During my latest trip to see my family in the Philadelphia area, we spent one afternoon in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Between the funky Mercer Museum, the unbelievable Kid’s Castle playground, and the cute downtown, we knew we had stumbled into an unforgettable town. My kids were clamoring for another trip to Sesame Place, so staying in Bucks County seemed like a good fit. With kids in tow, here are my suggestions for family-friendly Doylestown.
On our ride from Plymouth, Massachusetts, to Doylestown, we had lunch at Cafe Club in Montville, New Jersey. This coffee shop was just the right spot for an excellent sandwich and a latte to help us power through the rest of the journey to Doylestown. Let the family-friendly Doylestown adventure begin!
Kid’s Castle Playground
During our winter visit to Doylestown, as well as this summer trip, Kid’s Castle was a highlight both times. Imagine a true castle as a playscape. This is absolutely huge! My kids thoroughly enjoyed romping around and through this place for a very long time. There are also swings and a pirate ship for the younger set.
Mercer Museum
The Mercer Museum is one of three properties in Doylestown, once owned by archaeologist and famed tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer. The Doylestown area has a thing for castles, as even Fonthill, the home of Henry Chapman Mercer, looks like a castle. This museum, which he oversaw to house his personal collection, is designed of poured-in concrete just as his other two buildings are. Inside, you’ll find multi-levels chock full of pre-Industrial tools and anything else that he wanted to display.
Mercer believed tools that were used before the Industrial Revolution needed to be saved, and thus, his collection was born. Much more than traditional tools, baby carriages, cigar store statues, boats, and much more are also included in this. The museum consists of a ground floor with five stories above, winding their way around the bottom floor’s base. Scattered throughout are his collection, including items hung upside down from the ceiling and placed every which way. There’s a scavenger hunt for kids.
The museum is not only a fascinating look into the past, but into the mind of Mercer, whom we’ll continue to run into on our trip to family-friendly Doylestown.
Fonthill Castle
Our next castle to visit is the home of Mercer, called Fonthill, which is another castle reaching high into the sky. This was Mercer’s home, of which he also oversaw the construction. You can schedule a guided tour of the estate or roam around the grounds. The tour costs money; viewing from the outside does not. Fonthill contains a collection of his artifacts that he found while traveling the world, as well as his ceramics, which are placed on the walls of the home.
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
Mercer oversaw the tile manufacture that occurred in this building. Although now a museum, tile is still produced here using the molds and methods used by Mercer. The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works provides a fascinating look into the methods and the history of this lauded tile studio and factory.
Downtown Doylestown
If the kids are all museumed out, it’s time to mix things up a bit for our trip to family-friendly Doylestown. Doylestown has an oh-so-cute downtown. State Street and Main Street are the main drags in the borough. Check out the excellent Siren Records for your vinyl or cheap CD fix. Nonno’s Italian Coffee Parlor serves great coffee and bakes delicious treats. The kids will enjoy a trek into Busy Bee Toys. You can easily make a day of it just in town with plenty of choices of restaurants, a classic movie theater, coffee shops, breweries, and lots of cool stores.
Just a few blocks away is the Station Taphouse. This family-friendly restaurant is a loud spot housed in a former train station. Kids will love the SEPTA trains lined up and coming and going just outside. There is outdoor seating in nice weather. They serve pub grub such as burgers, sandwiches, and the rest. Enjoy a selection of local brews, including Tired Hands on draft.
Homestead Suites – Warrington
Located just about ten minutes from the center of Doylestown, Homestead Suites is a modern hotel offering large rooms ideal for families. There’s an indoor pool and plenty of parking. It’s a convenient, clean, and spacious hotel. It’s located on busy Route 611, where you’ll find plenty of amenities, including grocery stores, chain restaurants, and of course, Rita’s Water Ice! The Homewood Suites is a great location for your family-friendly Doylestown vacation!
