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Discover American Treasures, Zombies and Family Fun in the Philadelphia Suburbs

Home / Vacation Ideas / Northeast Vacation Ideas / Discover American Treasures, Zombies and Family Fun in the Philadelphia Suburbs

Terri Marshall, Updated February 23, 2022

Family Fun and Treasures at the American Treasure Tour in Surburban Philadelphia

There’s no denying the Philadelphia area is chock full of intriguing historic sites, but sometimes you just need to do something a little different. How about fighting zombies? Or would you prefer speeding around in go-karts? Or how about checking out what is likely the world’s largest collection of Americana on the planet? Our Globetrotting Grandmom recently spent the weekend doing exactly that in the Philly suburbs. Here’s her story about some unusual family activities near Philadelphia.

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Looking for some family activities near Philadelphia? Head to the suburbs to discover American treasures, zombies and all kinds of fun and games.
The surprises begin at the entrance of American Treasure Tour where this elegant chandelier hangs in a former factory. Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting TravelingGrandmom

Head to the Suburbs of Philadelphia for Treasures, Zombies and All Kinds of Family Fun

I’ve been to Philadelphia many times. I love the history, the murals and, of course, the Philly cheesesteaks. I’ve spent some time at Valley Forge learning about the American Revolution. But as I was walking in the footsteps of George Washington, I had no idea I was less than 30 miles from zombies. I would have never imagined the treasures waiting for me inside the American Treasure Tour. On a recent weekend, I discovered all of this and more right outside the city. Check out these wonderfully different family activities near Philadelphia.

Looking for some family activities near Philadelphia? Head to the suburbs to discover American treasures, zombies and all kinds of fun and games.
A portion of the miniatures on display at American Treasure Tour. Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting TravelingGrandmom

Discovering the Mind-Blowing Collection at American Treasure Tour

To say the exterior of American Treasure Tour is nondescript is an understatement. Located in a former B. F. Goodrich Tire plant, the American Treasure Tour occupies 100,000 square feet of factory space. And almost every square inch of it is filled with the most eclectic collection of memorabilia I’ve seen anywhere…EVER. We knew something was up with this former factory when a massive chandelier that formerly hung in the Old Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia was the first thing we saw. And that was only the beginning.

The music room at the American Treasure Tour
Nickelodeons, dance hall organs and more in the American Treasure Tour music room. Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting TravelingGrandmom

Step into the Past in the Mechanical Music Room

The tour begins in the Music Room, where we were awed by one of the world’s largest collections of mechanical musical instruments. Primarily from the early 20th century, there were stunning Nickelodeons, music boxes and dance hall organs—just to name a few. A massive miniature display depicting scenes from movies and random other things occupies another section of the space.

We spent a little time seeing what scenes we recognized and discovered hundreds of familiar movies: Star Trek, the Gremlins, Towering Inferno. I could go on for days. And then at one point there was a bear playing a banjo…because, why wouldn’t there be? As for housekeeping, kudos to Woody, age 84. He works Tuesday through Friday continually dusting the collection from one end to the other.

Looking for some family activities near Philadelphia? Head to the suburbs to discover American treasures, zombies and all kinds of fun and games.
The eclectic Easter collection in the American Treasure Tour Toy Box. Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting TravelingGrandmom

This is One Toy Box You Will Never Forget

The second part of the tour is a tram ride through the Toy Box. Imagine the largest garage sale you’ve ever seen multiplied by about 1,000. Throw in a collection of vintage autos, movie poster memorabilia, holiday decorations and numerous creepy clown dolls for good measure. That might get you close to what awaits in the Toy Box. As we rode through the collection on the tram, I nearly gave myself whiplash trying to check out everything. I’m certain you could take the tour every day for a year and discover something new every time. And what’s amazing about this collection is that it belongs to one anonymous person.

The American Treasure Tour offers private guided group tours Monday through Friday. It’s open to the public on Saturday for self-guided tours in the music room and tram tours through the Toy Box. And it is a delight for all ages—even with those creepy clowns lurking about.

Looking for some family activities near Philadelphia? Head to the suburbs to discover American treasures, zombies and all kinds of fun and games.
Armed and ready to take on the zombies at Area 2200 in Arnold’s Family Fun Center. Photo by John Golden

Fighting Zombies and More Creepy Clowns at Area 2200

Our adventure continued nearby at Arnold’s Family Fun Center where our first stop was Area 2200. This permanent indoor laser tag experience is anything but typical. We were outfitted with laser guns (yes, sometimes people do give me weapons) and directed to a rickety elevator which transported us to a dark room. It was filled with old lockers and all manner of other things that were about to make their presence known.

I’ll admit, I’m not a fan of things jumping out at me. So when the zombies started appearing and my task was to shoot them before they shot me, I pretty much just screamed and ran ahead, leaving my husband to take care of the monsters. Things got even more creepy when I realized that a live clown had entered into the mix. I survived, but only because the zombies didn’t have real ammo.

Looking for some family activities near Philadelphia? Head to the suburbs to discover American treasures, zombies and all kinds of fun and games.
Krazy Kars for Kids at Arnold’s Family Fun Center. Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting TravelingGrandmom

After the Apocalypse, Check  Out all the Other Fun and Games at Arnold’s Family Fun Center

After you survive the apocalypse…assuming you do…you’ll find plenty of other options to keep you entertained at Arnold’s. Occupying 200,000 square feet of space, Arnold’s has a second laser tag attraction, black light mini golf, bowling alley, a massive arcade, bumper cars, Krazy Kars and go-karts.

When you’re ready to re-fuel stop by Arnold’s Bistro & Bar. I highly recommend the Philly cheese steak but there’s plenty to choose from. And there’s even a special Kids Corner menu for ages 10 and under for just $6.00 per meal. If you happen to visit on a Tuesday, kids eat free.

Go-Karts at Arnold's Family Fun Center
Go-Karts for everyone at Arnold’s Family Fun Center. Photo by Terri Marshall, Globetrotting TravelingGrandmom

The Case for the Suburbs

While I’m a city Grandmom, that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate all the suburbs have to offer when it comes to family friendly getaway. Suburban Philadelphia is a prime example. In addition to the American Treasure Tour and all the fun, games and creepy zombies at Arnold’s Family Fun Center, this area has numerous restaurants, hotels and oh so much shopping. I’ll be back with the grandkids in tow!

Looking for some family activities near Philadelphia? Head to the suburbs to discover American treasures, zombies and all kinds of fun and games.

Filed Under: Northeast Vacation Ideas, Vacation Ideas Tagged With: Philadelphia

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