Groups & Educators

Educators Visiting Philadelphia’s Historic District

Start at the Independence Visitor Center for curriculum-linked field trips to Historic Philadelphia. Pre- and post-visit materials, tour routes, logistical information - it's all here to make your planning as easy as possible.

The Visitor Center has on-site parking, a wide selection of maps, tickets for purchase, and a knowledgeable Concierge Staff that can provide a thorough overview of Historic Philadelphia and its key points of interests for educators and their school groups. Come back to the Visitor Center for a lunch break and stop by before boarding the bus for souvenirs. If you have time to spare, short introductory films are available for free in the Visitor Center too.

Lastly, be sure to look into the Visitor Center’s Conversations with Ben program where students can meet Ben Franklin and ask him about his life and experiences. This program is for groups only and must be coordinated in advance.

Parking

Bus parking is conveniently located at the Independence Transportation Center and car, SUV and van parking is available in the Autopark at Independence Mall located underneath the Independence Visitor Center.

For more information about bus parking, click here.

Lunch Options

Crosswalk Café

Situated in the center of Independence National Historical Park and across from the Independence Visitor Center, Crosswalk Café is the ideal setting to take in views of Independence Hall and Philadelphia’s historic district. Choose from snacks, salads, sandwiches, ice cream, beverages and more. Whether you are looking for a quick bite between seeing the sites or a relaxing, open-air experience, you’ll find it all at Crosswalk Café.

Open Daily April-October: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
June-July-August: Open until 7 p.m.

50 N. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2302
www.CrosswalkCafePhilly.com
info@phlvisitorcenter.com

Café Independence

Grab a bite before you see the sites at Café Independence conveniently located inside the Visitor Center. Enjoy the best selection of refreshments, novelty sandwiches and salads, freshly brewed Starbucks coffee, authentic Philadelphia favorites and an assortment of other menu items. Have a few minutes? Our spacious café dining area is the ideal location to relax and explore regional maps and brochures or access our free Wi-Fi.

Open Daily: 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.,
June-July-August: Open until 7 p.m.
215-965-2301
info@phlvisitorcenter.com

Crosswalk Café and Café Independence are operated by Brûlée Catering.

Box Lunches

The Independence Visitor Center has table seating that can accommodate large and small school groups. If you are interested in working with the Independence Visitor Center and Brûlée Catering to coordinate box lunches for your school group at the Independence Visitor Center, please contact:

Michelle Khan
Sales Manager 
Independence Visitor Center Corporation
215.965.2300
mkhan@brulee-catering.com 

Other Lunch Options

Delegate’s Café at the National Constitution Center

The Bourse at Independence Mall

Nearby Attractions and Tours 

There is plenty to see and do within walking distance of the Independence Visitor Center. Here is a listing of nearby tours and attractions along with a contact person at each to coordinate a group tour or visit.

African American Museum in Philadelphia
Sandra Steward
215-574-0380 ext. 229
ssteward@aampmuseum.org

Betsy Ross House
Alison English
215-629-5801 ext. 209
aenglish@historicphiladelphia.org
For more information, click here.

Big Bus Company Tour of Philadelphia
Ray DelBianco
215-389-8687
rdelbianco@phillytour.com

Christ Church Burial Ground
Anne McLaughlin
215-922-1695 ext. 32
amclaughlin@christchurchphila.org
For more information, click here.

Congress Hall
Independence Park Institute
215-597-2760
INDE_Education_Comments@nps.gov
For more information, click here. 

Declaration House
Independence Park Institute
215-597-2760
INDE_Education_Comments@nps.gov
For more information, click here. 

Franklin Footsteps
Ray DelBianco
215-389-8687
rdelbianco@phillytour.com

Independence Hall
Independence Park Institute
215-597-2760
INDE_Education_Comments@nps.gov
For more information, click here. 

Independence Seaport Museum
Olivia Thomas
215-413-8630
groupsales@phillyseaport.org
For more information, click here.

Liberty Bell Center
Independence Park Institute
215-597-2760
INDE_Education_Comments@nps.gov
For more information, click here. 

National Constitution Center
Gina Romanelli
215-409-6695
gromanelli@constitutioncenter.org
For more information, click here.

National Liberty Museum
Sharon Katyes
215-925-2800 ext. 112
Sharon@libertymuseum.org
For more information, click here. 

National Museum of American Jewish History
Megan Helzner
215.923.3811 ext. 112
For more information, click here.

Old City Hall
Independence Park Institute
215-597-2760
INDE_Education_Comments@nps.gov
For more information, click here. 

Philadelphia History Museum at Atwater Kent
215-685-4830
info@philadelphiahistory.org
For more information, click here.

Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours
Jonathan Idelson
215-922-2300 ext. 231
j.idelson@philadelphiasightseeingtours.com
For more information, click here.

Ride the Ducks
Julissa Pichardo
215-351-9989
jpichardo@phillyducks.com
For more information, click here.

Washington Square
Independence Park Institute
215-597-2760
INDE_Education_Comments@nps.gov
For more information, click here.

Other Tours and Attractions

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Kate Moreau
215-299-1107
moreau@ansy.org
For more information, click here.

Eastern State Penitentiary
Rosalie Lidard
215-236-5111
rl@easternstate.org
For more information, click here. 

Franklin Institute
Melissa Fleming
215-448-1387
mfleming@fi.edu
For more information, click here.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
215-684-7580
educate@philadelphiamuseum.org
For more information, click here.

Philadelphia Zoo
215-243-5235
For more information, click here.

The Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Marcy Engleman
215-399-2266
mengleman@collegeofphysicians.org
For more information, click here.