Im not as familiar with Old City, but I used to live in Philly and you’re not far (15 minute walk) from Little Nonna’s, Bud & Marilyn’s, and Barbuzzo. They’re all within a block of each other (same owner) and are right by El Vez, actually. They also have a fourth restaurant in the vicinity, Darling Jack’s, which I haven’t tried but I assume is also great based on the others.

Barbuzzo is my favorite, but all are excellent and IMO the other two have more child-friendly menus. Can’t go wrong with any!

For breakfast/lunch, Middle Child has very good sandwiches, and it's right near Independence Hall.

there are a bunch of family-friendly beer gardens in philly. Walnut Garden in Rittenhouse Square has nice tranquil patio with a playground. Craft Hall brewery has a literal indoor pirate ship playground.

Along the delaware river there are quite a few more, including a truly gigantic outdoor/indoor space at the independence seaport museum called Liberty Point.

LaScala's Fire

OP here--definitely have heard of Zahav and it's usually booked out for months ahead, plus not sure how much the younger one will appreciate it. We've been to Reading Terminal before. it's fun there but looking more for sit down for dinner.

It's Zahav, not Strahav.
I like the same chef's Laser Wolf better, it's in Fishtown.
Reading Terminal market is not too far and is a great choice for lunch - lots of options and very family friendly.

The best restaurant in area is Strahav. Fabulous Israeli. Mezze style.

The group has other restaurants, in general the better dining is west of Broad. About a mile from Independence Hall. Or you can walk to Reading Terminal for the food hall.

We're heading to PA this weekend to pick our older one up from camp and will be staying the day/overnight in Philly on Saturday. We're doing in Independence Hall and the Constitution Center and will be staying in that part of the city w/our 10 yr old. Are there any good restaurants in that part of the city that are also kid friendly? Have been looking at the Starr restaurants, but most are not kid friendly except El Vez but they don't have any reservations for Sat. Anything else we should be considering? I don't know philly restaurants very well!