Bucks County Children’s Museum Completes Sensory-Friendly Renovation

The Bucks County Children's Museum in New Hope recently completed renovations and unveiled new, accessible, and sensory-friendly exhibits in time for America's semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) this summer. 

According to The Bucks County Courier Times, the renovation combines new exhibits with updated flooring and a focus on a family-friendly experience. The renovated space features hands-on learning with a refreshed 5,000-square-foot footprint and updated flooring, culminating in a more engaging layout for visitors. 

The original 5,000-square-foot museum opened in 2011, and five years later, it was expanded to 10,000 square feet.

Inside the museum, visitors will encounter a supermarket, auto shop, hospital, and a Revolutionary War-era George's Inn restaurant, all designed to be inclusive and sensory-friendly. Additional features include an ADA-friendly treehouse with tactile engravings, a Penn Medicine Doylestown Health-sponsored hospital exhibit, and an overarching Unplug and Play initiative encouraging pretend play and reduced screen time.

“All of our new exhibits are very accessible and very inclusive,” said Executive Director Kelly Krumenacker in a statement shared with The Bucks County Courier Times. “We have a lot of sensory-friendly areas that are low-lighting, quiet and that really accommodate kids with sensory challenges.”

The renovation project cost about $1 million, funded by a state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant alongside private and corporate donations.

Museum leaders said they plan to solicit ongoing feedback for 12-18 months to adjust their exhibit presentation based on child and parent responses.

Museum officials note that advance tickets are strongly recommended, as walk-in admission will be limited to avoid overcrowding. The Bucks County Children's Museum is at 500 Union Square Drive in New Hope. For tickets and more information, visit the museum's website.