Philadelphia, PA—Philadelphia is full of historical sites and some of the world's most renowned Museums. From the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to artwork from all over the world, to the American Swedish Historical Museum, all appeal to young kids of all ages. Below are a few of Philadelphia's Best Kids-Friendly Museums to visit with your little ones.
Must-See Kid Museums in Philadelphia
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University,
Highlights at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the oldest natural history museum in the Americas, include Dinosaur Hall, with a fossil preparation lab and hands-on fossil dig site; live butterflies in a tropical garden; a children's hands-on nature center with live animals; and historic dioramas featuring animals from around the world. Numerous changing exhibits are featured throughout the year as well. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1000, ansp.org
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
This Museum takes a fresh and bold look at African-Americans' stories and role in the nation's founding through the core exhibit Audacious Freedom. Other exhibits explore contemporary issues through art and historical artifacts. The Museum hosts weekend workshops and hands-on activities, including Macy's Family Fun Days. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
The American Helicopter Museum & Education Center's
There are over 35 helicopters, autogiros, and convertiplanes, eight fully accessible. Kids' learning and toddler areas allow children under six to play with puzzles, games, and other toys. Four times a year, guests of all ages can ride in a helicopter. 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, (610) 436-9600, American chopper. museum
Swedish Historical Museum
Telling the story of Swedes in America, the American Swedish Historical Museum appeals to tiny visitors, too, thanks to its Do You Know Pippi Longstocking? The exhibition is a temporary-turned-permanent display featuring a dress-up trunk, a kitchen, and a cabinet filled with treasures. The Pippi Gallery Hunt leads children beyond this space, created just for them, through the rest of the Museum. And for the smallest of visitors, there's Toddler Time every third Tuesday of the month. 1900 Pattison Avenue, (215) 389-1776, americanswedish.org
Bucks County Children's Museum
The Bucks County Children's Museum combines hands-on learning with fun. Kids can play through six interactive exhibits, many offering insight into Bucks County's History. Play area themes include Town Square, Factory Works, Big Dig, Bucks County Country, Airways to Waterways, and Hot Air Balloon Ride. 500 Union Square Drive, New Hope, (215) 693-1290, buckskids.org
Fireman's Hall Museum
Future firefighters get a head start at Fireman's Hall Museum. This fully restored 1902 firehouse houses the nation's earliest firefighting equipment. The display includes hand, steam, motor fire engines, a 9/11 exhibit, and an interactive kiosk that teaches kids about 9-1-1 emergency services. Visitors can try fire coats and boots, man a bucket brigade, and learn fire prevention tips. 147 N. 2nd Street, (215) 923-1438, firemanshallmuseum.org
The Franklin Institute
the region's premier science museum features a city block of kid-friendly exhibitions, such as the walk-through Giant Heart, Space Command, Sports Challenge, Electricity, Train Factory, KidScience, Air Show, and Changing Earth. In 2014, the Museum opened its 53,000-square-foot Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion. The centerpiece of the dazzling three-story addition is the 8,500-square-foot exhibit Your Brain, featuring an unprecedented collection of interactive, high-tech exhibitions. The expansion also features a rain garden and a larger, climate-controlled traveling exhibition space for limited engagements. The Franklin also houses the Tuttleman IMAX Theater, the Fels Planetarium, and a 3-D theater. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
The Independence Seaport Museum
After checking out the boat-building shop at the Independence Seaport Museum, kids can explore the Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia and the World War II Submarine Becuna. Kids (and their parents) can also rent rowboats built in the Museum's boat shop or kayaks to explore the basin's calm waters and get a close-up view of the historic ships. Kids can participate in Seafarin' Saturdays with activities designed especially for them every Saturday. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Sunday is a big day for families at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with special tours created just for them and drawing and craft activities for children of all ages. The Museum also offers themed written guides for kids every day and special family programming throughout the year. Pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Sunday of every month and every Wednesday after 5:00 p.m. allows families to enjoy the Museum at a lesser cost. Access is always free for kids 12 and under. 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
The Please Touch Museum
Housed in Fairmount Park's Memorial Hall, the kid-centric Please Touch Museum® includes two full floors of interactive exhibit zones plus a fully restored 100-year-old carousel. Kids can play and pretend amid Alice's Wonderland, River Adventures, and other hands-on fun. On the First Wednesday, the museum stay opens from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with $2 admission. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org
The Woodmere Art Museum
In the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Woodmere Art Museum tells the story of Philadelphia's art and artists. The 19th-century Victorian mansion sits on a six-acre lawn with a treasure trove of sculptures fashioned by Philadelphia-area artists. On the grounds is a Children's Garden that contains fanciful wooden creatures like birds and butterflies, as well as a giant bird nest nestled within the flowerbeds. Come autumn, a straw maze doubles as an outdoor pop-up sculpture. 9201 Germantown Avenue, (215) 247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org
