Hands-on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster

With over 45,000 people served this past year through programs and services, Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster is here to ensure all children are prepared for success.

Did you know only 10% of eligible 3- and 4-year-olds attend preschool before starting kindergarten in Lancaster VS. 24% across Pennsylvania? Our exhibits and programs aim to bridge the readiness gap by focusing on:

Approaches to learning

Social and emotional development

Language and literacy development

Cognition and mathematics

Health, Wellness, and physical development

Strengthening parent's capacity to prepare children for kindergarten 

As a community touchstone for nearly 40 years, 

we are driven now more than ever to be...

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We are a member supported museum

Our donors are sustaining members of the museum community. Thanks to your generous support we are able to keep Hands-on House open and accessible for all. A donation made on November 21st supports the continuation and development of:

A legacy that spans generations

Hands-on House is a place where families return, year after year, to reconnect with curiosity, creativity, and one another.

From the beginning we have been here to foster the intellectual, social, and emotional development of thousands of children, offering exhibits and experiences that empower them to connect, create, and learn through immersive, independent, and purposeful play. 

Hands-on House is STILL (nearly 40 years later) here because of the support from people like you—-still inspiring curiosity, creativity, and immersive learning for a new generation of kids. This work, as a non-profit, depends on our community. 

Help us pass on the gift of museum play and education to ready the next generation for success. "Play it Forward" during Extra Give 2025

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Thank you to our community!

We're so grateful for the amazing nonprofit neighbors in our community! In the years to come we're excited to bridge missions and partner with more organizations to create new playful learning opportunities in Lancaster.

Whether it's been an interaction with one of our educators, a special family memory, or you value living in a community that centers the needs of families ...we hope that if Hands-on House has touched your life, you will consider supporting us in the Extra Give!

Simply sharing this fundraising page with your network goes a long way to helping us reach our goal. Know that every contribution is appreciated and deeply felt by the children and families we serve!

From all of us at Hands-on House: THANK YOU!