If you’re looking ahead to Spring Break wondering how you’re going to fill the time, never fear, because there is never a dull moment in Philly. If you’re staying in town for break, there’s plenty to do and see, so make some plans to make the most of your week. Get out there and explore!

Please Touch Museum: Centennial Innovations

4231 Avenue of the Republic

Opens April 3

 

With the City of Philadelphia’s historic model of the 1876 World’s Fair as a central feature of this new permanent exhibit, kids will ask big questions like “Why change the world?” and, if you could change the world, what would it look like? With multi-sensory interactives emphasizing the diverse people and inventions that made history in 1876, visitors will be inspired to brainstorm their own answers to this all-important question. Stay tuned for our preview when this exciting new section of the museum opens!

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Special Programming: April 7–12, 10 am — 3 pm

 

Spend the week indulging in creative family time with family tours every day at 11 am, and the Family Studio set up on the Great Stair Hall Balcony from 10:30 am–3 pm.

Last Chance: ‘The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience’

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Through April 19

 

Based on the internationally best-selling survival handbook, that was created in Philadelphia, “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Experience” presents hands-on, immersive challenges that show visitors how to survive unexpected but possible “worst-case scenarios” in fun and thought-provoking ways. See our preview here!

Meet Lulu the Baby Sloth at the Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

 

“Survival of the Slowest” explores the adaptations that animals have evolved to survive and thrive over millions of years, despite being…well, really slow. The exhibit does not just explain these adaptations, but also provides visitors many live animal encounters, the most exciting of all being Lulu the two-toed baby sloth! An animal expert tipped us off that mornings are best, when she eats her breakfast and it’s not too crowded at the museum yet, but she comes out a few times a day, and “adorable” does not begin to describe her. Learn all about the exhibit in our preview.

Museum of the American Revolution

101 S. Third St.

Special Programming: April 4–19

 

Band together to recreate Philadelphians’ war efforts and ways of life with hands-on craft demonstrations. The museum will host interpreters on April 18 and 19 portraying the artisans and makers who served under Philadelphian Benjamin Flower as they repair old equipment and make new goods for the Continental Army. Guests can also witness daily activities and demonstrations from the Revolutionary period, and get hands-on in Revolution Place.

National Constitution Center

525 Arch St.

Special Programming: April 8–15

 

Even though Women’s History Month will be over by then, it’s still the centennial of the 19th Amendment, so celebrate suffragists and other women who have had an impact on constitutional history all week long! “Meet” famous female historical figures and learn about the “Four Harriets” of the abolitionist movement. Trivia games and other activities will be available for visitors throughout the week as well.

 

Visit Franklin Square

200 N. Sixth St.

 

Franklin Square is open again, so take advantage of the nice weather and free time to play Philly-themed mini golf, take a ride on the carousel, and indulge in a Tastykake shake!

See a Show

There are great options, whatever your kids’ ages, to catch a show in town. Teens will love the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen which comes to the Forrest Theatre beginning April 7, while the little ones will love Sesame Street Live at the Liacouras Center from April 16–19. Meanwhile, the Arden Theatre will be staging The Cat in the Hat beginning April 8 and running all spring.

Take a Staycation

 

Can’t get away, but want to experience a fun getaway in your own hometown? Book a hotel with kid-friendly amenities and live it up! We highly recommend glamping at The Logan Hotel, where the hotel sets up a “campsite” complete with tent, sleeping bag, and s’more kit for your kids in the living room! The hotel is right in the Parkway Museums District, and has a great pool, so you’ll be living it up without having to deal with the lines and stress of the airport!

Spring Break Camps

Even with all these great ideas, maybe your kids want to be a little more independent and adventurous. How about a day of rock climbing, or circus arts, or exploring the wilderness? There’s all that and more, you just need to know where to look–it’s all here in our spring break camp rundown!

 

Lead photograph by Laura Swartz.