Please Touch Museum

Description

Imagine a place where “Don’t touch!” signs simply do not exist. It’s hard to find, right? But that’s the whole idea behind the Please Touch Museum, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved (and, if you ask me, criminally underrated) experiences for families and curious kids. A massive, hands-on museum tailored for children ages 3 to 12, it’s the ultimate permission slip to play, discover, and maybe, just maybe, wear out your little ones while fueling their big imaginations.

The museum isn’t just about flashy exhibits and busy colors. Well, there’s definitely plenty of that, but it’s also about letting kids actually interact with what’s around them—splash in the water play area, “shop” at the child-sized supermarket, or even pilot a pretend SEPTA bus. There’s something infectious about the vibe; half the time, parents look just as delighted as the children, maybe because something here triggers those old, fond memories of a time when every button pushed was a tiny scientific discovery.

If you’ve ever hesitated at the idea of taking your family to a museum because you fear your kids will be “too loud” or “too active,” Please Touch Museum tosses all that out the window. Here, a little chaos is encouraged. Yet, for all its noise and energy, there’s an undeniable warmth and welcoming spirit—inviting families of all shapes, backgrounds, and sizes. You’ll find wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and even rentals right at the door, so no one feels left out. And, for those who count on such things, there’s military discounts, as well as an environment that feels genuinely inclusive (yes, it’s LGBTQ+ friendly, which isn’t universal in kid spaces).

Sure, not everything is perfect. Sometimes, it gets pretty packed, especially on weekends or rainy days when everyone in Philly seems to have the same bright idea. Exhibits can show a little wear and tear, which is really just a sign that they’re well-loved. But, honestly, a bit of scuffed paint adds a certain charm—like a scrapbook of a hundred thousand little hands passing through.

Need a breather? You’re covered. There’s a solid on-site cafe, plenty of restrooms with changing tables (I’ve been in situations when that alone felt worth the price of admission), and a gift shop stocked with those irresistible souvenirs that your kids will, inevitably, beg for. Add in live performances and a vintage carousel that makes adults go misty-eyed, and you’ve got the kind of spot where trips turn into traditions.

Key Features

• Interactive Exhibits: Kids can dig in—literally and figuratively—with hands-on displays spanning science, art, pretend play, and more. Whether running a kid-sized supermarket, experimenting with water physics, or pretending to be a bus driver, the focus is always on learning through doing.
• Historic Carousel: Take a spin on the fully-restored, 100+ year old carousel. I don’t know what it is about carousels, but they never stop being magical—kids or not.
• Live Theater Performances: Regular shows bring familiar stories and fresh tales to the spotlight, engaging kids in a way that TV never will. (And yes, you can usually count on a fair bit of audience participation!)
• Special Military Discounts: Active military personnel get a bit of a break on entry, which is a nice touch for those families that move around a lot.
• Café & Restaurant: You can fuel up on snacks or lunch without ever having to drag tired kids out to your car and hunt for food elsewhere.
• Inclusive & Accessible: Wheelchair-accessible entrances, bathrooms, and parking, plus rental wheelchairs if needed. All-gender family restrooms and changing tables show real thought for families of all types.
• Gift Shop: From quirky STEM toys to creative art supplies, it’s got all the “I just have to have it!” souvenirs covered.
• Organized School Tours: Educational groups are a frequent sight—some teachers I know plan field trips here year after year.
• Kid-Friendly Playground: When kids need to burn off extra steam, the on-site outdoor and indoor play areas are just the trick.
• Advance Ticketing Suggested: Skipping the line matters—nobody likes waiting outside with antsy kids.
• Parking Options: Free street parking can be a gamble, but there’s a paid lot if you want to play it safe.

Best Time to Visit

Ask ten parents when to go to any children’s museum, and you’ll probably get ten different answers—all with varying levels of whispered desperation. In my humble opinion, if you want the sweet spot at Please Touch Museum, try aiming for weekday mornings right at opening time. The staff always seems refreshed, the exhibits shine in the sunlight streaming through the historic windows, and you’ll have room to let little ones roam before the crowds trickle in.

Summer can bring a bit of a rush, thanks to out-of-school crowds, and rainy weekends—forget it, you need Jedi-level patience. If school field trips are something you’d rather dodge, calling ahead or checking the website’s ticket calendar is a wise move; nothing sours a morning like showing up to a dozen buses pulling in.

Personally, I like fall and winter, when families are looking for fun indoors. Pro tip: after lunch, the energy dips (even the wildest toddlers can only sustain hyperactivity for so long), so the crowds thin a touch. Plus, seasonal events and performances roll out during holidays, offering fresh reasons to come back. Oh, and always budget more time than you think you’ll need—kids never want to leave, and honestly, neither do most grown-ups.

How to Get There

Getting to the Please Touch Museum is pretty straightforward, whether you’re local, venturing in from the suburbs, or making a day trip from New Jersey. Driving is easy enough and there are decent parking options; you might land a coveted free street spot if luck’s on your side, but the on-site paid lot pretty much guarantees you won’t have to circle the block with impatient kids whining in the backseat.

Now, if public transit is more your speed (shout out to SEPTA riders!), there are bus routes that drop you just a short walk from the entrance. I once took my nephew on the bus for the first time—he was honestly more thrilled about swiping his pass on the bus than he was about playing in the museum’s fantasy supermarket. Kids, I tell ya.

If you’re coming by rideshare or cab, drop-off zones make it painless—and you’ll especially thank yourself for doing so on big event days when everyone else is vying for parking. Bike racks are available too, for the eco-conscious (or just exercise-inclined) families.

Tips for Visiting

First off, buy your tickets online in advance. No joke, it’s saved me from at least a couple of meltdowns (mine and my nephew’s) when we showed up to a line snaking out the door. Plus, advance ticketing lets the staff manage crowds better, making everyone’s day more pleasant.

Pack light, but don’t forget the essentials—spare clothes if you have young kids, especially for the water play zone. There are plenty of restrooms and changing tables, but wipes and hand sanitizer never hurt (I once saw a child introduce a peanut butter sandwich to a museum sculpture, a mess only a parent could appreciate).

Plan on a meal or two. The on-site café is honestly better than you’d expect, with sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly options. But if you have picky eaters or dietary needs, stashing a snack or two in your bag is absolutely allowed (and you’ll be glad you did during those “I’m hungry now!” moments).

Set realistic goals. It’s tempting to see everything, but most kids fixate on their favorite zones, so be ready to go with the flow. If your crew needs a break, the theater’s live performances are perfect for sitting, snacking, and recharging with a side of entertainment.

Don’t skip the carousel—it’s a rite of passage and the perfect end to the day (or a mid-visit breather). And the gift shop? Well, budget for a memento. Saying “no souvenirs” is basically just a challenge to little ones—trust me; I’ve learned the hard way.

Finally, keep in mind: the museum is about play, learning, and memories. A little chaos is part of the package, but seeing your child’s face light up when they discover something completely new? That’s pure magic—and worth every minute.

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