Philadelphia is a popular choice for class trips for many reasons. It’s extremely pedestrian-friendly; you can walk to everything! The food is fantastic, the people are friendly, and it’s very educational. One cool thing about Philly is that your experience in the winter can be totally different from your experience in the summer. The city is always growing and changing, providing a unique experience for first-timers and seasoned visitors alike.

As a first-time visitor to Philly, there are a few things that every student must see when he or she visits The City of Brotherly Love.

The Franklin Institute is a “must-see” when visiting Philadelphia. This extremely kid-friendly museum offers escape rooms, movies, a planetarium and a wide variety of exhibits that will enhance their love of science.

For animal lovers, The Philadelphia Zoo offers a unique way to get up close and personal with the animals. Zoo360 is the park’s newest addition and allows visitors to use a path of elevated walkways to get closer than ever before to tigers, apes, meerkats and more. Fun fact about the zoo: it was the nation’s very first zoo!

You can’t visit Philly without making a trip to see the Liberty Bell in all of her glory. You can find the Liberty Bell at Independence National Park, along with other fascinating historical artifacts. Step inside Independence Hall where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Take a tour through Edgar Allen Poe’s home or stroll through Benjamin Franklin’s courtyard. You could spend days exploring Independence National Park, and most of the attractions and exhibits are free.

All of the walking and learning is sure to work up an appetite, and you can’t visit Philly without trying some of its famous food. Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, and there is no shortage of delicious places to try one. Ishkabibble’s on South Street won’t disappoint when it comes to mouthwatering sandwiches, but Philly is more than cheesesteaks! The Italian Market is an outdoor street market lined with vendors offering everything from seafood and Mexican to pizza and French cuisine. For a unique Philadelphia experience, take students to the country’s oldest continuously running Farmer’s Market and pick up fresh produce, cheeses, coffee and international delights.

Want to get your middle schoolers’ attention? Encourage them to whip out their cell phones and take a selfie in some of the coolest, most Instagram worthy spots in the city:

• In front of the Rocky Statue
• The famous, red “Amor” sculpture in Sister Cities Park
• Boathouse Row
• Benjamin Franklin Bridge
• One Liberty Observation Deck
• Rittenhouse Square
• Elfreth’s Alley
• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

These unique destinations in Philly have their own unique charm and personality, and getting there allows you to see parts of the city that you might miss if you stick to the tourist attractions.

Taking a class trip to Philly is an adventure that every student should have the opportunity to experience. Philly is a diverse city full of rich history and the perfect combination of fun and educational. The city offers so much to see and do, making it one of the coolest places in the country for an incredible class trip.