Whether your kids are budding scientists, aspiring artists, or drawn to the quirky and unexpected, South Jersey is home to museums that spark curiosity and inspire creativity for all ages. From hands-on science centers and interactive exhibits to colorful art collections and one-of-a-kind attractions, these family-friendly museums offer countless opportunities for learning and fun. Scroll down for the best South Jersey, New Jersey, and Philadelphia museums you’ll want to explore with your family right now. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Museums To Visit In South Jersey

Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
What’s cooler than a museum housed inside one of America’s most decorated battleships? Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, where you’ll learn about the military history and inner workings of the USS New Jersey, an impressive Navy vessel built in 1942 and measuring the length of three football fields. Sit in the chair Admiral Halsey used while commanding his fleet and relax in real sailors’ bunks before embarking on a tour that takes you five stories above and two decks below for a deeper appreciation of this historic battleship. 
62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ 08103

Doo Wop Experience Museum
The all-new Doo Wop Experience and Neon Sign Garden highlight architecture, design, music, pop culture, and everything else that put Wildwood on the map. See vintage lamps, clocks, and cool mid-century furniture. After all the nostalgia, don’t miss the bus for the Back To The 50s Neon Night Tour around Wildwood.
4500 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 08260

Edelman Fossil Park and Museum at Rowan University
This new museum, located above a quarry filled with 66-million-year-old marine and terrestrial fossils, displays a record of the final moments of the dinosaur world. The museum features exhibit galleries, scavenger hunts, full-scale reconstructions, free-roaming virtual reality, and hands-on exploration. You will even be able to watch an active paleontological excavation at a fossil site to see how scientists search for dinosaurs and fossils.
66 Million Mosasaur Way, Mantua Township, NJ 08080

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Travel back in time to explore military and aviation history at this family-friendly museum, featuring hands-on exhibits and activities for everyone. See the restored Hangar #1 building, learn about how Cape May was a crucial point during World War II, and view over 25 historic airplanes, helicopters, and jets. Your kiddos will love sitting in the cockpits of select aircraft, taking part in interactive STEM displays, and even climbing into an actual air traffic control tower. 
500 Forrestal Road, Cape May, NJ 08204

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum
This community museum and center occupies 40 acres along Tuckerton Creek at the center of the Jersey Shore. The entire area is an interactive peek into New Jersey’s rich maritime history, artistry, heritage, and environment, highlighting the unique contributions of its baymen. Tour museum exhibits, climb the lighthouse, or participate in their make-and-take crafts. After, head to the historic Captain’s House and Tea Room for a freshly baked scone and a spot of tea.
120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

Museums To Visit In New Jersey

Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of NJ
At this museum in NJ, it’s all about aviation. Explore the aerospace industry, including spaceflight, engineering, piloting, and research. You can also see various aircraft, helicopters, and airplane models, like the rocket engine that powered the X-15 for the military and the first American hovercraft. Don’t miss their custom-built “Fundamentals of Flight” exhibit, and be on the lookout for the Open Cockpit Day, where you can get a chance to experience being in the pilot’s seat.
400 Fred Wehran Drive, Teterboro, NJ 07608

Grounds for Sculpture
For the nature-loving family whose perfect day includes a stroll through the park, Grounds for Sculpture is the NJ museum for you. Forty-two acres of beautifully curated, diverse gardens are home to an ever-evolving collection of nearly 300 contemporary outdoor sculptures. Children will love to roam the fascinating landscape, stumbling upon colossal artistic structures, discovering hidden nooks and crannies, and doing a double-take at pieces that seem, at first glance, to be part of nature. Adults will enjoy the whimsical ambiance of the winding paths, twinkling lights, surprise ponds, bamboo forests, and romantic willow trees. Four indoor galleries make Grounds for Sculpture a destination year-round, and don’t miss lunch or dinner at the onsite Rat’s Restaurant, with its sublime setting that feels like a Monet painting come to life.
80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

Historical Speedwell
Introduce your kids to the world before cellphones at Historical Speedwell, aka “Birthplace of the Telegraph,” where you can explore the Industrial Revolution through guided tours and interactive exhibits. This National Historic Landmark museum has everything from the S.S. Savannah Exhibit, which explores the maiden voyage of the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, to the Factory Building, where Stephen Vail’s son, Alfred, worked with Samuel F.B. Morse to conduct the first successful demonstration of the telegraph. You can visit seasonally from April through October.
333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960

InfoAge Science and History Museums
At InfoAge Science and History Museums, there are over two dozen museums and exhibits, as well as community groups and volunteer organizations. The campus is a National Historic Landmark with artifacts, documents, tools, and machines spread across 20 exhibits in six renovated historic buildings on 30 acres that were once the famed Camp Evans Signal Corps. Many of the volunteers are retirees who have lived the historic stories our museums tell, so visiting is a complete, interactive experience.
2201 Marconi Road, Wall, NJ 07719

Insectropolis
Do your kids love creepy crawlies? At Insectropolis, take a trip into the insect world, where kids will learn facts and habits about bugs, bees, spiders, caterpillars, and rare insect species. The interactive exhibits engage and challenge kids to think and live like insects. Start exploring at Bug University to brush up on bug basics, tune into WBug Radio to learn how bugs communicate, and get the buzz on bees and their colonies at the Hive Airport.
1761 Route 9, Toms River, NJ 08755

Liberty Science Center
Located on the banks of Jersey City’s Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center aims to deliver science education to its patrons in an exciting and fun way. Spend time exploring Wobbly World for kids ages 0-5, explore the multi-story, suspended Infinity Climber, and see The Great Train Set exhibit and SUE: The T. rex Experience. With a calendar full of special exhibits that appeal to children’s interests (recent ones include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood), kids can enter immersive worlds, discover a different side to their favorites, and learn problem-solving skills. Don’t miss the BASF Kids’ Lab for your little scientist to participate in a hands-on science experiment. If that’s not enough, the museum is home to the largest planetarium in America.
222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Monmouth Museum
Known as the Museum of Ideas, your family will learn about art, history, and science through interactive experiences and exhibits. Younger kids will have a ball learning and exploring in the interactive, STEAM-based Becker Wing before moving on to the Meyer Art & Nature Area to visit “Stella,” the giant dinosaur sculpture made from auto parts. This NJ museum features family-friendly displays, including work by local artists, to inspire kids’ creativity.
765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738

Morris Museum
From its founding as a single collection in the early 1900s to its current array of exhibitions, educational programs, and live performances, the Morris Museum has flourished over the years. And a fun fact—it’s the only NJ museum with a Smithsonian affiliation. Kids can learn about NJ’s Native American history, watch a model train wind through an ever-changing miniature display, or touch a dinosaur egg in the Earth Science Gallery. Don’t miss the Bickford Theatre events throughout the year, including storytelling workshops, community concerts, and children’s theatre. 
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960

Museum of Early Trades and Crafts
Take a fascinating look at New Jersey’s connection to culture, trades, and crafts over the last two centuries. This New Jersey museum has over 7,000 historic objects in its collection, spanning the early 18th and 19th centuries, with children’s programs including Toys and Tales and the American Revolution. Don’t miss their permanent exhibit, where you can learn all about how men and women worked in the 1800s and how technology, innovations, and breakthrough inventions changed the world.  
9 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940 

New Jersey Hall of Fame
Enter the 10,000-square-foot Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream, now the permanent home for New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees. It’s full of state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits that recognize notable New Jerseyans and their accomplishments, from Thomas Edison to Buzz Aldrin to Springsteen and Sinatra. There’s something for everyone, from young to old, to check out, including a simulated space journey, meeting an NJ hero up close (thanks to real-size holograms), and virtual reality hometown tours with Hall of Fame inductees. 
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 08003

New Jersey State Museum
Visiting the New Jersey State Museum in our state’s capital is almost like experiencing four museums in one—different areas focus on a distinct part of NJ history. And the best part? It’s free to enter. Travel back in time with 2 million prehistoric and historical pieces in Archaeology & Ethnography. The Fine Art collection displays stunning works about New Jersey’s history and scenery in the latter 20th century. Discover everyday objects from the 17th century through the present in the Cultural History area. And finally, the museum’s Natural History exhibit features fascinating collections of native fossils, bones, minerals, and animal studies.
205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

Old Barracks Museum (Reopening March 2026)
Kids can travel back in time to this original military structure, built in 1758 as housing for British soldiers during the Colonial Wars and later used as a hospital during the American Revolution. History buffs will appreciate the collection of over 2,000 artifacts, ranging from fine art to militia, and exhibits spanning centuries of military history, the World’s Fair, and the Women’s Anti-Suffrage Movement. Check out their unique event lineup, which includes reenactments, a park cleanup day, and a Sunday Tea. You can visit from Wednesday to Saturday.
101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ 08608

Statue of Liberty National Monument
New Jersey families are fortunate to live next door to one of the United States’ most beloved and recognizable symbols of liberty and freedom—The Statue of Liberty National Monument—just a quick ferry ride from Jersey City’s Liberty State Park. Before going, check out the online Junior Ranger Activity Booklet for engaging activities to complete throughout your visit. Spend your time on the grounds of Liberty Island, climb into the Pedestal (the Crown is by reservation only), and enjoy the unparalleled views. Pair your Statue of Liberty experience with a visit to Ellis Island for a full day of Hudson River history.
Liberty Island on the Hudson River

Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Once one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits and zinc mines, the Sterling Hill Mining Museum is now an exciting underground adventure. Take a tour of the mine —the fourth oldest in the United States— and get an up-close look at actual mining equipment, drilling and blasting demonstrations, and explore the colorful Rainbow Tunnel. Kids will be amazed at how the rocks and parts of the mine glow in technicolor when exposed to ultraviolet light (don’t forget to snap a shot for the ‘gram). Learn more about geology at the Discovery Centers, Zobel Hall Museum, and the Warren Museum of Fluorescence, and try your hand at sluicing, which lets you go home with your gems.
30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439

The Newark Museum of Art
Explore the arts from around the world at The Newark Museum of Art, which features galleries ranging from Global Africa and Decorative Arts to a picturesque Museum Garden with rotating exhibits. Kids can participate in multiple interactive activities that engage them in geology, fire safety, renewable energy, and outer space. In MakerSPACE, little ones are introduced to the museum’s collections through songs, art, and storytelling. Special family events, such as movie nights and community art projects, are frequently offered as well.
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102

TiLT Museum
When you enter this magical land of optical illusions, your world will turn topsy-turvy. At the TiLT Museum, you’re not just there to look at the art—you become part of the colorful, mind-bending exhibits. Legendary urban artist Tracy Lee Stum designed this immersive, selfie-worthy experience where you can star in your own video game, fly through the city on a hot dog, or climb the Statue of Liberty amid dynamic backdrops that will tilt your whole perspective. When you’re ready to return to reality, enjoy the rest of the attractions at American Dream. 
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 08003

Museums To Visit In Philadelphia

Fireman’s Hall Museum
Benjamin Franklin’s legacy continues to influence Philadelphia. In addition to his many contributions to the city, he founded the first volunteer fire company in 1736. You’ll learn that and more when you explore this 1902 firehouse, an interactive museum of firefighting history in Philadelphia. Kids will love seeing a fireboat, reading about “Franklin’s Volunteers,” trying on fire coats and boots, and playing “When to call 911”. Don’t miss the 9/11 exhibit with a large stained glass window memorial to Philadelphia firefighters who died in the line of duty.
147 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Franklin Institute
Of course, the most famous exhibit is at the heart of the museum—kids will love going through the colossal heart display that stands over 220 feet tall and takes them on an interactive journey to learn how the human heart works. But there’s so much more to visit at this hands-on museum dedicated to the sciences. Head to the SportsZone and learn about the science of the human body, experiment in Sir Isaac’s Loft, or check out the Holt & Miller Observatory for rooftop stargazing with a historic 10-inch Zeiss Refracting Telescope. There are several special exhibits (past productions have included Lego Art and other creative expositions), so check the schedule of what’s happening when you plan a visit.
222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Independence Seaport Museum 
Formerly known as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, the Independence Seaport Museum offers a unique look at maritime history. Visit the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest steel warship afloat globally and one of only two ships from World War I. And check out the Submarine Becuna, a national historical landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The Seaport Museum is full of interactive exhibits, a research center, and programs for all ages, making it one of the top things to do in Philadelphia with kids.
211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
Not everything is what it seems is what you’ll be saying after a visit here. Get a peek into the optical illusions at this museum, where 60 visual and sensory experiences tease the mind and have everyone in your family questioning what’s real and what’s not. As you explore each immersive space, such as the Tilted Room, Anti-Gravity Room, and Swap Noses Room, you’ll see things in a whole new light (and sneak in some STEM learning for the kids, too). 
401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Philadelphia Museum of Art and “The Rocky Steps”
Did you ever wonder what’s behind those doors from the top of the “Rocky Steps” made famous in the movie? The Philadelphia Museum of Art has 200 galleries of world-class art, including everything from Medieval to Early Renaissance Art to Modern & Contemporary exhibits. For families looking to expose their kids to art early on, check out the kids’ programs, including the Art Kids Tour, Art Kids Studio, and Art Kids Summer.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Please Touch Museum
Museums are not always the best places to bring littles who want to touch everything, but kids are encouraged to get their hands on everything at the Please Touch Museum. This interactive playspace will capture your little ones’ imagination (and give you a bunch of awesome Insta-moments). Let your kids explore and shop for groceries in the Food & Family exhibit, “roast” s’mores in the Happy Camper section, and make a pit stop in your car at the Please Touch Garage—the only rule here is to have fun.
4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Science History Institute
Chemistry, chemical engineering, and life sciences may not get your kids’ attention at first, but they’ll get on board at this hands-on museum that immerses visitors into a world of discovery. The Science History Institute takes a deep dive into the fantastic successes, spectacular failures, and strange surprises behind the science that shapes our world. Learn about mechanochemistry, aka the “science of crush,” play with midcentury chemistry sets, or get an in-depth look into scientific instruments.
315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum 
Got a family that loves racing and cars? Then, make sure this unique museum is on your list. As one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars, kids and adults can explore the history and evolution of 70-85 historically significant cars, including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, and more. Stop in on one of their Demo Days, when a car from the collection will be highlighted, and you can see, smell, and hear the engine rev up. 
6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Get up close to giant dinosaurs, explore heirloom plants, and meet live animals at this leading natural history museum founded in 1812. This museum contains over 19 million specimens dedicated to understanding the natural world while inspiring others to care for it. Don’t miss Outside In, where you investigate animal habitats and how science and the natural world play a role in our ecosystem. And say hello to the giant saber-toothed gorgonopsid—if you don’t know what that is, it’s worth taking the trip to find out.
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103