--- title: "Moving to Philadelphia: Parent's Guide To Your New City" description: Are you planning on moving to the Philadelphia area? Here is a step-by-step guide to raising a family in a new city and easing the transition. image: https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS_Students-in-Park.jpg --- - [About Us](http://friendscentral.org/about) - [Admissions](http://friendscentral.org/admission) - [Academics](https://friendscentral.org/academics) - [Athletics](http://friendscentral.org/page.cfm?p=501) - [Arts](https://friendscentral.org/arts) - [Campus Life](https://friendscentral.org/campus-life) - [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide#_ga=2.50017889.679910470.1731592311-467942295.1720540655) [![FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FriendsCentral%20-Mar2018/Images/text-wide.png) ![FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FriendsCentral%20-Mar2018/Images/text-narrow.png)](https://www.friendscentral.org/) Outstanding Quaker Education Since 1845 | Nursery - Grade 12 - [About Us](https://www.friendscentral.org/about) - [Why FCS?](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/why-fcs) - [Strategic Plan](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/strategicplan) - [Diversity and Inclusivity](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/diversity-and-inclusivity) - [School Leadership](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/school-leadership) - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/faculty-staff-directory) - [Directions](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) - [Employment Opportunities](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/employment-opportunities) - [Lower School Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/lower-map) - [Middle & Upper School Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/middle-upper-map) - [Admission](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission) - [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide) - [How to Apply](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/apply) - [Admission Events](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission) - [Directions & Transportation](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/directions-transportation) - [Our Admission Team](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/our-admission-team) - [Affording FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/affording-fcs) - [Wynnefield Scholar Program](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/wynnefield-scholar-program) - [Tuition Refund Insurance Plan](https://www.friendscentral.org/uploaded/Admissions/Documents/2017-2018/TRP_Dewars_Brochure_(generic).pdf) - [International Students](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/international-students) - [Admission Portal Login](https://admissions.veracross.com/App/FCS/Account/Login) - [Academics](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics) - [Quaker Philosophy in the Curriculum](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/quaker-philosophy) - [Signature Programs](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/signature-programs) - [Nursery](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school/early-childhood) - [Lower School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school) - [Middle School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/upper-school) - [College Counseling](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/college-counseling) - [Learning Through Service](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/program-highlights/service-learning) - [Technology & Libraries](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/technology-libraries) - [Athletics](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics) - [Athletics Overview](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics) - [Schedule](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/schedules) - [Teams](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/teams) - [Directions & Facilities](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) - [Wellness](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/wellness) - [Inside Athletics](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/inside-athletics) - [Contact](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/contact) - [Arts](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts) - [Music](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/music) - [Drama](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/drama) - [Visual Arts](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/visual-arts) - [Meet the Arts Department](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts/meet-the-arts-department) - [Campus Life](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life) - [Student Support Services](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/student-services) - [Auxiliary Programs & Services](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/auxiliary-programs-services) - [FCS School Store](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/school-store) - [Publications](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/publications) - [Communications](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/communications) - [Sustainability at FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/sustainability-at-fcs) - [Distinguished Lectures](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/distinguished-lectures) - [Support FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs) - [Ways to Give](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/ways-to-give) - [Friends' Central Fund](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/friends-central-fund) - [Tax Credits for Scholarships](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/tax-credits-for-scholarships) - [Our Development Team](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/meet-the-office) - [Giving Tuesday](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs/givingtuesday) - [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide) - [Parents](https://www.friendscentral.org/parents) - [Faculty & Staff](http://myfcs.org/) - [Alumni/ae](https://www.friendscentral.org/alumniae) - [News](https://www.friendscentral.org/news) - [Calendar](https://www.friendscentral.org/calendar) - [Quicklinks](https://www.friendscentral.org/quicklinks) - [Faculty & Staff Directory](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/faculty-staff-directory) - [Veracross](https://portals.veracross.com/fcs#_ga=2.258547016.351763938.1520833058-1423637094.1518007214) - [Health Forms](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/support-services/health-services) - [School News](https://www.friendscentral.org/news) - [Photo Gallery](https://www.flickr.com/photos/friendscentralschool/albums) - [School Calendar](https://www.friendscentral.org/calendar) - [FCS Blog](https://blog.friendscentral.org/#_ga=2.229267550.351763938.1520833058-1423637094.1518007214) - [Parents](https://www.friendscentral.org/parents) - [Trustee Portal](https://www.friendscentral.org/board-member) - [FCS Summer Programs](http://www.fcsprograms.org/home/) - [FCA (Aquatics)](http://www.swimfca.org/) [The Friends' Central School Blog](https://blog.friendscentral.org) --- # Moving to Philadelphia: Parent's Guide To Raising Your Family In A New City [By Lydia Martin](https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin) Jun 14 2021 ![FCS_Students-in-Park-1](https://blog.friendscentral.org/hs-fs/hubfs/FCS_Students-in-Park-1.jpg?width=869&name=FCS_Students-in-Park-1.jpg) If you’re moving to the Philadelphia area, you’re in luck. Philadelphia, also known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is an amazing place to raise a family. The city is home to iconic historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Declaration of Independence, and is only a few hours away from both Washington D.C. and New York City. In addition to its rich history, Philadelphia is home to countless attractions like museums, zoos, and camps, and its suburbs boast picturesque scenery and natural attractions. --- Free Downloadable Guide: Take a Closer Look at Friends' Central School [![Download the Guide Now!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/714359/05af81b1-d7be-43c3-86e4-92ac066bd632.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/714359/05af81b1-d7be-43c3-86e4-92ac066bd632) --- Despite all of this, as a parent, planning a move to a new city can be a particularly stressful time. There’s a lot to consider, and you’re probably asking yourself important questions like: Where will we live? Where will my children go to school? What types of activities are there for my kids? How do I make sure that this is an easy transition for my family? Ultimately, you want to ensure that you’re making the right choice for your family and that your children will be able to adapt to their new environment. Here, we offer a step-by-step guide to raising your family in Philadelphia to make your family’s transition smoother. ## Step-by-Step Guide to Raising Children in Philadelphia ### 1. Move to a family-friendly neighborhood. With over 150 neighborhoods and 100 suburbs to choose from in the Philadelphia area, it’s important that you carefully consider which is the best fit for your family. While some families might prefer to live downtown in Philadelphia’s Center City, others might prefer a suburban environment in Philadelphia’s Main Line. When choosing a neighborhood, you should consider factors like commute, walkability, quality of education, and kid-friendliness. ### 2. Enroll your child in the right school. Philadelphia is home to an abundance of both public and [independent schools](https://blog.friendscentral.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-independent-school-education). Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, you want to ensure that they’ll be in an environment where they will thrive. Public schools in the Philadelphia area are generally neighborhood-based, meaning that if you choose this route you’ll have little control over the school that your child attends. On the other hand, enrolling your child in an independent school will give you more freedom of choice. You’ll be able to do your research and determine which school’s mission aligns best with your values and specific educational goals for your child. Many of the independent schools in the Philadelphia area are [Quaker schools](https://blog.friendscentral.org/what-is-a-quaker-school), also called Friends schools, meaning that their educational approach is based on the values of The Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. These schools focus on children as individuals, focusing on their social and emotional wellness as a key to their academic success. ### 3. Find kid-friendly activities. To keep your child engaged and happy following your family’s move, try planning fun activities that the whole family can participate in. Luckily, there is no shortage of kid-friendly activities in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. Depending on their age, some activities that your child might enjoy include learning about animals at the [Philadelphia Zoo](https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/), strolling through the [King of Prussia Mall](http://www.simon.com/mall/king-of-prussia), visiting the [LEGOLAND Discovery Center](https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/philadelphia/), or engaging in a hands-on learning experience at one of the city’s various [makerspaces](https://blog.friendscentral.org/makerspaces-in-philadelphia). Your family is also sure to enjoy attending one of the many kid-friendly events at the [Philadelphia Art Museum](https://philamuseum.org/) or [The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University](https://ansp.org/). If you plan on moving to Philadelphia during the [summer](https://blog.friendscentral.org/summer-along-main-line)or fall, there are also plenty of seasonal activities that your child can participate in, such as attending a [summer camp in the Philadelphia Main Line](https://blog.friendscentral.org/summer-camps-in-philadelphia) or attending a [fall-themed festival](https://blog.friendscentral.org/fall-activities-along-the-main-line) at Franklin Square. ### 4. Explore the local scenery. Outdoor exploration is important for children of all ages, especially those who are moving to a new and unfamiliar city. Fortunately, Philadelphia is home to many different parks, gardens, and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll find stunning [parks and gardens along the Philadelphia Main Line](https://blog.friendscentral.org/parks-and-gardens-along-the-main-line) where your family can enjoy walking paths, sports, picnic areas, and community events. Botanical gardens can also be a great learning experience for children. For example, at [Chanticleer Gardens](https://www.chanticleergarden.org/) in Wayne, PA, guests can speak with gardeners about the thousands of different plants that make up the garden. You’ll also find captivating parks and greenspaces in the heart of the city, such as [James G. Kaskey Memorial Park](https://kaskeypark.bio.upenn.edu/) and the [PECO Green Roof Garden](https://arboretum.temple.edu/our-gardens/peco-green-roof-garden). In addition to beautiful parks and gardens, you can also keep your family busy at one of the many different nature spots and kid-friendly [hiking trails in the Philadelphia suburbs](https://blog.friendscentral.org/kid-friendly-hiking-trails-main-line). Consider bringing the family to the [Schuylkill River Trail](https://schuylkillriver.org/schuylkill-river-trail/), which starts in downtown Philadelphia and passes through urban, rural, suburban, and industrial landscapes. Taking a family stroll on one of these trails can help you to familiarize your child with their new surroundings while also teaching them about the importance of [sustainability](https://www.friendscentral.org/campus-life/sustainability-at-fcs). ### 5. Locate museums and art venues. The Philadelphia area offers families countless opportunities for interactive learning through history and the arts. Keep your child engaged by bringing them to [local art venues](https://blog.friendscentral.org/kids-shows-on-main-line) and museums where they can learn about the rich history of their new city and its affinity for performing and visual arts. As the nation’s first capital, Philadelphia is one of the greatest cities in the country for an interactive history lesson with your family. Consider a family outing to historic landmarks and museums like the Independence National Historical Park, National Constitution Center, or Betsy Ross House. If your child isn’t quite old enough for a history lesson, they might enjoy some of the more interactive [museums and learning experiences along the Philadelphia Main Line](https://blog.friendscentral.org/main-line-museums-for-toddlers). In the Philadelphia area, there are also plenty of opportunities to keep your child engaged through [the arts](https://www.friendscentral.org/arts), whether it be through theater, music, literature, or visual arts. Consider attending a show at a family-friendly art venue such as the [Walnut Street Theatre](https://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/) or the [Philadelphia Orchestra](https://www.philorch.org/). In addition, the [Philadelphia Museum of Art](https://philamuseum.org/) is a great place to expose your child to the visual arts through either guided tours or kid-friendly events at the museum. ### 6. Experience Philadelphia’s sports teams. To keep your children engaged in a new city, explore the many opportunities for sports and athletics that Philadelphia has to offer. Regardless of whether your family would like to spectate or participate, Philadelphia is an amazing place for sports fans of all ages. Philadelphia is home to major league professional teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League. Consider taking the sports fans in your family to a Philadelphia Eagles game at [Lincoln Financial Field](https://www.lincolnfinancialfield.com/) or a Philadelphia Phillies game at [Citizens Bank Park](https://www.mlb.com/phillies/ballpark). In addition to major league sports, there are also ample opportunities for your children to participate in sports and athletics themselves. The [Philadelphia Dragons Sports Association](http://www.phillydragons.com/) is a local sports league offering baseball, flag football, and basketball to children throughout the Philadelphia area. Depending on their age, your children can also participate in other athletic activities at the school that you enroll them in. At Friends’ Central School, students have the opportunity to [join sports teams](https://www.friendscentral.org/athletics/teams) ranging from Cross Country to Tennis. ## Helping Your Child Thrive in Philadelphia Moving to a new city can be stressful for the entire family. To ensure that your child thrives in their new environment, keep them engaged by immersing them in all that the Philadelphia area has to offer. After choosing where to live and familiarizing your family with the area, it’s important that you enroll your child in a school that can help ease the transition. Speak with [admissions counselors](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/our-admission-team) at the schools that you’re considering, and schedule visits and tours with your child to determine which community is best for them. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/714359/a243de88-bfbe-43e4-9a57-d6269a240df0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/714359/a243de88-bfbe-43e4-9a57-d6269a240df0) Next: [Summer Catch Up: 5 Strategies & Tips for Families](https://blog.friendscentral.org/summer-catch-up) Previous: [New to the Philadelphia Main Line? Your Neighborhood Guide](https://blog.friendscentral.org/philadelphia-main-line-towns) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffriendscentralschool%2F%3Fhl%3Den%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/school/friends'-central-school/) **See what Friends' Central has to offer.** [Early Childhood](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school/early-childhood) [Lower School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/lower-school) [Middle School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/middle-school) [Upper School](https://www.friendscentral.org/academics/upper-school) [Request Info](https://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide#_ga=2.100048030.1618653794.1731936007-1951728694.1731437353) [Visit FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/admission-events#_ga=2.165592127.1618653794.1731936007-1951728694.1731437353) [Apply Now](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/apply#_ga=2.65926062.1618653794.1731936007-1951728694.1731437353) [RSS Feeds](https://www.friendscentral.org/news#) [All posts](https://blog.friendscentral.org/all) [Friends' Central School](https://www.friendscentral.org/) Middle & Upper School Campus Grades 6-12 1101 City Avenue Wynnewood, PA 19096 610-649-7440 [Directions](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) [Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/middle-upper-map) Lower School Campus Nursery - Grade 5 228 Old Gulph Road Wynnewood, PA 19096 610-642-7575 [Directions](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/directions) [Campus Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/about/lower-map) - [Apply Now](https://www.friendscentral.org/admission/apply) - [Support FCS](https://www.friendscentral.org/support-fcs) - [Request Information](hhttps://info.friendscentral.org/free-guide) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.friendscentral.org/privacy-policy) - [Site Map](https://www.friendscentral.org/site-map) - [Accessibility](https://www.friendscentral.org/accessibility-statement) [Powered by Finalsite](https://www.finalsite.com) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Lydia Martin", "url" : "https://blog.friendscentral.org/author/lydia-martin" }, "dateModified" : "2023-05-02T18:49:52.696Z", "datePublished" : "2021-06-14T20:39:42.000Z", "headline" : "Moving to Philadelphia: Parent's Guide To Your New City", "image" : [ "https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS_Students-in-Park.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.friendscentral.org/guide-to-raising-your-family-in-philadelphia", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.friendscentral.org/hubfs/FCS_PrimaryLogo_Navy_rgb.png" }, "name" : "Friends' Central School" } } ```