Philadelphia Family Trip - Part Three

by Jared Wayland

Day 3: Sesame Place Day 3’s highlight was Sesame Place, located about half an hour from Philadelphia. As a theme park based on the beloved Sesame Street characters, it was a dream come true for my son. The park was vibrant and welcoming, with life-sized characters making their way around and interactive shows. Despite the heat, we had an amazing time meeting characters like Elmo and Grover and splashing in the water park. Sesame Place excelled in accessibility, with easy-to-navigate paths and staff ready to assist when needed.   Riding a few attractions, including the accessible carousel and watching the character parade from my Stretto, with my son perched on my lap, was a magical experience. He loved watching all of his favourite characters parade by, waving to him.   After doing some more shopping at the Sesame Store, we left Sesame Place in the mid-afternoon and returned to our hotel to cool off with a swim. This was a lot of fun, as the hotel pool had an accessible lift, allowing me to enjoy the water with my family.   Having my parents there was a tremendous help, as they could assist with getting our son ready for the pool and keeping an eye on him while we all enjoyed the swim and worked on transferring me into the pool. Splashing around in the pool with everyone was definitely a highlight of the trip.   Day 4: Please Touch Museum and More   Our final full day was spent at the Please Touch Museum, a place designed for children to explore and interact with many different exhibits. Located in the beautiful and historic Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, the museum offers a hands-on experience that encourages learning through play. My son was brimming with excitement, and the museum did not disappoint. Highlights included the interactive “River Adventures” water play area and the “City Capers” exhibit; a miniaturized cityscape perfect for imaginative play.   I was also impressed with the accessibility at the museum, as it was clearly designed with all accessibilities in mind - wide doorways, ramps, and elevators, ensuring a smooth experience for me in my Stretto. The staff were attentive and ready to assist with any needs, making the visit even more enjoyable.   We spent most of the day at the museum before heading back to Reading Terminal Market for a second visit. Knowing what to expect made the experience even more enjoyable, and we indulged in more culinary delights. After a stroll around the city to take in the sights, we capped off our trip with a final Philly cheesesteak.   As we prepared for the long drive back to Ontario in the morning, we reflected on an unforgettable trip. Philadelphia and the surrounding areas were incredibly accommodating and accessible, allowing us to focus on creating memories rather than worrying about logistics. This journey proved that with the right planning, travelling doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Having my parents along made the trip even more special, providing extra support and adding to the joy of our shared experiences.