The Buck's County Children's Museum in New Hope is the local version of Philly's Please Touch Museum - a treasure for local families with young children! (Click image to read full story!)
As a new resident to the surrounding area, one of the first places I was dying to check out (for my kids' sake) was The Buck's County Children's Museum. I had known about the Museum for years due to my frequenting the Triumph Brewery, but I hadn't ever taken the time to come into town with my kids for shenanigans suitable for them (who would have thought... going into New Hope for the children? Ha. ). Well, since the children have sort of forced me to give my liver a break, I knew I finally had the opportunity to see what the Museum was all about.
At my first visit, without even stepping foot past the main lobby to give it a try or see what's its all about, I took a gamble and automatically purchased a membership. I figured it might be worth it since we live so close and it will pay for itself after a couple visits (and hey, any reason to come into New Hope is a plus, really). So, for around $90, I have unlimited visits to the Museum for a year for up to 4 people, PLUS a %10 discount to host a party there (which I am taking advantage of in about one month). Ok, sounded good to me. Once I was set up with a membership, we went in.
Now, I have to admit as a parent, I am rather neurotic about my children - how they interact with others, where they play and how clean the area is, staying within eye sight (or arms reach), etc. Well, I can't tell you how incredibly PLEASANTLY surprised I was by this place! Not only was EVERYTHING in the Museum is "please touch" style where kids have free reign to explore and learn in so many different areas of play, but it was very organized and simple and clean! It was not so overwhelming to the point where I could lose one of them, yet there was so much for them to do! Here is a quick list of the play areas that come to mind:
- Various cars with movable tracks and ramps to test out
- Archaeological digs with dress-up vests, brushes, and "fossils" in the sand to uncover
- Dress-up and role playing: Ice cream stand, post office, grocery store, train cart, ambulance with heart rate monitor, doctor's office with x-rays and light box
- Life size "Operation" game
- Surprisingly clean water table with boats/water toys, streams, gates, waterproof vests
- Wind tunnels with scarves and balls you can get to hover
- Hot air balloon basket and flight simulator
- Tree house and fort building station made out of recyclable materials
Every inch of the Museum has fun facts and learning opportunities that were like hidden messages among the play areas. I thought the overall flow and construction of the Museum was very well done and thought out. Certainly worth the membership!
PLAN YOUR VISIT and GET A BONUS: If you don't get a membership, the regular entry fee is $8 which isn't terrible, but check their calendar before you plan your visit! They have many drop-in activities that are included with the entrance fee! For example, we were there yesterday for the animal show presented by "Eyes of the Wild" where we got to see a tortoise, skunk, wallaby, and chinchilla!! The presenter was phenomenal and the kids absolutely LOVED it!! It was great and all included in the membership or entrance fee! Kids got a show AND got their energy out all over the place!
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