Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, of course, is a city steeped in history (as much as any American city can be, anyway). Children can learn about the culture and history of Philly in a variety of ways, including museums and other tourist-y things. But kids can also learn about Philadelphia from the comfort of their own home, reading some great books! Here is a list of some fun books about the City of Brotherly Love.

Journey Around Philadelphia From A to Z by Martha Day Zschock. This is a sweet book, one in a series, that really lets you get to know the city AND practice the alphabet at the same time.

P is for Philadelphia by Susan Korman. Another alphabet book about the city, this book is great for older kids and includes some pretty neat illustrations.

When Mr. Jefferson Came to Philadelphia: What I Learned of Freedom, 1776 by Ann Turner and Mark Hess. A great book any time of year, but definitely around Independence Day, it tells the story of the American Revolution.

Good Night Philadelphia by Adam Gamble. It might be obvious--after all, most cities have a book in this series--but it's still fun for kids to see places they know in a book. A great board book.

Philadelphia Chickens by Sandra Boynton and Michael Ford. OK, it's not technically a book--it's a collection of lyrics from the enclosed CD--but this is really one of THE most fun musical collections for kids. It's a blast.