Hands-on House Children’s Museum | Lancaster

Hands-on House Children’s Museum is a nonprofit, interactive museum located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, designed specifically for children ages 2 to 10 and their caregivers. The museum’s mission centers around learning through play, with exhibits and programs that encourage creativity, discovery, and early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Location and Accessibility

The museum is situated at 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601. It’s easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. The museum’s design prioritizes a safe, welcoming environment where young children and families can explore at their own pace.

Hours and Admission

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Closed on Mondays

Admission Fees:

Children (ages 2–10): $12

Adults: $10.50

Reduced rates for SNAP cardholders ($3), active/retired military ($9), and free admission for members and nurses/aides with ID.

Blue Star Museum program offers free admission to military families during summer months.

Exhibits and Learning Areas

Hands-on House offers diverse, immersive exhibits designed to engage children in active, imaginative learning.

The Village:
A scaled-down community setting featuring a grocery market, veterinary office, ice cream truck, and post office. This area helps children understand the roles people play in a community, encouraging social interaction and imaginative play.

The Village Farm:
An agricultural-themed space with a life-sized tractor, barn, hen house, and apple tree. It teaches kids about farming, animal care, and the importance of agriculture in everyday life.

The Tech Lab:
This area focuses on technology and creative expression, with interactive stations like a Draw-Alive digital art table, a mini robotic arm, a piano, and floor games that build hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.

The ABC Construction Zone:
A construction-themed exhibit with hands-on activities such as operating a crane, tool stations, and the “Amazing Airways” wall that demonstrates air currents. It encourages exploration of engineering concepts through play.

Mason’s Active Adventure Garden:
An outdoor play area featuring slides, tunnels, a pirate ship, sandpit, playhouse, and a STEM-focused nature trail. This space promotes physical activity, exploration, and learning about nature.

The Play Lab:
A flexible, rotating exhibit space with monthly themes. Activities here include STEM challenges, sensory bins, and art projects. A trained educator is available to assist and guide children’s learning experiences.

Programs and Events

Free Weekly Classes:
Hands-on House offers weekly classes in art, STEM, and literacy included with admission, encouraging ongoing learning and creativity.

Summer Camps:
Seasonal camps are designed around engaging themes that inspire hands-on exploration and self-guided activities.

Sensory Friendly Sundays:
Special monthly sessions provide a quieter, low-stimulation environment for children with sensory sensitivities.

Birthday Parties:
The museum offers private birthday party packages that include admission, use of a private party room, and party supplies to create a fun, memorable celebration.

Outreach Programs:
Hands-on House extends its educational impact beyond the museum with programs brought directly to schools and community centers.

Visitor Information and Tips

Children must be accompanied and supervised at all times, with a recommended ratio of one adult for every four children.

Strollers are allowed, though some exhibit areas may be easier to navigate without them.

Outside food is not permitted inside the museum, but picnic areas are available for dining.

Photography for personal use is allowed; however, commercial photography requires prior approval.

To support visitors with sensory needs, noise-dampening headphones are available free of charge.

Educational Philosophy

Hands-on House fosters learning through interactive, playful experiences that promote cognitive, social, and physical development. The museum’s exhibits are carefully designed to engage children in exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Contact Information

Address: 721 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

Phone: (717) 569-5437

Hands-on House Children’s Museum provides a vibrant, educational environment that nurtures curiosity and discovery for young children, making it a valuable resource for families and educators in Lancaster and the surrounding region.