The Franklin Institute Tours

The Franklin Institute
Photo by Sara Crotts
Photo by Melissa K


The Franklin Institute is a splendid place to escape a rainy day. Here you can learn about all things science and have a bunch of fun at the same time.

This Center City display of scientific achievements is an interesting place to start your day of sightseeing. There's plenty to see in the vicinity, like Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, and University of Pennsylvania. Wander around at your leisure at The Franklin Institute before making tracks to these other fine sights.

Plan a trip to see The Franklin Institute

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Valley Forge Casino Resort
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Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

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Best Lodging Options Near The Franklin Institute

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Windsor Suites

The Windsor Suites

4 out of 5
1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
The Windsor Suites
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

3 out of 5
1301 Race St, Philadelphia, PA
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia

Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1620 Chancellor St, Philadelphia, PA
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

4.5 out of 5
120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

3.5 out of 5
31 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia offers an exciting array of activities, including engaging museum exhibits that showcase science and technology. Visitors can explore interactive displays, enjoy thrilling live demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities. Nearby, you can also find opportunities for art, sports, and theater, making it a great destination for a well-rounded experience. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of science while enjoying the vibrant culture of Philadelphia.

Shopping

The nearest shopping areas are Rittenhouse Row, just 0.6 miles away, and Reading Terminal Market, 0.8 miles away, both offering vibrant city vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Cherry Hill Mall, located 8 miles away, featuring entertainment and family-friendly shopping options.

Recreation

Discover tranquility at Fairmount Park, just 3 miles away, where you can enjoy nature walks and serene picnic spots. For entertainment, the Kimmel Center, 0.9 miles away, offers captivating performances. Family fun awaits at Francisville Playground, located 0.8 miles away, featuring outdoor play and relaxation.

Adventure

Explore the Schuylkill River Trail, a scenic hiking path located 0.4 miles from The Franklin Institute, perfect for outdoor adventures. For water sports enthusiasts, Boathouse Row, 1 mile away, offers thrilling activities. Climb to new heights at Go Vertical, situated 2 miles from the museum, for an exhilarating experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near The Franklin Institute. Catch a show at the nearby Freedom Mortgage Pavilion for a cultural evening, or enjoy some fun at Lucky Strike Lanes, the arcadeAdventureZone that’s perfect for adventure seekers. Don't miss the romantic ambiance at Walnut Street Theatre, just a mile away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is a hub of culture and education, surrounded by historic government buildings and modern universities. Visitors can explore the renowned science museum, delve into local history at the Philadelphia Museum, and enjoy family-friendly activities. With a vibrant city atmosphere, there are plenty of nearby attractions to enhance your experience, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both knowledge and entertainment.

  • Rittenhouse Square: This vibrant neighborhood is a lovely urban oasis, featuring lush greenery, art, and people-watching opportunities. Explore nearby cafes and boutiques while enjoying the lively atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Pennsylvania Convention Center: A hub of business and innovation, this expansive venue hosts various events and exhibitions. The modern architecture and dynamic environment make it an interesting spot to witness the city's professional pulse.
  • University of Pennsylvania: As one of the oldest universities in the U.S., Penn boasts stunning architecture and a rich history. The campus features beautiful gardens and art installations, offering a delightful blend of education and culture.

Best time to go to The Franklin Institute

The best time to visit The Franklin Institute can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Franklin Institute falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Franklin Institute falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Franklin Institute

To save money while visiting The Franklin Institute, consider traveling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Mondays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations, and don't forget to check for Eco-certified hotels. Save even more by bundling your flights and hotel with an Expedia package deal. Join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Also, explore free activities in the area to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Franklin Institute are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Franklin Institute is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around The Franklin Institute is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool empowers you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the ability to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Franklin Institute with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia