From the moment you step through the doors of The Please Touch Museum, you’ll see what this is a paradise for young explorers.
There are seemingly endless opportunities for hands-on learning and imaginative play.
With so much to see and do, you’ll find yourselves happily immersed in this wonderland for hours on end.
Don’t miss this kid-friendly gem on your next visit to Philadelphia!
What to See and Do
Please Touch is designed to entertain and educate kids 7 and under. Older kids may have a harder time finding an area that interests them, but older siblings up to age 10 can enjoy their time here.
Here are some of the highlights that are worth visiting:
The Wonderland
One of the biggest reasons for our visit to the Please Touch Museum was to appease our 7-year-olds love of all things in Wonderland.
Located on the lower level, the Wonderland exhibit was a magical surprise for my first grader. Here you can:
- Dress as Alice, the Queen of Hearts or the Mad Hatter
- “Paint” the roses
- Have a tea party
- Play flamingo croquet
- Get lost in the hall of mirrors
This well-designed area puts smiles on a lot of young girls’ faces.
Fairytale Garden
If your little one needs a moment to catch their breath, they can venture into the Fairytale Garden Toddler Area.
Here, they can explore the pages of beloved children’s stories and let their imaginations run wild.
The Fairytale Garden is a magical exhibit nestled in the Toddler Zone, specifically designed for little adventurers aged 18 months to 3 years old.
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Here, your toddlers can go on a whimsical journey through beloved children’s stories like:
- The Three Little Pigs
- The Cat in the Hat
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Step into this fantastic space and watch your little ones’ imaginations come to life.
They can interact with various engaging elements, fostering their creativity and cognitive development.
From hands-on activities to sensory play, the Fairytale Garden offers an interactive experience tailored just for toddlers.
What makes this exhibit particularly special is its intimate and cozy atmosphere. We understand that young children can sometimes feel overwhelmed in crowded spaces, so this is a safe haven where they can explore and learn at their own pace.
With its small size and inviting ambiance, the Fairytale Garden ensures your little adventurers feel comfortable and at ease.
Nature’s Pond
Imagine the joy on your child’s face as they hop from one lily pad to another, eagerly awaiting the next animal sound to fill the air.
For the adventurous little birds out there, Nature’s Pond features a tree slide where toddlers can slide down and let their imaginations soar.
Pretending to be a bird adds an element of imaginative play to their visit, making it an even more memorable experience.
Nature’s Pond incorporates visual learning by providing pictures of marsh animals and their habitats. Your little one can explore the images, sparking their curiosity about these fascinating creatures and the environments they call home.
To enhance their auditory skills, toddlers can listen to recordings of various animal sounds and challenge themselves to identify which creature made each noise.
This interactive activity not only entertains but also helps develop their listening abilities and knowledge of different animals.
Water play is a delightful component of Nature’s Pond. It allows toddlers to engage with water while learning about its unique properties.
As they splash and experiment, they’ll gain firsthand experience in understanding the different qualities of water, making it an educational and entertaining activity.
Food & Family Market
One of my daughter’s favorite spaces in the museum was the little supermarket downstairs.
She had a blast pushing her cart around and checking out her own items at the register.
But let me tell you, there’s so much more to explore in the Food and Family Market!
Spanning an impressive 3,650 square feet and presented by GIANT, this exhibit is double the size of the original Market.
Here, children can learn about:
- The origins of food
- Its significance in various cultures and communities
- Food traditions
- The importance of healthy eating
There are numerous activities available for children to engage in within the Food and Family Market.
They can play pretend and shop for food at the grocery store while simultaneously learning about the principles of healthy eating.
Kids can also participate in food preparation in the kitchen, where they can discover different cooking techniques and enhance their culinary skills.
The exhibit also offers a chance to explore the origins of food by visiting a farm and a factory.
Through interactive displays and engaging presentations, children can gain insights into where our food comes from and how it reaches our tables.
Additionally, the Food and Family Market enables young explorers to delve into the diverse cultures and traditions that influence the foods we enjoy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to broaden their horizons, appreciate culinary diversity, and develop a global perspective.
The Rocket Room
This interactive exhibit is a must-visit for families who want to embark on an exciting journey through space exploration and the science of flight.
They can start by exploring the exhibit and get their creative juices flowing by making rockets from tape and construction paper.
Inside the Rocket Room, your little astronauts will have a blast with hands-on activities that ignite their curiosity and imagination.
Watching their homemade rockets soar through the air is an experience that will leave them thrilled!
In the Rocket Room, children can also dive into the mysteries of outer space.
They’ll learn about the planets in our solar system and discover how each one is unique. It’s an excellent opportunity for young explorers to expand their knowledge while having an absolute blast.
Dentzel Carousel
My daughter, just like many children, absolutely loves the Dentzel Carousel. The moment we stepped into the carousel room, her eyes lit up with excitement.
And let me tell you, the extra ticket cost ($5) to ride this revolving masterpiece is definitely worth it.
The carousel boasts a collection of 36 hand-carved animals, including:
- Magnificent horses
- Graceful deer
- Towering giraffes
- Majestic lions
- Mighty tigers
Each animal is meticulously crafted, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the carousel’s creators.
And speaking of memories, the Carousel room is an absolute must for capturing beautiful photos.
The vibrant colors, intricate details, and the sheer magic of the carousel make it a perfect backdrop for family pictures.
Of all the attractions at the Please Touch Museum, the Dentzel Carousel was, without a doubt, the highlight for us.
The laughter, the smiles, and the pure joy radiating from the children as they rode the carousel were simply infectious.
Please Taste Cafe
This charming cafe offers a wide selection of snack and lunch options to satisfy your family’s cravings.
From healthy choices like fresh fruit, granola bars, and cheese sticks to heartier fare like hamburgers, the Please Taste Cafe has something for everyone.
You’ll find that the menu items are reasonably priced, with a juice box costing just $1.5 and a delicious hamburger priced at $6.
Hours & When to go
The museum is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday, and Sundays from 11 am to 4:30 pm.
It is closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
No field trips to the museums are scheduled on Monday mornings making this a quiet time to visit.
If you visit on a day off from school or weekend, schedule your visit for the afternoon. We arrived just before 2pm and the crowds really emptied out by 3pm
Admission & Pricing
Admission to the museum is $22 per person for ages 1 and up. Remember, it’s necessary to make online reservations for everyone ages 1 and up.
If your little ones can’t get enough of the carousel, you’ll be delighted to know that unlimited carousel rides are available for just $5 per child.
Note: one caregiver can ride free with a paying child!
Carousel rides can only be purchased at the admission desk and are not available online, so make sure to pick them up there.
If you’re a frequent visitor or plan to explore the museum multiple times throughout the year, consider getting a membership. Starting from $160 per year, memberships offer good value for a family of three.
With a membership, you receive:
- Free admission to the museum
- Free parking
- Unlimited carousel rides
- Other exclusive benefits
Good to know before you go
- Special events and “celebrity” appearances may alter the crowds. Nina from the Sprout Goodnight Show was visiting on the day of our visit causing long lines in the lobby.
- Use the old address on N. Concourse Drive if getting directions by GPS.
- Pack a picnic if you are visiting on a nice day. The grounds of Fairmount Park are huge and beautiful!
Getting There & Parking
The museum is located in Memorial Hall at 4231 Avenue of the Republic in Philadelphia, PA 19131.
Please note that parking spaces are limited, so arriving early is a good idea. The parking fee is $16, and you can pay at the admission desk when you arrive.
Alternatively, if you prefer street parking, free parking is available on the Avenue of the Republic, so keep an eye out for those spots if you’re lucky!
