Museum visitors explore the personal Revolution stories of the diverse range of individuals who were part of establishing our nation. Here’s some highlights for kids:

Revolution THEATER EXPERIENCES:

Families are swept up in the heart-pounding drama of the Revolution.

• In a theater that recreates Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, visitors follow  — from their own Windsor chair — as delegates to the Continental Congress passionately debate whether to declare American independence.
• Another theater puts visitors on the front lines of the Battle of Brandywine, with a rumbling floor, smoke effects, and the smell of gunpowder.

Revolution INTERACTIVE PLAY:

• Dress up. Kids can mix-and-match pieces of a soldier’s uniform.
• Play games. Learn about how the common soldiers and their families lived and played to pass the time.
• Assume George Washington’s role as President by sitting in a reproduction of the “Rising Sun” chair.
• Be sure to climb aboard a privateer ship like the one on which 14-year-old James Forten volunteered.
• Don’t forget to pick up a scavenger hunt at the front desk!

WASHINGTON’S WAR TENT

A dedicated theater houses one of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution: General Washington’s War Tent, which served as both his office and his sleeping quarters through much of the war. It was within this tent that key decisions were made that changed the course of history. The tent is presented as part of a multi-layered, mixed media presentation, followed by a dramatic reveal.

My Take: There are plenty of battle scenes, some with lifelike soldiers, but the heart of the museum appealing to kids are stimulating shows and interactives. I thought it was clever how they recreate common colonial activities in Revolution Place so engaging even adults want to participate. Every space is full of storytelling. My absolute favorite space is Washington’s Tent – truly takes your breath away and think about all the intel and brilliant decisions shared under that tent!

LOCATION 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (Corner of Third and Chestnut Streets) MUSEUM HOURS Daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. GENERAL ADMISSION Admission is $13-$21.00. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Tickets can be purchased at www.AmRevMuseum.org