- All of the exhibits at Hands-on House are located on one floor. Kids and adults are encouraged to touch and play with everything, so expect to stay active! There is limited seating for adults.
- Admission is good for the whole day. Guests may leave and come back throughout the day.
- On average, most visitors stay 1 1/2 -2 hours.
- While the museum is stroller-friendly, a front or back child carrier can make it easier to get around.
- There is a small gift shop with toys and gift items priced from $1-$10.
- Payments are accepted by cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard.
- Hands-on House is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms, as well as a designated bus drop off site and parking spaces for visitors with disabilities.
- Please be aware that the museum may be more crowded during rainy weather or group visits, and plan your visit accordingly! In general, the less busy time at the museum is late in the afternoon.
- There are diaper changing tables in both the men’s and women’s restrooms.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the building. There is limited picnic facilities located on-site, which may be closed due to weather or museum programs. A staff member would be happy to direct you to a nearby park with covered picnic tables within a 10 minute drive.
- Hands-on House is geared for children ages 2-10.
- There must be 1 adult for every 4 children.
- All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
- Adults and children are expected to put away everything they play with.
Hands-on House features self-directed exhibits designed for adults and children to learn and play together. Adults can help the children get the most out of their visit to the museum by:
- Playing: Join in the playing, pretending, and fun.
- Asking: Talk about what your child is seeing and doing. Share your thoughts and ideas, too.
- Following: Let the child take the lead.
- Sharing: Help the child relate the experiences they have at Hands-on House with other experiences.
Please feel free to call (717) 569-5437 to find out when groups are scheduled so you can adjust your plans accordingly! Large group visits are generally scheduled early in the morning, but there is always a possibility that a school or other group may be visiting Hands-on House during public hours. April and May are the most popular times for groups to visit.
Hands-on House is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums Network, or ACM Reciprocal Network. Show your current membership card with an “R” sticker on it, and a photo ID that matches the name on the card to receive 50% off your admission for up to 6 people.
Of course! If you post any on social media be sure to use the hashtag: #HandsonHouse
Periodically, Hands-on House takes photographs and video of museum visitors and activities. These photos or videos may be used in promotional or editorial materials.
With admission to the museum, you grant permission to Hands-on House, Children’s Museum of Lancaster to use these photographs, pictures, and recordings of yourself and your dependents for any legitimate purpose.
Please notify the front desk if you do not consent to this policy. Feel free to ask any staff members with a camera not to photograph you or your child.
An aide that is accompanying a child with their family or adult guardian will receive free admission with proper identification.
Aides that are accompanying a child without another adult will be considered a guardian during the visit and will be charged admission.
Hands-on House participates in Museums For All. Those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain reduced admission of $3, for people in the same household, to Hands-on House simply by presenting their EBT card. Card holder must be present with proper ID.
The Blue Star Museum program, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, gives free access for active military personnel and their families with proper ID.