Holders |
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| On-site Services |
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| Advice for Visitors |
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| Transportation | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 33, 38 and 48; walking distance from SEPTA rail lines; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 14 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
What is CityPASS?
- Philadelphia CityPASS is a booklet of admission tickets to Philadelphia’s 6 best attractions. Booklets include detailed attraction information, hours, location, insider tips and a map.
- CityPASS booklets are valid for nine days beginning with the first day of use.
- CityPASS booklet holders can skip most ticket lines. (You may encounter a line when you exchange a voucher for a booklet.)
- Choose your delivery option during checkout: Print vouchers or ship booklets.
- Look inside a CityPASS booklet
How do you use CityPASS?
- Exchange your voucher for a Philadelphia CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit. (Skip this step if you have your booklet shipped.)
- Present your booklet at each attraction for admission.
- Each attraction will tear out or scan their ticket. Please do not pull a ticket from the booklet or it will be invalid.
- An Option Ticket allows you to choose admission to one of the two attractions offered.
What’s included with CityPASS?
CityPASS includes admission to 6 Philadelphia attractions:
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The Franklin Institute
General admission to this vibrant museum dedicated to science and technology. Includes one show at the awe-inspiring Fels Planetarium 4-story-tall dome. more
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Adventure Aquarium
General admission to the world's most touchable aquarium. more
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Phila Trolly Works Tour & The Big Bus Co
Unlimited on/off privileges aboard trolleys and double-decker busses that access 20-stops including all of the CityPASS attractions except the aquarium. You get on/off privileges for 24-hours from time of validation during normal operating hours. more
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Philadelphia Zoo
General admission to all of the habitats and animal houses at America’s first zoo, including the PECO Primate Reserve and Big Cat Falls. more
- OPTION TICKET:
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National Constitution Center
General admission to America’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution and the story of 'We the People'. Includes theatrical performance Freedom Rising and 42 life-size statues in the Signers’ Hall. more
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The Academy of Natural Sciences
General admission to the Academy’s collection of more than 17 million cataloged natural history specimens and artifacts. more
- OPTION TICKET:
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Eastern State Penitentiary
General admission to this historical prison that dates back to 1829 and housed infamous criminals such as Al Capone; not recommended for children under seven. more
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Please Touch Museum
Admission to all museum exhibits, special features, and daily music, literacy and arts programs. Includes theatrical performances in the Please Touch Playhouse (limited seating available). more
Customer Reviews — Philadelphia CityPASS
Overall Rating:
99% recommend this product
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much needed time of enjoyment!
posted by satisfied customer on May-13-2012
a friend a I recently took a mini vacation to Philly for some much needed time of fun and relaxation. This was the first time we've ever purchased a City Pass and it was well worth it! I have not had this much fun in years!! Our first venture was the Eastern State Penitentiary followed by The Academy of Natural Sciences.The next day consisted of the Franklin Institute and the Zoo, etc. We were more than satisfied with the city passes!! We had a ball and it was especially nice knowing that we save a lot of money with the passes as opposed to purchasing the tickets to each place individually. I'm now hooked on City Pass and will be sure to purchase one in every city that offers one! You will not be disappointed!!
Awesome Trip Thanks to CityPass!
posted by LisaMarie on Apr-16-2012
We recently took a trip to Philadelphia for my daughter's spring break vacation from Elementary School. We decided on Philadelphia and City Pass because Philadelphia has a lot of fun and educational attractions and City Pass covered them all! We needed a convenient vacation since we are also parents to a new infant and so driving all over the place, standing in lines, and having a lot of hassle was not to be on the list of activities. We conveniently purchased CityPass at the Please Touch Museum which started our week and continued on to visit one attraction per day seeing the Philly Zoo (went right through the gate thanks to CityPass), the Franklin Institute (no long line behind a billion tourists here either!), the Natural History Museum (seeing the sights within 2 minutes of entering the door), and the best - the Camden Aquarium (had an ENORMOUS line which meant nothing to us since we walked right in the front door with ZERO wait thanks to CityPass). I can not tell you how awesome and convenient CityPass made our trip. We were able to focus on having a great family trip and showing our daughter the sights and educational value of the trip versus being irritated and exhausted standing in lines and buying tickets. Just Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! I plan to buy more CityPasses for the other cities we go and visit!
Awesome!
posted by L-N M on Apr-16-2012
I would highly recommend the CityPass for Philly! We used all but the zoo passes, but were able to give those away. Loved the Trolley Tour. Stayed on for a full go around, the hopped off-on later. Loved all the attractions. A great purchase!
good day
posted by themis on Apr-15-2012
αξιζει η τιμη με την προσφορα υπηρεσιων
Overall good, but beware of misinformation - read below!!!!
posted by suzanne on Apr-15-2012
Overall we were very pleased with the Citypass. Very easy to use and it saved us standing in some VERY long lines at the Zoo and Aquarium (FYI - $10 parking). It also saved us from feeling horrified by the ticket prices at the different locations. However, we were quite upset at the Please Touch Museum when we were told that we had to pay $15 for our 1 year old to enter. Citypass indicates that all their entrances are for 2 and above (online and in printed advertisments). So, either Citypass needs to revisit their "deal" with this museum and see if they can give Citypass customers a free entrance for 1 year olds OR just remove Please Touch Museum from their list. We could not believe the nerve of the Please Touch Museum charging for 1 year olds to enter the museum that is really not enjoyed by a 1 year old (they are still too young). Please Touch Museum left us feeling quite robbed and put a damper on our visit there. To be perfectly frank, I don't know why they have the nerve to charge for adults to enter ... when the adults should be the ones paid for supervising their own kids! The museum is for kids NOT adults. So, in a nutshell we enjoyed our stay in Philly and enjoyed using Citypass, but felt quite shocked and frustrated at this one museum due to misinformation given by Citypass. Actually we were worried entering the other locations in case we had been misinformed again, but in the end it was just that one place. Still we shouldn't have had that experience!
How to Buy
Buy now and, at checkout, choose to either have CityPASS booklets shipped to you or print vouchers. For payment, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or PayPal.
Print voucher
Print your voucher at time of purchase or later by accessing the .pdf attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All vouchers must be printed. An on-screen view of your voucher, using your mobile device, will NOT be accepted at the attractions. Once printed, you take the pre-paid voucher to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet, which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed right on the voucher. Exchange vouchers within 6 months of purchase. Your CityPASS booklet's 9-day validity period will begin the day you visit the first attraction.
Ship Booklets
Having a CityPASS booklet in hand can often save you time by skipping ticket lines. We ship booklets to the continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii, and Canada using UPS. We ship to United Kingdom using Royal Mail. Shipping costs vary by delivery type selected. You'll be shown the estimated delivery date for each shipping type during checkout. For Southern California CityPASS orders only, someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery.
Buy at an Attraction
Philadelphia CityPASS is available for sale at all Philadelphia CityPASS attractions for the same low price.
Price Details
Compare the cost of separate admission to each attraction to what you'd pay with CityPASS:
Save 50% off regular box office prices:
| Attractions | Adult Price | Child (2-12) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Franklin Institute admission and one Fels Planetarium show | $16.50 | $12.50 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| Adventure Aquarium admission | $25.63 | $19.21 | Ages 1 & under, free; prices include tax | |
| Phila Trolly Works Tour & The Big Bus Co on/off privileges for 24 hours from time of validation during operating hours | $27.00 | $10.00 | Ages 3 & under, free | |
| Philadelphia Zoo admission | $18.00 | $15.00 | Ages 1 & under, free | |
| and your choice of | ||||
| National Constitution Center admission | $14.50 | $8.00 | Ages 3 & under, free | |
| The Academy of Natural Sciences admission | $15.00 | $13.00 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| and your choice of | ||||
| Eastern State Penitentiary admission during normal hours of operation | $12.00 | $8.00 | Ages 6 & under, not recommended | |
| Please Touch Museum admission to all museum exhibits, special features and performances in the Please Touch Playhouse (limited seating available) | $15.00 | $15.00 | Under age 1, free | |
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Total Combined Box Office Price:
CityPASS Price:
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$119.13
$59.00
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$81.71
$39.00
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Skip Most Ticket Lines
CityPASS booklet holders can skip most ticket lines. You may encounter a line when you exchange a CityPASS voucher for a CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit. Please note: Some CityPASS attractions have longer lines during holidays.
Below, find details about how to enter each attraction as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that some lines, such as security checkpoints, are unavoidable.
| Where to enter using your CityPASS ticket | |
|---|---|
| The Franklin Institute | Present CityPASS booklet at the main box office. During busy times in summer and on weekends, the membership desk may be used to skip the main ticket line. |
| Adventure Aquarium | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at Will Call window to skip the main ticket line. |
| Phila Trolly Works Tour & The Big Bus Co | Present CityPASS booklet on-board any trolley or double decker bus to exchange for an all-day pass. |
| Philadelphia Zoo | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the main box office. |
| National Constitution Center | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at box office to redeem for a timed entry ticket. |
| The Academy of Natural Sciences | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at main entrance at 19th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway (19th Street side entrance may be available with a shorter line during busy times). |
| Eastern State Penitentiary | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the main ticket office. |
| Please Touch Museum | Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the admission counter. |
FAQs
Find answers to questions most frequently asked about Philadelphia CityPASS below. Click on the questions to show or hide answers.
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How do I know if Philadelphia CityPASS is a good deal for me?
You'd get your money's worth even if you only visited three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself. Price Details displays CityPASS prices right next to full attraction admission prices and the extras you get with CityPASS. You can tell at a glance if the price and value are right for you — even if you don't visit every attraction.
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When does the 9 day validity period begin?
If you purchase today, you may begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2014. Exchange vouchers for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months from date-of-purchase.
Philadelphia CityPASS tickets are valid for one-time use within nine consecutive calendar days. The first attraction you visit stamps or scans your booklet to activate the booklet's nine-day validity period. For example, if you visit the Franklin Institute on Monday, you have the rest of that day, plus the following eight days to use the other five tickets in your booklet.
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Are there ever any blackout dates for using CityPASS?
No, there are no black-out dates associated with using CityPASS. You're welcome use your CityPASS anytime within regular attraction operating hours. Please note that some attractions may periodically close all or a portion of their attraction for private events or due to weather conditions. We recommend contacting the attractions directly to verify availability during your travel dates.
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What is an option ticket?
Philadelphia CityPASS includes two option tickets. One gives you the choice to visit either The Academy of Natural Sciences OR Natural Constitution Center. The other gives you the choice to visit either Please Touch Museum OR Easter State Penitentiary. No need to decide between them now – choose when you get there.
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What do I do if my child is younger than the CityPASS child ticket price range?
Philadelphia child booklets are priced for ages 2-12. Children under age 2 may be eligible for free or discounted admission at some attractions, however, you are often required to stand in line with them to secure a free child’s ticket. You may save money, but you will spend time in ticket lines.
See Price Details to decide whether CityPASS is a good choice for your child. Your family’s vacation experience may be improved by zipping past main ticket lines to the CityPASS entrance — even if it costs you a few extra dollars.
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What is a voucher and how do I use it?
A voucher is a one-page document that you print at the time of purchase or later by accessing the .pdf attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All vouchers must be printed; attractions will not accept an on-screen view of your voucher, using your mobile device. (At check out, you also have the option to have actual booklets shipped to you by UPS.)
Once printed, you take the pre-paid voucher to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed on the voucher. Keep in mind that you may encounter a ticket line when exchanging your voucher.
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Do I skip every line with Philadelphia CityPASS?
The Skip the Lines tab tells you how to enter each attraction with a CityPASS booklet in hand and with a voucher to — if possible — avoid the main ticket line. We've also printed brief instructions on each ticket in your booklet to remind you where to go. Also, each attraction displays signs indicating where CityPASS ticket holders go to present their ticket booklets to avoid most entrance ticket lines. Keep in mind that these are the most-popular attractions in Philadelphia and there may be lines in summer, on weekends and holidays.
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How do I know when attractions open/close and where I should start?
Planning is easier when you see all the attractions' locations and hours in one place. Click on Attraction Details to find the Location & Hours tab and more attraction information tabs designed to help you plan your trip.
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How do I buy a CityPASS if I live outside the U.S., Canada or U.K.?
International buyers will find the print-at-home voucher purchase their most efficient solution. If you prefer to wait until arrival, you will find booklets available for the same low price at every participating CityPASS attraction.
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Is it safe to buy a CityPASS from private sellers on Ebay, Craig's List or other similar entities?
CityPASS does not endorse or support the purchase of CityPASS products from eBay, Craig’s List or directly from any individual. In the event that you purchase stolen or invalid CityPASS products, CityPASS will be unable to offer any compensation
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How does shipping work for citypass.com orders?
We ship to continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii via UPS. Orders placed prior to 12:01 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday-Friday, will be shipped the same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday or legal holidays will ship the next business day. Someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery. The following rates apply for a U.S. shipment of 1-14 CityPASS booklets or Southern California admission cards:
UPS Ground (Continental U.S.) $10.00 UPS 2-Day (Continental U.S.) $13.50 UPS Next Day Air Saver (Continental U.S.) $15.50 UPS 2-Day (Hawaii) $24.00 UPS 2-Day (Alaska) $25.50 Canada
We ship to Canada via UPS. Orders placed prior to 12:01 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday-Friday, will be shipped the same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday or legal holidays will ship the next business day. Someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery. The following rates apply for a Canadian shipment of 1-14 CityPASS booklets or Southern California admission cards:
UPS Standard $22.75 UPS Worldwide Express Saver $31.50 United Kingdom
United Kingdom (U.K.) orders are fulfilled within the U.K. and are sent via Royal Mail. Orders placed prior to 11 a.m., Monday-Friday will ship that same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will ship on Monday, save for bank holidays. Note: Royal Mail will deliver to post boxes; signatures may be required for residential or commercial delivery. The following rates apply for a U.K. shipment of 1-4 CityPASS booklets or Southern California admission cards:
Royal Mail $14.00 All Other Shipping Destinations
Shipping to other destinations is not presently offered. You may purchase an e-ticket online now, print it, and exchange it for a booklet at the first participating CityPASS attraction you visit. If you prefer, wait until you arrive in the city to purchase. You will pay the same low price when you buy at any participating CityPASS attraction.
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How long does it take to receive a CityPASS by UPS? Can I track it?
You will select UPS shipping when you purchase CityPASS online, with options for delivery timing. An expected date of arrival is provided for each shipping method. By end-of-day (or first business day after weekend orders), you will receive an e-mail from UPS with a tracking number.
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Will you ship CityPASS booklets to a hotel?
CityPASS booklets purchased online in advance of travel may be directed to home, office or hotel addresses in the U.S. or Canada. We recommend that you alert the hotel to your expected delivery when you confirm your reservation.
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Can I substitute or subtract an attraction ticket?
CityPASS is a well-researched collection of the most popular and loved attractions in Atlanta and the attraction line-up may not be altered. You'll save money with CityPASS even if you only visit three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself Price Details.
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What is your return policy?
CityPASS offers a full refund, within 365 days from date of purchase from citypass.com, on unused CityPASS booklets with all tickets attached or vouchers that have not been redeemed.
Partially- or fully-used CityPASS booklets are non-refundable. No refunds or exchanges will be provided for any portion of an activated CityPASS booklet.
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When does my CityPASS expire?
Voucher: Exchange vouchers for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months of purchase.
Booklet: If you have a previously-purchased CityPASS booklet, look at the inside cover to find the expiration date of your booklet. Purchase today and begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2014.
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What do I do if my CityPASS is lost or stolen?
Think of a CityPASS booklet like cash in your pocket. If lost or stolen, no refund or replacement is possible.
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What about discounts for seniors, military, students or groups?
CityPASS is already a deeply discounted collection of tickets, with significant savings for all ages and interests. In fact, CityPASS is more attractively priced than A.A.R.P. or other comparable offers. Further discounts are not available.
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Do you have a summary of the top things to do in Philadelphia?
Visit our Things to Do in Philadelphia page for a full list of the top things to do while you're in Philadelphia.
Phila Trolley Works Tour & The Big Bus Company
Philadelphia CityPASS includes unlimited on/off privileges at 20 stops on trolleys and double-decker buses for 24 hours from the time of validation during operating hours. Start your 24 hour tour on board any trolley or double decker bus.
CityPASS Attraction Tour Stops:
- The National Constitution Center: Stop 3
- Eastern State Penitentiary: Stop 9
- Philadelphia Zoo: Stop 12
- Please Touch Museum: Stop 12
- The Franklin Institute: Stop 14
- The Academy of Natural Sciences: Stop 14
| Attraction Transportation Information | |
|---|---|
| The Franklin Institute | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 33 and 48, and by Regional Rail (Suburban Station); for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 14 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
| Adventure Aquarium |
Public Transportation: Waterfront Connection is an air-conditioned shuttle bus that runs June 18-Sept 5. It picks up at the Independence Visitor Center and drops off at the Adventure Aquarium entrance ($3, round-trip). Driving: For driving directions visit adventureaquarium.com or call (856) 365-3300. |
| Phila Trolly Works Tour & The Big Bus Co | Public Transportation: Walking distance from SEPTA Market/Frankford Elevated Line and Patco High Speed Line. |
| Philadelphia Zoo | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus route 38; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 11 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
| National Constitution Center | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 17, 33, 44, 47, 48 and 57; the Market/Frankford Blue Line at 5th Street Station; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 3 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
| The Academy of Natural Sciences | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 33, 38 and 48; walking distance from SEPTA rail lines; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 14 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
| Eastern State Penitentiary | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 48, 43, 33, 32 and 7; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 9 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
| Please Touch Museum | Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 38, 40, 43 and 64 stop within walking distance of Memorial Hall; for SEPTA schedules and info, (215) 580-7800. Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 12 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS). |
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