Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – May 19, 2026

6:00 AM: Depart Nock Middle School—don’t forget a packed lunch!

12:30 PM: Stretch your legs with a run up the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

1:30–3:30 PM: Divide into small groups for museum or cultural explorations:

• Eastern State Penitentiary – Half the group can choose to step into the eerie, historic prison with its Gothic architecture and reform-era stories. While the other half of the class, can choose to visit one of the following:

• Mütter Museum – Encounter quirky anatomical specimens and medical artifacts that bring science history into life.

• Franklin Institute – Immerse in interactive science displays—from giant hearts to iconic inventions.

• Independence Hall – Stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed.

• Street Art Mural Walking Tour – Dive into Philly’s public art scene with a guided stroll through the city’s vibrant murals, including works by Isaiah Zagar. 

4:00 PM: Check into the hotel and get ready for the baseball game!

5:30 PM: Head to a Phillies game—each student gets a dinner certificate to eat at the ballpark!

Day 2 – May 20, 2026

8:30 AM: After breakfast, split into groups for visits to:

• National Constitution Center – Engage with interactive exhibits about the U.S. Constitution and civic history, including a viewing of Freedom Rising, a powerful 17-minute theater-in-the-round performance narrated live with 360° multimedia projection. Described as “the best 17-minute civics lesson in the country,” it vividly traces the Constitution’s journey from its creation to today.

• U.S. Mint – Take a self-guided tour to see how U.S. coins are made.

12:30 PM: Lunch at Reading Terminal Market (we recommend students bring $15–20 for lunch).

2:30–4:30 PM: In the afternoon, choose from:

• Eastern State Penitentiary – Half the group can chose to step into the eerie, historic prison with its Gothic architecture and reform-era stories. While the other half of the class, can choose to visit one of the following:

• Mütter Museum – Encounter quirky anatomical specimens and medical artifacts that bring science history into life.

• Franklin Institute – Immerse in interactive science displays—from giant hearts to iconic inventions.

• Independence Hall – Stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed

• Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University – Explore America’s oldest natural history museum, home to towering dinosaur skeletons, immersive dioramas spanning multiple continents, live animal exhibits, and interactive fossil discovery stations.

6:00-9:00: Celebrate with dinner and a dance party aboard the Benjamin Franklin Yacht.

Day 3 – May 21, 2026

7:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as you get ready for your journey.

8:00 AM: Depart for New Jersey, heading to the ferry terminal.

10:30 AM: Board the ferry to Liberty Island—home of the iconic Statue of Liberty, a monumental symbol of freedom gifted by France in 1886. Once on the island, spend your time exploring:

• The Statue of Liberty Museum, where students can view the original 1886 torch, learn about the statue’s design through interactive exhibits, and watch a multimedia presentation that brings the monument’s history to life.

• The pedestal area, offering elevated views of New York Harbor. A climb grants panoramic photo opportunities and a closer connection to the statue’s construction.

1:30 PM: Depart for home

7:30 PM: Return to Nock Middle School.