The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) offers special, Family-Friendly Philadelphia packages that include 2 nights at a number of hotels, free parking and breakfast, and free admission to attractions such as Sesame Place, the Franklin Institute, the Zoo, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Please Touch Museum, and tours run by Historic Philadelphia guides near Independence Hall. Call for details and visit www.gophila.com for more ideas.
Four Seasons Hotel -- "Kids for All Seasons" amenities include child-size terry robes, toys, milk and cookies at bedtime, special menus at the Fountain restaurant, and playtime at the hotel's beautiful indoor pool. Should parents need any babysitting services -- or car seats, strollers, night lights, or really anything imaginable -- the staff will magically make it appear.
Loews Philadelphia Hotel -- This centrally located hotel may look grown-up from the outside, but it knows how to treat the kids. Kids under 18 stay for free, and can sign out Game Boys and DVDs from a lending library. Those under 10 receive a gift upon arrival, and concierges are schooled in mapping out family attractions.
Rittenhouse Hotel -- This hotel's large suites are ideal for families, and the pretty pool on the third floor has kid-size floats and games. You can even order lunch from the Boathouse Row restaurant and eat poolside with the kids.
Sheraton Society Hill -- There's a special children's check-in, free snacks, the use of the game room, a super-popular indoor pool, and other kid-friendly features.
