Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Philadelphia, PA

OK, OK, I know, I know. I can't stop talking about the new Please Touch Museum. But people, when something for kids is as awesome, as amazing, as spectacular as Philadelphia's own children's museum, well--you just can't shut up about it. Especially when it's opening THIS WEEKEND!

On October 8th I was lucky enough to attend the press preview of the new space, along with my trusty test subject (also known as my two-year-old daughter). The short review? Well, two and a half hours later, I dragged my EXHAUSTED child out of the museum while she kicked and screamed and ran back inside THREE TIMES because she loved it so much she didn't want to leave.

Yes, it's that good.

The old Please Touch Museum was lovely; but it was small, a bit worn about the edges, and had lousy parking (no public parking at all) and no place to eat. Well, all of these problems have been addressed. Parking is readily available and cheap (by Philadelphia prices--$5 for non-members; members are free) and they have a lovely cafe now.

But most of all--oh, most of all is the SPACE. It's HUGE and beautiful (the museum in now located in the historic Memorial Hall). Two floors full of everything you can think of to inspire your kid's imagination. There are foam build-them-and-fly-them airplanes. There is a large "river" with tools to make waves and sail ships. There is a gorgeous Alice in Wonderland hedge maze where kids can play for hours. There's a mini-hospital. A kid-sized grocery store.

That doesn't cover it, or even come close. Just trust me; if you want a tired kid, Please Touch Museum has got you covered (what? You don't take your kid to these places to tire them out like I do? You take them to help nurture them and help them grow? Whatever. Just go. Heh). The best part? The old Please Touch Museum was only moderately interesting to kids over five--the new one? Well, the new one may inspire some elementary school aged temper tantrums when you try to leave. Maybe you should just plan to spend the day.

Enjoy!