Learning Through Play – The Top 5 Kids Museums in US

Whether you are struggling to keep the kids entertained or looking for an excuse for a fun-filled vacation away, if you haven’t already discovered the highly engaging children-centered museums dotted around the country, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Join us as we select the top 5 kids’ museums in the US that will captivate every single family member, no matter their age. From the world’s largest children’s museum to the National Toy Hall of Fame, there’s a world of play out there, so what are you waiting for?

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – Indianapolis, Indiana

Where better to start our shortlist of the best Kid-friendly museums in the US than at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – which also happens to be the largest children’s museum in the world. Even before you step foot in this incredible interactive museum, visitors are greeted with life-sized dinosaurs climbing into or around the museum building.

Deliberately designed to focus on learning through play, at nearly 500,000 square feet, this hugely popular children’s museum is also a firm favorite with adults too. Here, you can step back in time in the Dinosphere exhibit, where you can learn about the real science behind the life and times of the dinosaurs, which includes full-scale models and skeletons. Or you can walk in the steps of astronauts by exploring their replica International Space Station (ISS) before spending the afternoon participating in the countless sports-themed engagements that will keep the whole family entertained.

With so much to do at this must-see kids’ museum, be sure to recharge with a great night’s sleep afterward at the Best Western Plus Indianapolis NW Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Boston Children’s Museum – Boston, Massachusetts

Next on our shortlist of the best family-friendly museums in America, we head to the world’s second-oldest children’s museum. Founded in 1913, the Boston Children’s Museum prides itself on pioneering education through interactive play with countless exhibits to discover.

For families with babies and toddlers, the Boston Children’s Museum’s PlaySpace is designed just for children aged 0 to 3 years old to get involved. Alternatively, older children can dive into exhibits that embody the museum’s theme of ‘The Power of Play.’ They can tackle engaging discovery challenges in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) areas or investigate the museum’s fascinating institutional archives, photographs, and stories.

Uncover endless play opportunities with your family at this inspirational kids’ museum, and later relax with a cozy night’s stay at the Best Western Braintree Inn in Braintree, Massachusetts.

Please Touch Museum – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First created to encourage the children of Philadelphia to explore the world through touch and play, the Please Touch Museum opened its doors in 1976. Fast forward over 50 years, and the Please Touch Museum is internationally recognized as a leading interactive museum for kids.

Boasting a host of permanent child-friendly engagements, including their Adventure Camp, Cents and Sensibility, and Imagination Playground, you’ll soon see why the Please Touch Museum has become a top-rated children’s museum in the country. In addition, the museum frequently adds to its range of temporary exhibits, which can vary from the science of food to the enthusiastic showcasing of toys and artifacts designed to amuse the entire family.

Enjoy the superb amusements on display at this astonishing kids’ museum by booking ahead at the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix – Phoenix, Arizona

Our next recommendation for the best children’s museums in the United States is also one of the newest. Located in the heart of Phoenix, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix is home to over 300 interactive play areas and exhibits designed to encourage hands-on learning through imaginative play.

Immersive exhibits and experiences include the Creative Art Studio, The Climber, and the Texture Café. The Children’s Garden is also popular with guests to the museum, where children can experience learning about how to grow plants and the animals that thrive in green spaces. At the same time, the inspiring sensory-driven experience of The Grand Ballroom is also a crowd favorite.

After a fun-filled day exploring Arizona’s unique children’s discovery museum, be sure to reserve your family room at the Best Western Downtown Phoenix.

Strong National Museum of Play – Rochester, New York

We head to Rochester, New York, for our final top children’s museum in the US and one of the most interactive playgrounds for kids of all ages. What started as a display of the museum’s founders’ fascinating collection of over 27,000 dolls has become a world-famous hub of dolls, toys, and video games.

Showcasing an impressive variety of exhibits, the Strong National Museum of Play is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, the World Video Game Hall of Fame, and the American Comic Book Heroes exhibitions. Created to encourage both children and adults to dive head-first into the exciting world of play, this famous kids’ museum is an engaging phenomenon the whole family will want to visit.

Spend the day together as a family for a unique experience and ensure you all get a great night’s sleep at the Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn in Rochester, New York.