Building a Brighter Future: The Neighborhood North Museum of Play

Nestled in the heart of Beaver Falls, the Neighborhood North Museum of Play is so much more than just a children's museum; it’s a vibrant sanctuary where creativity, curiosity, and community flourish. As someone who holds this community dear, I was truly unaware of the incredible work being done here. This inspiring organization is devoted to ensuring that every child in Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties has access to innovative, play-based learning experiences that ignite a lifelong passion for learning.

Through a beautiful blend of art, nature, and technology, Neighborhood North is not only nurturing the minds of our youngest generations but also laying the groundwork for stronger families and inclusive communities. This initiative empowers children to dream big, discover their potential, and connect with one another in meaningful ways. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the transformative power of play and education in shaping a brighter future for all of us

The Spark That Lit the Way

The idea for the museum took root back in 2015 when the Big Beaver Falls School District joined an initiative to strengthen family engagement and early childhood education. Through her work at the Carnegie Free Library, Christine Kroger, a lifelong museum lover and advocate, saw firsthand the need for a dedicated space where young children and their families could come together to learn through play. She understood that play isn't just fun—it's an essential tool for social, emotional, and cognitive development. It brings communities together and lays the groundwork for lifelong success.

With Christine's vision and dedication, a team of like-minded individuals came together, and in 2018, the BF Kids Children’s Museum Advisory Board was formed. The board was comprised of community members passionate about the idea of creating a children’s museum that would foster learning through play for children of all backgrounds and abilities. By 2019, BF Kids became the Neighborhood North Museum of Play, with a mission to transform the way the community experiences learning, equity, and creativity.

A Place for Everyone

The vision of Neighborhood North is grounded in its core values: having fun, being curious, including everyone, doing good work, and being helpful. This museum isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about creating a space where all families, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or learning ability, can come together to explore, create, and thrive.

Neighborhood North is also about breaking down barriers. In Beaver County, which is home to over 18,000 children under the age of 9, access to play-based learning opportunities is vital. The museum aims to bridge gaps in education by providing year-round, affordable learning experiences that support every type of learner, offering everything from art and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities to cooking classes, coding, and even African drumming and dance.

Revitalizing a Community

The museum’s future home is in the iconic News Tribune Building, located in the heart of Beaver Falls’ downtown business district. This historic building, rich with local memories, will be restored to house the museum, creating a nexus for creative learning, community engagement, and economic growth. The museum will also form part of a larger vision to link the Carnegie Free Library with the Tribune Building, creating a community campus that will be a hub for learning and innovation. Neighborhood North’s connection to the Beaver Falls Innovation Corridor highlights its role as an anchor project in the county’s eco district initiative. The museum joins other community-driven projects aimed at revitalizing the city, including the Portobello Cultural & Life Center and the Penn State B-Hive, creating a network of creativity and growth from childhood through adulthood.

Play with a Purpose

At the heart of Neighborhood North is the belief that play is powerful. Play fosters curiosity,

emotional resilience, and a love of learning. Research consistently shows that children’s museums provide a place for families to come together, learn, and grow, while also contributing to the health and well-being of communities. The museum’s programs are designed to build 21st Century skills in children—skills like problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and perseverance.

Neighborhood North is committed to helping close the "curiosity gap" that can lead to inequities in learning. Without access to places like children's museums, many children are left without opportunities to explore, learn, and develop the skills that will help them succeed in school and life. The museum provides a safe, inclusive space where all children can explore their creativity and curiosity, helping to build a brighter future for themselves and their community.

A Bright Future for Beaver Falls

Neighborhood North is not just a museum for children—it's a community investment. By bringing in visitors, supporting local businesses, and offering educational resources, the museum will contribute to the revitalization of downtown Beaver Falls. It’s an investment in the future, where children from all walks of life can learn, grow, and develop the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As the museum grows, so does its impact. The Neighborhood North Museum of Play is creating a legacy of creativity, equity, and curiosity that will benefit families for generations to come.

Help Build a Better Tomorrow

Neighborhood North is dedicated to turning its vision into reality, but it needs the community’s support to make it happen. You can join this exciting journey through the 'Giving Gears' campaign, where every donation helps build the museum and fuels the dreams of the next generation. Your contribution will be famed with a personalized gear in the museum’s interactive exhibit, symbolizing your vital role in turning the wheels of wonder and creativity for local children.

Give a Gear today and be a part of their future: Donate Here

Visit:

Plan your next visit, and join in developing a future filled with creativity, connection, and endless possibilities!

• Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays: Closed

  (Special programs available on Tuesdays for field trips.)

  
  

Connect:

Stay updated and be part of the community by following Neighborhood North:

• Instagram

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Together, we can spark curiosity, strengthen our community, and build a brighter future for Beaver Falls and beyond.