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The Franklin Institute

222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (City Center West)
215-448-1200
Website
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As featured in 3 days in Philadelphia
Ranked #32 of 257 attractions in Philadelphia
Type: Science Museums
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
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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606 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Kansas City
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

Well layed out and a lot of space to hold all of the people who were there. Give yourself plenty of time if you have kids becuase they will not want to leave. Bring hand sanitzer and wipes.

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See 9 more reviews by Ira F for Philadelphia
Malibu, California
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW via mobile

While visiting Philadelphia with my two teenage sons we couldn't decide how to spend our day because of all the great choices of stuff to do. After reading dozens of reviews on Trip Advisor, we decided on The Franklin Institute. It's not very often I completely disagree with the reviews here but I am shocked by how many good reviews... More

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Marlton, New Jersey
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

I just went to the franklin institute with my children ages 4 and 5 along with my 16 year old sister in-law, mother in-law and husband. We purchased a groupon ticket and it came with an admission to the Spy/Espionage exibit. The kids had a blast and so did the adults. You definitely need at least 3 hours to enjoy... More

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See 6 more reviews by Cdub29 for Philadelphia
Cleveland, Ohio
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

This was a nice museum to visit, while the hands on displays are geared mostly towards kids, the planetarium shows were interesting even us us adults! It was worth the admission and we will visit here again.

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See 9 more reviews by mrwamw for Philadelphia
New Jersey, United States
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2013

We bought a membership because my children never get bored here. The special exhibits keep us coming back often.

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See 8 more reviews by MarlaR44 for Philadelphia
Glendale, California
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

Fantastic variety of exhibits for kids and adults alike. We never feel like we have to do the whole place in one visit -- though I try to always go to the machines room. The automaton is just incredible. Also, cannot rave enough about the staff; top to bottom the most knowledgeable, and friendly staff of any museum I've visited.

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See 2 more reviews by GarlowFamily for Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

As a kid, my sister and I used to take the train in just to go to this museum-- I don't know how many times. We adored it. Thne it got kind of run down... but they completely renovated and updated recently. Kids LOVE this place, whether they like science or not. Everything is interactive-- there's so much, I can't... More

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See 4 more reviews by Nonamesavail for Philadelphia
New York
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 June 2013

I have been to the Franklin Institute a number of times and it's fun every time. If you have time, see an Imax movie as well. This time we went to see the Spy Exhibit which was very interesting and interactive. The "Electricity" and "Changing Earth" are also good exhibits. We went during the day on Sunday and it was... More

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See 3 more reviews by DoratheExplorer1234 for Philadelphia
Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

If you purchase the everything package, you will need all day to get your money's worth. The exhibits are kid oriented and there are lots of hands on activities for them. For people who are childless by choice, this place can be a little overwhelming at times a la Chuck E. Cheese. The 50 Best Nat Geo photos exhibit was... More

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See 8 more reviews by SeattleD19 for Philadelphia
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

This special exhibition, SPY -The Secret World of Espionage, is a must see for all ages. We took the kids on a Sunday afternoon and spent a good three hours engrossed in the displays and interactive features that include history, gadgets galore and some really interesting interesting insights into the realm of the spy. Even the kids were caught up... More

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