It’s the age-old question for parents everywhere: What are we going to do today? The dilemma can strike at any time. It may be the weekend or a weekday when—whoops!—everybody’s home and you’ve got no plans. For days like this, you need a “go-to” list of family fun spots in your proverbial back pocket.

That’s why we made this Guide, with the help of the Main Line Parent Community! Specifically, it’s a handy compilation of destination playgrounds, amusement parks, zoos, orchards and farms, gardens and nature centers, and museums and attractions that are close to home and family friendly. So before the day melts into boredom or excessive screen time, consult this guide to get your crew out of the house for some family fun. (PS: It includes some indoor fun, too!) Thinking about bringing along your furry family member? Some places will allow your pup, but best to check before leaving the house!

Destination Playgrounds

Ashbridge Memorial Park

1301 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont

Comprising more than 28 acres, Ashbridge Memorial Park is named for the 18th century farmhouse, which still stands on the grounds. However, it’s fondly known by many as “Spider-Man park,” for its extensive playground with climbing and more! Overall, the park offers lots of family fun including a gravel/macadam path encircling the park for strolling and jogging.

Haverford Freedom Playground

3500 Darby Road, Haverford

For an expansive play area that will occupy your kids for hours, head to the Haverford Reserve, where you’ll find Freedom Playground. This free, volunteer-built playground is accessible to all and kids certainly love to explore the play structures where bridges and “castles” abound. In addition to the playground, Haverford Reserve includes a dog park, playing fields, and miles of hiking trails. 

Kids Castle

425 Wells Road, Doylestown

The beloved and amazing Kids Castle playground is a free, community-built playground that offers hours of family fun. The playground features a castle (of course) and multiple “kingdoms” with an extensive array of play structures, slides, rides, panels, climbers and more. Kids and adults alike can’t resist climbing to the top of the castle towers and subsequently whooshing down the slide. A recent, major renovation to Kids Castle added inclusive features for children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism/SPD, mobility impairment, and cognitive disabilities. Read more about what’s new and improved at Kids Castle on Bucks County Parent.

Manderach Memorial Playground 

Swamp Pike and Ziegler Road, Limerick

Situated within a 70-acre park, Manderach Memorial Playground is a well-known, destination for family fun. The centerpiece of this unique playground is certainly the 30-foot Lisa’s Tower with two, long tunnel slides descending down each side. Another highlight is the fence, which surrounds the entire play complex making it safe for your little (and big) ones to try everything from saucer swings to climbing equipment without wandering too far.

Parkside Place Complex 

1 Parkside Place, North Wales

Worth the drive because this park has something for everyone: a fantastic wooden castle play structure, tons of playground equipment, sports fields, paved trails, pavilions and more.

Wilson Farm Park

500 Lee Road, Chesterbrook

This huge park has a pond, an all-abilities tot lot, three other tot lots, picnic areas, restrooms, three pavilions, and a putting green, plus a basketball court, sand volleyball courts, and multiple sports fields. Particularly nice for parents is a long, paved path for running, biking, and stroller-pushing.

Playgrounds That Are Worth a Drive to Philly…

Franklin Square 

200 N. 6^th Avenue, Philadelphia

One of historic Philadelphia’s five original squares, Franklin Square is undoubtedly Center City’s favorite playtime oasis, with fun for all! Centered around its beautiful, 180-year-old fountain, Franklin Square features the Parx Liberty Carousel, the one-of-a-kind Philly Mini Golf course, and tasty grub options at SquareBurger. What’s more, there’s lots of grassy open space to run, sit and relax.

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse 

3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia

Situated on more than six acres in East Fairmount Park, Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse has welcomed children to play for more than 100 years. This incredible property is free to the public and features a playhouse mansion (built just for kids!), the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, and a huge playground with accessible play equipment for tots and big kids. Additionally, public restrooms are available to visitors. Check their program schedule for special events.

Amusement Parks  

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

4000 Dorney Park Road, Allentown

Dorney Park has a family fun destination since 1884 and has grown to include more than 60 rides, shows, attractions, a Planet Snoopy area for little ones, and a waterpark. One admission price includes access to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, so it’s a great all-day destination for families with kids of all ages.

Dutch Wonderland

2249 Lincoln Highway, Lancaster

Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA is a wonderful amusement park for families with young children! The park features more than 35 rides, attractions, and shows, plus Duke’s Lagoon, a water playground with slides, play structures, and splash areas in a tropical-themed environment.

Hersheypark

100 Hershey Park Drive, Hershey

Hershey Park comprises 121 acres of outdoor attractions surrounded by shady trees, ample green spaces, and fresh Pennsylvania air. Above all, guests of all ages can enjoy thrilling coasters, classic family rides, water park fun, and sweet memories in a beautiful environment.

Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 

391 Knoebel’s Boulevard, Elysburg

Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park, including free parking, free daily entertainment, and free picnic facilities. Inside the amusement park, there’s certainly something for everyone with with rides ranging in level from kiddie to family to thrill. What’s unique about Knoebels is that families pay per ride by either purchasing tickets (available everyday) or purchasing a Ride All Day Pass. The property also features a pool and water playground, golf, and camping. Leashed pets are permitted.

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Before little kids become big kids, bring the entire family to whirl on rides, splash down slides, and hug the furry friends at Sesame Place. In the summer (June 19–September 3, 2023), Sesame Place features both amusement park rides and “splashtacular” water park attractions. Enjoy family-friendly amusement rides, shows, and entertainment, then cool off with splashy water attractions like the new Bert & Ernie’s Splashy Shores, Big Bird’s Beach, plus seven other water play areas.

Six Flags Great Adventure

1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township, NJ

Six Flags Great Adventure is a major amusement park situated in Jackson, New Jersey, about equal distance between Philadelphia and New York City. It is one of the largest parks in the world, featuring more than 50 rides and attractions, including 13 roller coasters and several water rides. It boasts Kingda Ka, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world and Nitro, a “hyper coaster” that reaches speeds up to 80 mph. But the park also caters to little ones and features lots of amusement rides for families and children.

The park complex also features the Wild Safari Drive-Thru Adventure, where you can observe animals from around the world including elephants, tigers, lions, baboons and more, and Hurricane Harbor, a water park. The water park and safari are not included with the theme park admission.

Treehouse World

1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester

Treehouse World is an adventure park with more than 10 treehouses to explore and dozens of other platforms, bridges, and activities in the trees. For those seeking adventure activities there’s tree climbing, bungy trampoline, ziplining, and tomahawk throwing. Just for toddlers is the Enchanted Village play land. Treehouse World offers passes with different combinations of activities and advance reservations are required.

Zoos

Brandywine Zoo

1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington, Delaware

The Brandywine Zoo is located in Wilmington, Delaware and comprises just under five acres along the Brandywine River in Brandywine Park. The Zoo is home to animals from the tropical and temperate areas of North and South America, as well as Asia and Africa, and provides numerous learning experiences and events for all ages throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to use the grills and picnic tables in the park and may also purchase snacks at the Zoo Snack Bar or vending machines.

Elmwood Park Zoo

1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown

Elmwood Park Zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species that hail from all over the globe, including giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, red pandas, and bison. While visiting the animals, kids can ride the carousel and enjoy some playtime at the zoo’s playground. There is also a selection of food and drink vendors within the zoo, as well as a gift shop.

Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Avenue, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Zoo first opened in 1874 and is considered the oldest zoo in the US. Enter through the charming, historic gatehouses into the 42-acre campus filled with a variety of animal exhibits, each designed to provide you and your family with a fun, up close and personal experience. Get within inches of a lion, face to face with a gorilla, and nose to nose with giant river otters! Nowadays, animals at the Zoo have more opportunities to roam around and above you on Zoo360, a campus-wide network of see-through mesh trails. When you need a break, stop for refreshments at any of the nine food and beverage vendors located around the zoo, including one that serves wine and beer. Other fun attractions and activities include the Septa PZ Express Kiddie Train, WildWorks Ropes Course, and the Amazon Rainforest Carousel.

Orchards and Farms

Cherry Crest Farm

150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks

Located in the heart of PA Dutch Country, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is a unique place where fun, family, and farming come together. This family-owned farm has more than 300 acres of different crops and offers a wonderland of farm-themed activities and adventures during the spring, summer and fall months. The things to do at Cherry Crest Farm are too numerous to list, but a few highlights are a discovery barn, a hay chute, straw bale racer, pedal carts, a farm tour wagon, various play equipment like bucking broncos, big ball corral, an animal grove, games, a misting tent, and much more.

Highland Orchards

1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester

Highland Orchards has more than 200 acres of growing crops and aims to provide the community with fresh local produce and opportunities to experience the great outdoors.  It’s a great place for those looking for a fun, family-oriented atmosphere, both inside the market and bakery and outside on the farm. The market features a great selection of fruits and vegetables grown in their fields or from other Chester County and area farms. The orchard also offers more than 15 pick-your-own crops throughout the summer/early fall season; see what crops they grow and approximate picking times.

Indian Orchards

 29 Copes Lane, Media

Indian Orchards is a small, chemical-free orchard, run by the same family for more than 100 years, located 5 minutes from downtown Media. You can buy fruit and honey from their orchard at the farm stand or pick your own. See their Facebook page for the most up-to-date picking conditions. Growing on the orchard are a wide variety of hand-tended fruits, including local heritage apples picked from 100-year-old trees, peaches and plums famous for their rich flavor and juiciness, and lush fields of blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry bushes grown without any sprays.

Linvilla Orchards

137 W. Knowlton Road, Media

Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm that offers fun for the whole family with exciting activities, events, and festivals all year-round. Every season, there are hayrides to different attractions like Bunnyland in the spring, Pick-Your-Own orchards in the summer, Pumpkinland in the fall, and Christmas Around the Farm in the early winter. While you’re visiting, climb aboard their passenger train, get your face painted like a princess or pirate, visit with the farm animals in the barnyard, go fishing at Orchard Lake, and play in the Playland Playground. After exploring the farm, browse their fresh produce, baked goods, gourmet specialties, and handmade candies in the market. Check their calendar to see what’s happening before you plan your visit.

Maple Acres Farm

2656 Narcissa Road, Plymouth Meeting

This 30-acre, family farm offers select, pick-your-own produce, as well as a bounty of their own pre-picked produce and flowers at the farm market. Some weekends the farm runs public hayrides out to the fields. Check their Facebook page for the schedule and to see what’s available.

Milky Way Farms

521 E. Uwchlan Avenue, Chester Springs

Located just off Rte 113 in Chester Springs, Milky Way Farm is easy to visit and known for its delicious, homemade ice cream, Chester Springs Creamery. The 103 acre farm has been home to the Matthews family for four generations, who are dedicated to growing, creating, and selling high-quality, farm-fresh products. In addition to the creamery, you can buy farm fresh eggs and seasonal produce. While at the farm, visit the resident animals including cows, goats, ducks, pigs, and barn cats!

Ryerrs Horse Farm

1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown

Ryerrs Farm for Aged Equines, simply known as Ryerrs, welcomes visitors to greet their community of retired horses from 10 am – 4 pm, 365 days a year. Last time we checked there were 72 senior horses spending their golden years out to pasture on this lovely farm. When visiting, check-in at the visitor’s center for information about the farm, the many horse residents, and the gift shop. There are also bags of treats to purchase for $3.

Sugartown Strawberries Farm Market

650 Sugartown Road, Malvern

Stop by Sugartown Strawberries farm market for seasonal, fresh-picked produce. The farm harvests strawberries, sweet corn, fresh vegetables, sunflowers, pumpkins, and other produce every day when in season. The farm also books school tours, hayrides, and bonfires.

Weaver’s Orchard

40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown

Weaver’s Orchard & Farm Market is nestled in the scenic hills of Berks County, minutes from the 76 exit in Morgantown. From June to early November, their orchards offer pick-your-own fruit beginning with strawberries, and continuing with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, kiwiberries, peaches, pears, plums, apples, and pumpkins. Even if you’re not picking produce, Weaver’s makes for a pleasant family outing with goats to visit and plenty of tempting treats! Their well-stocked farm market offers fresh produce including homegrown fruit, a grocery selection, ice cream, local dairy products and meats, plus a bakery, a deli, and prepared foods.

Gardens, Preserves & Nature Centers

Barnes Foundation Arboretum

50 Lapsley Lane, Merion

This 12-acre arboretum surrounds the estate house that was the former home of famed art collector, Alfred C. Barnes Barnes and his wife Laura Leggett. The art collection now lives in the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, but the Barnes Arboretum continues to flourish as part of St. Joseph’s University. The property is remarkably beautiful and astonishingly diverse for its size, with more than 2,500 varieties of woody and herbaceous plants, and many rare species as well. What’s more, it’s free to park and walk the grounds, so it’s easy to bring the family for a fun stroll through the gardens. Open May through October.

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

1635 River Road, New Hope

Located in Bucks County’s historic Pidcock Creek Valley, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is home to more than 700 native plant species. You can explore a native landscape on its 4.5 miles of trails through forests and meadows, and along streams and ponds. There is a fee for admission. See website for hours and admission fee.

Chanticleer Gardens

786 Church Road, Wayne

Chanticleer is a 48-acre property of whimsical, native plants and trees organized into many formal gardens that are fun to explore. One of the great gardens of the Philadelphia region, Chanticleer was once the home of the Rosengarten family, but is now a colorful and beautifully maintained contemporary garden within an historic setting. While visiting Chanticleer, guests are welcome to picnic in four designated areas within the garden. Open throughout the year, but see their website for hours and admission.

Grounds For Sculpture

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ

Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) is a sculpture garden, arboretum, and museum that “aims to inspire, thrill, and rejuvenate all who visit.” Situated outdoors on 42 landscaped acres are nearly 300 contemporary sculptures. Inside the museum, you’ll find six galleries featuring temporary exhibitions of artworks from established and emerging artists. GFS hosts fun, family programs for kids and caregivers including hands-on art-making, storytelling, and guided exploration of their galleries and gardens. Some programs require registration, others are free with your paid park admission. Check the GFS calendar for informal drop-in experiences and activities throughout the year, as well as workshops. While visiting, stop at Rat’s Restaurant or the Van Gogh Cafe for food and refreshments.

Jenkins Arboretum

631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon

Jenkins Arboretum is one of our region’s great horticultural and environmental assets. As a botanical garden, Jenkins maintains a collection of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and ferns in a tranquil, naturalistic landscape. All in all, the Arboretum comprises 48 acres of gardens and woodland with 1.2 miles of trails. Especially fun for families are the explorer tools available from the visitor’s center that encourage kids to wander the arboretum’s hilly terrain and stop by the pond as well. The arboretum is open every day of the week and admission is free, but hours vary seasonally.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia

Just off Route 95 between South Philadelphia and Chester, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is approximately 1,200 acres of marshland teeming with fish, birds, native plants, and other wetland creatures. The preserve offers more than 10 miles of trails and many opportunities for urban and suburban visitors to connect with nature. From the eastern at 86th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, you can reach the visitor center, walking trails, fishing access points, and wildlife observation structures. The popular 3.5 mile Wetland Loop offers opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and biking in a variety of habitats. The Big Boardwalk Loop is less than 1 mile and is wheelchair accessible. The refuge also offers free public and community programming. Check out their event calendar for upcoming guided nature walks, clean-up opportunities, nature festivals, and more.

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

One of the world’s great gardens, Longwood features nearly 400 acres of exquisitely groomed garden-scapes, horticultural attractions, and magnificent fountains, as well as a grand conservatory of rotating special exhibits. Walking is the primary way to enjoy the Gardens and accessible paths are available for guests using a wheelchair, electric scooter, or strollers. Certain enchanting spots at Longwood are especially fun for families including the Canopy Cathedral, Meadow Garden, and the Lookout Loft Treehouse. Timed tickets are required for admission.

Merion Botanical Park & Fairy Houses

100 Merion Road, Merion Station

The Merion Botanical Park is a city park and botanical garden that is open daily without charge. In this park, you can explore 13 acres of native trees, shrubs and flowers, and a creek that meanders through it. While you are there, try to find the 16 fairy houses nestled into the landscape around the park!

Morris Arboretum

100 Northwestern Avenue, Chestnut Hill

Part of the University of Pennsylvania, Morris Arboretum features treehouses, flower gardens, sculptures, and meadows within the 175-acre property. Plan to spend a few hours or the better part of a day exploring the arboretum and its special family activities. When you need to refuel, there is a snack area with tables for a picnic lunch or stop into the cafe. Afterwords, browse the Arboretum shop, full of books and whimsical items inspired by the natural world. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Ridley Creek State Park

1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media

Ridley Creek State Park encompasses over 2,606 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows. This vast park offers lots of family fun including hiking, biking, fishing, environmental education, and a preserved colonial plantation to explore. Within the park there are 14 picnic areas, which are equipped with restrooms and charcoal grills. Several of the areas have and have playground equipment or large fields suited to sports activities. Check the Ridley Creek State Park map to see all the amenities. The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.

Riverbend Environmental Education Center

1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne

Riverbend’s 30-acre preserve in Gladwyne is an island of green surrounded by a bustling, suburban community. Open and free to the public from dawn to dusk every day of the year, Riverbend invites visitors to walk the trails and explore the grounds. In addition to the trails, you can explore meadow, woodland, stream, and pond habitats. The Center also offers engaging events for families and adults, so check out the calendar to see what’s going on.

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education (SCEE) is the perfect place for families to enjoy a day in nature! With 340 acres and over three miles of hiking trails, SCEE welcomes visitors to explore its forests, fields, ponds, and streams on one or more of its nine, easy and well-marked trails. In their visitor center, you will find their Discovery Center of interactive exhibits, an environmental art gallery, a green roof, a nature gift shop, and public restrooms. And just outside the visitor’s center is a Sensory Garden and a nature playscape. Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk and the visitor’s center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm.

Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Road, Media

Tyler Arboretum is a delightful place for nature lovers of all ages! Within its 650 acres, you’ll find seasonally charming meadows and gardens, woodland hiking trails, unique habitats, and “cool places” for families and kid to explore. Families with kids will especially enjoy playing in Tyler’s six treehouse exhibits and “cool places” like Hobbit Hollow, the Crooked Goblin House, the Lenape Wigwam, and more. There are picnic tables near the visitor center and restrooms at two different locations within the arboretum. General admission is $15 for adults and $9 for children.

Valley Forge National Historic Park

1400 Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia

Valley Forge is the encampment site of George Washington’s Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. The park features 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorating the those who fought in the Revolutionary War. While visiting, simply marvel that you are walking the ground where Washington and his troops camped. Step inside a soldiers’ cabin and imagine spending a winter in such a spartan shelter. To round out the experience, visit Washington’s Headquarters and learn more about the Valley Forge encampment at the Visitors’ Center museum. Another fun way to explore Valley Forge is to rent a bicycle at the Encampment Store (weather permitting) or bring your own bikes!

Willows Park Preserve

490 Darby Paoli Road, Villanova

Once an elegant private estate, Willows Park Preserve is now a 47.5 acre public park. Stroll around the picturesque pond with flowing fountains and enjoy sweeping panoramas of stately trees, and flowering plants. The grounds are perfect for a hike, a picnic lunch, or a place to simply take in the scenery and the views from the beautifully restored mansion.

Winterthur

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE

Winterthur was once the home of Henry Francis du Pont and the property consists of a stunning mansion featuring the most significant collection of American decorative arts in the world. Outside is a world-class naturalistic garden set within 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests. Not-to-miss is a visit to the Enchanted Woods, a fairy-tale garden that sparks imaginative play. This three-acre plot covered by majestic oak trees has several play areas, including a Faerie Cottage with a thatched roof, a giant Bird’s Nest, and an Acorn Tearoom for make-believe tea parties.

Museums and Attractions

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia

Better known as Philadelphia’s “dinosaur museum,” the Academy of Natural Sciences displays more than 30 species of dinosaurs in Dinosaur Hall! Including Tyrannosaurus Rex! What’s more, the museum features 37 dioramas featuring wilderness animals such as moose, lions, bears, pandas, and many, many more, set in artistically painted backdrops. These dioramas allow visitors to experience these magnificent animals up close. The Academy also hosts regular, traveling science exhibits in addition to its permanent collection, so check the website to see what’s on view. Additionally, there is a cafe on the ground floor.

American Helicopter Museum

1220 American Blvd., West Chester

You can get up close to more than 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes at the American Helicopter Museum. What’s more, you can even climb inside many of the helicopters, some from long ago and others from more recent times. The museum is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, noon until 5 pm.

Brandywine River Museum of Art

1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford

There are plenty of fun activities for families, both inside the Brandywine River Museum and outside on its campus. Inside the Museum, families can explore paintings and sculptures of animals, illustrations of pirates and characters from classic adventure stories, colorful landscape and still life paintings, as well as artwork by students from local schools. Outside the Museum, walk toward the riverside to discover native plant gardens and animal sculptures. On a nice day, stroll down the River Trail, where grassy space is available for picnics along the creek. Or stop into the Museum’s child-friendly cafe featuring a scenic view of the river, high chairs, and a children’s menu.

Bucks County Children’s Museum

500 Union Square Drive, New Hope

Located in the heart of historic New Hope, the Bucks County Children’s Museum is geared for children ages 1–7, who enjoy pretend play. Children are invited to discover hands-on opportunities for pretending, exploration, learning, and play in a variety of thematic settings. Prior to your visit, you can take a video tour to get a preview of the museum’s hands-on exhibits. On a sunny day, visitors can enjoy a picnic outside in the bench areas. Additionally, there are various restaurants located within walking distance of the museum. Reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays.

Choo-Choo Barn, Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, and Strasburg Railroad

Strasburg, PA

For train-loving kids (and adults!) a day exploring these three attractions is a dream come true.  Each is worth the drive on its own, as well. The Choo Choo Barn – Traintown U.S.A. houses a 1,700 square foot train layout that features over 150 hand-built animated figures and vehicles, and 22 operating trains. Nearby in the town of Strasburg, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania houses one of the most significant collections of historic railroad artifacts in the world. Finally, the Strasburg Railroad gives you the chance to ride on America’s oldest continuously operating railroad. Take an authentic steam train ride through through 2,500 acres of the picturesque countryside in Lancaster County. Browse their lineup of family-friendly train rides and events.

Crayola Experience

30 Centre Square, Easton

The Crayola Experience offers dozens of colorful and creative activities for a full day of family fun. Families typically spend 3–4 hours exploring their 27 hands-on attractions and interactive activities. At Crayola, kids can star in their own coloring page, name and wrap their own Crayola crayon, play in the enormous Color Playground, solve colorful challenges in the Adventure Lab, and lots more. During your visit, you can take a break at a handful of dining options inside the museum or nearby in downtown Easton.

Delaware Children’s Museum

550 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware

Located on Wilmington’s waterfront, the Delaware Children’s Museum is full of hands-on exhibits for that invite playful learning. Interactive exhibits are geared for toddlers through preteens, and delve into topics that fascinate kids like building, climbing, games, art, trains, science experiments, and more. Open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE

The former Delaware Museum of Natural History underwent a major metamorphosis to its galleries and public spaces and reopened in May 2022.  Highlights include the PaleoZone, a dramatic presentation of creatures that lived here in the Mid-Atlantic United States during the Cretaceous Period. On view are skeletons of the fearsome Dryptosaurus dinosaur, the flying “bat lizard” Nyctosaur, the aquatic giant Mosasaur, and smaller Cretaceous specimens. In the Global Journey Gallery, explore some of the world’s amazing ecosystems such a the arctic tundra, African Savanna, and tropical rainforest. While exploring the museum, take a dining break in the museum cafe, which offers prepackaged sandwiches, salads and snacks, plus a children’s menu.

Franklin Institute

222 N 20th Street, Philadelphia

The Franklin Institute is Philadelphia’s longstanding science museum famous for its two-story, walk-through exhibit of the human heart. The stately building houses four floors of engaging exhibits, as well as the awesome Fels Planetarium. This theater features a giant domed ceiling where engaging shows, and immersive visuals and sound educate young and old about astronomy and the universe. Throughout the museum you can explore permanent and visiting science exhibits. While there, stroll through the impressive Benjamin Franklin Memorial in the rotunda. And don’t miss the rooftop Holt & Miller Observatory, which is open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. No worries if you didn’t bring lunch or snacks—there are two dining options with seating within the Franklin Institute: The Eatery and The Cafe.

Giggleberry Fair

167 Carousel Lane, New Hope

Peddler’s Village is home to Giggleberry Fair, a large indoor arcade and play scape for family fun. Its centerpiece is Giggleberry Mountain, the area’s largest and indoor obstacle course. This obstacle course is a fun and challenging experience for both kids and adults. Other attractions here include the Grand Carousel and Giggles Discovers, an area of investigation and exploration for toddlers and preschool children. And when it’s time to eat, the Painted Pony Café offers a variety of fresh, family-friendly foods.

Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle

84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown

Both Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle are striking, castle-like buildings built by Henry Mercer, a prominent Doylestown native who was a museum curator, archeologist, artifact collector, and tile-maker. Wind your way through the many rooms of the museum and castle. There you will discover Mercer’s collection of relics of everyday life in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Both the museum and castle are situated about a mile apart in Doylestown and offer a memorable experience for kids and their families. Before your visit, you can download age-specific scavenger hunt pages to make your visit even more fun! Tickets for the museum and castle are sold separately.

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

Located inside historic Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, Please Touch Museum is a fun, interactive play space. This beloved museum is geared for young children, from toddlers up to about 8 years of age. Inside the vast building are two floors of hands-on fun for children, families and caretakers. One of the first exhibits you encounter is River Adventures. Here, kids can discover the properties of water playing in the mini Schuylkill River. On the other side of the entrance, step up to Roadside Attractions with its full-size Septa bus to “drive.” Nearby are other vehicles that kids can assemble and take for an imaginary spin.

Downstairs is a grocery store where children can shop for food or stock the shelves and ring up customers at the cash registers. There’s also Alice’s Wonderland to explore, with a hedge maze and a hall of mirrors, as well as a toddler’s Fairytale Garden and so much more! Upstairs, don’t miss the beautiful, 100-year-old restored carousel outfitted with horses, cats, rabbits, pigs and goats to ride. Bring your lunch at eat at one of the tables available around the carousel or grab something from the Garden Grille Cafe, that does include snacks for special food allergies and dietary restrictions.

West Chester Railroad

250 E. Market St., West Chester

Hop aboard for some family fun as you ride along the creek and past historic stations. Train excursions are about 90 minutes round-trip and run from West Chester to Glen Mills, and back to West Chester. Trains run on Sundays during the spring and summer months (April through September).

Find all kinds of family-friendly events for every day of the week on the Main Line Parent Calendar!

Lead photo courtesy of Winterthur Enchanted Woods. Ann Marie Detavernier contributed to the original version of this article.