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educational attractions in pa

Find educational things to do in Pennsylvania with your kids. Have fun while learning at these educational attractions in PA. Looking to host a birthday party that is academically-focused? KidsParties.Party features museums, science centers and entertainers that provide hands-on educational parties in Pennsylvania.

Parents in Toto

Autism Resource Center in Zelienople, PA

Parents in Toto is a comfortable, welcoming environment where parents, diagnosed individuals, families, and friends gather socially, educationally, and spiritually without judgment or prejudice.  Toto collaborates with local professionals and agencies to provide support groups and activities for all ages.  Our community connections provide for appropriate referrals.

 

A varied retail area includes specialized items such as sensory fidgets, weighted blankets, magnets and decals, handmade jewelry, and Scentco products to benefit individuals with autism and related conditions.  We are located in a unique small-town store front.  Free services, parking, and handicap entry gives easy access and a world of opportunities to search out interests and friendships.

 

The mission as a non-profit at Parents in Toto is to help individuals of all ages living with autism or other developmental challenges and their families develop the confidence, skills, and acceptance they need to succeed in personal relationships, educational settings, and work environments through support groups, unique programming, and collaborations within the community. 

 

Our primary support groups are held at least on a monthly basis for the newly or nearly diagnosed: 

Boys Club for ages 8-12, 2nd Friday, 7-8:30pm

Young Ladies Group for all ages, 2nd Saturday, 11am-1pm

Teen Group/Dungeons & Dragons for 12 to 17-year-olds, 3rd Saturday, 1-2:30pm

Young Adult Group for anyone over 18, 1st and 3rd Friday, 7-8:30pm 

 

Free activities for all ages, include: 

Yoga Helps! Toto! on Thursdays, 4:45-5:30pm

Movie Day on 1st Saturday, 12:30-2:30pm

Recycled Art Fun on 3rd Saturday, 11am-12pm 

 

The ICONz ® Program is a 12-week class designed for middle school students through young adults to learn positive ways of responding to social situations and the underlying complexities of these interactions. Classes are held in a small group setting at Parents in Toto Autism Resource Center on Monday and Thursday evenings.  Registration and program fee is required. 

Tuscarora Wildlife Education Project

Environmental Center in Southern Central Pennsylvania

Visitors can look into the face of a lion or stand near a polar bear, compare a whitetail toa mule deer or a wolf to a coyote. Surprises can be found throughout the Charles Brightbill Environmental Center. The Center houses a large variety of animal specimens in dioramas. Among the habitats highlighted is an African savannah with lions, leopards, and many speciesof antelope. Another large display room highlights North American animals, with the tundra,desert, deciduous forest, and mountain ecosystems among the display space. Interactivedisplays offer excellent learning opportunities. Collections of nests, shells, rocks and mineralsare also highlighted in the Center. Educational opportunities are available for groups like schoolgroups, Scout troops, and Senior citizens that schedule visits. The Center is located on 15 acreswith walking trails of varying lengths throughout. Visitors can enjoy the trails at any time of day.Spring and summer offer great opportunities for birdwatchers to view many species of birds.

 

The Charles Brightbill Environmental Center is located near Mercersburg in south centralFranklin County, Pennsylvania. It is operated by the Tuscarora Wildlife Education Project Boardof Directors, the Center is a 501 C3 non-profit facility.

 

The Center is open the first Sunday of each month - October through April from 2:00 - 4:00 forfree Open House events. Visitors can also pre-schedule visits by emailing the TWEP director [email protected] or by calling the Center at 717-328-2126. There is a $5/person charge forthese pre-scheduled visits.

Awbury Arboretum

Green oasis in the middle of the city: Awbury Arboretum in Philadelphia, PA

Awbury Arboretum is a green oasis in the middle of Philadelphia's busy city life. Located over a 55-acre landscape, the historic house is a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Kids will have fun counting the frogs at the pond, while adults can visit the surroundings and historical monuments.

 

You can visit the gardens and the meadows, bird watch or simply have a picnic with your family while watching the butterflies. Visit the archives which contain photographs and records of the 19th century life and culture of Awbury.

Fleisher Art Memorial

Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA, is the place where art is accessible to everyone

Someone with an artistic side should not miss out on the opportunity of visiting the Fleisher Art Memorial. One of Philadelphia's most prestigious nonprofit organizations, Fleisher was established in the 19th century and is a great educational attraction in PA. The Art Memorial is a good place to practice your painting skills, as well as see exhibits displayed by artists from all over the world.

 

Tourists can visit the Louchheim and Suzanne Fleisher galleries every week day from 9 am - 5 pm and take part in the various competitions throughout the year. Merchandise and supplies are available for purchase directly from the shop, with a t-shirt priced at $20.

Franklin Institute

Science, technology, adventure - every kid's dreams come true at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA

If you hold an interest in either science or technology, you will enjoy visiting the famous Franklin Institute during your Philadelphia stay. The Franklin Institute features several tourist attractions, such as the Sky Bike and the Blue Angels Flight Simulator. To take part in the adventures, you will have to pay a fee of $5 and respectively $3. 

 

You can also see the museum exhibits up close or visit the theater. After all the fun, tourists can relax and eat at the Franklin Foodworks Express Cafe, which is opened every day from 9 am-5 pm at this PA educational attraction.

Independence National Historical Park PA

Unveil the history of the USA by visiting the Independence National Historical Park

The Independence National Historical Park was established in 1951 and has been considered a national shrine ever since. Start your visit with the Assembly Room and go to the Liberty Bell to experience American history as it happened. The Pemberton House hosts the park's bookstore, where memorabilia, souvenirs and postcards can be purchased. If you want to watch movies, head down to the Independence Visitors Center where free historical films are shown every day.

 

You can also visit the Underground Museum and look at the historical exhibits on display at this educational attraction in PA. Tickets must be purchased before touring the Independence park's museums and halls.

National Constitution Center

History is best learned at a museum like the one at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, PA

 Anyone that is interested in politics and history should take a tour of the National Constitution Center's museum. The museum hosts an impressive collection of Civil War artifacts, as well as a large library which is open daily between 9 am and 5 pm.

 

If you want to bring home a souvenir, go to the print shop where you can purchase old style prints that have the 1700 feel. Tourists who want to test their political trivia knowledge can take the presidential trivia quiz and learn more about American historical figures. During your visit to this PA educational attraction, you can have lunch at the Delegate's Cafe where the famous Philly cheese-steak can be experienced firsthand.

Penn Museum

Penn Museum in Philadelphia is the place where to learn about various cultures or just have a healthy lunch

The Penn Museum in Philadelphia is one of the best places to visit when you're in town. The museum was founded in 1887 and features extensive archaeology and anthropology collections from every culture. This is a great place for family visits, as the kids can attend the museum's workshop opened daily from 1 PM until 4 PM. The museum receives visitors every day between 10 AM - 5 PM.

 

When you are in a shopping mood, browse around the Penn Museum shops where souvenirs and small gifts can be purchased every day except for Monday. At lunch, treat yourself to a healthy salad and a sandwich at the Pepper Mill Café. This is a great educational attraction to visit when you are in PA.

Philadelphia Morris Arboretum

One can observe the nature in all of its beauty only at the Philadelphia Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, PA

A lover of all things nature will have a great time while visiting the Philadelphia Morris Arboretum botanical gardens. The gardens are spread over a 92-acre area full of various plants and trees. During spring and fall, visitors are offered educational tours and various other classes. Bird watching is a popular activity and your children will have fun taking pictures of the resident birds and raptors. 

 

The garden's shop is opened daily between 10 AM and 4 PM (5 PM on weekends). Here visitors can buy t-shirts and toys for their kids. The Morris Arboretum garden can be visited daily starting at 10 AM. Make sure you visit this PA educational attraction for a good time!

The Galleries at Moore

One educational attraction in Philadelphia, PA must be The Galleries at Moore

Philadelphia is the host of numerous art galleries, and one of the most visited one is The Galleries at Moore. The Moore College dates back to 1948 and fast became a cultural leader, today featuring daily exhibitions and a variety of school programs.

 

If you're in town, you can take a tour Monday to Thursday and on Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM, while Friday it's open till 8 PM. On Sundays and any other holiday the galleries are closed. Start your visit with the News Room, where you can learn more about this place and its history.

The Gettysburg Diorama

The Largest Military Diorama in the US!

If you're looking for educational things to do in PA, visit this cool diorama that lays out the Battle of Gettysburg like you've never seen it before. Get an up-close look in this fully narrated light and sound show. The diorama is made up of over 20,000 hand painted figures and buildings and represents over 6000 acres of land.

 

This educational attraction in Pennsylvania is fun for both kids and adults. The diorama is open seven days a week and is within walking distance of many interesting Gettysburg attractions.

Wagner Free Institute of Science

Dino bones and more only at the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia, PA

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is a must see educational attraction for everyone visiting Philadelphia, PA. The museum was founded in 1855 and includes a vast collection of dinosaur bones and other natural artifacts.

 

Visitors and researchers can browse through the institute's extensive library that includes personal notes of founder William Wagner and have a look at the fantastic exhibits displayed in the museum. Each month, a different specimen is highlighted. The museum features a shop where crystals and posters can be bought by visitors. You can visit the institute Tuesday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.