Best Museums in Philadelphia for Kids & Families
12 family-friendly museums with age ratings and parent tips.
Looking for the best museums in Philadelphia for kids? As birthplace of America with a gritty, authentic charm, Philadelphia offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.
The best children's museums aren't quiet places where kids can't touch anything — they're the opposite. Look for hands-on exhibits, maker spaces, and outdoor play areas attached to the museum. In Philadelphia, expect four seasons — fall is gorgeous, summer is hot and humid, winter can be cold. Pro tip: The Please Touch Museum is the best children's museum on the East Coast. Pair the Liberty Bell with Reading Terminal Market for a perfect half-day.
Below you'll find our curated list of museums in Philadelphia, PA — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.

Reading Science Center
Ages: Best for ages 4-12

Pottstown Children's Discovery Center
Ages: Best for ages 1-8
FreeWagner Free Institute of Science
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up

expERIEnce Children's Museum
Ages: Best for ages 1-9

Museum of Life and Science
Ages: Best for ages 2-12

Independence Seaport Museum
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Ages: Best for ages 2-12

The Bucks County Children's Museum - Advance Ticketing Recommended
Ages: Best for ages 1-8

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Ages: Best for ages 2-11

The Mutter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Ages: Best for ages 12 and up

Delaware Children's Museum
Ages: Best for ages 1-10

Da Vinci Science Center
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
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