Top Museums in Pennsylvania

Don’t miss the Rocky Steps outside for a classic photo op! I thought it was just a tourist trap, but it’s a fun part of the experience.

My advice is to check out the live science demonstrations—they're super fun and interactive. Don't miss the schedule!

I think the best time to arrive is right when they open at 9:30 am. It's way less crowded then, and you can see more without rushing.

Bring a fully charged phone or camera! The place is super photogenic and I wished I had captured more moments but my battery died too soon.

Check the weather! I assumed it would be mild but ended up caught in a storm. Plan ahead and dress for the weather to enjoy your visit fully.

I suggest checking out the audio guide option. It’s super informative and gives you some great back stories you won’t get just by wandering around

If you can, spend some time in the Water Play area. It was a highlight of our visit! Just make sure to bring a change of clothes for the little ones.

I really enjoyed my visit, but I think getting there right when they open at 10 AM is key. It was way less crowded and I could take my time looking at everything without feeling rushed

I recommend checking the schedule for any special exhibits or programs before you go. Some of the coolest stuff was only there for a limited time, and I totally missed out!

One thing I learned was not to skip the gift shop! They have some awesome books and quirky gifts that are super affordable. It's a fun way to remember your trip.

I suggest wearing comfy shoes. The museum is bigger than it looks and you'll be doing a lot of walking. I thought it was a quick stop but ended up spending hours there!

My advice is to look for combo tickets if you're planning to visit other historical sites nearby. It saved me a good chunk of change, and I didn't have to worry about buying multiple tickets everywhere I went.

I think the museum cafe can get a bit pricey for lunch. I suggest bringing a snack or two if you can, just to save some money so you can splurge on souvenirs instead!

I recommend visiting on a weekday if you can... It was way less crowded, and I had plenty of time to snap pictures without too many people in the way

Check the schedule for any events or workshops happening during your visit. I found a mosaic workshop that was a blast, but I almost missed it because I didn't look ahead.

I'd suggest bringing a small water bottle, especially on warm days. The gardens can get toasty, and there's not much shade to cool down behind. Trust me, you'll thank me later!

My advice is to grab your tickets online ahead of time! I thought I could get them at the gate, but the lines were super long and I wasted about 30 mins.

Check out the butterfly exhibit if you can! I thought it was so magical. But be careful, it can get a bit warm in there, so dress accordingly.

If you want a quieter experience, try going on a weekday morning... I visited on a Saturday and it was super crowded; I think I would've enjoyed it more with less people

I recommend buying tickets online in advance. It saved me a ton of time waiting in line, and you might find some discounts too

Do not skip the cafeteria! I found some really tasty sandwiches and snacks that are way better than your average museum food. It's a perfect spot to recharge before exploring more.