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Philadelphia CityPASS  »  Plan Your Visit

CityPASS Attraction Details

Address & Hours

The Franklin Institute

222 North 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

On 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City

(215) 448-1200

fi.edu

Open daily, 9:30am‑5pm

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and April 25, 2013.

Please note: Closing times are subject to change; please check website for updated listings.

Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company

5th & Market St
Philadelphia PA 19146

Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center located at 5th & Market streets.

(215) 389-TOUR (8687)

phillytour.com

Summer (May‑Nov): daily, 9:30am‑4:30pm; tours depart every 30 min.

Winter (Dec‑Apr): daily, 10am‑4pm, tours depart hourly (weather permitting).

Additional tours offered during peak summer season.

Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ 08103

On the Camden Waterfront

(856) 365-3300

adventureaquarium.com

Open daily, 10am‑5pm

Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Fairmount Park, at 34th Street and Girard Avenue. On I-76, exit 342. In Philadelphia's historic Centennial District

(215) 243-1100

philadelphiazoo.org

Open daily, 9:30am‑5pm

Winter (Nov-Feb): Open daily, 9:30am‑4pm

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

National Constitution Center

Independence Mall
525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 409-6700

constitutioncenter.org

Mon‑Fri, 9:30am‑5pm

Sat, 9:30am‑6pm

Sun, 12pm‑5pm

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Closes at 3pm Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130

22nd St. and Fairmont Ave., 5 blocks from Philadelphia Museum of Art

(215) 236-3300

easternstate.org

Open daily, 10am‑5pm

Last entry at 4pm

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Please Touch Museum

Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Formerly North Concourse Drive. (GPS: 4231 N. Concourse Drive)

(215) 581-3181

pleasetouchmuseum.org

Oct-Mar:
Mon-Sat, 9am‑4pm; Sun, 11am-4pm

Apr-Sep:
Mon-Sat, 9am‑5pm; Sun, 11am-5pm

Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, 9am-4pm. New Year's Day, 11am-4pm.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

CityPASS Admission

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.

Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company

Unlimited on/off privileges aboard trolleys and double-decker busses that access 21-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.

Adventure Aquarium

General admission to the world's most touchable aquarium.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Highlights

The Franklin Institute
  • Explore three floors of internationally-recognized interactive exhibitions and programs.
  • KidScience takes children ages 5-8 through a fictional story where they uncover the foundations of science pertaining to Light, Water, Earth and Air.
  • Franklin Airshow special effects bring you the sights and sounds of a real air show.
  • The Fels Planetarium 4 story tall dome digital projection screen is included with CityPASS.
Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company
  • Enjoy the freedom of unlimited on-and-off privileges at 21 stops throughout the day.
  • Start your 24-hour tour onboard any trolley or double decker bus.
  • Highly-trained staff will enlighten and entertain you with historical tales, cultural highlights and entertaining stories of the city's past, present and future.
  • London-style open top double decker buses offer spectacular city views.
Adventure Aquarium
  • Two million gallons of water host 8,500 animals, including adorable hippos Button & Genny.
  • Penguins, sea turtles, hundreds of colorful fish, and even hammerhead sharks are among the fascinating marine life visitors see here.
  • At KidZone, kids connect with animals and nature through hands-on play.
  • Touch sea stars, anemones, shrimp, jellies, stingrays and sharks at the nation's most touchable aquarium.
Philadelphia Zoo
  • America’s first zoo is home to more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals from around the world.
  • At this 43-acre Victorian garden packed with diverse award-winning animal habitats, visitors will see primates, reptiles, 100 spectacular birds species, bears, animals of the African plains and more.
  • The lush landscape of First Niagara Big Cat Falls is home to leopards, pumas, lions, tigers and a jaguar.
  • Carnivore Kingdom, a 1.5 acre habitat of rocky outcroppings and winding trails, includes diverse animals such as Canada Lynx, dwarf mongoose, black-throated monitor, red panda and one of just a few pairs of endangered giant otters in North American zoos.
National Constitution Center
  • Hands-on, cutting-edge exhibitions, live performances, multimedia experiences, films, sculptures and rare artifacts bring the Constitution to life.
  • Walk among 42 life-size bronze statues in the Signers’ Hall.
  • Fun, hands-on daily museum programs are presented by education staff to enrich your NCC experience and are included with CityPASS.
  • Enjoy the award winning theatrical presentation of Freedom Rising, included with CityPASS.
Eastern State Penitentiary
  • From April-November, The Voices of Eastern State audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi guides you; from December-March, live expert tour guides lead your experience.
  • See Al Capone’s cell, restored to its appearance during Capone’s stay
  • Tour cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Death Row, and the newly restored Alfred W. Fleisher Memorial Synagogue.
  • TowerCam! gives you the vivid perspective of the view from the central tower.
Please Touch Museum
  • One of the nation’s top 10 children’s museums, Please Touch Museum brings to life its mission of enriching the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play.
  • Two floors of interactive exhibit zones encourage learning through play.
  • Let a Playhouse Theater 25 min. performance ignite your child's imagination.
  • Take part in art, music and movement, story time and more.

CityPASS Entry

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.

Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company

Present CityPASS booklet onboard any trolley or double decker bus to exchange for a 24-hour pass. Redeem voucher at Independence Visitor Center kiosk. Note that buses may not be boarded with vouchers.

Adventure Aquarium

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at Will Call window to skip the main ticket line.

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.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the main ticket office. Advanced reservations are recommended December-March for Winter Adventure Tour by calling (215) 236-3300.

Please Touch Museum

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the admission counter.

Special Exhibits Included with CityPASS

National Constitution Center

Emancipation and Its Legacies
Through June 19, 2013
Emancipation and Its Legacies examines the story of Emancipation from 1850 to 1964, focusing on how the Civil War became an "abolition war" due to the efforts of African-Americans, abolitionists, and politicians, and exploring how the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments transformed the U.S. Constitution.

Upgrades for CityPASS Holders

The Franklin Institute

SPY: The Secret World of Espionage: May 4-October 6, 2013.

IMAX Theater: Cost for CityPASS holders: $6

Adventure Flight 4-D & Max Flight Simulators: Cost for CityPASS holders: $5/ride

Sky Bike: Cost for CityPASS holders: $3/ride

Franklin Theater (3-D): Cost for CityPASS holders: $4 (full-length feature presentation prices vary)

Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company

8-day Pass, Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company: Cost for CityPASS holders (see coupon in booklet): $20 adult, $10 child.

Adventure Aquarium

4D Theater presentations: Cost for CityPASS holders: $3. (Must be 36-inches tall – no babies in arms.)

Philadelphia Zoo

Channel 6 Zooballoon: Soar 400 ft above the zoo to see stunning views of Fairmount Park. Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $10 weekdays/$15 weekends.

Amazon Rainforest Carousel: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $3.

PZ Express Train: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $3

Camel, draft horse and pony rides: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $6

Swan Boats: Cost for CityPASS holders: ages 2+, $6

National Constitution Center

Self-guided Audio Tour: Features narration by former presidents, famous authors, and voices from history. Cost for CityPASS holders: $5

The 1968 Exhibit: June 14-September 2, 2013. Bringing one of America’s most colorful, chaotic, culture-shifting years vividly to life, The 1968 Exhibit illuminates the power of "We the People" to exercise and expand our freedoms. Visitors will travel through 12 exhibition areas corresponding to the months of the year—as well as three lounge spaces (bean bag chairs included) inviting playful interaction with 1968’s most enduring and influential music, movies, fashions, and more. Cost for CityPASS holders: $3.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Terror Behind the Walls: Additional fee required; see details.

Please Touch Museum

Dentzel Carousel: Cost for CityPASS holders: $3 per ride.

Advice for Visitors

During high travel seasons such as holidays and summer, entry lines can be longer than usual. Please keep this in mind when planning your visits to the attractions.

The Franklin Institute
  • Arrive early on weekends and holidays when it's less crowded. Also, CityPASS holders can check in at the Franklin Membership Desk to skip the main ticket line.
  • Tuttleman IMAX movies frequently sell out; purchase your tickets in advance; (215) 448-1254 or see details.
  • Enhance your visit with live science shows and demonstrations; see details.
  • Get 10% off a purchase of $25 or more at the Sci-Store. See booklet for details.
Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company
  • Phila Trolley Works Tour accesses all CityPASS attractions except the Adventure Aquarium.
  • Start your Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company tour in the morning for the best experience.
  • Free courtesy shuttle pick-up from 9am-4pm from all center city locations.
  • For route info, see the printable Phila Trolley route map.
Adventure Aquarium
  • Visit after 2pm when it's less crowded and the hippos are most active.
  • Get 20% off at the Adventure Pier gift shop. See booklet for details.
Philadelphia Zoo
  • Some exhibits available April through October only.
  • Arrive before 2pm to see the widest variety of animals.
  • Don't miss free zookeeper talks and training demonstrations; meeting times and locations found on the zoo map; see details.
  • Throughout the year, the zoo hosts special public events, included with CityPASS admission; see details.
National Constitution Center
  • Weekdays after 12:30pm are least crowded.
  • Find out about programs and events for the whole family on NCC’s Calendar of Events; see details.
  • Don't miss regularly scheduled fun, free activities to complement your museum experience. Ask a box office representative for Visitor Guide, which provides a map and a list of daily programs.
  • Receive a free museum guide book with a purchase of $25 or more at the museum store. See booklet for details.
Eastern State Penitentiary
  • ESP is not recommended for children under age seven; see details.
  • CityPASS holders join the next available tour; reservations are not necessary in summer but are strongly recommended for Winter Adventure Tour (December-March) by calling (215) 236-3300.
  • Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes - it’s essentially an outdoor tour.
  • The Fairmount Neighborhood (Center City Philadelphia), is only a few blocks from City Hall and is accessible by Phila Trolly Works and Big Bus. There's an abundant array of corner cafes, neighborhood pubs and some of Philadelphia’s finest restaurants.
  • Bring a camera - ESP may be the most photogenic place you see in years.
Please Touch Museum
  • Schedule visit on a fair weather day to avoid rainy-day crowds.
  • Mornings may be busy with visiting school groups. Mondays and afternoons are the least-crowded.
  • Don't miss a Playhouse Theater live performance see details & showtimes.
  • Receive a 25% discount when you spend at least $25 in the Kids Store. See booklet for details.

On-site Services

The Franklin Institute

Parking: Garage (entrance at 21st and Winter streets): 1-5 hrs, $12; 5-12 hrs, $15; up to 24 hours, $25. Metered street parking nearby.

Dining: FRANKLIN Foodworks, FRANKLIN Foodworks Express

Accessibility: Assistive listening devices and wheelchairs available at no charge.

Gift Shop: Sci-Store

Coat Check: Available seasonally.

Adventure Aquarium

Parking: Ample and close; $10 per car.

Dining: Feeding Frenzy Café

Accessibility: Aquarium and exhibits are handicap accessible.

Gift Shop: Adventure Pier Gift Shop

Strollers: Permitted, but not recommended in some areas like Stingray Beach Club; available for rent at information desk upon entry.

Philadelphia Zoo

Parking: Zoo lot, $12. Additional parking along Girard Ave. and 34th St.

Dining: Indoor and outdoor food concessions. Guest allowed to bring own food and drink. Outdoor picnic areas. No alcohol allowed.

Accessibility: First-come, first-served manual wheelchairs (main entrance). Some buildings and exhibit areas are not accessible.

Self-Guide: Maps and guides available. Docent tour reservations, (215) 243-5235 (two-week advance notice required).

Gift Shops: multiple

Strollers: First-come, first-served strollers at main entrance. Some buildings and exhibit areas are not stroller accessible.

National Constitution Center

Parking: On-site garage: enter on Race Street between 5th and 6th Streets. Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm, Sun, 11am-6pm; call (215) 409-6700 for daily rates. See details.

Dining: Delegates' Cafe

Accessibility: NCC is completely wheelchair accessible. Please indicate any special needs upon arrival or in advance when making a reservation.

Self-Guide: Self-guided audio tour featuring narration by former president, famous authors, and voices from history; $5 per person.

Gift Shop: National Constitution Center Museum Store

Coat Check: Available seasonally at no charge.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Parking: Adjacent lot, $3-10; call (215) 569-8400 x4037 for information. On-street parking also available.

Dining: Bring a picnic lunch; outdoor seating on penitentiary baseball diamond.

Accessibility: Tour route with ADA-compliant ramps; meets most ADA guidelines. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome. Museum gift shop accessible only by set of 3 steps; See details.

Self-Guide: April-November, The Voices of Eastern State audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi is included with CityPASS admission.

Gift Shop: Penitentiary Store

Please Touch Museum

Parking: Adjacent lot, $8 per car (prices subject to change). On-street parking.

Dining: Please Taste Cafe

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.

Gift Shop: PTM Kids Store

Strollers: Various areas for stroller parking.

Getting There

The Franklin Institute

Public Transportation: SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 33 and 48, and by Regional Rail (Suburban Station); for SEPTA schedules and info, call (215) 580-7800.

Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 14 (all-day ticket is included with CityPASS).

Phila Trolley & The Big Bus Company

Public Transportation: Walking distance from SEPTA Market/Frankford Elevated Line and Patco High Speed Line.

Adventure Aquarium

RiverLink Ferry: Connects the Camden Waterfront to Philadelphia’s Penn Landing May-September. For schedules, fares or more information, call (215) 925-LINK, or see details.

NJ Transit: Provides year-round train, bus and light rail options; call (800) 772-2287 or see details.

Driving: For driving directions visit adventureaquarium.com or call (856) 365-3300.

Philadelphia Zoo

Public Transportation: SEPTA via trolley 15 and the nearby bus; 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 38, 44, 48; Market/Frankford Blue Line at 5th Street Station. For SEPTA schedules and info, call (215) 580-7800.

Trolley Tour & Big Bus: Stop 3 (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).

Group Requirements

Unscheduled group visits may create a delay in entry. For your convenience, here is list of attractions with specific group requirements. We strongly recommend that you contact them prior to your visit based on the group sizes indicated below. Please feel welcome to also contact attractions not listed here to ensure a smooth entry.

National Constitution Center

Groups of 20 or more: Call (215) 409-6795.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Groups of 15 or more: Call (215) 236-5111 x10.

Please Touch Museum

Groups of 11 or more: Call (215) 581-3181.

City Information

Transportation

Phila Trolley Works Tour & The Big Bus Company

Philadelphia CityPASS includes unlimited on/off privileges to 21 stops aboard 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. Upgrade to an 8-day pass for $20 ($10 for kids) using the coupon in your Philadelphia CityPASS booklet. Click for a printable map.

CityPASS Attraction Tour Stops:

  • The National Constitution Center: Stop 3
  • Eastern State Penitentiary: Stop 9
  • Philadelphia Zoo: Stop 11
  • Please Touch Museum: Stop 12
  • The Franklin Institute: Stop 14
  • The Academy of Natural Sciences: Stop 14

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

SEPTA offers a vast option of transit services, including buses, trolleys, trackless trolleys, subways and Regional Rail. A variety of tickets and passes are available, included 1-day individual and family passes; find fare and purchase information here. Hop aboard and experience the treasures Philadelphia has to share.


RiverLink Ferry

RiverLink Ferry offers seasonal point-to-point roundtrip ferry service between Camden, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. This service is generally offered daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and on weekends only in May and September. Please be sure to check the schedule here as it is subject to change.

Community

Blog

10 Quirky & Cool Stops – A Guide to Funky Philly Fun

On April Fools Day, the Philadelphia Streets Department used mimes and clowns to silently rebuke drivers and pedestrians who ignored safety laws at a major downtown intersection. When I read that Philadelphia used clowns recently to scold texting pedestrians and drivers, I was amused and impressed at the city’s quirky approach to confront these annoying scofflaws. read more »

Philly is for Foodies

Check out this illustrated guide to Gourmet Philly, from cheesesteaks to cookies to late-night munchies. read more »

Holiday Happenings in Big, Beautiful Cities

Holiday travel brings friends and family together to revel in the comfort of familiar surroundings. But it also provides an unmatched opportunity to explore traditions beyond your own family or hometown celebrations. If a CityPASS tour takes you on the road this Christmas season, look for your destination city’s signature holiday happenings and join the festivities. You just might turn some vacation memories into traditions of your own back home. read more »

Philadelphia’s Most Spirited Halloween Haunts

Ask not for whom the Liberty Bell tolls, it tolls for thee. Okay, maybe our country’s most historic ring-tone may or may not be haunted. That’s still to be determined. But that doesn’t mean you can’t scare up all sorts of spooky age-appropriate fun in the red, white and boo-tiful city of Philadelphia. At this time of year “The City of Brotherly Love” is downright frightening! read more »

Fairmount Park Answers Call of the Wild

Visitors to Philadelphia have a surplus of attractions vying for their attention: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Franklin Institute…just to name a few. But thanks to preservationist-minded forebears, Philadelphia also sports one of the finest municipal parks in the country, which provides locals and tourists alike with a multitude of opportunities for recreation and education. read more »

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CityPASS Reviews
4.8/5

Affordable and Fun

Decided to buy this pass after seeing the prices to visit some of the places offered. This is definitely a steal! WAs able to visit 3 places in a day and still go off on my own to see the city. You won't be disappointed.

by B-Rad
on 2/14/2013

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