Please Touch Museum
The basics
In the Centennial District of Philadelphia, the Please Touch Museum offers an array of permanent and traveling exhibitions spanning two floors, including Wonderland, where kids can have a tea party with the Mad Hatter, and Food & Family, where little ones can explore an immersive shopping market, kitchen, and more. They can even float their boat along a pint-sized Schuylkill River, and ride a carousel built in 1908. Some play areas are designated for children under 3 years old, making sure the tiniest visitors have something just for them. The attraction is also included as a stop on hop-on, hop-off bus tours.
Things to know before you go
- The museum is best suited for kids from about 6 months old through age 8.
- Service animals are welcome at the museum, but visitors should call ahead to notify staff.
- The entire space is accessible via wheelchair, including bathrooms, water fountains, and the carousel. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the admissions desk.
- Check the museum’s website for up-to-date information about upcoming events, workshops, and special programs.
How to get there
Just off of Interstate 76, the museum is accessible by both car and public transit. By car, follow North 34th Street to Lansdowne Drive or Belmont Avenue to Avenue of the Republic. SEPTA bus route 38 stops at the museum, and routes 40, 43, and 64 are within walking distance. Ride-share services and taxis can also drop off visitors at the museum.
Trip ideas
When to get there
As you might expect, the Please Touch Museum tends to experience the biggest crowds on rainy days. Mornings are also busy because most school groups visit during this time. It’s recommended that travelers visit the museum in the afternoons and on Mondays when groups are not scheduled. For overall sightseeing, spring and summer are considered the best times to visit Philadelphia.
More family fun in Philadelphia
In addition to its many historical sites, Philadelphia offers a range of family-friendly attractions. At the Philadelphia Zoo, kids can take part in scavenger hunts and rope courses in between seeing the animals. The Franklin Institute is a good option for slightly older children. Here, they can learn about the science behind surfing and rock climbing, explore the Giant Heart, and check out interactive displays about physics, astronomy, and more.
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- Philadelphia Zoo
- Fairmount Park
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Rocky Statue
- Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Drexel University
- 30th Street Station
- Rodin Museum
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn Museum
- Barnes Foundation
- The Franklin Institute Science Museum
- Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
- Schuylkill River Trail