Visiting the World Around Us
I’ve been travelling recently. Seeing parts of the United States I’ve never been to and visiting new countries is something I had always wanted to do, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to realize that dream. Like the protagonist in many of the stories we’ve read, I’ve learned that you need to leave and return before you realize that what you were looking for was in front of you all this time. The Mercer County Library System offers a great selection of museum passes that are all local and full of opportunities for you to learn. Here is a list of our current offerings as we move into 2026.
If you want to do some research on opportunities beyond the library’s museum passes, feel free to explore the travel section at your local branch. Our Mid-Atlantic Region can be found in section 917.4!
Most passes that we offer are digital and can be sent directly to your email, so you don’t even need to worry about picking them up and dropping them off:
Admits two adults and five children under 18.
Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to understanding the natural world and inspiring everyone to care for it.
The Academy has more than 19 million specimens, all carefully documented and well-preserved for future generations. They serve as the foundation for an active research program that continues to focus on the critical environmental issues of our time, ranging from evolution and biodiversity to human health and climate change.
Admits two adults and three children under 12.
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial provides an up-close look at our nation’s military history. Guests of all ages and interests will enjoy their visit to this floating U.S. Navy museum of our nation’s largest battle ships ever built. From World War II to Korea, Vietnam and active duty during the 1980s, this is among the can’t-miss U.S. Navy museum ships open to the public today. A wealth of history along with engaging activities aboard our battleship museum awaits! This is a true crowd-pleaser among attractions in New Jersey for families.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Admits two adults and four children.
Located in Bucks County’s historic Pidcock Creek Valley, the Preserve is recognized for its ecologically diverse landscapes and features over 700 native plant species. Come explore about 4.5 miles of trails that wind through forest and meadows, and along streams and ponds.
Admits six people. Pass cannot be used to get into Terror Behind The Walls.
Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells held nearly 85,000 people over its long history, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone.
Admits two adults and four children.
Elmwood Park Zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species that hail from all over the globe. Highlights of the collection include giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas. A number of species in the collection are managed pursuant to an international SSP (Species Survival Plan) These programs aim to maintain and increase the size of animal populations that are under the largest threat of extinction. Other species in the collection represent significant wildlife conservation success stories, such as the American bison, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and American alligator. About two-thirds of the animal collection is on exhibit; many others are maintained separately for use in education programs.
Admits four adults, plus $5 admission for a maximum of two additional guests. Children under 12 are always free.
Committed to innovation, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation collects, preserves, and interprets modern and contemporary art, and explores ideas across cultures through dynamic curatorial and educational initiatives and collaborations. With its constellation of architecturally and culturally distinct museums, exhibitions, publications, and digital platforms, the foundation engages both local and global audiences.
Admits two adults and four children.
Immerse yourself in award-winning and interactive exhibits while visiting one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America. Home to Cruiser Olympia, the oldest floating steel warship in the world, and Submarine Becuna, a Word War II-era submarine, there’s something for everyone.
Admits four people.
This pass is only good for use at the Mercer Museum and cannot be used for entry to the Fonthill Castle.
Mercer Museum – By 1897 handmade objects were being discarded in favor of new machine-made goods. Historian and archaeologist Henry Mercer (1856-1930) recognized the need to collect and preserve the outmoded material of daily life in America before it was swept away by the Industrial Revolution. Mercer gathered almost 30,000 items ranging from hand tools to horse-drawn vehicles and assembled this encyclopedic collection in a system of his own devising. To enhance the collection’s educational value, and to share it with the public, Mercer decided to design and build a museum to display the artifacts.
Admits four adults.
A National Historic Landmark, Morven is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. This former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs and special events.
Museum of the American Revolution
Admits two adults and four children (ages 6-17). Children under 5 are always free.
The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures.
Admits two adults and four children.
The National Constitution Center brings together people of all ages and perspectives, across America and around the world, to learn about, debate, and celebrate the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution.
Up to two adults and four children.
New York’s first museum, The New York Historical is a leading cultural institution documenting over 400 years of American history through a peerless collection of art, documents, and artifacts. Our offerings span groundbreaking exhibitions; acclaimed educational programs for teachers and students nationwide; and thought-provoking conversations among leading scholars, journalists, and thinkers about the past, present, and future of the American experiment. The New York Historical is a museum of museums and a collection of collections. We elevate the perspectives and scholarship that define the United States’ democratic heritage and challenge us all to shape our ongoing history for the better.
Admits four total.
As a touchstone for colonial and revolutionary history in New Jersey, the Old Barracks Museum brings the world of colonial America to life through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation so that visitors can appreciate New Jersey’s history, the diverse people who made it, and why it matters. The colony of New Jersey built the barracks in Trenton to house soldiers. Two hundred and sixty years later, the Old Barracks Museum is still teaching the history of the Revolutionary War.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Admits two adults and four children.
A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers a world-class collection of American art, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and educational opportunities in the fine arts. The PAFA Museum aims to tell America’s diverse story through art, expanding who has been included in the canon of art history through its collections, exhibitions, and public programs, while classes educate artists and appreciators with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Pass admits up to six people.
The mission of the Museum is to “Change a child’s life as they discover the power of learning through play. More than ever, research shows the necessity of play in the social, emotional and cognitive development of children. The work of the Museum is to ensure that we are delivering outstanding experiences in a welcoming environment, which encourages learning through play. Our vision is of “a world where all children are creative, compassionate, confident and curious.” We understand the boldness of this vision, which is why we work to create experiences that cultivate curiosity, create community and are defined by excellence.
Admits two adults and all children in household under 18.
Visit Roebling Museum to learn about the town that helped build some of America’s most famous bridges!
Roebling Museum tells the story of the origins and growth of Roebling, NJ, a company town built by John A. Roebling’s Sons Company. Some of the most important technological achievements of the industrial age such as big bridges, telegraphs and telephones, electrification, deep mines, big ships, elevators and airplanes as well as everyday objects were built in Roebling. Here, ideas and diverse cultures were exchanged through work and the interactions of these communities changed the cultural and industrial landscape of New Jersey.
Admits four total.
Located in Philadelphia, PA, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars. Through our theme, “The Spirit of Competition”, we celebrate the history and evolution of these magnificent machines.
Assembled over 50 years by Dr. Frederick Simeone, the Museum contains over 75 historically significant cars including Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Mercedes, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, and more.
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Admits two adults and all children.
Washington Crossing Historic Park preserves the site of George Washington’s dramatic boat crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution and is a National Historic Landmark.
Washington Crossing Historic Park offers more than 500 acres of American history, natural beauty and family fun. The park preserves the site where George Washington crossed the Delaware River and turned the tide of the Revolutionary War.
-Andrew, Lawrence Branch
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