Philadelphia's Top Stuff For Tweens (9-12)

It's pretty easy to keep the littlest kids entertained, but how do you keep your older kids having fun? Here in Philadelphia, there is plenty to charm the tween set. From the creepy to the crawly to the educational, you can find something that will keep even the crankiest preteen excited and happy. Below you'll find the most interesting things for kids nine to twelve. -Cecily Kellogg

The Mütter Museum

19 South 22nd Street
(215) 563-3737
http://www.collphyphil.org/MUTTER.ASP

You can't go wrong with this museum of medical oddities. From the "Soap Woman" to drawers and drawers of items swallowed by various humans, you'll get squeals of delight (and possibly, disgust!) from the tween set.

Insectarium

8046 Frankford Avenue
215-335-9500
http://www.myinsectarium.com/

This is the place where bugs go to die – and live! The only solely-bugs museum, you might squirm a bit while visiting, but kids will love it.

Franklin Institute

222 North 20th Street
(215)448-1200
http://www2.fi.edu/

With its unique focus on science as well as hands-on experiments and the walk-through Giant Heart, both big and younger kids will have a great time here.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 West Girard Avenue
(215) 243-1100
http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/

With tons of live animals, including a recently-added bird house where you can get up close and personal with feathered friends of all sizes and shapes, kids of all ages will love America's First Zoo.

Franklin Square

6th and Race
(215) 629-4026
http://historicphiladelphia.org/day/franklin-square/

Older kids might not enjoy the merry-go-round so much, but there's also putt putt golf and great milkshakes that will hit the spot.

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

19th & Ben Franklin Parkway
(215) 299-1000
http://www.ansp.org/

Located close to the Franklin Institute, this museum can fill-out a full day of scientific exploration for kids. Check out the butterfly house for a real treat.

The Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ
(856) 365-3300
http://www.adventureaquarium.com/

Okay, this is actually in Camden, but it's just a short ferry ride across the Delaware River. The 3D movie theater is a perfect treat for older kids – but be prepared, the chairs spray you!

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

26th street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 763-8100
http://www.philamuseum.org

From ancient classics to crazy moderns, this museum offers something for everyone.