Finding something that keeps all your kids happy for more than 20 minutes? Not easy.
So when we planned a day at The Franklin Institute with our kids, ages 3, 7, and 9, I wasn’t totally sure what to expect.
This article is sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are the author’s own.
But between the hands-on exhibits and the brand-new Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition — making its world premiere at The Franklin Institute — it ended up being one of those rare outings where everyone was genuinely into it.
The movie tie-ins (Minions, Jurassic Park, Nintendo, Harry Potter, and more) pulled my kids in immediately, and somehow turned all the science, engineering, and behind-the-scenes details into something they actually cared about, which made the whole “learning” part feel effortless.
This isn’t just a small add-on exhibit either. It’s a massive, multi-room experience with dozens of hands-on stations and behind-the-scenes pieces to explore.
What Is Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition?
The goal of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is to walk visitors through the making of a theme park. It’s not just about the rides — though we’ll get to those — but also the set design, lighting, projections, robotics, costumes, treats, and all the little details that bring these magical worlds to life.
Universal is known for creating some of the most immersive theme park experiences in the world, and this exhibit at The Franklin Institute takes families behind the scenes to see how it all comes together.
But what makes it really stand out is that you’re not just observing. You’re actually stepping into the process. Kids (and adults!) get to design, test, and experiment as they go, which makes everything click in a completely different way.
Visitors can see how projections are designed and mapped onto buildings, how robotic characters are programmed, how roller coasters work, and even how concession treats and costumes are chosen. Throughout the experience, there’s a mix of movie props, hands-on activities, and videos from Universal team members, making it feel like part exhibit, part behind-the-scenes tour, and part career inspiration for curious kids and teens.
Get tickets to Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition →
Hands-On Fun Around Every Corner
The best part of the entire exhibit is how interactive it is. Every room had multiple opportunities to design your own piece of a theme park or learn how something works.
My little guy was still talking days later about how he made the sheep’s eyes and body move. Our kids see animatronic characters in the parks, but getting the chance to be the one programming and making them move was really special.
Throughout the exhibit, there are tons of stations, each one tailored to a different aspect of theme park design, and all fun and engaging in their own way.
The Roller Coaster Room Was a Family Favorite
My husband’s favorite room was definitely the roller coaster experience. It was my favorite too.
This room had a little bit of everything for coaster lovers. There was a piece of wheel and track you could examine and move to see how it stays on course through wild twists and turns. There was a bench where you could sit and “ride” several of Universal’s coasters from around the globe. There was also a design kiosk where you drew and built your own coaster in a simulator. (Spoiler alert: it’s much harder than it looks!)
Kids could also try a hands-on physics experiment where they sent a ball soaring down a loop-de-loop track. We easily could have spent way longer in this room alone.
And finally, my oldest’s favorite part: the real-life coaster motorbike and sidecar used in Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, her favorite ride at Universal Islands of Adventure.
Spooky Effects and Sweet Treats
For those who love a little gore, there is a room filled with all things spooky — masks, creepy lighting, sound effect stations, and a “create your own monster” design studio experience.
The last section of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition is where my middle child was happiest: the concessions. She spent most of her time designing holiday-themed cookies and popcorn buckets to thrill parkgoers of all ages. She could have stayed there the rest of the day.
The exhibit includes a variety of movies, themes, and experience levels. Adults and teens may spend more time diving into the videos and more in-depth science aspects of each room, while younger kids have plenty to do at “create your own” stations and play-based learning. Little ones can still have a great time pushing buttons, sending balls flying down coaster tracks, and pointing out their favorite characters.
Make Time for the Rest of The Franklin Institute, Too
Beyond the Universal exhibit, we easily filled the rest of the day exploring hands-on favorites like Sir Isaac’s Loft (tons of physics fun), Sports Zone, and the giant heart in Body Odyssey — which my kids loved crawling through. Between it all, it’s an easy way to fill a whole day, and kids will be having so much fun they won’t even realize how much learning they’re doing. Mom win.
Tips for Visiting The Franklin Institute
- Budget enough time. There is so much to see and do. If you want to see it all, plan to spend the day.
- The museum is stroller-friendly. Bring one if you need it.
- Check showtimes for the Demonstration Theater and Planetarium before you go so you can plan your day around the shows you want to see.
- Arrive for shows at least 10 minutes early. They fill up fast.
- The Universal exhibit is a one-time entry. You can spend as long as you like inside, and there is plenty to do, so expect it to take more than an hour.
- Consider what time you visit. I’d suggest visiting Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition when you first arrive or after lunch, since there are no bathrooms or food/drink opportunities inside the exhibit.
- Convenience matters for families. There is a parking garage and café on-site!
- Consider an annual pass. Depending on the size of your family, it can pay for itself in just one or two visits, and there’s so much to do, you’ll probably want to come back.
A Great Museum Day
If you’re looking for a family outing that actually works for everyone (and doesn’t feel like a battle), this is it. It’s fun, interactive, and just educational enough to feel like a win ... without anyone rolling their eyes.
And with summer coming up, it’s an easy, air-conditioned day trip you’ll be glad you planned.
