Do you remember the last time you spent the day learning and time went by so quickly? And in the blink of an eye the day was over? Our family recently had a day like this. 

My husband and I had been to The Franklin Institute years ago with our older children, but our younger ones have never had the opportunity to visit. Knowing what a wonderful time we had before, we knew this would be a win-win proposition. It is one of the premier science centers in our country. Science fun and learning go hand-in-hand at The Franklin Institute.

In the center of a massive hall sits a towering Benjamin Franklin. He resides over The Franklin Institute which is located in the birthplace of the Constitution, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our family drove from Ohio for a special exhibit entitled, The Science of Pixar. Being true Disney fanatics, when I heard that The Franklin Institute was hosting this traveling exhibit, I knew that we had to go. 

This truly awesome science center boasts three massive floors of fun, hands-on learning, and exhibits designed to fully engage the senses. There is something for everyone and some of the exhibits include: 

• KidScience (especially designed for children eight and younger).
• The Planetarium has several different options throughout the day.
• The Train Factory boasts an impressive steam engine. This is a big one!
• Space Command
• Amazing Machines
• Changing Earth
• Electricity
• The Franklin Air Show
• The Giant Heart – imagine walking through a massive giant heart!
• Sir Isaac’s Loft
• SportsZone
• SkyBike (extra fee)
• Your Brain
• The Franklin Theater shows movies for an additional fee. The current movie is Finding Dory. 
• The IMAX Theater shows science and nature films for an additional charge. 

Most exhibits are included in the price of your general admission ticket, but there are extra fees for certain activities including The Science of Pixar. My youngest son, Jack-Jack wanted to ride on the suspended bicycle, but unfortunately he was not tall enough. 

NOTE: The Franklin Institute is part of the Blue-Star Museum program. They extend free admission to active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families through Labor Day 2016. 

Sadly we only had time to visit about half the exhibits. We could easily spend two entire days there, and I am not sure that we still would have done everything. I asked my family what their favorite exhibits were. Everyone agreed that the Pixar exhibit was the hands down favorite, but since that is a special exhibit, we all selected regular exhibits that were outstanding. Here are the favorites:

Mr. Incredible: Sir Isaac’s Loft – here we had the chance to have phun with physics! My husband is a true science fan to his core. 

Dash: Lost Egypt (This is a special exhibit, and there is an additional charge. This exhibit runs through August 28, 2016). My son especially liked the mummy. When you first enter the exhibit, there is a lifelike camel that you can take your photo with. My son Jack-Jack is sitting there like a normal little boy. My other son, Dash, is making camel faces like a 13 year old boy!

Jack-Jack: The SportsZone was a great area for an active little boy. From the track where you can race against a sports figure to the surfboard where you can test your balance, the SportsZone is pure fun!

Here my husband shows off his surfboarding skills. Jack-Jack did this activity several times, and I was so engrossed in watching him that I forgot to take a photo. 

My favorite: The Electricity Exhibit. I squealed just a little bit when I saw the Automaton exhibit. Years ago the exhibit was not out. I was hoping it was displayed. I was first introduced to automatons when I read the Adventures of Hugo Cabret. These early “computer” inventions are truly spectacular and a must see for everyone. Unfortunately, few remain in the world today.

The first science museum my husband and I visited was the one in Toronto. This opened up a love of science museums for me. We have been to ones all over the country, and The Franklin Institute is a world-class center. It certainly was worth the drive, and I know we will be back.


(Disclosure: The FTC requires me to say that I was given admission tickets to The Franklin Institute, but we payed for the additional entry into The Science of Pixar. But because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ I am bound to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In other words my opinions cannot be bought with free tickets, and therefore, the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are entirely mine.)