A Travel Guide to Please Touch Museum
Located in the historic Memorial Hall in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Please Touch Museum is a premier children’s museum designed to spark creativity and learning through interactive play. Since opening in 1976, it has become a beloved destination for families, offering hands-on exhibits, a historic carousel, and engaging programs tailored for children aged 6 months to 8 years. This guide will help you plan a fun and memorable visit to this vibrant attraction in the heart of Philadelphia.
Why Visit the Please Touch Museum?
The Please Touch Museum stands out for its “learn by playing” philosophy, making it an ideal spot for young children and their families. With over 157,000 square feet of interactive exhibit zones, kids can explore imaginative worlds like Alice’s Wonderland, sail boats on a mini-Delaware River, or stock shelves in a pretend supermarket. The museum’s historic setting in Memorial Hall, a National Historic Landmark from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, adds a layer of cultural significance. Its accessibility, engaging activities, and focus on early childhood education make it a must-visit for families traveling to Philadelphia.
How to Get There
The Please Touch Museum is located at 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, in the Centennial District of Fairmount Park. Here are the main transportation options:
By Public Transit: Bus: Take SEPTA’s Route 38 bus from Center City to the Memorial Hall/Please Touch Museum stop, a short walk from the entrance. Fares are approximately $2.50 one-way. Philly PHLASH: This seasonal downtown loop shuttle stops at Stop 13 (Please Touch Museum/Memorial Hall). A single ride costs $2, or an all-day pass is $5. Subway and Bus Combo: Take the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line) to 40th Street Station, then transfer to the Route 38 bus.
By Car: The museum is about a 15-minute drive from Center City via I-76 West. On-site parking is available for $16 per car (non-members) or $12 (members). Free street parking may be available nearby, especially on weekdays. Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.
By Taxi/Ride-Hailing: A ride from Center City (e.g., City Hall) via Uber or Lyft takes 10–20 minutes and costs $15–25, depending on traffic.
Tip: The museum is in Fairmount Park, a large green space with limited nearby amenities, so plan your transportation ahead to avoid delays.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: The museum is open year-round, but indoor exhibits make it especially great for rainy or cold days.
Optimal Days: Weekdays, particularly Monday afternoons, are quieter as school groups typically visit in the mornings. Weekends and holidays (e.g., Memorial Day, Labor Day) can be crowded.
Seasonal Events: Check the museum’s calendar for special events like Museum Nights (21+ after-hours events with themes like “70s Edition”) or character meet-and-greets (e.g., Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse).
Hours: Monday, Wednesday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:30 PM; Closed Tuesdays; Members-only hours: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM on select days.
Tip: Arrive early (around opening) for a less crowded experience, especially during peak seasons like summer or spring break.
Tickets and Admission
Ticket Prices: General admission (ages 1 and up): $22; Children under 1: Free; Members: Free (memberships start at $135/year for families); Discounts: Available for groups, military, and EBT cardholders (via Museums for All program, $2 per person).
Buying Tickets: Purchase online in advance via the museum’s website (www.pleasetouchmuseum.org) to secure your spot and avoid lines. Tickets are timed for crowd control during busy periods.
Carousel: Rides on the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel cost an additional $3 per person, or free with a membership.
Note: The museum occasionally closes early or opens late for special events, so check the ticketing page for exact hours before visiting.
What to See and Do
The Please Touch Museum offers six interactive exhibit zones across two floors, plus additional attractions for kids and families:
Key Exhibits: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Play croquet with the Queen or sip tea with the Mad Hatter in this whimsical, literature-inspired zone. River Adventures: Kids can sail boats, work locks and dams, or splash in a giant water table (smocks provided to stay dry).
City Capers: Features a pretend supermarket, hospital, and construction site where kids can role-play as shopkeepers, doctors, or builders. Centennial Exploration: Learn about the 1876 Centennial Exhibition through interactive displays, connecting to the history of Memorial Hall. Nature’s Pond and Fairytale Garden: Designed for ages 3 and under, these gentle areas include animal-themed play and storytelling spaces.
Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel: A meticulously restored 1908 carousel, housed in a 9,000-square-foot pavilion. Kids and adults love the classic ride, featuring hand-carved animals.
Creative Arts Studio: Offers hands-on art activities like clay sculpting, mural-making, and cardboard building, fostering creativity for all ages.
Albert M. Greenfield Makerspace: Encourages kids to think like inventors with facilitated and self-directed projects, emphasizing the process of creation over the end result.
Playhouse Theater: Daily performances feature music, puppetry, and interactive storytelling, introducing kids to live arts in a fun, engaging way.
Accessibility Note: The museum is fully wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators, and a Play Without Boundaries program on select dates for children with sensory sensitivities.
Where to Eat
On-Site: The Garden Café offers kid-friendly meals like pizza, sandwiches, and snacks (average $5–15 per person). Outside food is allowed, so pack snacks for picky eaters (no restrictions, though check with staff for designated eating areas).
Nearby: Dining options in Fairmount Park are limited. Head to Center City (10–15 minutes away) for more choices, such as Little Pete’s in Fairmount for casual dining or Reading Terminal Market (3 miles away) for diverse food stalls.
Picnic Option: Bring a picnic to enjoy in Fairmount Park’s green spaces near the museum, weather permitting.
Where to Stay
The museum is easily accessible as a day trip from Center City, but staying nearby can enhance your visit, especially if exploring other Fairmount Park attractions:
Center City (10–15 minutes away): The Logan Philadelphia (4-star): Family-friendly with spacious rooms, starting at $150/night. Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City (3-star): Affordable and central, around $100–130/night.
Fairmount Area (5–10 minutes away): The Study at University City: A modern hotel near the University of Pennsylvania, starting at $120/night. Airbnb/VRBO: Budget-friendly rentals in Fairmount or West Philadelphia, starting at $60–100/night.
Booking Tip: Use Expedia or Booking.com for deals, and book early for peak seasons (spring and summer).
Tips for a Great Visit
Plan for 3–5 Hours: Most families spend 3–4 hours exploring, with breaks for lunch or snacks. Pace depends on your child’s age and interests. Bring Extras: Pack a change of clothes or towel for water-based exhibits like River Adventures, and comfortable shoes for active play. Check Events: Look for themed activities or special exhibits (e.g., Meowseum with Gabby) on the museum’s website.
Combine Your Trip: Pair your visit with nearby attractions like the Philadelphia Zoo (1 mile away), Philadelphia Museum of Art (2 miles), or Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park.
Photography: The glow of bioluminescence in similar exhibits doesn’t photograph well, but the museum’s colorful setups are great for family photos. No flash photography in sensitive areas. Respect the Rules: Swimming is not allowed in water-based exhibits to protect the environment, and follow staff instructions to ensure safety.
Final Thoughts
The Please Touch Museum is a delightful destination where kids can learn, play, and explore in a hands-on environment. From its imaginative exhibits to the historic carousel and theater performances, it offers endless fun for young children and a stress-free outing for parents. Plan your visit on a weekday for fewer crowds, pack snacks, and consider combining it with other Philadelphia gems for a full day of adventure. Let your kids lead the way and enjoy this interactive celebration of imagination!
Happy travels!
