There are a variety of of hands-on-history activities available for kids. Become an archaeologist digging for artifacts, construct your own 18th century journal, or learn how much fun it is to play a musical instrument called the glass armonica that was invented by Benjamin Franklin!

Check our current building hours, "Gazette" and/or inquire at the Independence Visitors Center when and where programs are offered.

Junior Ranger Program: Children visiting Independence National Historical Park can become a Junior Ranger by picking up a Junior Ranger Activity Book with activities for children ages five and up from the Independence Visitor Center (corner of 6th and Market Streets) or downloading it from this site.  Participants who attend at least one ranger program and complete five activities will earn a Junior Ranger badge.  Activities are related to locations throughout the park and include word scrambles, dot-to-dot, bingo, matching and more... as well as activities to do at home.  

Independence Visitors Center, 6th & Market Streets.
"Choosing Sides" film

Junior Ranger Induction Ceremony
Meet the Ranger at the Information Desk at the Visitor Center, Sat. & Sun. only, 4 - 4:15 p.m.

A Park Ranger conducts a special ceremony for all the children who have completed our Junior Ranger booklet.

Liberty Bell Center, 6th & Market Street
Liberty Bell "History Channel" audio-visual presentation

Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank, Chestnut Street, between 4th and 5th.

Hidden History
Ask a Park Ranger for a card. Wed. - Sun. 2 - 4:30 p.m.

Kids follow clues to uncover the special people in the exhibit, then get a reward.

Moses Williams: Cutter of Profiles
Sat. - Sun., 2:30 - 2:45 p.m.

Hear the amazing story of Moses Williams who learned to operate the Physiognotrace to earn his freedom and a good living making silhouettes in Peale’s Museum.

Franklin Court Museum, 314-322 Market Street

Glass Armonica Demonstrations
15-minute demonstration is given on Saturday and Sunday at Noon and 2:30 p.m.

Listen to the story of Ben Franklin’s musical invention that started with water glasses and inspired Mozart to compose music for the instrument.

"Ben & Me" - Film, Children's program. Wed. - Sun., Film available upon request.

New Hall Military Museum, Chestnut Street, between 4th and 3rd Streets.

Barnacles & Bullets
Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m. Enjoy a 15-minute program. Learn about life for the average sailor and soldier during the Revolution.