Coming up with ideas to keep the kids occupied all summer can be challenging. Add in trying not to go into debt just to entertain them and it can be down right stressful! Of course, we'd love to hit an amusement park every week, but since that's not really feasible here's a list of fun, free (or low cost) ideas to try out!
1). Local Parks and Playgrounds
While going to a playground may not sound like a revolutionary idea- try scouting out a new one! Pack a lunch and make it an full day adventure. There are several brand new parks in our area that have awesome amenities as well as all abilities options. New(er) parks include Black Rock Park (Upper Prov Twp), Victory Park (Royersford), Reeves Park (Phoenixville), & David Myer's Jr Playground (Collegeville)! Many parks have creeks or water features, so grab water shoes and towels for a day of creek exploration! Check out our full list of local parks and playgrounds!
2). Kids Dream Family Film Series
Now through Sept 1st The Movie Tavern Collegeville will offer $3 tickets for select family films. Check out other local theatres for matinee options too!
3). Libraries
Our local libraries offer a treasure trove of programming, especially during the summer! From storytimes to family shows there are all sorts of free options to keep kids entertained throughout the week. Check out the Macaroni daily event calendar to see what's happening. Also, don't forget to sign up for summer reading program where attending events and reading at home can lead to prizes! Learn more here.
4). Splash Pads
Beat the heat at a local splash pad! We have a few locations locally: Pottstown (Fountain of Youth), Downingtown (Bell Tower), and Montgomeryville. Most turn the water on at 11am. You'll want to arrive early to get a shady spot, bring the towels and maybe a few buckets to share! 
5). Free Library Museum Passes
Local libraries truly are the gift that keep on giving. Our libraries have free passes to local attractions. It's worth noting each library offers different passes and they do have limited availability. Visit this website to check availability and learn how to reserve passes. You'll need to enter "museum pass" in the search bar and make sure "any field" and "all formats" are selected. However, with a little planning you can score free passes to the following:
- Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- America on Wheels Museum, Allentown, PA
- American Helicopter Museum, West Chester, PA
- American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia, PA
- Battleship New Jersey, Camden, NJ
- Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, Boyertown, PA
- Buck’s County Children’s Museum, New Hope, PA
- Chanticleer Gardens, Wayne, PA
- Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
- Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, PA
- Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, Philadelphia, PA
- Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, PA
- Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ
- Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY
- Historic Hope Lodge, Fort Washington, PA
- Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia, PA
- Japanese House and Gardens, Philadelphia, PA
- John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Audubon, PA
- Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Doylestown, PA
- MoMa (Museum of Modern Art), New York, NY
- Moravian Pottery & Tile Works, Doylestown, PA
- Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
- Mütter Museum, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA
- National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia, PA
- National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, PA
- National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem, PA
- Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie, PA
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, PA
- Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Strasburg, PA
- Reading Public Museum and Art Gallery, Reading, PA
- Rosenbach Museum & Library, Philadelphia, PA
- Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, Philadelphia, PA
- Tyler Arboretum, Media, PA
- University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA
- Wings of Freedom Aviation Musuem, Horsham, PA
- Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA
6). Valley Forge National Park
History is right in our backyard! Valley Forge offers visitors a wonderful chance to learn about the Revolutionary War or just relax in it's beautiful scenery and enjoy a day.
7). Local township/borough concert series
Free music abounds in the summer! Check out your towns free concert series as well as the event calendar to find more options!
8). Summer Fairs, Carnivals, & Community Days
Our area is fortunate to have festivals of all sorts in the warm months. While fairs and carnivals can sometimes get pricey if kids want to go on a lot of rides- most Community Day events are free! Many have entertainment, live music, and offer a chance to connect with local first responders and check out cool firetrucks. Keep an eye out for National Night Out events, which are also free.
9). Free Outdoor Movies
Bring your blankets or chairs and sit under the stars to enjoy a free outdoor movie! These are sponsored regularly by local townships and boroughs. Often there are food trucks on site, but you can always BYO snacks to enjoy! Check the event calendar for upcoming screenings.
10). Visit a Local Farm
Kids love farm animals and we have no shortage of places to visit them. Most of these are small businesses that will let you wander around and enjoy the animals for free. Some may have a small fee to feed the animals or run a store where you can grab veggies, ice cream, or other items to help support their business. Click here to see our Guide to Local Farm Animals.
11). Go to the Mall
When it's just too hot outside- head to the mall. There you'll find free play areas, air conditioning, and in some cases free events! The Willow Grove Mall offers free kids entertainment the 3rd Wednesday of each month in their new Kids Play series.
12). Always Check the MK Events Calendar for new, unique, and often free activities that pop up throughout the summer!
