Planning a Field Trip in Philly
As one of the oldest cities in nation, Philadelphia has well over 300 years of history under its belt. It has also been the most populated city in the state since the 1800s, making it a major hub for business and culture. The city attracts traveling groups of all types for corporate events, sporting events, private personal vacations, and more. With the number of historic sites and major contributions to American history, Philadelphia is not only a must-visit location for history buffs, but it’s also a top location for educational trips. Whether a school or educational organization is taking students on a trip to Philly colleges or to tour the Historic District, Ally Charter Bus is here to provide comfortable transportation options.
Academic groups of all sizes can find the perfect charter bus or minibus through our services. We’ve served countless school groups across the Northeast region with safe and efficient transportation for academic trips of all time frames and distances. Groups taking a day trip from Newark, New York City, Baltimore, and beyond are ensured quick, safe, and comfortable travels to Philadelphia.
Charter buses include amenities beyond what is available in traditional yellow school buses. The buses in our network include options like WiFi, plush reclining seats, TVs with DVD players, on-board restrooms, and more. Students will stay comfortable and entertained throughout the travels to and from Philly. If you’re an educator or chaperone planning an afternoon in Philly, take a peek at this sample itinerary developed from our clients’ top attractions. The city has plenty to enjoy for students of all ages.
Sample Field Trip Itinerary
Planning for a large group trip to Philadelphia can be a bit tricky, especially during busy travel seasons of spring and summer. School groups traveling from other cities should get an early start to make the most of the morning and afternoon in Philly.
Begin the morning with a group tour of Independence National Historical Park, one of the biggest historic attractions in Philly. Home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and 20 blocks of other historic buildings, educators should definitely make this area a priority. The lines and crowds can be long, but nowhere else can students experience such an important piece of American history. With busy roads bustling with tourists and locals, trust Ally Charter Bus to safely transport your group to designated drop off points in Independence National Historical Park.
Before leaving the Independence Park area, be sure your school group takes time to visit Elfreth’s Alley near the pier. As the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the country, Elfreth’s Alley is a sliver of the 1700s in current day Philadelphia. Although few of the residences are open for historic tours, walking among the cobblestone and old brick is a rare experience for students.
Once your group finishes at Independence Park, your charter bus driver can shuttle your group to the Franklin Institute, one of the oldest science museums and education centers in the country. The interactive science museum offers exhibitions teaching visitors about everything from electricity to outer space. School group visits are welcome and should register their visit well in advance. Groups are also able to reserve lunch spaces in the Franklin Institute for packed lunches. Students can enjoy their lunches in a reserved space before or after their Franklin Institute experience.
After enjoying a busy afternoon, groups can hop back on their charter bus whenever they please to be shuttled back to school or any other locations in Philly. Each location includes hours of education and entertainment opportunities, so educators should feel free to build an itinerary based on student interests.
Morning
Independence National Historical Park
Address: 143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 965-2305
Independence Park was established in the 1950s and contains over a dozen historic sites for visitors to enjoy dating back to the 1700s. School groups visiting Philadelphia for an extensive history lesson can tour integral sites in American history. From the Liberty Bell, to Independence Hall to the site of the original President’s House, Independence Park has an extensive amount of material for academic groups to enjoy. Visiting every location in the historical park may be difficult for groups on a time crunch, so be sure to prioritize your top attractions first.
Elfreth’s Alley
Address: 124-126 Elfreths Aly, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-0560
The Alley began as a narrow cart path in 1706 and was home to merchants and artisans desiring a close location to the river. 32 homes are currently located on the alley and most are still private residences, with 2 homes open to the public for tours.
Afternoon
The Franklin Institute
Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 448-1200
The Franklin Institute was named after none other than Benjamin Franklin and was established as a learning institution in 1824. The institute’s roster of exhibitions is diverse for students of all ages and with different interests. Guests can also visit rotating temporary exhibitions, a planetarium, and the Benjamin Franklin Memorial.
Other Popular Locations
Eastern State Penitentiary
Address: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 236-3300
As one of the first true prisons focusing on reform and rehabilitation, Eastern State Penitentiary housed famous criminals like Al Capone between 1829 and 1971. The historic site is now a major landmark, offering tours and education about criminal justice, government, psychology, and more.
Rittenhouse Square
Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (267) 586-5675
Built in 1683, this public park was planned out by William Penn along with a handful of other parks in the city. Rittenhouse is now a popular walking area surrounded by upscale shops and restaurants.
Philadelphia Zoo
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 243-5375
The Philadelphia Zoo was opened in 1874 and stands as the first and oldest zoo in the country. It houses close to 2,000 animals and is a great location for students who enjoy nature.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 763-8100
These steps gained notoriety from the film Rocky, and the museum is home to pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, and Cézanne, just to name a few.
Book Your Bus Today
If your school or academic organization is planning a trip to Philly, look no further than Ally Charter Bus for all of your transportation needs. We’re here to assist all travelers, no matter the type of event or distance. Contact us today at 215-392-4606 to speak with a rental representative about your trip and travel needs. We’ll find you the perfect bus for stress-free and easy travels.
215-392-4606