“We’re neighborhood people. And that’s what Philly is: neighborhoods. That’s why this all works," said the Philadelphia Magazine. The city has a rich history and culture that's steeped in tradition, not just its own but also of the whole nation. It has a unique blend of urban and suburban life as well.

With a population of over 1.5 million people, it's also one of the largest cities in the United States. The city has many beautiful parks, museums, and historical landmarks that are perfect for an unforgettable summer vacation.

Philly is one of the most beautiful cities in America. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation. With so many activities to choose from, you will never run out of things to do in this city. 

In this article, we'll share with you the top 7 reasons why you should go to Philadelphia this summer.

The Franklin Institute

If you're looking for a place that offers lots of hands-on experiences, then you should visit Franklin Institute. One of their most popular exhibits is the Harry Potter Exhibition which celebrates the iconic moments, characters, and settings as seen in the movie.

You can also visit the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, a 20-foot-high marble statue of Benjamin Franklin. It's also designated as his official national memorial, which speaks volumes about the esteem that he has earned in American society. This is by far the most beautiful memorial of the greatest scientist and statesman you'll ever see. 

The Franklin Institute also has live science demonstrations as well. From liquid nitrogen and fiery show to eye and heart dissection, the Franklin Institute gives its visitors the opportunity to learn all kinds of interesting and amazing things. 

Independence Hall

Another famous landmark that you should visit while in Philadelphia is the Independence Hall. By visiting this place, you can have a glimpse of our nation's early history. This place is filled with American history. You should definitely check the Assembly Room, the room where both the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were signed. 

Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom, but do you know why? This exhibit will walk you through its history.

We definitely recommend that you go at your own pace. If you want to read and watch everything, it will take about 45 min. The exhibit is stunning -- the layout is easy to follow, there's so much to read and learn, and they have a good mix of audio-visual presentations to plain reading. This bell is such an important part of our nation's history!

Fun fact: this bell is the second, the first had to be melted down and recast many years ago.

OC Water Park

We're confident that you'll have a great time at OC Water Park, especially if you go with your family and friends. This is a seasonal water park with colorful tubes and a gorgeous view of the beach. 

The buccaneer bay looks really fun for young children, it's a Pirate themed Water Playground with pirate ships the children can climb on and enjoy. There is basically no waiting time to get on the waterslides.

Aside from the stunning view, the lazy river is very nice, too. Plus, the mini golf is a very nice addition to the park, with its cave and waterfall theme.

You can also use your GetOutPass to get a free, all-day ticket. This means that you don't have to pay for admission -- just present your GetOutPass before entering. Sign up to GetOutPass today! 

Philadelphia Zoo

Although some of the animals were moved indoors due to the threat of Avian influenza, it's still worth visiting Philadelphia Zoo for your summer vacation. This zoo is well laid out, making it easy to see all the animals. It’s also well designed for strollers.

There are beautiful artworks throughout the zoo,  -- sculptures, paintings, and art installations. The conservation efforts are well showcased, too. The Big Cat area is not to be missed. The Primate Reserve is excellent as well. The animals have large walkways to traverse the park in and it's a very cool feature. Security is also good, with several park police and security personnel riding around on golf carts. 

This zoo is also absolutely huge, and we recommend that you prepare for a day of walking. All in all, Philadelphia Zoo is a perfect place to visit with your family and friends.

Outdoor Xtreme

Another GetOutPass partner on this list is Outdoor Xtreme. It's a paintball and airsoft field that's perfect for someone who seeks action, excitement, and adventure. All of their fields are nicely set up and maintained. 

They have three locations near Philadelphia -- in Pennsylvania, they have one in Hatfield and one in Linglestown; the other one is in Chesapeake City in Maryland. All of them are relatively near Philadelphia, so choose what's perfect for your trip.  For sure, you won't be disappointed -- Outdoor Xtreme is definitely the best paintball and airsoft field on the East Coast!

Adventure Aquarium

No matter your age, Adventure Aquarium will leave you feeling like magic. It's literally 10 minutes away from the historic district in Philadelphia, which makes it very convenient to visit.

At Adventure Aquarium, there are so many things to do and look at, and you'll love that you'll be able to touch the sharks and sting rays. There's also this cool shark tunnel that you walk through and you can see sharks and all kinds of fish swimming all around you. They also have a play area for little children. Overall, the displays are very good: informative, creative, and very well maintained. 

Conclusion

As a historical city, Philadelphia is a must-visit for everyone who wants to experience culture and history. But aside from its popular tourist attractions, this city has plenty to offer -- from paintball fields and aquariums to water parks and art galleries. If you're looking for a fun city with a touch of historical significance, then you should consider visiting Philadelphia this summer.