MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. Internationally renowned museum dates back to 1812 and serves as a public forum for environmental research and education. Numerous interactive exhibits are particularly fun for children, and include live animals, dinosaurs, and insects.

OLD CITY. Built on the grounds of a historic black community, this is the country's first museum devoted to African-American history and culture, with more than 400,000 items on display. Exhibits cover the arts, education, the Civil Rights Movement, family life, medicine, politics, sports, and technology as these issues relate to African-American culture. Frequent lectures, workshops, performances, and seminars take place at the museum, as well.

ST. JOSEPH'S. This meticulously maintained estate houses an impressive collection of French modern art from notables such as Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The arboretum contains a greenhouse, pond, and woodland areas, as well as thousands of plants, many of them rarely found outside more temperate zones. Prepaid, timed ticket reservations are required ­ it is recommended that ticket and parking arrangements be made at least 45 days in advance. Limited on-site parking is available for a $10; there is also free street parking within five blocks.

MUSEUM DISTRICT & FAIRMOUNT PARK. A thirty-foot statue of Benjamin Franklin overlooks the scientific interactive displays at this local favorite. This unique museum houses the world's largest artificial heart and biggest pinball machine. There is a planetarium and Omniverse, which features a 79-foot domed screen with more than 50 high-tech speakers. A fascinating and intriguing stop, so budget plenty of time for your visit.

UNIVERSITY CITY. With one of the best archeology and anthropology collections in the United States, this museum has over 30 galleries displaying items from around the world. Exhibits range from Egyptian mummies to Greek coins, from musical instruments from Africa to Native American totem poles. Hands-on exhibits appeal to the kids, and there's a museum shop just for kids, too. The café, overlooking the courtyard garden, is a great place for lunch or a quick snack. Closed sundays from Memorial Day-Labor Day.