Is Philadelphia / Race St safe to walk around?

Okay, I am guessing that you mean the Sheraton Hotel at 17th & Race Streets. if you are going to stay some place, it is nice to know the real name of the hotel (makes it easier to find). It is on the other side of Broad Street from Chinatown, so it may be a bit of a hike, depending on how old your children are (it is just about a mile). If you can handle the walk, Independence hall is only a few blocks further on, and there is lots to see and do there. You are nowhere near the Zoo, which is way out at 34 & Girard. If they are small kids, the Zoo is a must, and so is the Please Touch Museum in memorial Hall in Fairmount park, which is about a mile from the Zoo. Where you are staying is safe, but not very interesting, unless you want to walk up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Museum of Natural History or the Franklin Institute (both of which are usually big hits with kids). So, don't expect a very fun place to "stroll" around. You are in the heart of center city with lots of office buildings and hotels and apartments. In fact, almost all of Center City is pretty safe now. Philadelphia is a fairly tourist friendly city, but it is not cheap, and you can expect to pay for almost anything. There is a great variety of eating places nearby, and you can dine on anything from fast food to gourmet meals. Your hotel will have plenty of tourist related literature to help you plan your days Let me add a few "Notes" Steve from PA sure isn't Steve from Philly. The Please Touch Museum was almost around the corner, once upon a time. Until it moved to Memorial Hall on Concourse Drive in Fairmount Park (I have five granmd children, and a membership). Also, Philadelphia criminals don't suffer fools lightly. If you look like a target, you will become one. But Cneter City is probably one of the safest parts of the City. The City is proud of what it has to offer tourists, and it protects them well. And yes, the Adventure Aquarium is over the river in Camden, next to the battleship New Jersey. The hotel can help you find public transportation to any of those places. ALSO: AJ gave you some GREAT suggestions. he obviously eats downtown more often than I do. If you have a decent stroller (and a 3 year old who will stay calm in it) the older kids can help you push, and you will be okay. It's hot here in the Summer, bring an insulated bag and stock up on water.

Philadelphia in the area where ou are staying is relatively safe. Just exercise the caution you would in any city with which you lack familiarity. Take advantage of the Phila. Phlash buses that stop at most locations you want to see. the bus allows you to get on and off. You are in easy walking distance from the Museum of Natural History and the Franklin Institute both located on the Parkway. It is a nice area to stroll even if you don't want to visit the other facilities along the Parkway: Art Museum, Free Library, Rodin Museum, Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, etc. Please Touch Museum is no longer in walking distance. It was relocated to Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park. if you choose to walk to the historic district (Independence Hall/ Visitors Center, etc). Take time to walk though City Hall (intersection of Broad and Market Streets. . . 3 blocks east and 1 block south of your hotel) and go to the top of the city hall tower. Its a good view of the city. You can also route yourself through China town on your way to or from the historic district (my only concern is the 3 year old and the walk). Take in the orientation films at the Independence Mall visitor center. They provide a quick refresher on the history of the area you are visiting. Also, they give you a chance to rest and "cool off". They are free. Rangoon is an inexpensive and very good Burmese Restaurant on the east edge of Chinatown (7th or 8th Street . . . just ask). Give the children an new experience. There is a terrific salad bar / hot bar located at VIP an Asian convenience store/deli located on the south side of Walnut St. just west of 13th st. Be sure to take the kids to Reading Terminal Market to see the fish and seafood stands,bakeries.and inexpensive prepared foods. It is located beneath the former Reading Railroad Terminal Train Shed (Now part of the Pennsylvania convention Center). It is located at 12th and Filbert Sts. a little west of Chinatown and about 5 blocks east of your hotel.

Downtown at night is not safe...and if ur looking touristy ull be a target..your talking about the 5th largest city in america and the Zoo isn't a mile from the please touch museum.. walk to the please touch museum in less than 10 mins..the adventure aquarium is in Camden NJ

no place in philadelphia is safe to walk around ESPECIALLY at night. Some places are ok like where the museums are and the liberty bell is cuz their is security around and a lot of ppl. But don't go at night!! Not to really scare u but that's the facts. Have u been watching the news lately? All their is are murders, rapists, creepy ppl and home break- ins. lol But do not be intimidated by those things, all the things u'll be seeing is in the city, where things are watched more. Adventure aquarium is sooo fun!!! BTW that's in Camden NJ so u'll have to drive their but BE CAREFUL! Its not terribly expensive but it sure is Worth the money. U'll have a great time their!! Try the franklin Institute and look around their. Its soo much fun and visit the giant heart while ur there. Just ask a tour guide to guide u to it. Umm places to eat i immediately thought of cheese stakes. Try Genos or pats cheese stakes. its like a McDonald's price range but their the best in philly. Parking is like 10 dollars so walking is a good idea. Plus it good exercise. I think there may be a trolley in some parts of philly but just drive. The betsy ross house is cool to. Avoid street vendors selling crap. Its worthless and will break on u. Defiantly visit the zoo but u may have to drive to that. its soo cool and Worth the visit. Have fun!

For the 3 yr old you can walk over to 7th and Race. Take them to Franklin Square. They do have a carousel also. 2.00 for kids 3.00 for 12 and older and miniature golf. They are opened from 10 AM - 9PM during the summer. They also sell food there , but it's kind of expensive. BTW u may be better off driving to the zoo. Our public transportation is one of the most expensive in the country. 2.00 one way 2.75 if u need a transfer to take additional bus or trolly.