Please Touch Museum (the Museum) will open its doors for five FREE community days throughout the summer of 2026 to give children and their caregivers access to the engaging exhibits and hands-on activities that inspire continued learning through play as school lets out for the summer.
Free Community Days, sponsored by Temple University (June 20 and June 21)
Children and their caregivers can celebrate the beginning of summer with free admission on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 presented by Temple University. Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibits and participate in the Museum’s daily programming, which includes storytimes, STEM activations, art workshops, the Museum’s newest exhibit, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit, and more each day. Admission is free, but registration is required and available now at PleaseTouchMuseum.org.
FREE Community Days, Ready-Set School, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross (June 28, July 26, August 23)
Ready-Set-School, a back-to-school readiness program taking place this summer, is designed to support children and families in strengthening physical and emotional skills for a successful transition to school in the fall. Presented by founding sponsor Independence Blue Cross, the fifth annual Ready-Set-School initiative will welcome families to the Museum for free admission on June 28, July 26, and August 23. These unique Community Days will offer themed programming focused on building social-emotional skills to prepare children for success in school. Community partners will be onsite at the Museum to provide resources to further prepare children for the start of school.
Since its inception in 2022, Ready-Set-School has provided health and educational resources to over 35,000 visitors to help prevent the summer slump and ensure children are prepared to succeed in the upcoming school year. Each day will feature special guest programming led by a visiting artist and STEM professional, storytime led by a local author, and giveaways with items that support children’s confidence, creativity, and success in school. The curated activities are specially designed to spark curiosity and encourage problem solving, foster imagination and language development, and give families the tools they need to cultivate continued learning at home.
Programming will include:
- June 28, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Storytimes with local author Dawn Chavous
- Puppet performances by award-winning Puppets Pizzazz
- Hands-on science demonstrations with local scientist David Buckholtz
- Gross motor activities with National Kids Gym
- Interactive art workshops with Project Joy Studios.
- July 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Storytimes with local author Angela de Groot
- Music performance by Miss Margaret
- Jump rope with Philly Girls Jump
- Science demonstrations with Grand Hank
- August 23, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Storytimes with local author Cousin John
- Music performance by Miss Margaret
- Backpack charms workshop with Project Joy
- Science activations with Mad Science
Tickets are available now to attend the June 28 program, and tickets for the July and August dates will be released in the weeks ahead of each event Ready-Set-School is free, but advance registration is required. For more information, please visit PleaseTouchMuseum.org/ready-set-school.