Please Touch Museum
Please Touch Museum
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Hands-on museum where adults and children can learn and explore together. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Fairmount Park
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4.5
1,329 reviews
Excellent
897
Very good
294
Average
93
Poor
21
Terrible
24
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anna
Annville, PA1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
We came here on a rainy Sunday. Apparently EVERYONE in the philly vicinity also came here on a rainy Sunday. The museum was obviously not equipped to handle the influx of patrons but still let all of us in. When we showed up at the entrance there was a long line to get in - outside - in the pouring rain. That line took 30+ minutes of waiting. Then once you get inside, there’s another long line to get to the ticket counter. At least another 30 min of waiting. This is a great time with a 3 year old and an infant!! Every parent looked miserable. But we had all paid over $80 for 2 adult tickets, a child ticket and $16 in parking to be there and we had driven 1.5 hours so we were sticking it out. Once we were inside things did not get better. There’s not enough toys at each station for multiple kids. Heck, there’s usually not ANY toys. Good luck if you can find the toy that goes to a booth- it’s hidden somewhere in the huge museum. I never saw 1 staff member restocking anything in the 3 hours we were there. They are short staffed and not equipped to handle large crowds, yet they let us all in anyways. They should’ve limited the number of people to the amount that their skeleton staff can handle. I recommend visiting on a slow weekday to get the most enjoyment out of this place. Incredibly disappointed and we would’ve turned around and gone home had we not driven so far and spent so much money on it already
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HaTaLa41
Brooklyn, NY22 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Museum had a lot of hype and wanted to go for some time. The outside and grounds are gorgeous. BUT I felt it was very run down inside. Duct tape over floor cracks. Dirty. Not well lit. I am sorry to say I recommend the Smith Playground and house in Fairmount over this museum until they spruce it up, clean it up and get better lighting.
Written 2 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
torav
Baltimore, MD203 contributions
Jan 2023
Even when super busy on a Saturday morning, I LOVED sharing time with my 14 month old grandson at this museum. The line up for the carousal went super quick. My only complaint was the long slow line up at the cafeteria and the limited spaces to sit at to eat. Food was really good though!!
Written 2 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan M
Princeton, NJ704 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This was our first visit to the PTM. I’ve been wanting to go for years. My son is 7 and 1/2 and my daughter is 4 and 1/2. Figured it was now or never-before my son outgrew it. We had a great time! Both kids had a blast. Some of their favorite exhibits included the grocery store (scanner was a hit) the Alice In Wonderland Mazes, and the Dinosaur Train (my son loved the horn and bell). They also loved creating art in the Creative Arts Studio. We signed up a workshop in The Makerspace too. The workshop involved creating a hand held marble run. Kids loved it! I got in line way early to make sure we got a spot. Sign ups start 30 minutes before the workshop starts. Food was decent. Kids liked the pizza and I had a prepared chicken salad sandwich and my husband had a grilled chicken sandwich. (We might’ve been quite pleased with this dining experience after our nightmare lunchtime at The Philadelphia Zoo.) It cost @$90 for two kids and two adults. Parking was free on the street. We arrived @10:30 and left @2:00. Plenty of time! The building is quite impressive too. Highly recommend this museum!
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea M
Towson, MD340 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
My husband, two young sons (2 under 2), and I came to this museum today. The exhibits were fun for our almost two year old who loves running around touching literally everything. There were some improvements that could have been made such as the loose floor tiles in the main entrance. Apparently a small child peed on the water section (I did not see it, but was told by a nearby patron), but the staff was quick to drain the water and sanitize the area. Overall it was a great time but I will probably wait until our youngest son turns 3 and our older son is 4 to truly see everything this museum has to offer.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dwight J
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
I would like to say My family enjoyed their time today, my two little girls loved the market they didn't want to leave, they loved allice in wonderland until one of my daughters got lost. I lost my little girl Amy, and this nice guy noticed instantly that I was panicking looking for Amy he told he his name was Jeff and that this kind of thing happens often, but he guaranteed we will find her hearing those words meant the world to me and that he did!! He told me to stay with a Security Guard and literally 30 to 45 seconds he found my little girl and I walked to the area to meet them. I want to say the Please Touch Museum is good hands when it comes to safety environment and most of all bringing joy to kids we'll defiantly be back soon
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie W
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
You may think this place is safe being as how it’s a Children’s Museum but it is not. There are 2 floors with no separation (floor or netting) between the 2nd and 1st floors. children can throw toys over the 2nd floor and onto people on the first floor. We watched this happen to 2 children! Both were hit by wooden blocks a child knowingly threw down from the 2nd to 1st floor. Flying from a story above can do damage! One child had a gushing head wound and the museum did nothing. Please be careful if you take children and go on the lower level. Watch out for flying objects that could injure children or anyone!!
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leven4all
Jericho, NY313 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
The Please Touch Museum was one of the most enjoyable children’s museums I have ever visited. The building that it is housed in is magnificent. Our granddaughter enjoyed the carousel. The water play area, the grocery store, the Alice in Wonderland themed play area were all wonderful. The art work was beautiful. At this museum, young children are totally engaged exploring their physical environment instead of staring at screens.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prefinya
Elizabeth, NJ606 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I went with a friend and her 9-year-old son.
For younger children it would be very interesting here; for those 9 years old and older, I would advise them to look for other entertainment. Many different play areas: a medical room with an X-ray, an MRI machine, a supermarket with groceries and cash registers, a bakery and a pizzeria, a room with educational games and training staff, a water river, a car repair shop, an Alice in Wonderland room, a small carousel and many other play areas . We bought a subscription for a year, $160. (unlimited) A one-time visit costs $60.
There is a cafe where you can buy fast food. Large parking. For season pass holders, parking is included in the price.
For younger children it would be very interesting here; for those 9 years old and older, I would advise them to look for other entertainment. Many different play areas: a medical room with an X-ray, an MRI machine, a supermarket with groceries and cash registers, a bakery and a pizzeria, a room with educational games and training staff, a water river, a car repair shop, an Alice in Wonderland room, a small carousel and many other play areas . We bought a subscription for a year, $160. (unlimited) A one-time visit costs $60.
There is a cafe where you can buy fast food. Large parking. For season pass holders, parking is included in the price.
Written 3 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldtravelier
New Jersey4,130 contributions
May 2022
Went on a Saturday. Two granddaughters 3 and 5. Very enjoyable for them. Different theme settings during a walk through. Cafe for refreshments and lunch. Ample parking. Interesting to note that the building was for the 1876 centennial exposition. The area was the fairgrounds. There is a carousel all day fun for only $5.00 A must see.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I need to reserve parking in lot, how do I do after I made reservations
Written 1 September 2021
what is the discounted rate and how did you receive?
Written 24 July 2019
We ended up getting a years membership so it was a nice discount and includes rides on the carousel etc. I cannot recall the % off! So sorry!
Written 25 July 2019
Would this be a suitable activity for a nine month old who is not yet crawling/walking?
Written 17 June 2019
I would say it is not really suitable for a baby under 1 that does not walk or crawl. The baby would not be able to enjoy all the toddler activities so not worth spending the money. It is a great place for little ones but they should at least be walking to fully enjoy all there is to touch/play with.
Written 18 June 2019
Is it possible to ride/ visit the carousel without paying the full admission price? I am an adult traveling, but love carousels and was hoping to see this one, but will not be exploring the rest of the museum.
Thanks for responses!
Written 28 August 2018
I cannot answer for sure but I have to believe that they would probably prohibit it since there would be no one to escort you to and from the carousel. Also I have not seen a price advertised for that purpose.
Written 28 August 2018
If you prefer to take a cab rather than public transportation, I would suggest Embassy Suites at Ben Franklin Parkway (10 minutes). There are many hotels to choose near City Hall (3 Marriott brand hotels, Hyatt, Hilton, etc...) which is located 5 to 10 minutes further away.
Written 26 July 2018
I agree, age 9 is mostly too old for this, they tended to take over some activities from younger kids. Try the Franklin Institute instead.
Written 30 June 2018
Are there any restriction to bringing outside food into the museum? I have a very picky eater (even though he is not a toddler).
Written 23 August 2017
I called and confirmed that they do allow outside food to be brought in. The Franklin Institute does as well, I believe, which is better for slightly older children.
Written 23 August 2017
pretty much everyone has responded with the same answer. Use AAA for a better discount. You can go on AAA and see about getting your tickets from them. They are very good for having discounted tickets. Also, group pricing is another option if you have others that might want to go, but check there website out for specials. The food is high $$$ I would suggest eating at Mc Donalds which is located at 52nd and Lancaster which is only 10 min ride - use GPS for directions through the park if you are not a resident of the area. Even I get lost going through the park. Also make sure your children wash there hands good when finishing playing, because it is a hands on touch place and they will have an awesome time!!! Hope this helped in addition to everyone else's comments.
Written 21 August 2017
Yes, there is. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Philadelphia.
Written 22 June 2017
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