Best Museums in Philadelphia for Kids & Families

9 family-friendly museums with age ratings and parent tips.

Highest rated: Reading Science Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pottstown Children's Discovery Center. 7 listings are indoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.

This Philadelphia page currently has 9 qualified listings in museums that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, Elfreth's Alley Museum, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.

9 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 3 options have confirmed stroller access. 6 picks fit toddlers and 9 picks fit big kids.

Match the museum to attention span, not reputation alone. Toddlers need hands-on rooms and easy exits, while older kids usually want a challenge, demonstration or strong special exhibit.

Top Picks

Reading Science Center

4.9 stars

Kids can get close to every exhibit, which isn't always possible at larger venues. The science demonstrations and interactive displays are engaging wi

Best for ages 4-12Indoor$30-50 (smaller venue, lower admission; no food on site)

Philadelphia Museum of Art

4.8 stars

Children can climb the famous front steps, spot armor and large sculptures, tell stories about paintings, make art in scheduled studios, and join play

Ages 4 to 14; current Art Kids family tours are recommended for ages 4 to 10.Indoor$60 for two adults at $30 each and two visitors age 18 or younger, who enter free

Pottstown Children's Discovery Center

4.8 stars

The Pottstown Children's Discovery Center has the warm feeling of a community gem, staff know returning families, exhibits are changed regularly, and

Best for ages 1-8Indoor$30-50 (community pricing, lower than big-city museums; no food on site)

The Franklin Institute

4.6 stars

Children can walk through the Giant Heart area, build with LEGO bricks, test motion and machines, investigate the brain, try sports science, watch liv

Best for ages 4 to 14, with deeper science exhibits and live programs for teensIndoor$104 for two adult and two child general-admission tickets, or about $129 with one car in the museum garage

Benjamin Franklin Museum

4.6 stars

Touchscreens, mechanical interactives, videos, tactile objects, and a hunt for small squirrel figures break Franklin's long life into manageable, play

Ages 6-12, with good options for younger siblings and history-focused teensIndoor$25 for two adults and two children ages 6-17

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