Children's Museum Encourages Learning Through Play

Our town offers plenty of summer fun, but sometimes the lure of Philadelphia beckons—and our new Summer in the City feature can help guide you to the fun.

If you feel like venturing out a little farther from home, check here for a weekly suggestion of something fun or interesting to do in the City of Brotherly Love. Whether it's restaurant to try, a festival to attend or special museum exhibits, we'll feature something different every Thursday.

This weekend take the children, grand-kids or nieces or nephews to the Please Touch Museum for a day of hands-on fun. The museum's focus is to help youngsters learn through play.

Six interactive exhibit zones, including Roadside Attractions, Rainforest Rhythm, City Capers and more, allow children to learn about nutrition, improve literacy skills, role play and utilize motor skills. The River Adventures exhibit will allow children to explore science, nature and weather by racing sailboats in water currents, playing with bubbles and by discovering animals nestled in "Nature’s Pond." 

In addition to learning while having fun, children can participate in an engaging story time (at 10:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 or 3:30 p.m. on Sunday). The audience will be asked questions, use props, sing songs and participate in movement-based activities to help kids become more involved in the reading experience.

Then, check out "The Pinch & Penny Show," a fun way to explore the concept of saving money for something you really want and need instead of spending frivolously. Catch the show at 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday and Saturday (or at 11 a.m. on Saturday).

For informational tips on how to enhance growth and development while exploring the exhibits, visit the museum's website and click on the "Parents & Caregivers" tab on the exhibits pages or visit the Parent and Teacher Resources page.

• Location: Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa., 19131
• Date/Time: Museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Price: $15 for children older than 1 and adults
• More Info: Please Touch Museum website