Looking for a fun, educational day trip the whole family will love? Pennsylvania is packed with amazing kid-friendly museums that bring history, science, art, and creativity to life in ways children can truly enjoy. Whether you have a toddler who loves hands-on play or a tween with a curiosity for science, there are so many museums in Pennsylvania that are perfect for your family.
We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly museums across the state, complete with insider tips to make your visit even better.
Kid-Friendly Museums in Pennsylvania
1. Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia)
📍 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
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If you have young children, the Please Touch Museum is a must-visit! Designed specifically for kids aged 1-7, this museum embraces the idea that children learn best through play. Everything here is hands-on, interactive, and built for exploration.
Highlights:
✔️ Wonderland: A whimsical Alice in Wonderland-themed exhibit where kids can crawl through rabbit holes and sit at a giant tea party.
✔️ Rocket Room: Little astronauts can launch rockets and explore space-themed exhibits.
✔️ Miniature Philadelphia: A pint-sized version of the city lets kids run their own grocery store, drive a bus, and even visit a mini hospital.
✔️ Daily Storytimes & Performances: Engaging storytelling and puppet shows bring classic tales to life.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds, and bring a change of clothes for the water play area!
2. The Franklin Institute (Philadelphia)
📍 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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One of the most famous science museums in the country, The Franklin Institute museum in Pennsylvania is perfect for curious kids who love to tinker, explore, and experiment.
Highlights:
✔️ The Giant Heart: Walk through a massive replica of a human heart and learn how it pumps blood.
✔️ SportsZone: Test your speed, agility, and strength in this interactive exhibit.
✔️ Space Command: Hands-on exhibits about space travel and astronomy.
✔️ Virtual Reality Experiences: Take a deep-sea dive or explore the solar system in high-tech VR simulations.
Pro Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save time at the entrance.
3. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
📍 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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This award-winning museum blends art, technology, and imagination to create an incredible experience for children of all ages.
Highlights:
✔️ Waterplay: Kids can splash and experiment with water currents and geysers.
✔️ The Makeshop: A hands-on tinkering space where kids can build and create using real tools.
✔️ Backyard & Garden: A natural play area with a climbing net, garden, and outdoor art installations.
✔️ MuseumLab: A separate space designed for kids 10 and older, with advanced art and tech projects.
Pro Tip: If visiting in summer, check out the nearby splash park for extra fun after the museum!
4. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (Philadelphia)
📍 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Dinosaur lovers, rejoice! The Academy of Natural Sciences is home to full-size dinosaur skeletons, a fossil dig, and tons of hands-on nature exhibits.
Highlights:
✔️ Dinosaur Hall: See a T-Rex skeleton and real fossils up close.
✔️ Live Butterflies: Step into a magical butterfly garden with exotic species from around the world.
✔️ Outside In: A hands-on nature area where kids can touch live animals and explore natural habitats.
✔️ Paleontology Lab: Watch real scientists prepare fossils for research.
Pro Tip: Bring a camera—kids will love taking photos next to the giant dinosaur models!
5. The State Museum of Pennsylvania (Harrisburg)
📍 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120
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For a mix of Pennsylvania history, science, and culture, the State Museum of Pennsylvania offers something for every age group. It’s a must-see and must-experience for kiddos growing up in our state.
Highlights:
✔️ Mastodon Skeleton: A real fossil of a giant prehistoric creature found in Pennsylvania.
✔️ Curiosity Connection: A dedicated play area for younger children.
✔️ Planetarium Shows: Engaging star shows that introduce kids to astronomy.
✔️ PA History Galleries: Interactive exhibits covering everything from Native American history to industrial innovation.
Pro Tip: Check their website for free admission days throughout the year.
6. Bloomsburg Children’s Museum (Bloomsburg)
📍 2 W 7th St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
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A hidden gem, this museum is packed with interactive exhibits that focus on science, art, and hands-on learning.
Highlights:
✔️ Mini Medical Center: Kids can dress up as doctors and pretend to diagnose and treat patients.
✔️ Agriculture Exhibit: Teaches kids where food comes from with hands-on farm displays.
✔️ Dinosaur Dig: Little archaeologists can search for fossils in a dig pit.
✔️ Weekly STEM Programs: Robotics, engineering, and science workshops for different age groups.
Pro Tip: This museum is smaller than the big-city options, making it a perfect stop for toddlers and younger kids!
7. Bucks County Children’s Museum (New Hope)
📍 500 Union Square Dr, New Hope, PA 18938
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Perfect for younger children, this museum offers hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and problem-solving.
Highlights:
✔️ Imagination Playground: A construction area with large foam blocks.
✔️ Town Square: A kid-sized town where little ones can role-play as shopkeepers, doctors, and more.
✔️ Waterways Exhibit: Hands-on fun exploring how water flows and moves.
✔️ Climb & Explore Area: An active play space perfect for little adventurers.
Pro Tip: Pair your visit with a stroll through historic New Hope for a full day of family fun!
8. The Hershey Children’s Museum (Hershey)
📍 574 E. Main Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036
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A fantastic stop for little explorers, The Hershey Children’s Museum is designed to spark creativity and curiosity in kids through hands-on exhibits.
Highlights:
✔️ STEM Lab: Hands-on science experiments and engineering challenges.
✔️ Mini Market & Cafe: Role-playing fun where kids can shop and serve food.
✔️ Art Exploration Zone: A creative space where kids can paint, sculpt, and craft.
✔️ Sensory Play Area: A welcoming environment designed for younger children.
Pro Tip: Perfect for families with younger children looking for a quieter, engaging experience near Hersheypark
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania is home to some of the best kid-friendly museums in the country, making it easy to plan an educational and entertaining day trip. Whether your child loves dinosaurs, space, art, or hands-on science experiments, these museums provide the perfect opportunity for family fun and learning.
Before visiting, be sure to check each museum’s website for updated hours, ticket prices, and special events. Happy exploring!
Have a favorite kid-friendly museum in Pennsylvania that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
