Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA 19131
http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/
If you are looking to take your kids to one of the best children museums in the country, this is the place! The Please Touch Museum was recently moved to the 1876 Centennial Exposition building in Fairmount Park. With more room, and a unique setting, this museum has become a top notch children's destination and a must see when visiting Philadelphia.
As you enter the hall you are immersed with the sounds and sights of childhood. A replica of the Statue of Liberty's arm and torch (standing 40 feet tall) greets guests as they enter. Unlike its original, this arm is make entirely out of discarded playthings by local artist Leo Sewell.
There are several themed areas:
Wonderland: What would it be like to be Alice in Wonderland? Kids (and parents) find out when they visit this hands on exhibit featuring the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, the Hall of Mirrors and Doors, and the topiary maze.
City Capers: Kids get a realistic peek onto an urban street scape and discover the people, businesses and neighborhoods that make city life so dynamic! My daughters love the Shop Rite grocery store and the McDonalds. What do parents like about this exhibit? Why Dear Old Captain Noah's television set of course!
Roadside Attractions: This fun area includes a Septa Bus, city park, and working garage. The kids love creating cars by changing the wheels, headlights, and windshields (sponsored by Toyota). I loved the benches in the park for a much needed Mommy break!
Flight Fantasy: This exhibit is for budding airplane pilots, astronauts, and engineers! Create your own plane and via a crank system launch your aircraft from the ceiling and watch it soar! My kids could not get enough! This area features a human size hamster wheel, great for kids who still have too much energy!
River Adventures: Like water? This is the place for you! Hundreds of boats and rubber duckies (my 4 year old's favorite) make their home at the museum in this fun, wet river system. There are pumps, locks, fountains, bubbles, and currents to keep the boats and duckies afloat. If you are lucky, a rain storm may pass by...and a rainbow appear in the sky! Don't worry about the kids getting wet, the museum offers free waterproof smocks and drying stations, a nice touch!
Parents who grew up in Philadelphia will recognize several exhibits, including the Wanamaker's monorail and the Lit Brothers Victorian Village Display. Any adult who has seen the Tom Hank's movie Big will want to jump on the FAO Swartz piano made famous by the film, and a recent addition to the museum.
And don't forget to take a ride on the vintage Dentzel carousel!
Tickets for the ride are $3 per person.
Admission to the museum is $15 per person (Adult or Child). Parking is $5.00 but there is plenty of free street parking close to the museum. Hours are Monday - Saturday: 9 am–5 pm Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm CLOSED: New Year’s, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
Plan to spend at least 3 hours at the museum. There are art and craft projects, as well as children theatre productions, at the museum daily. Check the program guide the day of your visit for more information.
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