Please Touch Museum | Philadelphia

Please Touch Museum, located in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, is a renowned children’s museum designed specifically for kids aged 7 and under. It offers an engaging, hands-on environment where young children can explore, learn, and play through interactive exhibits tailored to stimulate creativity, imagination, and early learning.

History and Location

Housed in the historic Memorial Hall, built for the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the museum blends historic architecture with vibrant, child-friendly design. The location within Fairmount Park provides a scenic setting surrounded by greenery, making it a perfect destination for families combining education and outdoor enjoyment.

Exhibits and Attractions

Roadside Attractions: A miniature cityscape complete with roads, vehicles, and buildings where children can role-play driving cars, running errands, and engaging in everyday city life scenarios.

Fairytale Garden: An immersive exhibit bringing classic fairy tales to life. Kids can explore enchanted spaces inspired by stories like Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland, encouraging imaginative play.

Rocket Room: This interactive zone invites children to build, customize, and “launch” rockets, fostering early interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

River Adventures: A water-play area where children experiment with flowing water, learning about cause and effect, water flow, and environmental themes through fun tactile interaction.

Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel: A beautifully restored historic carousel offering a charming, nostalgic ride experience. Carousel rides cost extra and are very popular among visitors.

Educational Philosophy

The museum emphasizes “learning through play,” which supports children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Each exhibit is carefully designed to encourage hands-on exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration, fostering essential early childhood skills.

Visitor Information

Hours: Open daily with slightly varied opening times depending on the day (typically 9 AM to 5 PM, Sundays from 11 AM). Closed certain holidays.

Admission: Approximately $20 for adults and children over 1 year old; infants under 1 enter free. Additional fees apply for carousel rides.

Reservations: Online reservations are required to manage visitor capacity and enhance the experience.

Parking: On-site parking is available for a fee; free street parking is also possible nearby.

Accessibility and Family Services

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Sensory-friendly accommodations include “Quiet Kits” with noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, and special sensory-friendly hours to support children with sensory sensitivities.

Family amenities include stroller rentals, nursing rooms, picnic areas, and a café serving kid-friendly meals and snacks.

Additional Highlights

Frequent special events and workshops are offered, including family craft days, storytelling sessions, and seasonal celebrations.

Membership programs provide perks such as unlimited visits, parking discounts, and shop and café savings.

Overall, Please Touch Museum stands out as an essential destination in Philadelphia for families with young children, providing a safe, stimulating, and joyful environment where children can “please touch” and engage fully with the world around them.