No beach house? No problem! As you and your family prepare to kickoff the summer months, be sure to make note of these fun, nearby spots that kids of all ages will enjoy. Plus, most are affordable or even free!
Dutch Wonderland is less than an hour and a half away in Lancaster, and the 30+ amusement rides and shows are geared toward smaller children. Featuring shorter lines than most local amusement parks, the ticket prices are also relatively affordable. Day passes are $41 for children and adults (2 and under is free!) but you can save $7 by purchasing a week in advance! In the summer, there are also plenty of water attractions for the little ones!
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park is one of our very favorite spots to take the kids on a nice day. The gigantic playground is enormous — the size of six football fields — and offers a giant wooden slide, and plenty of space for kids to run. Plus, the three-story playhouse offers creative play experiences for kids of all ages. And the best part? It’s all FREE!
On a rainy day, be sure to take the family to Bounce U, an indoor trampoline park where everything is inflatable! In addition to private birthday parties and events, the popular spot for kids of all ages has plenty of “Open Bounce” times – just be sure to check the website. With locations in Horsham, Exton and Langhorne, there’s bound to be a Bounce U near you! Admission costs around $11, and parents typically can bounce for free.
Spring Mountain is more than just a ski area! The popular adventure resort in Schwenksville offers exciting summertime activities including our favorite: zipline canopy tours through the wooded mountains! This day trip is more of a splurge (prices start at $89). Other things to do at Spring Mountain include Geo Caching (treasure hunting using GPS devices – fun for the whole family) and rock climbing.
Elmwood Park Zoo! Bring the little ones to this stroller-friendly zoo in Norristown, and check out the zebras, red pandas, flamingos and alligators on exhibit now. Plus, Elmwood Park Zoo is offering giraffe feedings daily! Daily tickets range from approximately $13-17, and parking is free and easy.