Public transportation in Philadelphia

We are a family of four traveling from NYC this weekend. We are used to taking public transportation and would prefer to do this in Philly during our visit. Where can I get maps of the various systems (is it bus, train, trolley?)? And do I use trains or buses for most sites? We will be staying at the Sofitel in Rittenhouse Square and would like to visit Fort Mifflin, Franklin Institute, Zoo, Fairmount Waterworks, Penn Museum of Archaeology %26amp; Anthropology--so not really the traditional historic places. THANK YOU!

Public transportation in Philadelphia

http://www.septa.org/

the above link will take you to the SEPTA site which gives you information on the bus and subway routes. it is probably best to take bus #21 west on Walnut St to get to the Penn Museum and bus #38 to the zoo. There is also a zoo shuttle that stops at 30th St which is near the Penn Museum. see here for information 鈥hiladelphiazoo.org/getdoc/9d401b62-eb77-48鈥?/a>

also here is a link to the Phlash tourist bus that runs in a loop that hits a number of the spots on your list: Franklin Institute %26amp; Waterworks. You could actually walk there too.

I don%26#39;t know if you can get to Fort Mifflin with public transportation. You may want to call them.

Public transportation in Philadelphia

gophila.com/assets/鈥hlash-map-2008.pdf

link to Phlash map

we once used the subway system in philly during off business hours and it was weird...eery..freaky...we were the only ones down there (traveled far underground) and saw no one!!! We are Long Islanders, but my husband works in the city so we are very used to the NYC subway system and this was strange. I love Philly!!!!! We have been there before kids and loved it and continue with kids...just found different places....I guess what I am saying is do NOT expect the NYC subway in Philly...It is much smaller so either walk or take cabs. If you do have a car do not hesitate to use it. Driving in Philly will be very easy since you are used to an urban environment.