Please Touch Museum
Philadelphia's flagship children's museum — full-day, hands-on, and worth the drive once or twice a year.
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131 · ~45 min from downtown Wilmington (off-peak)
Hours
9 AM – 4:30 PM
Show the week Hide the week
| Fri | 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Sat | 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thu | 9 AM – 4:30 PM |
Last checked 2026-09-28
- Cost
- $24 per person (1+), plus processing fees adult · $24 per person (1+), plus processing fees child
- Best for
- 1-8
- Indoor / outdoor
- Indoor
- Typical visit
- 3-5 hours
The Quick Version
- • Philadelphia's children's museum, housed in the historic Memorial Hall building in Fairmount Park.
- • Hands-on exhibits aimed at ages 0-8 — water play, role-play (grocery store, hospital, restaurant), a working carousel.
- • A real full-day destination. Plan 3-5 hours and you'll still leave things undone.
- • Buy tickets online in advance — weekend slots and school holidays sell out.
Best Ages
1-8
Plan For
3-5 hours
Adults
$24 per person (1+), plus processing fees
Kids
$24 per person (1+), plus processing fees
What to Expect
Please Touch is the real deal — one of the better children's museums in the country, housed in a spectacular 1876 building in Fairmount Park. It's significantly larger and more elaborate than the Delaware Children's Museum, and the exhibits skew slightly older and more imaginative.
The museum is organized around themed zones. Role-play areas are the heart: a full-scale grocery store with little carts, a hospital with patient beds and lab coats, a construction zone, a kid-scale Wegmans-style market. Kids spend 30-45 minutes in each before moving on.
Water play is a major draw and gets crowded — the City Capers water table has working boats and pumps. Bring a change of clothes; the smocks help but only so much.
Carousel rides on the Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel cost extra for non-members: a full-day pass is $5, and members ride free. It's a real, restored 1908 carousel inside the museum building — magical, especially for kids who love rides. There's typically a short line on busy days.
The vibe is bigger than DCM, more elaborate, more crowded on weekends, and a real destination outing. It's worth the drive once or twice a year. Don't try to do it the same week as a Philly Phillies game or a Sunday afternoon — combined Philly traffic plus museum crowds is rough.
Fairmount Park is right outside. On a nice day, plan to spend an hour at the playground or just on the lawn before or after the museum to balance out the indoor intensity.
Who It's Best For
The sweet spot is 2-6. Younger toddlers (1-2) will be fine but get the most out of the water table and the toddler area. Preschool and early elementary kids are the target audience and will love every exhibit. Kids 8 and up may find some exhibits too young — though most still enjoy it on a first visit.
Looking for more to do with the kids?
Our free Friday email is one countywide shortlist of family things to do, with ages, cost and logistics on each pick.
Highlights
Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel
Ages 1+Real 1908 restored carousel inside the museum. Rides aren't included in admission: unlimited rides are $5 per child for non-members (one caregiver rides free with each child) and included with membership. Magical for kids who love rides.
City Capers (Water Play)
Ages 2-7Working water table with boats, locks, and pumps. The most popular exhibit. Bring a change of clothes — smocks only do so much.
Role-Play Areas
Ages 2-7Full grocery store, hospital, restaurant, construction zone. Kid-sized and immersive. Easy 30-45 minutes per zone.
Memorial Hall Itself
All agesThe 1876 building is a Philadelphia landmark with soaring ceilings and ornate details. Worth pointing out to kids — they'll feel like they're in a fancy place.
Wonderland (Alice-themed)
Ages 3-8A whimsical immersive area inspired by Alice in Wonderland — tea party, garden, maze elements. A signature exhibit.
Toddler Areas
Ages 0-3Separate spaces designed for under-3s — soft surfaces, scaled-down equipment, less chaos. Worth retreating to when the main floor gets overwhelming.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Going on a Saturday afternoon without timed tickets booked in advance.
- • Trying to combine it with another Philly destination in the same day. Please Touch is the whole day.
- • Skipping the carousel because the line looks long — it moves fast and it's the memory they'll take home.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$24 per person (1+), plus processing fees
Kids
$24 per person (1+), plus processing fees
Under
Under 1 free
Ticket pricing is per-person from age 1 up. Members are free. Buy timed tickets online in advance — Saturday and holiday slots regularly sell out. Pricing changes; confirm on the museum website before you go.
Membership tip: If you'll go more than twice in a year, family membership pays for itself fast. Membership also gets reciprocal admission at many ACM (Association of Children's Museums) children's museums nationwide — worth knowing if you travel.
Getting There
Parking
The museum's gated lot is $20 (pay at the outdoor kiosk) and spaces are limited. Free on-street parking is available on the streets around Memorial Hall if you're willing to walk a couple minutes — easier on weekdays than weekends.
If you want the gated lot, arrive 15-20 minutes before your timed entry — it fills on weekends and school holidays. For free street parking, scout Lansdowne Dr or the side streets near the Mann Center. Don't park anywhere posted; Fairmount Park enforcement is real.
Entrance
Main entrance at the front of Memorial Hall. Check in with your ticket. Coat check is available — useful in winter with kids' coats.
Parent Logistics
Strollers are allowed and the building is fully accessible — elevators, ramps, wide gallery floors. There's a stroller parking area near the entrance if you want to ditch it (most exhibits are easier to navigate without one). Coat check works for bulky stroller bags.
Multiple clean restroom locations throughout the building. Family restrooms available.
Changing tables in all bathrooms. Family restrooms are spacious enough for older toddlers who need privacy.
Indoor — not a factor. Fairmount Park outside has plenty of green space for before/after.
Food & Snacks
On-site cafe with kid-friendly options (chicken tenders, sandwiches, mac and cheese, salads for adults). Reasonable for museum prices but not cheap. Outside food is generally permitted at the designated indoor picnic area — check current policy on the museum website.
Snack strategy: Pack snacks. The cafe is fine for a sit-down lunch and is convenient enough that it's worth it on a long visit, but kids will need snack breaks before and after. Coffee for parents is solid.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Book timed tickets online a few days ahead. Weekend slots sell out.
- ✓ Aim for the first entry slot of the day — quieter, no waiting at water play, parking is easy.
- ✓ Bring a change of clothes (and a plastic bag for wet ones). Water play wins.
- ✓ Membership pays for itself in two visits. ACM reciprocal admission is a real perk if you travel.
- ✓ If your kid is over 8, manage their expectations — it's a younger-kid place and they may find some exhibits too easy.
- ✓ Stroller-park near the entrance if you can. Most exhibits are easier on foot.
- ✓ Pair with a Fairmount Park playground visit (Smith Memorial Playhouse is nearby and free) for outdoor time.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during the school year — quieter, easier parking, easier exhibit access. Weekends are busy, especially mornings 10 AM–1 PM. Avoid school holidays unless you arrive at opening.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round. Indoor, climate-controlled — a great winter or rainy-day destination. PAW Patrol: Adventure Play runs October 7, 2026–January 3, 2027. Confirm the current exhibit and opening hours before you drive. Special programming around Halloween and the winter holidays. Hours are Wednesday–Saturday 9 AM–4:30 PM; Sundays open at 9 AM, except the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month, which open at 11 AM. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays apart from posted holiday openings — confirm the day before you go.
Rainy Day?
This IS the rainy-day plan. Indoor, climate-controlled, and big enough for a full day. The classic NCC bad-weather Philly trip.
While You're in the Area
Smith Memorial Playhouse & Playground (free, in Fairmount Park) is a few minutes away — a classic Philly playground with a giant slide. The Philadelphia Zoo is 5 minutes away if you want a second outing on a longer day (but that's ambitious with little kids). Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River trail are nearby for a scenic walk or drive.
Upcoming Events
Art Open Studio
Sat, Oct 24 at 10:00 AM
Families can drop in at the Creative Arts Studio to experiment with various materials and processes, creating their own works of art. This open studio format allows for free exploration and creative expression.
More infoTot Spot: Toddler Tunes
Oct 24 · Oct 24
Families with toddlers will enjoy a lively, music-focused session featuring familiar songs and movement. The event is designed for children three and under, with singing and dancing in a supportive, playful environment.
More infoMakerspace Open Studio
Sat, Oct 24 at 10:00 AM
Experiment with building, different materials, and new techniques as you create during our open-ended free play time in the Makerspace Studio.
More infoCarousel
Sat, Oct 24 at 10:00 AM
Families can take a spin on a glimmering carousel, a piece of history built over 100 years ago. Riders can choose from intricately carved horses, rabbits, cats, pigs, and goats, or opt for stationary chariots. The carousel is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience.
More infoStorytime: Benita and the Night Creatures
Oct 24 · Oct 24
Noon Tunes Midday Singalong
Sat, Oct 24 at 12:00 PM
Families will enjoy an interactive music session featuring songs, movement, and group singing in a lively, playful environment. The program includes opportunities to learn and perform simple songs together, with a focus on participation and rhythm.
More infoArt Workshop: Mini Pinatas
Oct 24 · Oct 24
Families will create small, colorful pinatas inspired by the artwork of Justin Favela during a 30-minute hands-on workshop. Participants will use paper, paint, and decorative materials to design and assemble their own mini pinata. Registration is required and limited to available spots.
More infoWorkshop: Rockin' Robots
Oct 24 · Oct 24
Families will explore coding and robotics through a hands-on workshop inspired by Sofia Barrueco Lopez, a National Youth Award recipient. Participants will engage with robotics concepts in a 30-minute session, with limited space available on a first-come basis.
More infoFeatured in these guides
Know when something good is on near Please Touch Museum
Free, one email a week — the weekend's best picks for New Castle County families, with ages, cost and logistics on each pick.