Franklin Institute — Family-Friendly HOHO Stop

Save family time with this Franklin Institute guide: best exhibits for kids, planetarium tips, and how to pair with the HOHO route.

1/5/2026

11 min read

The Franklin Institute facade with a family group entering

Franklin Institute — In‑Depth Family Guide

The Franklin Institute blends hands‑on exhibits with impressive theatre and planetarium experiences — perfect for families and curious adults.

Must‑see exhibits

The Giant Heart — immersive and surprisingly informative for all ages.
Train Factory and Electricity galleries — interactive experiments and demonstrations.
Fels Planetarium — timed shows; book ahead for popular programs.

How long to plan

Minimum: 2 hours for a quick tour.
Full visit: 3–4 hours to see major exhibits and a planetarium show.

Practical tips

Bring layers — theaters can be cool.
Use lockers for large bags during interactive exhibits.

Interactive exhibit inside the Franklin Institute

About the Author

Family Travel

This guide was written to give visitors practical, street‑level advice for exploring Philadelphia by hop‑on hop‑off bus — where to linger, what to taste, and how to stitch historic moments and everyday neighborhoods into an unforgettable day.