As a lover of travel and education, I am always on the lookout for destinations that offer not only enjoyment but also learning opportunities for kids. Over the years, I’ve found that museums are a brilliant way to fuse fun with education. They stimulate young minds, spark curiosity, encourage questioning, and instill a love for learning. If you’re planning your next family vacation and are wondering where to take your little explorers, I’ve got you covered. This list features the best museums for kids in the United States, curated based on my personal experiences.
1. Children’s Museum of Indianapolis –Indianapolis, Indiana
First on the list is the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest children’s museum. With five floors of interactive exhibits covering topics from dinosaurs to space travel, it caters to a wide age range, making it an ideal spot for families. The “Dinosphere” is a massive hit, housing one of the largest displays of real fossils in the country. Here, kids can unearth their own fossils and learn from the onsite paleontologists.
2. Please Touch Museum—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Next up, we head over to the city of brotherly love. The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia lives up to its name by inviting children to touch, feel, and interact with everything. The museum’s philosophy of learning through play shines through in exhibits like “Wonderland,” where kids can host their own Mad Hatter tea party, and “City Capers,” where they can pretend to be firefighters, grocers, and more. This hands-on approach makes the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia a standout among museums for kids in the United States.
3. Museum of Science—Boston, Massachusetts
The Museum of Science in Boston is a captivating place where kids can discover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The museum is home to over 700 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a butterfly garden. With hands-on exhibits like “Take Apart,” where children can disassemble everyday objects to see how they work, this museum is sure to ignite the inner scientist in every child.
4. Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus—Denver, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of Denver, the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus is an adventure playground that stimulates creativity, curiosity, and learning. If you’re moving to Denver from far away and hiring long distance movers, be sure to keep this gem on your must-visit list. While searching for the right Denver moving team, don’t forget to plan exciting activities for the family. The “Joy Park” is a favorite, where children can engage with the elements, navigate through gorges, and even go on a thrilling zip line ride. But the fun doesn’t stop outdoors. Inside, kids can engage in role-play at the teaching kitchen, veterinary clinic, or fire station. This museum is a testament to Denver’s commitment to nurturing young minds.
5. Exploratorium—San Francisco, California
On the west coast, we find the Exploratorium in San Francisco, a hub of exploration and discovery. Here, kids can explore over 600 exhibits that encompass everything from physical phenomena to biological oddities. They can create giant bubbles, manipulate magnetic fields, or walk through a pitch-black dome to challenge their senses. It’s a place where science meets fun, and curiosity is king.
6. American Museum of Natural History—New York, New York
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the American Museum of Natural History in New York. It’s one of the most famous museums in the world, boasting vast collections of artifacts, fossils, and specimens. The museum’s dinosaur hall and Hayden Planetarium are crowd favorites. Here, children can uncover the mysteries of the universe and the creatures that once roamed our planet.
7. The Strong National Museum of Play—Rochester, New York
Located in Rochester, The Strong National Museum of Play is a highly interactive museum dedicated to the history and exploration of play. Its exhibits cover everything from video and board games to dolls and books, making it a versatile destination for kids of all ages. The “Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden” is a magical experience where kids can observe hundreds of butterflies up close, and the “Super Kids Market” lets them pretend to be shoppers or cashiers in a fully-stocked mini supermarket. It’s a wonderful place where play and learning intersect.
8. California Science Center—Los Angeles, California
Heading back to the West Coast, the California Science Center in Los Angeles is a marvelous place to explore scientific wonders. The museum is divided into several themed areas, such as the “Ecosystems Zone,” which features a variety of habitats and creatures, and the “Space Shuttle Endeavour Exhibit,” which showcases the real space shuttle Endeavour. There’s even an “Earthquake Shake Table” that simulates the feeling of an earthquake! The California Science Center truly brings the wonders of science to life.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on these incredible journeys across the country, visiting some of the best museums for kids in the United States, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and amazement. Each museum, with its unique exhibits and interactive experiences, offered fun-filled moments and instilled in me a newfound appreciation for the power of learning.
I remember the wide-eyed wonder in the children’s eyes as they unearthed a dinosaur bone at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the giddy excitement of stepping into a fireman’s shoes at the Children’s Museum of Denver, and the thoughtful silence that fell over them at the American Museum of Natural History as they gazed up at the gigantic dinosaur fossils.
I saw how play and education intertwine beautifully at the Please Touch Museum and The Strong National Museum of Play, creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences. At the Exploratorium and the California Science Center, I witnessed how curiosity was sparked, leading to little discoveries that made big impressions.
Looking back, these adventures remind me that these museums are more than just rainy-day activities or ways to kill time during vacation. They are powerful learning environments that can ignite curiosity, foster a love for discovery, and inspire the future generation. Whether it’s science, history, nature, or play, these museums present knowledge in such an engaging and accessible way that children can’t help but soak it all up.
So, if you’re planning a trip, consider adding these museums to your itinerary. Let your children’s minds be captivated by the wonders of the world; let them learn, explore, and, most importantly – have fun. Because at the end of the day, the smiles on their faces and the knowledge they’ve gained are the real treasures we take home from these adventures.
As for me, my journey continues after the museums for kids in the United States, my map full of pins, and my heart full of memories. I can’t wait to see where the road takes me next in this beautiful country in search of the next exciting learning adventure. Happy travels, everyone!
If You Go
- Plan Ahead: Check the operating hours and days of the museum you wish to visit. Some museums may close on specific days or have seasonal hours.
- Tickets: Most museums offer the option to purchase tickets online in advance. This can save you time and sometimes money, as many museums offer discounts for online purchases.
- Guided Tours: Many museums offer guided tours, which can enhance the educational value of your visit. Check with the museum for tour schedules and availability.
- Food and Drink: Some museums have on-site cafes or restaurants, but you can usually bring your own food. Be sure to check the museum’s policy on this.
About the author:
Jane Mendez is a dedicated traveler, avid blogger, and passionate educator. She works with Spyder Moving Colorado, helping families transition smoothly into their new homes while exploring and sharing the best family-friendly destinations across the United States. Jane believes in turning every journey into a memorable learning adventure for kids and adults alike.
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