-PHILLY SUBURBS-

Free Things to do with Kids in the Philly Suburbs

Looking to do fun things with the kids that are FREE? There are so many free things to do with kids in the Philly suburbs and I’lll show you how. I grew up in the area as a kid and really took advantage of some of these options. 

In this video, you will learn:

• 10 free ways to keep the kids active and engaged
• Some unique ideas for those rainy or lazy days with the kids
• How community based areas will often have free options
• Some nice offerings from the library that you might not have known about

#1: The Library

The library! Most libraries offer a lot free events for children like storytime, STEM, and fun learning experiments. I grew up in the library and even as a teen I helped create events for teens so definitely check that out! 

#2: Parks, Farms, Farmer's Markets, Arboretums

I’ve lumped all of these into one category because there are so many it’s hard to count! Not only do you have local and national parks like Valley Forge National Park but you can also visit local farms with animals and petting zoos. I love Milky Way Farm in Chester County and Merrymeade Farm in Lansdale where you can see some of these animals. Farmers markets often have fun activities for kids as they stroll through. One of my favorites is the Doylestown Farmer’s Market. You can also go to arboretums like Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens to walk through the trails. 

#3: Outdoor shopping malls and town centers

A lot of areas like King of Prussia and Exton have town centers that are very walkable for strolls and where they will often have seasonal events and pop-ups free for kids. Places like Suburban Square in Ardmore have places to sit, relax, and serve as a playing area.

#4: Driving & Self-Guided Audio Tours

For those rainy days or days you just want to be inside you can do driving tours like tours of barns and bridges in Bucks County where you’ll get driving directions and audio you can listen to. This is also something you can do walking. In the wintertime, there are also drive-through local lights like the Herr’s factory Holiday Lights Display in Nottingham. Of course, you can always opt to drive through your neighborhood or nearby neighborhood during the holidays to enjoy the lights.

#5: Art Classes

Many community art centers and even art stores like Michaels offer in person and online art classes for kids. You can stay at home and do a class together or go in person. This is a great option for those lazy days as well.

#6: Museum Passes

Many libraries will actually let you borrow a museum pass to go visit for free. I know Delco definititely does this across its public libraries, so check your local library to see if they offer it as well!

#7: Outdoor movie nights and summer concerts

Many townships will have outdoor movie nights that are free and you can bring a blanket get comfy and watch a movie outdoors.

#8: Factory Tours

Did you know that Pennsylvania has historically been known for its manufacturing? Well there’s a couple of factories you can go to to see manufacturing take place, including Asher’s chocolate in Souderton and Herr’s chip factory in Nottingham which is currently free only for children 3 and under.

#9: Firework Displays

Many townships will host fireworks displays for free around independence day, labor day, and even new year’s eve. I’ve been to the Narberth fireworks which was a lot of fun but also many public schools will have displays.

#10: Community Centers

Last but certainly not least, many local community centers host tons of free events and they can even have giveaways there sometimes. Places like Greater Plymouth Community Center in Plymouth Meeting and even lots of YMCAs will offer free events. Check them out!