Student-Friendly Activities in Philadelphia

If you’re looking for a fun and educational adventure, why not bring your student group to Philadelphia?

With a range of educational and entertaining attractions, student groups can immerse themselves in the city’s past and present while creating unforgettable memories. There are endless opportunities for learning and discovery, starting with these attractions and museums for student-friendly activities in Philadelphia.

Interactive Experiences

Sometimes the best way to learn (or play) is through hands-on experiences that immerse students right in the action. Student-groups in Philadelphia will love learning at these unforgettable interactive experiences.

Independence Seaport Museum

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Set sail on an educational voyage at the Independence Seaport Museum, where students can explore Philadelphia’s rich maritime history along the Delaware River waterfront.  Group organizers can customize their visit with guided tours of two historic vessels: Cruiser Olympia, a national landmark that’s the oldest floating steel warship in the world, and Submarine Becuna, a World War II–era submarine. These 30- to 45-minute interactive ship tours provide students and chaperones with a firsthand look at life aboard these important vessels.

The hands-on learning continues ashore with interactive STEM workshops like KNOT-ical Craft: Rope and Knots. This 30- to 45-minute workshop introduces students to Philadelphia’s historic ropemaking industry, applying practical science and math concepts to traditional seamanship while teaching students how to tie their own functional knots.

Museum of Illusions Philadelphia

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 401 Market St.

You won’t believe your eyes at the Museum of Illusions, a one-of-a-kind “edutainment” destination providing students with a unique experience. At the museum, students can learn about vision, perception, and science while having loads of fun. The museum is STEM.org accredited for its science, technology, art, history, and mathematics lesson plans. Students will be challenged to see the world differently and are rewarded with knowledge of how our brains interpret reality. And of course, they’ll get to snap memorable photos. All field trips at the museum are self-guided, but the staff is readily available to answer questions, explain illusions, and help take group photos.

Please Touch Museum

Neighborhood: Fairmount Park / Centennial District

Address: Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

For younger groups, the Please Touch Museum in historic Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park’s Centennial District offers opportunities to learn through play.

Science and History Museums

Known for its revolutionary history and scientific innovations, Philadelphia has much to teach student groups ready to learn — and laugh — on their trip.

The Franklin Institute

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 222 N 20th St.

The spirit of discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin thrives at The Franklin Institute, where students come to learn about science and technology. Explore the night sky at the Fels Planetarium and feel a rush of blood as you stroll through the giant heart. Educators can make the most of their group’s trip by using the institute’s exhibit resources for further classroom discussions and experiments.

Penn Museum

Neighborhood: University City
Address: 3260 South St.

The Penn Museum offers multiple group packages, including after-hours packages that provide entry and dinner for each student. The itineraries and guided tours are also completely customizable. The After Hours Visit: Night At The Museum itinerary is the most popular with student groups. It includes an interactive presentation with an archaeologist, catered dinner, and a scavenger hunt, each an hour long. Penn Museum also offers student groups the option of a STEM Workshop called “The Carbon Clock: Radioactivity and Archaeological Dating”. Students discover the links between science and history while using their critical thinking and algebra/trigonometry skills to interpret an ancient site.

Mütter Museum

Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Address: 19 S. 22nd St.

The Mütter Museum is eager to invite groups to explore America’s finest Museum of Medical History. Students will come face to face with what it means to be human as they examine biological artifacts. Student groups may opt for a self-guided experience or request a guided tour, where a guide discusses the museum’s history, the significance of its displays, and how they relate to modern medicine.

Animal Attractions

Adventure Aquarium

Neighborhood: Camden, NJ
Address: 1 Riverside Dr.

Adventure Aquarium invites school groups to experience the wonder of unique exhibits through two million gallons of water. The aquarium features one-of-a-kind exhibits where students can walk through the shark tunnel, come nose to nose with hippopotamuses, and visit penguins. Exciting trip enhancements include an add-on classroom, a 3D theater double feature, and lunch options.

Philadelphia Zoo

Neighborhood: West Philadelphia
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave.

The nation’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, has a 42-acre living classroom to bring lessons to life. Spark students’ curiosity and help them connect with the wonders of wildlife, including giraffes, lemurs, frogs, and so much more. A field trip to the zoo is like no other – learning, tons of fun, and the chance to get a little wild.

Bringing a student group to Philadelphia? Visit our group tours page for resources that make planning your trip easy.