Bored kids? 16 affordable places within an hour of Bucks County to check out this summer
We’re halfway through July with plenty of summer days left to enjoy.
All around Bucks County, there are a lot of great activities geared especially towards kids and families, including the Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope, Sesame Place in Langhorne, and TreeTrails Adventures in Trevose.
But the cost of keeping your kids entertained all summer long can start to add up, and perhaps you’re craving a change of scenery. Well, we’ve got you covered with a list of budget-friendly day trip ideas around Montgomery County, Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley and just across the river in New Jersey.
So, load up your car and head to one of these 16 fun places within an hour’s drive of Bucks County:
Montgomery County
Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
Owned and operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, Elmwood Park Zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species from all over the globe, including giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars and red pandas.
Cost: Starts at $16.95 for children, $21.95 for adults. Kids 2 and under are free.
Go: 1661 Harding Blvd. in Norristown; 800-652-4143; elmwoodparkzoo.org
Montgomery Township Spray Park, Montgomeryville
Located outside the Montgomery Township Community & Recreation Center, the Spray Park consists of a shade sail area with small sprinklers for young children and a second section with larger sprinklers for older, more active children. While there, be sure to check out the accessible playground designed for children of all abilities.
Cost: Free
Go: 1030 Horsham Road in Montgomeryville; 267-649-7200; montcrc.myrec.com
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The Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s, Norristown
If your kids love Thinking Putty, then head over to The Shop @ Crazy Aaron’s for one-of-a-kind Thinking Putty and Land of Dough items exclusively available at their flagship store. And don’t miss the shop’s “Mixed by Me” experience, where customers can make their very own mini tin of Thinking Putty for free.
Cost: Purchases vary; Mixed by Me mini tin is free
Go: 700 East Main St. in Norristown; 610-784-0607; crazyaarons.com/pages/flagship-store
Freddy’s Family Fun Center, Lansdale
Located on Freddy Hill Farms, known for its milk and homemade ice cream, is Freddy’s Family Fun Center, which includes two miniature golf courses, batting cages, a driving range and a pro shop. While you’re there grab some cool treats from their ice cream parlor to enjoy in their nearby picnic area.
Cost: Mini golf starts at $3 for kids, $6 for adults; driving range starts at $6; and $1.50 per batting cage token
Go: 1440 Sumneytown Pike in Lansdale; 215-855-1205; freddyhill.com
Lehigh Valley
Da Vinci Science Center, Allentown
Designed for families with children ages 12 and under, the Da Vinci Science Center is full of engaging hands-on exhibits and programs centered around science, technology, engineering and mathematics to help kids learn through interactive play.
Cost: Tickets are $15.95
Go: 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass in Allentown; 484-664-1002; davincisciencecenter.org
Imagi Nation, Allentown
Through realistic, interactive role play, children can experience over 40 different careers all while developing critical social skills throughout various play areas, including a market, salon, health center, diner, pit lane, police and fire station, post office and construction zone.
Cost: Tickets range from $9.95 to $15.95. Free admission for one adult with purchase of child’s ticket.
Go: 3313 Hamilton Blvd. in Allentown; 610-841-5919; imaginationexp.com
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Pennsylvania Youth Theater, Bethlehem
Catch a play or musical by the Pennsylvania Youth Theater, a nonprofit performing arts organization that puts on performances showcasing the work of its students, as well as mainstage productions featuring professional adult actors, as well as children and young people, who perform for school and family audiences throughout the year.
Cost: Tickets start at $10
Go: Charles A. Brown Historic Ice House, 56 River St. in Bethlehem; 610-332-1400; 123pyt.org
Lehigh Valley IronPigs Baseball, Allentown
Take the kids out for a day of baseball, rooting for The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies since 2008. “The greatest family-fun experience in the Lehigh Valley and best way to watch the future stars of the Phillies today,” said Sam Jellinek, manager of broadcasting & media relations.
Cost: Tickets start at $9
Go: Coca-Cola Park, 1050 IronPigs Way in Allentown; 610-841-PIGS; milb.com/lehigh-valley
Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville
Located in the heart of the Trexler Nature Preserve, Lehigh Valley Zoo is home to more than 325 animal ambassadors representing over 125 species. The zoo hosts family-friendly events and activities year-round.
Cost: Tickets range from $14 to $16. Kids 2 and under are free.
Go: 5150 Game Preserve Road in Schnecksville; 610-799-4171; lvzoo.org
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Lost River Caverns, Hellertown
Go on an adventure at Lost River Caverns with a guided walking tour covering approximately 1,200 feet of paved walkways underground taking you through chambers and passageways full of natural rock formations and through which the Lost River flows.
Cost: Starts at $9.50 for children, $14.50 for adults. Kids 2 and under are free.
Go: 726 Durham St. in Hellertown; 610-838-8767; lostcave.com
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theater, Orefield
Get a dose of nostalgia and catch a movie under the stars at Shankweiler’s, the oldest drive-in theater still in operation. And hit up the snack bar for an assortment of drinks and food, including hot dogs, French fries, soft pretzels, ice cream, water ice, funnel cake and popcorn.
Cost: Tickets start at $8 for children, $12 for adults
Go: 4540 Shankweiler Road in Orefield; 610-481-0800; shankweilers.com
Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is an immersive mixed media art environment covered with mosaics created by artist Isaiah Zagar using handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. The exploratory space is made up of two indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden and celebrates art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions and tours.
Cost: Tickets start at $8 for children, $15 for adults. Children 5 and under are free.
Go: 1020 South St. in Philadelphia, 215-733-0390; phillymagicgardens.org
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Sister Cities Park, Philadelphia
Sister Cities Park includes the Children’s Discovery Garden where kids can explore nature in an urban setting. Features include winding pathways, scalable rocks, a meandering stream, a playnet and platform, a stream dam, tunnel log and a sensory-friendly twig nest. There is also a wading pond and fountain splash pad with 10 spray jets for kids to cool off in.
Cost: Free
Go: 18th St. and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia; centercityphila.org/parks/sister-cities-park
Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Philadelphia
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a public 92-acre horticultural display garden, featuring a rotation of exhibits, historic structures and a swan pond. There are plenty of things for kids and families to see and do, including the Garden Railway, Tree Canopy Walk and Whimsical Woods, as well as kids activities and events.
Cost: Tickets start at $10 for children, $20 for adults. Kids 2 and under are free.
Go: 100 E. Northwestern Ave. in Philadelphia; 215-247-5777; morrisarboretum.org
New Jersey
Music Mountain Theater, Lambertville
Check out the Young Audience schedule at Music Mountain Theater for family-friendly shows perfect for introducing children to live theater. Shows are approximately 1 hour in length and recommended for audiences 5 and up.
Cost: Tickets for Young Audience performances are $10
Go: 1483 Route 179 in Lambertville; 609-397-3337; musicmountaintheatre.org
Frenchtown Roller Rink, Frenchtown
Roll your way over to this indoor rink open where they offer public skate sessions five days a week with music, lights and décor that transport you back to your own childhood.
Cost: Admission starts at $6, rentals start at $1
Go: 2998 Daniel Bray Highway in Frenchtown; 908-996-6313; frenchtownrollerrink.com
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Free or cheap summer family day trips within an hour of Bucks County
