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.

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.

Is visiting the Please Touch Museum worth it?

Yes, it’s worth visiting the Please Touch Museum—the award-winning children's museum is among Philadelphia's best kid-friendly activities. Young children can touch, play, and explore in an environment that’s designed for them with plenty of hands-on opportunities for learning. It’s also home to the wheelchair-accessible 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel.

How long do you spend at the Please Touch Museum?

Most visitors spend between three and four hours exploring the Please Touch Museum, which has two floors full of kid-focused exhibits. It also depends on your kids’ ages: Toddlers may tire out after an hour or two, while some older children are happy to play and learn all day long.

What age is best for the Please Touch Museum?

The Please Touch Museum is designed for children ages 6 months to 8 years. Its six interactive exhibit zones include four created for visitors ages 3 and younger, but early elementary–aged children can find plenty to explore, too. Families with toddlers can sign up for special “museum minis” mornings.

Is parking free at the Please Touch Museum?

No, there is no free parking at the Please Touch Museum. The museum’s gated lot offers paid parking only, and spaces are limited. However, there is free, on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Public transit is a great option, too: Buses 38, 40, 43, and 64 stop within walking distance.

Is food allowed at the Please Touch Museum?

Yes, you’re allowed to bring food to the Please Touch Museum. Eating outside food is permitted at designated tables, though food and drink are banned in the exhibit spaces themselves. The museum also serves food at its Garden Grille Café, whose kid-friendly menu includes sandwiches, pizza, salads, soup, and snacks.

Should I bring a stroller to the Please Touch Museum?

Yes, strollers are welcome at the Please Touch Museum. The entire museum is stroller accessible, with an elevator and ramps on the lower level. If you prefer to explore without a stroller you can leave it in the museum’s coat room, which is unmonitored.