It can be a challenge to keep kids entertained, especially on days when the weather doesn't cooperate. Luckily these museums, voted as the 10 best in the U.S. for families, offer interactive and engaging experiences for kids and adults alike.
Photo courtesy of Crayola Experience
No. 10: Crayola Experience - Easton, Pennsylvania
Be immersed in color at Crayola Experience, located two hours away from Philadelphia and New York City in Easton, Pennsylvania. There’s no limitation to creativity at this one-of-a-kind attraction, where children can explore art and technology. Let your imagination run free, color outside the lines and watch the magic of Crayola come to life! 10Best contributor Kyle McCarthy adds, “Hands-on, creative space with a playground, art displays, teacher-led arts workshops and live science show about how crayons are made.”
Photo courtesy of A family playing with the interactive displays in "Puppet Parade"
No. 9: The DoSeum - San Antonio, Texas
Opened in 2015 in San Antonio, The DoSeum is much more than a children’s museum – it’s "a place where minds are always at play.” Each guest is inspired to cultivate their curiosity and explore the joy of learning through STEM, the arts and literacy. Exhibits, programs, camps, classes and field trips are offered for all ages. DIY activities to do at home, such as fairy garden terrariums and paper making, encourage learning after leaving the museum.
Photo courtesy of Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
No. 8: Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus - Denver, Colorado
The Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus welcomes more than half a million children per year to their collection of interactive, hands-on exhibits. The museum is divided into four areas – Explore, Imagine, Investigate and Create – each with its own set of one-of-a-kind experiences. Go climbing at Altitude, gear up at Fire Station No. 1, learn about power at Energy or get creative in the Art Studio.
Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA
No. 7: Please Touch Museum - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia's Please Touch Museum offers two floors of exhibits that kids are actively encouraged to touch. Little ones can build at the Imagination Playground or go down the rabbit hole to a Wonderland-inspired play station. A historic and recently refurbished carousel is a great way to end a visit on a high note. The museum also hosts a variety of family-friendly programs, so there's always something new to explore.
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Museum Center
No. 6: The Children's Museum - Cincinnati, Ohio
Kids 12 and under will enjoy hands-on fun with the engaging exhibits at The Children's Museum in Cincinnati. Eight themed areas, like The Energy Zone and Kids' Town, offer the opportunity for kids to learn, climb and explore.
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Children's Museum
No. 5: Louisiana Children's Museum - New Orleans, Louisiana
The Louisiana Children’s Museum is situated on 8.5 acres and offers two floors of interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy and explore. Exhibits cover topics in literacy, the environment, STEM, arts and culture, and health and wellness.
Photo courtesy of Mississippi Children's Museum
No. 4: Mississippi Children's Museum - Jackson, Mississippi
Dynamic hands-on exhibits and learning programs make the Mississippi Children's Museum an engaging and fun place for kiddos. This children's museum places an emphasis on the areas of literacy, health and nutrition, cultural arts, STEAM and Mississippi heritage with its eight galleries and seasonal exhibits.
Photo courtesy of Kohl Children's Museum
No. 3: Kohl Children's Museum - Glenview, Illinois
With a special emphasis on early childhood learning, the Kohl Children's Museum just outside Chicago features 17 interactive exhibits. Kids get creative at Adventures in Art, practice social skills at Cooperation Station, make a splash at Water Works and connect with nature in the outdoor Habitat Park. The museum is designed for children under 8 years of age.
Photo courtesy of Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
No. 2: Children's Museum of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Inside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, visitors can explore numerous hands-on, interactive exhibit areas meant to spark curiosity. The Garage is the place to explore things that bounce, race and roll; the Studio allows kids to express their creativity through various art forms and the Kindness Gallery lets kids try different forms of communication to send messages of empathy and kindness.
Photo courtesy of The Children's Museum of indianapolis
No. 1: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis - Indianapolis, Indiana
A favorite Indy attraction, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest museum of its kind in the world, encompassing 29 acres of fun-filled exhibits. Kids can snap a selfie with a T-rex, explore outer space through the lens of NASA’s Project Mercury, travel overseas without a passport in "Take Me There: Greece," and play one of 12 sports outdoors in a fabulous interactive sports park with health in mind.
