The city is so much fun it's easy to forget your city is also an important place with an important past. There are lots of great things to do and places to see in Philadelphia, but how do you make the most of what the city has to offer in a day?

Here are some ideas for how you can spend your day in Philadelphia.

Visit Philadelphia's Historical Sites: Independence National Historical Park - The Declaration of Independence was signed here; so was the Constitution. Take a tour through the visitor center, then tour Independence Hall and Old City. If you're interested in colonial life, there are townhouses that were lived in by the founding fathers. And the Liberty Bell is on the corner!

Upper Delaware River- Valley Forge National Historical Park is nearby as well. Valley Forge was not only a military camp but also George Washington's winter headquarters during the American Revolution. There are many things for kids to do at this site including a museum. 

The Betsy Ross House - This is a very interesting house. Betsy was the wife of the first American official to raise the American flag and so she can be considered an important historic figure.

The Liberty Bell - This year Independence Day is on July 4, and the Liberty Bell will be ringing - you can see it for free! 

Visit the Children's Museum of Philadelphia - The children will have a great time here, and you can relax in a cafe while they explore.

Go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art - This is one of the top art museums in the world. Take a look at some pieces and take in the architectural splendor of this building; admission is $15. 

Go to the Franklin Institute - The Franklin Institute offers a lot, including science exhibits, shows, and a planetarium.

Go to the Academy of Natural Sciences - This is one of the oldest natural history museums in the nation; there are also some great shows.

If you have time after visiting these places you can visit other sites, including:

-Eastern State Penitentiary - This was once a prison. It's now a historic site where you can take tours through the prison. 

-Independence Seaport Museum - This museum specializes in the maritime history of Philadelphia.

-Mutter Museum - This is a strange museum with medical oddities.

-Rothman Ice Skating Rink - Take a break from touring and go for a skate!

-Betty Ford Center - If you're into history, this is a good place to visit. It was the first presidential museum, and there are exhibits about President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford's work in mental health, as well as other exhibits.

The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city's most famous food. The sandwich consists of sliced beef (usually rib-eye), melted cheese (usually American although the authentic Philly cheesesteak uses Cheez Whiz), and onions on a long roll locally known as a "hoagie." There are cheesesteaks just about everywhere in the city, but the best places to get one are Cheese Steak, Inc. (formerly where Philadelphia's own WIP radio station has been based) at 3rd and South St., Dalessandro's Steaks at S 13th St., and Parrish St. and Jim's Steaks at 15th St. and South St. All three of these places also have other great sandwich options as well as french fries and drinks. There are many other great places to get a cheesesteak, but these are the ones that will be most convenient for you if you're staying in Center City.

There are also plenty of fun activities for kids! There are a number of amusement parks in the area:

Highroller (formerly known as Wild Waves) is a family waterpark with wave pools and lots of fun slides. It is one of the better family water parks in the city, and it's a great spot for families. Located at 10025 Fields Pkwy, High Roller thrills children and adults alike with its wide variety of attractions! The park offers daily specials, including $2 hot dogs on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer. 

Also check out the Philadelphia Zoo, located in West Philadelphia at 34th Street near the Schuykill River. The zoo is home to 3,000 animals of 400 different species. There are many different types of animals and exhibits including a petting farm, giraffes, and a wonderful aquarium. The zoo also holds many different events throughout the year, including a summer concert series.

Chester County offers plenty of great things to do. First and foremost, you should explore the historic town of West Chester. West Chester is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 30 miles west of Philadelphia. There are lots of shops and restaurants to check out here--you can't go wrong with an ice cream cone or a milkshake from The Ice Cream Factory! You can spend hours walking up and down the main street, checking out all the different vendors.