"Mom, Are We There Yet!?" - Where To Go For The Best Kid's Entertainment

So kids, you're probably wondering, what is there to do in Bucks County? Parents, you're probably wondering, where the most family-friendly entertainment is to keep your kids happy.  Well, where should we begin.

Bucks County Playhouse

Address: 

70 South Main Street 

New Hope, PA 18938

Hours: 

Monday: Closed

Tuesday - Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Bucks County Playhouse

Are you visiting Bucks County in the dead of winter and have restless children with you? Well, here is the answer to all your problems. The Bucks County Playhouse is literally a playhouse which hosts plays all year round.  

Playhouse History

The Bucks County Playhouse is located in New Hope, PA just off River Road and next to the Delaware River. Built in 1790, Benjamin Perry (who is he? Click here for more details) rebuilt what is now the playhouse after the previous structure burnt down.  He named it the Hope Mills, which inspired the town to change the name from Coryell's Ferry to New Hope. 

Later in the 1930's, a Broadway playwright and Bucks County resident, named Moss Hart, influenced the community to save the structure from demolition and turn it into a theater.  This lead to the first Bucks County Playhouse play in 1939.  Over the years, many famous faces have made appearances at the playhouse, such as Grace Kelly, Liza Minnelli, Robert Redford and many more.

Some of the past children shows and events at the playhouse have been Free Movie Fridays, Sing-A-Long Saturdays, Really Rosie, Halloween Festivities and holiday events.

For an updated list of current plays and events, check out the Bucks County Playhouse's main page.

Feed the Ducks by the Delaware River

After you enjoy a nice day at the Bucks County Playhouse, don't forget to stop by the "Quack Shack" next to the playhouse parking lot to feed the ducks. Ducks are just as hungry as we are, and it's only a dollar. While you are feeding the ducks, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Delaware River and New Jersey. 

Kids Castle

Address: 

425 Wells Road

Doylestown, PA 18910

Kids Castle Welcome Sign

So, how many kids love playgrounds? Playgrounds can occupy children's time for hours, but how about a playground castle? 

Children will be amazed when they see Kids Castle located in Doylestown, PA for the first time (I know I was). This playground is unlike any other playground. Kids Castle is eight stories high. Recently renovated as of 2014, it is in mint condition, and it is ready for children to run around until they can't run anymore.  It is a great place for both parents and children to socialize with their peers as they enjoy the park and the playground.

Kids Castle Entrance

What's the best part about Kids Castle? The gigantic twisty slide from the top of the castle. The castle has mazes, obstacle courses, imagination stations, swing sets, monkey bars and not to mention the never-ending climbing to reach the eighth story. If this playground doesn't tire kids out, I don't know what will.   

Kids Castle

After enjoying the most intricate playground ever, relax in the neighboring park to take a leisurely stroll to end your day at Doylestown Township Park. It is even a short distance from Doylestown Main Street so stop by one of the many museums or have a bite to eat in town. 

Caution: Temper tantrums may occur while departing Kids Castle since it's just too fun to leave. 

New Hope, PA - Where New Jersey and Pennsylvania Collide

New Hope Sitting Area 

New Hope, PA is a fantastic area to visit because not only is it picturesque, but it is full of entertainment, history, shopping, etc.  Located directly across from Lambertville, New Jersey and 35 miles north of Philadelphia, it is not just a fun destination, but it is filled with history and historic sites.

Originally, New Hope belonged to the Lenni-Lenape Native Americans until William Penn was given the land (1,000 acres) due to a debt owed to Penn by King Charles II of England.  A couple years later, Robert Heath became the new owner of the land, and he created the first mill in the area.

Later on, John Wells purchased part of the land from Heath to open a ferry business, in which he ultimately named the town Well's Ferry. A few years after that, it was renamed again to Coryell's Ferry. George Washington lead his troops through what was then called Coryell's Ferry on his way from Valley Forge.  In 1837, Coryell's Ferry was renamed to its present day name of New Hope.

Another very important name in New Hope history is Benjamin Perry. Who is he you ask? Well, he is considered the "father of New Hope" because he brought great economical success to the area in the 1700's.

New Hope-Lambertville Bridge

Not only did Benjamin Perry bring economic success to New Hope, but he was a pioneer in creating the New Hope-Lambertville connecting bridge, the first New Hope bank and he even had a role in the construction of the Delaware Canal.

Delaware River in New Hope

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

Address:

32 West Bridge Street
New Hope, PA 18938

So, now that we have the history of New Hope down pat, let's talk about some of the attractions. My favorite aspect of New Hope is hands down the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. This railroad station is unlike any other you've seen before. It's not a typical modern day railroad...it's a steam locomotive. As you travel through the hills and valleys of scenic Bucks County, you will be enjoying the ride in a fully restored antique 1920's passenger railcar.

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad Passenger Railcar

The train has "hourly excursions" which run throughout the year on a regular schedule. The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad takes you through the peaks and valleys of beautiful Bucks County to the Lahaska Train Station and back again.

New Hope Railroad Schedule 

New Hope Train Station

Travel back in time and experience the wonderful hour-long scenic tour of Bucks County.  Don't know where to purchase tickets? Tickets can be purchased at the train station stop (pictured above) and conveniently online here. While you are purchasing the tickets at the station, don't forget to look around the gift shop. You never know what interesting tidbits of information/gifts you may find. Not to mention the history of the ticket booth itself, which used to be the location of the railroad telegraph operator.

New Hope Train Ride Information

New Hope Main Street 

After you take a relaxing train ride, enjoy a stroll down to Main Street and the New Hope - Lambertville Bridge. Main Street offers great options for dining, shopping, and more history. Of course, don't forget about Starbucks (Located at the corner of the bridge).

On of my favorite parts of New Hope is walking across the bridge and taking in the breathtaking view of the Delaware River on my way to Lambertville, New Jersey and back again.

New Hope Ice Sculpture 

New Hope Ice Sculpture 

If you come to New Hope during the winter months, keep an eye out for ice sculptures around the area. Fear No Ice Philly is an ice sculpting company in Philadelphia.  Fear No Ice Philly visits New Hope every year during their Winter Festival in January to create live ice sculptures and bring pre-sculpted ice sculptures.  It's a great event to attend since it is not everyday you see how an ice sculpture is made.

Attention: Want to know what's going on in New Hope throughout the year? Take a look at the upcoming events section of the New Hope website.