Taking the Kids: To Philadelphia and America's most historic square mile

The popular Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches are already open for the season, guiding visitors between Philadelphia's most historic sites with stories that will highlight tales of suffragettes, revolutionaries, abolitionists, soldiers, Founding Fathers and Mothers, and more. Kids receive a 13-star flag to continue the treasure hunt around Historic Philadelphia and greet the History Makers in the stories and listen as the Declaration of Independence is read (Tuesdays through Saturdays 3:45 p.m.).

Thirteen youngsters will become U.S. citizens at the Betsy Ross House on July 4, for example, while visitors to the Museum of the American Revolution are invited to add a personalized ribbon to the giant flag-shaped installation outdoors from June 29 to July 7. (Ribbon submissions will also be collected online on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #BeTheRevolution. The goal is to collect 10,000 ribbons.) Come July 2 and take a selfie with Thomas Jefferson!

Historic Franklin Square is family central all summer with Philly-themed mini-golf, the Parx Liberty Carousel, a playground and at the end of July, a new Franklin Square Fountain Show complete with dancing water, lights and music. Families love SquareBurger, known for their Shake of the Month and Burger of the Month. Of course, there will be a July 4 celebration here too! (Kids who get stars at all 13 storytelling benches can redeem their flags for a free carousel ride.)

Kids can also join the Continental Army at the Military Muster that takes place at the Signers' Garden (across the street from Independence Hall Tuesdays through Saturdays at 2 and 3 p.m.).

And the Independence Visitor Center, the gateway to Independence National Historical Park, has unveiled a $15 million upgrade, complete with a 42-foot digital "Philly Welcome Wall" to explore via touchscreen.

A FUN FACT: The Liberty Bell became the iconic symbol of freedom it is today when the abolitionists adopted the bell as their symbol of the anti-slavery movement and, in fact, named it the Liberty Bell. Before that, it was called the "State House bell."

The National Park Service rangers can help your kids to become junior rangers. Try on uniforms and collect historic trading cards as you explore Independence Hall where independence and the Constitution were so hotly debated. The Independence Junior Ranger app for iPhone and iPad enables kids to personalize their experience with more interactive activities from creating their own seal to signing the Declaration of Independence.

(There is no fee to enter Independence Hall, but you will need timed-entry tickets that you can get from the Ranger's Desk. Come early or arrange advance ticket reservations at recreation.gov.)

Of course, there is a lot more to Philadelphia than its historic center -- terrific art and science museums, neighborhoods to visit, all kinds of activities during Summerfest, along the Delaware River Waterfront, as well as a lively food scene (make sure to eat a cheesesteak).

Gwyneth, 12, a proud Philadelphian, said, "People don't realize how modern Philadelphia is and how historic at the same time."

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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on , Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)