Philadelphia’s Best Arts & Leisure

Best Interactive Museum [1]: The Franklin Institute Science Museum [1] showcases the best scientific advancements in history. The interactive museum is a giant playground for adults and children alike.

Best Kids’ Museum [2]: The hands-on exhibits at the Please Touch Museum [2] are so much fun that kids don’t realize they’re learning.

Best Concert Halls: It’s a tie. The Academy of Music [3], built in 1857, and the Kimmel Center [4], built in 2001, are Philly’s most esteemed, world-class venues. The two superstars of the Avenue of the Arts represent the best of old and new architecture.

Best Art House Cinema [5]: Between the three Ritz Theatres [5] in Old City, you can always find that foreign, indie, or artsy movie you’ve been dying to see. Each theater offers excellent titles in comfortable spaces, without the glitz of the mainstream theaters.

Best Festival [6]: Usually held during the first two weeks of September, the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe [6] presents cutting-edge theater, dance, music, and other events. There is no limit to the quantity and diversity of events, since the “fringe” element means any artist can self-produce and become part of the festivities.

Best Gardens [7]: Morris Arboretum [7] boasts 92 acres of beautifully landscaped Victorian gardens, streams, and sculptures in Chestnut Hill. Originally part of a wealthy Quaker family estate, the historic gardens were planted in 1887.

Best Trail [8]: The scenic 25-mile Schuylkill River Trail [8] winds around both sides of the river. The easily accessible and popular 8.4-mile paved stretch known as “the loop” extends out behind the Art Museum.

Best Place to Get Away from it All [9]: In the Northwest section of the city, Wissahickon Park [9] offers 1,800 acres of towering trees and scenic trails. It’s easy to get lost in the woods and completely forget you’re in the city.

Best Bowling Alley [10]: If you’ve never thought of bowling as particularly hip, then you’ve never been to North Bowl [10]. This popular Northern Liberties spot offers a late-night lounge along with two levels of lanes.

Nation’s Oldest Boxing Ring [11]: The Legendary Blue Horizon [11] is well-known in the boxing world as one of the last remaining old-school boxing venues in the country. The historic ring has hosted many of the sport’s greats and continues to hold matches.