The Franklin Institute With Kids: A Parent and Teacher Perspective

One of the things I love about visiting the Franklin Institute with kids is that the experience never feels exactly the same twice.

I first visited The Franklin Institute as a child myself. Years later, I returned as a parent with my own children and as a teacher leading groups of students through the exhibits. Most of my visits have been with 4th graders, although I have also visited with 7th graders and my own children as they moved through elementary and middle school.

After seeing hundreds of kids experience the museum over the years, one thing stands out to me: The Franklin Institute tends to hit a sweet spot around ages 9–13. Kids at that age are old enough to understand more of the science behind the exhibits, but they still fully embrace the interactive exhibits and activities that make the museum fun.

That doesn’t mean younger children won’t enjoy it. The giant heart alone is enough to make many kids smile. However, some exhibits become much more meaningful once kids reach the upper elementary and middle school years.

If you’re trying to decide whether The Franklin Institute is worth your family’s time and money, this guide shares my perspective as both a parent and a teacher, along with the exhibits that consistently grab kids’ attention and the things I wish families knew before they visit.

Looking for more ideas while you’re in the city? Check out my Philadelphia family travel guide for additional museums, attractions, and family-friendly stops to help plan your trip.

What Ages Enjoy The Franklin Institute Most?

One of the questions parents often ask is whether The Franklin Institute is better for younger children or older kids. After visiting as a child myself, returning as a parent, and bringing multiple groups of students as a teacher, I think the answer falls somewhere in the middle.

In my experience, ages 9–13 are the sweet spot.

Kids in that age range are old enough to understand many of the science concepts behind the exhibits, but they’re still eager to push buttons, test ideas, and figure out how things work. The Franklin Institute gives them plenty of opportunities to do exactly that.

Most of my visits have been with 4th graders, and this age group consistently gets excited about the exhibits. The Giant Heart is always a hit, but many students are equally interested in the engineering, physics, and space-related exhibits throughout the museum.

Middle school students often engage with the exhibits differently. Instead of simply interacting with them, they start asking questions and making connections to things they have learned in school. During my visit with 7th graders, I noticed more discussion about how exhibits worked and why certain scientific principles mattered.

Younger children can absolutely enjoy The Franklin Institute as well. Many exhibits are interactive enough to capture their attention, and there is plenty to see and do. However, some of the exhibits become much more meaningful once kids reach the upper elementary years.

If you’re visiting Philadelphia with children in the 9–13 age range, I think The Franklin Institute is one of the strongest museum experiences the city has to offer.

Best Franklin Institute Exhibits With Kids

Every kid seems to leave The Franklin Institute with a different favorite exhibit.

Some head straight for SportsZone. Others could spend hours exploring the brain exhibits, watching demonstrations, or learning about space. Certain areas consistently attract kids and keep them engaged longer than others.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that students who aren’t always excited about science in the classroom often become some of the most engaged kids in the museum. The ability to touch, test, and explore concepts for themselves can completely change how they experience science.

If you’re trying to decide what not to miss, these are the exhibits I would prioritize.

SportsZone

If I had to guess which exhibit would win a popularity contest among the kids I’ve visited with, SportsZone would probably be at the top of the list.

There is something about connecting science to sports that immediately grabs kids’ attention. Instead of reading about concepts like force, motion, balance, and reaction time, they get to test them for themselves.

Some of the most popular activities include racing against a friend to test speed, jumping to reach basketballs positioned at different heights, and balancing on a moving board that demonstrates how gravity and balance work together. The reaction time stations are also consistently busy as kids compete to see how many illuminated buttons they can hit before time runs out.

The pitching stations are another favorite, especially for sports-loving kids. They allow kids to test their throwing speed while learning more about the mechanics behind athletic performance.

Even kids who aren’t particularly interested in science tend to get excited in this area. The activities are interactive, competitive, and fun, which makes it easy to spend much longer here than you originally planned.

As a sports parent, I also appreciate that kids can see how science applies to activities they already enjoy. For many children, SportsZone is the exhibit that makes them realize science isn’t just something that happens in a classroom.

If your child loves sports, there is a good chance this ends up being their favorite exhibit in the museum.

The Giant Heart and Body Odyssey

Ask almost anyone who visited The Franklin Institute as a child what they remember most, and there is a good chance they’ll mention the Giant Heart.

Both my mom and I remember walking through the Giant Heart on school field trips when we were kids. The fact that we both experienced it decades apart and still remember it says a lot about how memorable this exhibit is.

As you make your way through the heart, encourage your kids to listen for the heartbeat pulsing around them. It is a small detail, but it makes the experience feel much more realistic and is something many kids remember long after their visit.

One of my favorite parts of this area is seeing the different animal and human heart models displayed side by side. Kids are often surprised by the size differences, and it naturally leads to conversations about how heart size relates to the size of the animal. It is a simple display, but it does a great job making science feel accessible.

The Giant Heart is part of Body Odyssey, an exhibit focused on the human body and how it works. Throughout the exhibit, kids can explore topics like organs, health, fitness, and the systems that keep our bodies functioning every day.

What makes this area so effective is that it takes concepts that can feel abstract in a classroom and turns them into something kids can see and experience for themselves. Even after all these years, the Giant Heart remains one of the most iconic and memorable exhibits at The Franklin Institute.

The Brain

The Brain is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum because it offers something for almost every age group.

Older kids tend to gravitate toward the interactive exhibits that test memory, reaction time, perception, and decision-making. Many of these activities feel more like games than science lessons, which makes kids eager to challenge friends and siblings or try again to improve their scores.

Younger children often head straight for the Brain Playground. This colorful climbing structure allows kids to explore a giant model inspired by neurons and neural connections in the brain. It is one of the most visually striking areas in the museum and a place where younger visitors can burn off some energy while still engaging with the exhibit’s theme.

What I like about The Brain is that it appeals to a wide range of ages. Younger kids can enjoy the climbing structure while older kids get pulled into the interactive challenges and games.

Whether kids are climbing through the Brain Playground or testing how quickly they can react to different challenges, they are learning about the brain by exploring rather than simply reading information on a wall.

For upper elementary and middle school students, The Brain does a great job balancing fun and learning. It is interactive enough to keep their attention while introducing concepts that are genuinely interesting and relevant to their everyday lives.

Sir Isaac’s Loft

Sir Isaac’s Loft is one of the best places in the museum for kids who love figuring out how things work.

Rather than simply reading about scientific concepts, kids can experiment with them firsthand. Throughout the exhibit, they can test ideas related to force, motion, gravity, and simple machines through a variety of hands-on challenges.

One activity that always seems to draw a crowd is the giant lever demonstration. Kids quickly discover that pulling from farther away makes it easier to move the weight, giving them a hands-on understanding of leverage without ever opening a textbook.

Another favorite is the pulley challenge, where kids race to pull themselves upward. The combination of competition and experimentation makes it especially popular with upper elementary students.

Many kids also spend a surprising amount of time at the giant marble course, watching marbles travel through an elaborate system of tracks, ramps, and pathways. It is one of those exhibits that naturally encourages observation, prediction, and problem-solving.

What I love about Sir Isaac’s Loft is that it rewards curiosity. Kids are encouraged to touch, test, and experiment, which often leads to a lot of “Wait, let me try that again!” moments. For many children, this ends up being one of the most engaging areas in the entire museum.

Space Command and Wondrous Space

Space exhibits have a way of capturing kids’ imaginations, and that is definitely true at The Franklin Institute.

Whether kids arrive already fascinated by rockets and astronauts or simply curious about what exists beyond Earth, the space exhibits give them plenty to explore. Interactive displays help explain topics like space travel, exploration, planets, and the challenges of living and working beyond our atmosphere.

What I like about this area is how naturally it sparks questions. Kids start asking what it would be like to live in space, how astronauts sleep, or how people travel beyond Earth. Those conversations are part of what makes this exhibit so fun.

For many kids, this is one of the areas that sparks the most curiosity and questions. It is hard to walk through the space exhibits without leaving with a greater appreciation for just how much there is still to discover.

The Train Factory and Airplanes

The transportation exhibits may not get as much attention as SportsZone or the Giant Heart, but they are often surprisingly popular with kids.

The Train Factory gives kids a closer look at how trains operate and move through a rail system. There is something about watching trains in motion that naturally pulls kids in, and many end up spending more time here than parents expect.

The airplane exhibits are another area that tends to spark a lot of questions. Kids can learn how planes fly, what makes them stay in the air, and how aviation has changed over time.

What I like about both of these exhibits is that they connect science and engineering to things kids have actually experienced. Most kids have seen trains, ridden on one, or flown on an airplane. Suddenly they get to learn what is happening behind the scenes and why it all works.

These exhibits may not be the reason families visit The Franklin Institute, but they are often exhibits that kids end up talking about afterward.

Live Demonstrations

If there is a live demonstration happening during your visit, I would make an effort to see it.

Over the years, some of the demonstrations have ended up being just as memorable as the exhibits themselves. One of the demonstrations I’ve seen multiple times is the cow eye dissection. Some students are completely fascinated, while others decide they would rather watch from a distance. Either way, it usually gets a reaction.

There is something different about seeing science happen right in front of you. Kids naturally start asking questions, making observations, and talking about what they’re seeing. Even students who aren’t usually excited about science often become engaged once the demonstration starts.

The demonstrations change throughout the year, but if one fits into your schedule, it is worth stopping for. You may end up finding one of the most memorable parts of your visit isn’t an exhibit at all.

The Fels Planetarium

If your kids are interested in space, I would consider adding a show at the Fels Planetarium to your visit.

The planetarium requires a separate ticket, but the additional cost is usually fairly reasonable. The immersive shows give visitors a chance to explore astronomy, planets, and the night sky in a way that is very different from the museum exhibits.

I also like that it provides a break from walking around the museum. After spending hours exploring exhibits, it can be nice to sit down and enjoy a show while still learning something new.

The Fels Planetarium isn’t a must-do for every family, but if the topic interests your kids and it fits your budget, it can be a worthwhile addition to your day at The Franklin Institute.

Tips for Visiting The Franklin Institute With Kids

After multiple visits as both a parent and a teacher, there are a few things I think families should know before they go. These tips can help you make the most of your day and avoid some common surprises.

Plan for More Time Than You Think

Between the permanent exhibits, special exhibits, live demonstrations, and optional planetarium shows, it is easy to spend most of a day here. Kids often want to revisit favorite exhibits or spend longer than expected at interactive stations, especially in areas like SportsZone and The Brain.

I would recommend planning for at least four to five hours, and potentially longer if you plan to add a special exhibit or a planetarium show.

Check Out the Special Exhibits Before You Visit

One of the reasons I enjoy returning to The Franklin Institute is that the special exhibits can completely change the experience.

Over the years, I have visited special exhibits focused on Disney, Harry Potter, and Titanic. Each one felt like a major attraction on its own and gave us a reason to come back even after visiting the permanent exhibits multiple times.

Before your visit, I recommend checking the current exhibit schedule on the Franklin Institute website. If there is a special exhibit that matches your child’s interests, it may end up being the highlight of the day.

Families looking for even more museum options in the city can also check out my guide to the best Philadelphia museums for kids, tweens, and teens.

Expect Groups Throughout the Year

If you visit during the school year, don’t be surprised if you see large groups of students throughout the museum.

As someone who has visited on multiple field trips, I can tell you that The Franklin Institute is a popular destination for schools throughout the region. Most exhibits are large enough to accommodate everyone, but some areas can get crowded when multiple groups arrive at the same time.

Summer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have the museum to yourself, either. Many local summer camps schedule field trips to The Franklin Institute, so it is still common to see larger groups of children exploring the exhibits.

The crowds have never stopped me from enjoying a visit, but it is something worth knowing before you go.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

This may sound obvious, but there is a lot more walking than many families expect.

The museum is spread across multiple floors, and it is easy to spend several hours moving from exhibit to exhibit. Comfortable shoes will make the day much more enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Consider Adding a Planetarium Show

If your family enjoys space and astronomy, the Fels Planetarium can be a worthwhile addition to your visit.

The extra ticket cost is usually reasonable, and the shows provide a nice break from walking while still offering an educational experience. It is not something I would consider essential for every family, but it can be a great add-on if the topic interests your kids.

Is The Franklin Institute Worth It?

For families with school-aged kids, especially those in the 9–13 age range, I absolutely think The Franklin Institute is worth visiting.

What sets it apart from many museums is how interactive it is. Kids aren’t just walking from display to display reading signs. They’re racing against friends in SportsZone, climbing through the Giant Heart, testing their reaction time, experimenting with simple machines, and exploring science through interactive challenges and activities.

It is also one of the few attractions that has remained enjoyable across different stages of my life. I visited as a child, later brought my own children, and have now experienced it many times with students. Each visit feels a little different depending on the exhibits, demonstrations, and ages of the kids you’re with.

If you’re planning a Philadelphia family getaway, I would put The Franklin Institute near the top of your list. For more ideas while you’re in the city, check out my Philadelphia family travel guide.

You may also enjoy my guide to the best Philadelphia museums for kids, tweens, and teens, which compares The Franklin Institute with other family-friendly museums throughout the city.

If your family enjoys educational travel experiences, I also shared more about how travel helps kids learn geography naturally and some of the ways travel has sparked curiosity and learning for our own kids over the years. 

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