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Museums with kids can be tricky, right?
There are too many rules, too many “look, don’t touch.”
That’s why the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia feels like a game-changer.
Here, kids are not only allowed to touch—they’re encouraged to. It’s, unusually, a museum where play is the whole point, and that’s something every parent would appreciate.
Located in Memorial Hall, the museum is packed with interactive exhibits where your little ones can launch rockets, float boats, and even shop at a kid-sized grocery store.
And if you’re planning a visit, this guide will give you the scoop on everything from what to expect when you arrive to the exhibits that’ll have your kids begging to come back.
Let’s dive in.
A Look Back: How the Please Touch Museum Found Its Home
This Philadelphia children’s museum wasn’t always the sprawling, interactive wonderland you see today.
It actually started small—just 2,200 square feet in the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences back in 1976.
The idea was simple but bold: create a space where kids could touch, play, and learn without the usual museum restrictions. And it worked. Families couldn’t get enough.
By the early 1980s, the museum had outgrown its space—not once but twice—eventually landing in a larger building on 21st Street in 1983.
But in 2008, the museum found its forever home in Memorial Hall, a building as iconic as the museum itself.
Originally built for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition (the first World’s Fair held in the United States), Memorial Hall is a piece of history.
Today, the Please Touch Museum welcomes families from across the region—and beyond—to experience the magic of learning through play.
What to Expect When You Arrive at the Please Touch Museum
Arriving at this Philadelphia kid’s museum is a breeze.
When you approach the front doors, you’ll see someone in a navy blue shirt—one of the museum’s friendly security guards.
Whether you’ve already got tickets or still need to grab some, they’ll guide you in and get you started.
Once inside, you’ll head over to the admissions desk. Staff are stationed on both sides of the counter to keep lines moving, so you won’t be stuck waiting long.
Here’s where your tickets will be scanned, and you’ll get the rundown on what’s happening that day, such as special activities or drop-in programs.
They’ll also hand you a yellow carousel wristband. So, if you plan to take a spin, keep it handy.
The first thing you’ll notice as you step beyond the desk is Hamilton Hall. It’s the heart of the museum, a massive open room with a glowing torch sculpture standing tall in the center.
This space is your starting point, and from here, the day is yours to explore.
To the right, you’ll spot the bustling River Adventures exhibit, complete with a water table (and yes, kids will definitely get a little wet).
On the left, there’s a pretend city filled with kid-sized vehicles, model trains, and more.
You can dive into one of these areas right away or wander through to the exhibits waiting just beyond.
If you’re heading downstairs, there are stairs, an elevator, and a ramp nearby.
Exploring the Exhibits: Fun Around Every Corner
The exhibits at the Please Touch Museum Philadelphia are, of course, what makes it such a hit with families.
So, let’s have a look at what’s waiting for you upstairs and down.
Main Level Exhibits
River Adventures
Kids and water—it’s always a winning combination.
River Adventures is one of the museum’s busiest spots, with a giant water table where kids can float boats, spin water wheels, and even experiment with locks and dams.
Overhead, a rainbow lights up every few minutes. Smocks are available if you’re hoping to keep them (and you) dry, but honestly, a little water never hurt anyone.
Storytime Cabin
The Storytime Cabin is probably the best place to slow down if things get overwhelming.
It’s cozy and quiet, with plenty of books for kids to flip through. A pretend fireplace also glows and crackles softly.
You could take a breather here and recharge before diving back into the action.
Imagination Playground
Picture a giant bin of foam blocks but on a kid-friendly scale.
In this space, kids can build towers, tunnels, or whatever wild ideas pop into their heads.
The blocks are soft, so it’s perfectly safe, but there’s a clear no-climbing-on-the-walls rule. (And yes, staff will remind everyone if needed.)
Lower Level Exhibits
Alice in Wonderland
In this whimsical exhibit, there are two mazes to explore: a hedge maze that’s perfect for little ones (you can peek over the top) and a taller and more challenging mirror maze.
In the middle, there’s a giant tree with a pretend kitchen tucked inside, and nearby, you’ll find the Mad Hatter’s tea party setup.
Happy Camper
This one’s for kids who need a quieter moment.
The ceiling is dotted with twinkling lights, like a starry sky, and there’s a glowing campfire for “roasting” fake marshmallows.
There’s also a pegboard where kids can create their own constellations.
Rocket Room
Things get louder here, but that’s part of the fun.
In the Rocket Room, kids can build foam rockets and launch them into the air using air-powered launchers.
They’ll figure out how to piece the rockets together and learn some simple physics in the process, but to them, it’s just about seeing how high they can make their creation fly.
Cents & Sensibility
A pretend bank might not sound thrilling, but this exhibit makes it fun.
Kids can “deposit” coins in a giant maze, figure out balance scales, and play games that teach the basics of money management.
The Carousel: A Spin Worth Taking
Let’s be honest: the carousel will probably be one of the first things your kids notice at the Please Touch Museum—and for good reason.
This carousel is over 100 years old, with beautifully restored, hand-carved animals that range from classic horses to rabbits, pigs, and even a cat.
What makes it even better is how inclusive it is; there’s a ramp and a wheelchair-accessible bench.
The carousel spins for three minutes, and you might even find yourself going back for a second ride—because, really, why not?
Where to Eat: Dining at the Please Touch Me Museum, Philadelphia
After a busy morning exploring, you’ll want to recharge—and the Brulee Café makes it easy.
This family-friendly spot serves kid favorites like pizza (slices or whole), grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and soft pretzels.
Lighter options like fruit cups and yogurt are also available, and if your family has allergies, you’ll find gluten-free and nut-free choices, too.
If the weather’s nice, grab a seat in the garden outside—it’s a relaxing space where kids can run around while you enjoy a quiet moment.
And if you prefer to pack your own food, you’re welcome to, with eating areas in the café, main lobby, and near the carousel (just steer clear of the carpeted spaces).
When you’re done, place your trays on top of the trash bins, and the staff will handle cleanup.
P.S. Since you’re likely to only grab lunch, why not go to one of the best Italian restaurants in Philly for dinner?
Tips for Visiting the Touch Museum in Philadelphia
Planning ahead can make your trip to this kid’s museum in Philadelphia even better.
Here’s what to know before you go:
When to Visit:
Weekends are the busiest, so if you can swing a weekday visit, you’ll have more space to explore.
The museum opens at 9 a.m. most days (10 a.m. on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. on Sundays), so arriving early is your best bet for a quieter experience.
Parking:
The museum offers on-site parking for $16 per car, but with a bit of luck, you might snag free street parking nearby.
Public transit is also an option, with the Route 38 bus dropping you close to Memorial Hall, or you can hop on the Phlash Shuttle to Stop 13.
What to Bring:
Pack light but smart. Comfortable clothes are a must for kids and adults—this is an active space!
If your kids plan to splash around in the River Adventures exhibit, you might want to bring a spare shirt or towel.
Outside snacks are allowed, so don’t forget your family’s favorites if you’d rather skip the café.
Why Visit the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia
The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is where kids get to do what they do best: play, explore, and get hands-on with everything.
Whether they’re launching rockets, splashing at the water table, or pretending they’re at a Mad Hatter tea party, there’s something for every imagination.
And for parents, it’s the kind of place that takes the stress out of a family outing.
The exhibits are easy to navigate, there are quiet spots if things get overwhelming, and the carousel is accessible to everyone.
So, if you’re planning a family outing in Philly, this one’s a no-brainer.
