Please Touch Museum is a children’s museum in Memorial Hall, inside Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Its two floors invite young children to learn through hands-on play, with themed spaces for pretend shopping, space exploration, stories and water play. Families can float boats along a miniature Schuylkill River, explore an Alice in Wonderland maze and ride a restored carousel. The museum is especially suited to younger children; with so much to explore, plan for a few hours. Bring a change of clothes if your child wants to play at the water table.
A children’s museum inside Memorial Hall
Please Touch Museum occupies Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park. The building was constructed for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition, and its grand historic setting makes a striking contrast with the play spaces inside. The museum opened in 1976 and is dedicated to learning through play, with exhibits designed mainly for children up to about age eight.
The museum is arranged across two floors, with themed areas that let children try everyday roles, explore stories and experiment with movement and water. Its hands-on approach means children can interact with many of the displays instead of simply looking at them. The scale and range of activities can keep a family busy for several hours, though younger children are likely to get the most from the experience.
From river play to a kid-sized city
River Adventures recreates part of the Schuylkill River as a water-play area. Children can float toy boats and explore how water moves through channels and locks. Water play is a draw, but it can leave clothes wet, so bringing a spare set is useful.
Other exhibits turn familiar settings into places for imaginative play. In the pretend grocery store, children can shop and play at paying. Roadside Attractions brings vehicles and travel into the mix, while a kid-sized city lets young visitors try out everyday roles. Alice’s Wonderland includes a maze and story-inspired activities. The Rocket Room adds space-themed play, and quieter maker and craft areas give children a change of pace.
Carousel, stories and changing activities
The restored indoor carousel is one of the museum’s central attractions. An all-day carousel pass is mentioned as an option, but check current details with the museum before planning around it. Children can also find story-based spaces, including play inspired by Alice in Wonderland and Daniel Tiger. The museum has a theater, and activities have included performances and story times; check its calendar for what is scheduled during your visit.
Exhibits and activities can change, so a favorite display may not be available on a particular day. The museum has also hosted traveling exhibits. Allow time to explore both floors rather than expecting to cover everything quickly, especially if your child wants to stay at the water table or return to a favorite area.
Planning food and getting around
The museum has a café, but seating and food choices may be limited. Bringing your own food is an option, and the outdoor garden seating area provides a place to eat. Check the museum’s current visitor information before you go for details about food and admission.
Free street parking is available nearby when spaces can be found; on-site parking is also listed. For a discount, check whether local libraries have passes available, and consult the museum calendar for special admission nights. Weekdays and quieter periods can make it easier to move between exhibits than a busy holiday weekend. Allow a few hours for a visit, with extra time if your children want to explore at their own pace.
Perguntas frequentes
What ages is Please Touch Museum best for?
The museum is designed mainly for young children, with material describing it as suited to children up to about age eight. Some areas are designed for toddlers.
How long should you spend at Please Touch Museum?
Plan for about two to four hours. The two floors include several hands-on areas, and children may want to spend extra time at favorites such as River Adventures.
Can you bring food to Please Touch Museum?
Yes. Bringing your own food is an option, and the museum has an outdoor garden seating area. The café is described as having limited seating and a small food selection.
Is there parking at Please Touch Museum?
On-site parking is listed, and free street parking is available nearby when spaces can be found.
