What is the Giant Heart at the Franklin Institute?

A two-story, walk-through model of a human heart. You walk through the chambers and valves while hearing the heartbeat. It's been the museum's signature exhibit since 1954.

How long should we spend at the Franklin Institute?

3-5 hours. The museum is large with multiple floors of exhibits. Pick 3-4 sections rather than trying to see everything.

Is the Franklin Institute good for toddlers?

The KidScience area (ages 3-7) on the lower level is designed for young children. The main exhibits work better for ages 5+. Very young toddlers may not get much from the visit.

Is the planetarium at the Franklin Institute worth it?

For kids 6+, yes — the Fels Planetarium shows are well-produced. For younger kids, skip it — the darkness and length (30 min) often result in restlessness or sleeping.

Franklin Institute

Name: Franklin Institute
Address: 222 N 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, US
Telephone: (215) 448-1200
Rating: 4.5

Rating

4.5(18,500)

Family of 4

$100-$120 (2 adults ~$25 + 2 kids ~$21; add-ons for planetarium/IMAX extra)

Duration

3-5 hours

Best Ages

4-16

About

The Franklin Institute, named for Benjamin Franklin, has been Philadelphia's premier science museum since 1824. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the museum district, it occupies a neoclassical building with a 20-foot marble statue of Franklin in the rotunda and enough interactive science exhibits to fill an entire day.

The Giant Heart is the iconic exhibit — a two-story anatomically accurate walk-through heart that has been a rite of passage for Philadelphia children since 1954. You enter through a vein, walk through the atria and ventricles, squeeze through the valves, and emerge having learned cardiac anatomy without reading a single paragraph. It's brilliant museum design.

The Train Factory houses a 350-ton Baldwin 60000 locomotive — one of the largest steam locomotives ever built — that kids can climb into and explore. The electricity exhibits, inspired by Franklin's own experiments, include interactive demonstrations where kids generate static electricity and power circuits. SportsZone applies physics to athletics, measuring pitching speed, jumping ability, and reaction time in ways that make science feel relevant to sports-obsessed kids.

For younger children, the KidScience exhibit on the lower level provides a dedicated, age-appropriate space with water play, building stations, and sensory exploration. It's designed for ages 3-7 and is a calm counterpoint to the busier upper floors.

The museum's Parkway location puts it within walking distance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the Rocky Steps), the Rodin Museum, and the Barnes Foundation. A family can easily spend a full day in the museum district. Parking is available in nearby garages ($15-25) or take the subway (15th Street station, 10-minute walk).

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Nursing / Changing

true

Kid Meals

true

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings; avoid school field trip season (April-June) when possible

Wait Times

10-20 min for popular exhibits like the Giant Heart on weekends

Nearby Food

["Museum cafe (adequate, kid-friendly, convenient)","Rodin Museum cafe across the street (nicer, quieter, limited kids menu)","Sabrina's Cafe on Callowhill (10 min walk, legendary brunch, big portions)"]

Why Kids Love It

The Franklin Institute is Philadelphia's answer to the Museum of Science and it's one of the best science museums in the country. The Giant Heart — a two-story walk-through model of a human heart — is the signature exhibit and has been thrilling kids since 1954. You literally walk through the chambers, squeeze through the valves, and listen to the heartbeat echoing around you.

It's weird, educational, and kids are obsessed.

The Train Factory exhibit has a 350-ton Baldwin locomotive that kids can climb into — it's the real thing, not a replica. The electricity exhibits let kids generate their own lightning and power a neighborhood. SportsZone uses physics to analyze your pitching speed, jumping height, and reaction time. The Space Command exhibit has a full-size spaceship simulator.

For younger kids (3-7), the KidScience area is a contained, age-appropriate play space with water tables, building blocks, and sensory exhibits. It's the safe harbor when the bigger exhibits feel too advanced. The museum is large — plan for 3-5 hours and pick sections rather than trying to see everything.

Pro Tips from Parents

The Giant Heart is the must-do — go there first before lines build, especially on weekends
The Train Factory locomotive is easy to miss (lower level) but kids who like trains will lose their minds
KidScience (ages 3-7) is on the lower level and often overlooked — it's a calm break from the busy upper floors
The planetarium shows are worth the extra fee for kids 6+ but skip for younger kids (dark, long, and they may fall asleep)
The museum is on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — combine with a walk to the Rocky Steps at the Art Museum (10 min walk)

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Snacks
Light jacket (AC can be aggressive)
Reusable water bottle

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$100-$120 (2 adults ~$25 + 2 kids ~$21; add-ons for planetarium/IMAX extra)

Tips to Save

["General admission is enough for a first visit — skip the IMAX and planetarium add-ons","PNC cardholders get free admission on first Sundays of the month (check current program status)","Target Free First Sunday evenings have been offered seasonally","Many PA libraries offer museum passes — check your local library before buying tickets"]