The 4Cs
Our programming, exhibitions and resources follow the 4 C’s of our strategic plan.
Critical thinking
Children expand their awareness and understanding of the world and new ideas through child-directed activities.
Communication
Children and adults practice verbal and non-verbal language and make connections between ideas and everyday life.
Collaboration
Children and adults engage with one another in social learning through interactive programs and play.
Creativity
Families participate in multi-sensory activities that encourage exploration and spark wonder and curiosity.
Museum programs
An overview.
Our programs provide a welcoming, friendly introduction to the Museum and begin to instill in young visitors a love of discovery and learning, encouraging future cultural experiences.
All programs are informed by current research and best practices in the fields of informal learning, museum education and early childhood education to:
- Increase high-quality early learning experiences
- Engage and support families and educators as a child’s first teacher
- Support development of executive function and deeper learning skills through literacy, creative and performing arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programming
- Add capacity and value to early learning networks and leverage community partnerships
Museum Minis
Museum Minis is subscription series designed to strengthen early learning skills in toddlers through three (3) 90-minute sessions on Wednesday mornings at Please Touch Museum.
Recommended for children aged 2-3 (although we can accept children as young as 18 months and as old as 4), Museum Minis will enjoy special trips to the exhibits and collections, art-making or science projects as well as story-telling led by our Museum Educators! Each subscription also includes a free carousel ride, a Museum Minis apron, a train whistle and one (1) coffee/tea voucher for adult caregivers per session.
Registration is now open for February and March 2020 – and space is limited! Register today!
Daily and weekly programs
Daily and weekly programs offer a consistent schedule of facilitated experiences that build early learning skills.
Programs do not require advance registration and are free with museum admission.
Tot Spot
Ages 2-3 with adult caregiver
Join in activities, songs and play especially designed to offer our youngest visitors time and space to strengthen early learning skills.
Program Room
All ages with adult caregiver
Experiment with materials and create works of art
inspired by your trip to the Museum.
Discovery Zone
All ages with adult caregiver
Monthly program add-ons located throughout various Zones in the Museum designed to enhance your playful adventures!
Strolling Puppets Tour
Ages 4+ with adult caregivers
Join a Museum Educator and puppet for a kid-friendly tour of one of the Museum’s permanent or temporary exhibitions.
Innovate + Imagine
Ages 4+ with adult caregivers
Follow your curiosity with wooden planks, wheels and ropes. Work together to design and build your own amazing creation.
Storytime
All ages with adult caregiver
Get cozy, listen to stories, sing songs and build literacy skills.
Drop-In + Draw
Ages 4+ with adult caregiver
Drop-in, look closely, grab a piece of paper and practice your drawing skills.
Adventurous Afternoon
Ages 4+ with adult caregiver
Embark on a 30-minute adventure to spark curiosity for science and nature through observations, questions and play.
Strolling Science Lab
Ages 3+ with adult caregiver
Look closely and conduct science investigations as we uncover the mysteries of the world around us.
Outdoor Adventures
All ages with adult caregiver
Participate in guided and self-guided outdoor play experiences in our Please Touch Garden, including water activities and programming connected to nature.
Tinker Time
Ages 4+ with adult caregiver
Get creative and explore materials, tools and technology through open-ended, maker-inspired activities.
End of the Day Music + Movement
All ages with adult caregiver
Meet us at the Torch to stretch, wiggle and move your body as we end the day with an exploration of rhythm and movement.
Field Trips + Tours
Create your school experience.
Please Touch Museum offers tours and resources for educators looking to customize a trip to the Museum. Schools can choose from themed Guided or Self-Guided experiences and workshops to enhance your next visit. We also offer professional development workshops for educators, focusing on play-based education.
“As an early childhood educator, I thoroughly enjoy taking my class on trips to the Please Touch Museum. They offer both engaging and standard-centered field trips. The guided tours are led by energetic staff who use best practice techniques to help children interact with the exhibits.”
– Martha, Philadelphia-based educator
For more details, download a PDF below. Or, contact us at groupsales@pleasetouchmuseum.org or 215-581-3170.
Make the most of your visit.
Use these tips to explore, play and learn during your visit!
Explore
Start in one part of the Museum, encourage children to look around an exhibit and let them lead the way.
Ask Questions
Open-ended questions are a great way to start a conversation and can help guide play.
- What do you see?
- What’s going on here?
- What is your favorite thing in this room and why?
Try New Things
Visit favorite exhibits but also try out new areas of the Museum, such as the current temporary exhibit.
Play Together
Time at the Museum can be a great way for adults and children to play and learn together.
Take Breaks
There is a lot happening at the Museum! Some areas of the Museum are quieter than others and taking breaks to recharge can be helpful.