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All 358 Philadelphia Attractions »

The Franklin Institute

222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-1200
Ranked #17 of 252 attractions in Philadelphia
4.0 of 5 stars 173 Reviews
Type: Science Museums
Owner description: Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science...... more » Owner description: Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education. The museum is known for blockbuster exhibits, a bevy of interactive ongoing exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children
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173 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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Date Rating
Lesliessc
Ocean City, New Jersey
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews
12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 14, 2012 NEW

This is always a great trip up from the jersey shore. I bought a family membership last year. After 1 week I received an offer to upgrade the membership to a family max. It was well worth it. I brought my 11 year old son and 3 friends. This is probably our 4th trip. We saw an exhibit on DaVinci,... More

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bisdaknj
Bergenfield, New Jersey
Contributor
12 reviews
15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2012 NEW

Both my 17 yr old and 4 yr old found something to interest them. More

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Elizabeth W
Bethlehem, PA
Reviewer
5 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012

IMax was awesome. Wow, we were so glad we had CityPass when we went on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm because the line was CRAZY! Get your tickets ahead of time!!! Great experience overall. More

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M H
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 6, 2012

Not a stuffy, boring museum. Many interactive activities to become interested and involved in. A must see is the Make your own weather report. I am older, so the jet flight simulator was a bit too much for me, but my teenager loved the flipping over and back again while shaking flow of the ride. The sports zone was the... More

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NJ_Engineer
Cherry Hill, NJ
Senior Contributor
32 reviews
11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 2, 2012

Take it from a local, if you are visiting Philly with young kids the Franklin Institute is a must. My kids love it and there is plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained from kids only exhibits to IMAX movies for teens and adults. More

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abeeds
Bucks County, PA, USA
Top Contributor
58 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This was my favorite museum as a child and adolescent. The human heart and the swinging pendalum are my favorite. Check out the planetarium too!! More

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linda h
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
27 reviews
3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I haven't recently been there. But, I can remember the big heart and the different exhibits and visiting during school trips and the planetarium... More

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smv20088
Forestdale, Massachusetts
Contributor
13 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My husband and I loved walking around philly and this was our last stop of the day. I was excited because it had an exhibit i've wanted to see for a long time. Body worlds, a human body anatomy exhibit. It was great. More

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BusyTraveler_10
Plymouth Meeting, PA
Senior Contributor
33 reviews
6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Not just for kids. Adults may even learn something. Try the observatory. it is still one of the best things in Philly. More

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lenlo61
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Contributor
16 reviews
9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Full of interesting things. An all day trip; even two days would not be enough to see it all. Beautiful building. More

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