Moving to Bucks County offers families access to amazing spots like Kids Castle in Doylestown. Nestled in Central Park, this award-winning playground has delighted children since 1997. Inspired by Henry Chapman Mercer’s castles, it’s a beloved local landmark. Many, like the author, cherish childhood memories climbing its towers.

Doylestown Kids Castle Features

Doylestown kids castle is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. The playground is divided into four sections, or kingdoms. Based on age and ability, they’re complete with several slides, swings, a treehouse and a rocket ship.

“Families, this is the real deal. Imagine you dreamed up an 8-story wooden castle that was ‘your’ size where you can pretend to be pirates, race your friends in the dual 40-foot tall racing slides, and more importantly, hide where your parents can’t find you and if they go looking, it’s kid-sized friendly so that you can beat them to the top! That’s Kids Castle, designed for kids but safe for adults,” says Jon B., Doylestown resident since 1998 and father of four.

Though the castle, its slides, swings, treehouse and rocket ship are specifically designed for children ages 5 through 12, the Doylestown playground is clearly a winner for kids from 1 to 92. And if playgrounds aren’t your thing, take advantage of Central Park’s 108-acre area. Complete with trails, pavilions, athletic facilities and open spaces, this park has it all.

Kids Castle Renovations

Having been constructed primarily with special pressure-treated wood and the best materials available back in the 90s, a safety inspection performed in 2012 determined that the Castle and the surrounding play structures were reaching the end of their lifespan. The wear and tear had caused significant decay and damage and despite regular and thorough maintenance by the Doylestown Township staff, the structures needed immediate attention.

In response, the Friends of Kids Castle committee was created. Each year as needed, the committee reconvenes to address the aging facility needs, money is raised, and volunteers are rounded up in large numbers in order to keep this special playground running as smoothly and as safely as possible, to the delight of community members. To date, nearly $600,000 has been raised to keep this playground up to date.

Most recently, the eight story wooden playground was closed for several months in early 2022 for the construction of two new inclusive play areas to meet the needs of children with a variety of abilities at all ends of the spectrum. Play features are also included for children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism/SPD, mobility impairment, and cognitive disabilities.

Bucks County Playground

Kids Castle is a must-see destination for families visiting Doylestown. It’s one of the best free activities in Bucks County at the park. Children can explore its towers, bridges, and slides while parents relax nearby. This cherished playground continues to inspire joy and imagination for all who visit.

For more information, visit the official Kids Castle website.

Photos courtesy of Christine Wolkin