An hour from Center City, nestled in the gorgeousness that is Bucks County, is the town of New Hope. Despite its lively tourism, many Philadelphians have yet to experience the eclectic little Delaware River town home to charming boutiques, waterfront dining, a world-class theater and many other cultural attractions. While New Hope boasts a lively nightlife and year-round events for adults, there is also lots of fun to be had for little ones and their grownups. Read on for 10 things you should do with your kids in New Hope on your next visit!
1. Play pretend at Bucks County Children’s Museum
Where: 500 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA
Head to the Bucks County Children’s Museum for a few hours of play. It might be a fraction of the size of Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum, but there is just as much fun to be had at this curiosity inspiring spot—trust us! Many parents find it is much more manageable than the larger city museums, making it a great place for the younger set. Little ones will love pretend shopping at the kiddie general store, building their own racetrack and playing with water features. Even better? Admission is only $8 per person and children under one are free of charge.
2. Hop aboard at New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Where: 32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA
One of the coolest attractions in New Hope is this functioning railway from the golden age of rail. Buy a ticket online ahead of time for a 45-minute ride through the Bucks County countryside—the railroad offers everything from a Sunday Brunch and Evening Star Dinner ride to Murder Haunted Halloween and Trick-or-Treat experiences. There is also the New Hope Railroad’s Fall Foliage Trains, operating on the railroad’s full line to Warminster, a 35-mile round trip that generally lasts two and a half hours. And, during the holiday season, you won’t want to miss The North Pole Express, a magical event with Santa Claus, hot chocolate, cookies and sing-alongs!
3. Walk (and shop!) Main Street
This lively strip that runs through downtown New Hope is home to so many awesome shops and restaurants. Grab a bite to eat at MOO, a counter-serve burger joint with a retro vibe serving eco-friendly burgers, fries and shakes, all sourced from local-ish vendors. The Village Toy Shoppe is the perfect spot to pick up thoughtful, high-quality toys, while Farley’s Bookshop offers a great selection of books (don’t forget to pet their resident feline!). And what kid wouldn’t love to spin some colorful tie dye creations at type b Tie Dye Studios, which is basically a brilliant take on the old pottery painting joint.
4. Indulge at Dilly’s Corner
Where: 7085 Upper York Rd, New Hope, PA
Drive a little bit outside of town for some food and ice cream at Dilly’s Corner. A cup or cone from this joint is worth it! This old-fashioned, window-serve, fast food joint and ice cream spot offers al fresco seating on a charming patio. Their burger and hot dog menu definitely doesn’t disappoint either. Hot dogs and quality ice cream all at one spot? Talk about a kiddie paradise.
5. Explore at Kid’s Castle Playground
Where: 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown, PA
Potentially one of the most iconic playgrounds in the state of Pennsylvania is Kids’ Castle Playground. Technically located in Doylestown (which is only about a 20 minute drive from downtown New Hope), this playground is a must. It’s—quite literally—a castle! In addition to navigating their way around the giant castle apparatus, kids can expect traditional play elements, too, as there are plenty of slides, swings, a treehouse and a rocket ship to keep them entertained for hours.
6. Take in some nature at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve
Where: 1635 River Rd, New Hope, PA
Go for a magical walk in the forest at this can’t-miss outdoor attraction. The well-maintained trails of this peaceful preserve are sure to have plenty of butterflies, birds and other wildlife for your kids to chase. The trails are also stroller accessible, so if you’ve got a little one in tow who might get tired of walking, don’t hesitate to bring your clunky stroller along. Our favorite part of this spot, however, has to be the children’s library, which gives kiddos the opportunity to discover nature through various children’s books. Topics include amphibians, animals, birds, insects, seasons and more.
7. Pick fresh produce at Solebury Orchards
Where: 3325 Creamery Rd, New Hope, PA
Do a little produce picking at Solebury Orchards, one of the Philly area’s best local farms. From June until November, this bucolic Bucks County farm offers seasonal fruits, veggies and flowers to pick. (Apple season is by far the farm’s main draw, spanning from August until November.) Come during a fall weekend, and you can even take a wagon ride out to the apple orchard! If you want to ditch the actual picking, make a beeline for their market, which boasts fresh produce, apple sauce, cider donuts and more.
8. Take in a show at Bucks County Playhouse
Where: 70 S Main St, New Hope, PA
When local families think of Bucks County, they think of the Bucks County Playhouse, of course! Besides snapping a pic in front of the well-known playhouse, actually head inside to catch a show. While many of the Broadway caliber shows at this legendary playhouse cater to adults, the theater caters to children a few times throughout the year. Check the schedule for an upcoming family-friendly performance—don’t miss Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG Playhouse Christmas Show around the holidays!
9. Play games at Peddler’s Village
Where: 2400 Street Rd, New Hope, PA
You could spent an entire day at this New Hope staple! This 41-acre Bucks County attraction offers year-round shopping, dining, lodging and seasonally inspired family entertainment and festivals. Kids are especially dram to the Giggleberry Fair indoor family fun center, which houses a 1920s carousel, a six-level climbing mountain/maze with berry blasters (!!!) and an arcade. Also a crowd favorite is jaZams, a totally fun and clever toy store filled with items you will actually want in your playroom.
10. Become a farmer at Howell Living History Farm
Where: 70 Woodens Ln, Lambertville, NJ
Cross the bridge over to Lambertville and visit the Howell Living History Farm. Kids can learn about the history of farming, meet baby animals and do some clever crafts at this 250-year-old historic farm. They also offer sleigh rides in the winter, nature walks in the warmer seasons and a fun corn maze in the fall. Especially fun for little farmers-in-the-making are the hands-on programs the allow kids to get their hands dirty and try out farming techniques for themselves—with chores and everything!
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