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Top Indoor Activities for Families In Philadelphia

Philadelphia has plenty of great indoor activities that are designed to educate and entertain, so don't let a snow day keep you cooped up in the house! Instead, get out there and spend a few hours at family-friendly indoor Philadelphia destinations, where you'll keep both the kid's happiness and your own sanity in check.


Hours: Tues  to Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Click here for pricing

This is one of the largest museums in the country. It has more than 225,000 objects that span the creative achievements of the Western world since the first century A.D. and those of Asia since the third millennium B.C. On a blustery winter day, take in some culture at the museum.

Related: Best museums for kids in Philadelphia.  


Hours: Mon to Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price:  Click here for pricing

This is the oldest natural history museum in America and offers ever-changing exhibits like the current "Bug . . . Outside the Box" and the art of Charlie Harper.  The museum's permanent exhibits include Dinosaur Hall, more than 35 dioramas, "Butterflies!" and a live animal center.

the Franklin Institute
(credit: KYW's Suzanne Monaghan)


Hours: Daily; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Click here for pricing

This is one of America's oldest centers for science education and development and dates back to 1824.  Continuing exhibits include Kid Science, the Train Factory, the Giant Earth, and Electricity for starters, plus the Tuttleman IMAX Theater. And don't forget to walk through the Institute's iconic Giant Heart!

Related: Best art classes for kids in Philadelphia. 


Hours: Mon to Fri, 9:30 a.m. to5 p.m.; Sat, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun, noon to 5 p.m.
Price: Click here for pricing

This is the world's only museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution.  The Center's main exhibit is "The Story of We the People" and is coupled with temporary exhibits such as "Fighting for Democracy" and "The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen."

Related: Best stuff for kids five to eight years old in the Philadelphia area.  

please touch museum rotunda provided DL
(Photo provided)


Hours: Mon to Sat:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admissions: $15; children under one, free

This is a one-of-a-kind restless kids solution for a snow day. The museum boasts "six interactive exhibit zones across 38,000 square feet designed to encourage learning and play."  These include "Wonderland," "City Capers," and "Flight Fantasy."

Related: Best cold weather activities in Philadelphia.  

Carol Josel, a Blue Bell, PA resident, is a learning specialist, author of three books, and examiner.com contributor. Her work can be found here

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