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Free Activities for Frugal Fun Around the Main Line!

A good time with the kids doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, there's plenty of free fun to be had around the Main Line

Sometimes the cost of family fun can really add up! Admission, parking, fees, overpriced food and drinks…It’s enough to blow the budget! But a good time with the kids doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, there are plenty of fun activities around the Main Line that are free — and we’re here to help you find them.

As your frugal fun finder, we’re keeping an eye out for free activities and dropping them right here in this list. From concerts in the park and free admission days at zoos and museums, to fitness groups, community festivals, and more, you’ll find fun that won’t break the bank. Because it’s free!

Pro-tip for frugal fun: don’t forget your local library! The Lower Merion, Chester County, and Delaware County libraries offer a bevy of free activities and programming for kids and families. However, we won’t usually post library activities in this list unless they host an super-special program, performance, or class.

Still looking for free activities for your family? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Main Line Hiking Trails to plan some no-cost, nature appreciation when the weather’s nice.

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

  • Trappe Tree Lighting

    Historic Trappe Speaker's House 151 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA

    Bring the whole family for a joyful evening featuring a community sing-along, Santa’s arrival, warm cookies and hot cocoa, and the annual Trappe Tree Lighting celebration!      

    Free
  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Family Art & Story Hour

    Frances M. Maguire Art Museum 50 Lapsley Ln, Merion, PA

    Join the Maguire Art Museum for a creative day of art, music, and storytelling in the galleries! This month, join them for a reading of "Frederick" by Leo Lionni, exploring the Stained Glass Gallery, and making colorful winter paintings to keep warm through the cold months. Free and open to […]

    Free
  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Riverbend’s Merry & Mindful Makers Market

    Riverbend Environmental Education Center 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA

    Join Riverbend for a festive afternoon at the Merry and Mindful Makers Market. Riverbend will be hosting local artists, makers, and growers who will be sharing their handmade, eco-friendly gifts at this outdoor marketplace. Pick up a holiday gift for someone special, or take the time to explore the preserve […]

    Free
  • West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    Downtown West Chester N. High and Gay Street, West Chester, PA

    Dressed in Victorian attire, The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will roam around downtown West Chester and perform throughout the holiday season! Enjoy the music while you do some local holiday shopping. Downtown West Chester Schedule: Friday, Nov. 28 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Black Friday) Saturday, Nov. 29 […]

  • Upper Merion Township Holiday Village

    Upper Merion Township Building 175 W Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA

    Upper Merion Township’s annual Holiday Village event is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, from 12 noon until 3 pm behind the Township building in the lower level lot/park. The event is free to the public and family-friendly! The event will include dozens of crafters and holiday vendors, gingerbread house display […]

  • Candlelight at Morgan Log House

    Morgan Log House 850 Weikel Road, Lansdale, PA

    Step into the glow of the past at Candlelight at Morgan. Experience the Morgan Log House as it was meant to be seen—by flickering candlelight. Wander through the historic home decorated for the season, enjoy warm refreshments, and hear stories of winter traditions, holiday cheer, and life in centuries past. […]

    Free
  • Berwyn Farmers’ Market

    Berwyn Farmers’ Market

    The Berwyn Farmer's Market is back and better than ever with expanded hours and vendors, new charity partners, live music every first Sunday, a kids' zone, food trucks, and special theme days. The market will be open weekly on Sundays from May 18 through December 21, 2025, with brief breaks […]

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Teen Crochet and Crafts Club

    Teen Crochet and Crafts Club

    Tredyffrin Library 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, PA

    The Tredyffrin Library will provide the supplies to make a beginner-friendly crochet project. Then, bring whatever you're working on to the next sessions. Contact Laurie for further information: Ldoan@ccls.org or 610-688-7092 x200.

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Homeschool Hangout: Holidays Around the World-Learn About and Celebrate Hanukkah!

    Downingtown Library 122 Wallace Avenue, Downingtown, PA, United States

    Join Miss Rebecca and fellow homeschool and non-traditional schooled friends for a holiday craft hour! Learn about Hanukkah and make a themed craft to celebrate the holiday. This homeschool hangout program is for ages 7+. Little ones may stay in the room, but they must be accompanied by an adult […]

  • West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    Downtown West Chester N. High and Gay Street, West Chester, PA

    Dressed in Victorian attire, The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will roam around downtown West Chester and perform throughout the holiday season! Enjoy the music while you do some local holiday shopping. Downtown West Chester Schedule: Friday, Nov. 28 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Black Friday) Saturday, Nov. 29 […]

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    Downtown West Chester N. High and Gay Street, West Chester, PA

    Dressed in Victorian attire, The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will roam around downtown West Chester and perform throughout the holiday season! Enjoy the music while you do some local holiday shopping. Downtown West Chester Schedule: Friday, Nov. 28 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Black Friday) Saturday, Nov. 29 […]

  • Habitat Stewards at Newlin Grist Mill

    Habitat Stewards at Newlin Grist Mill

    Newlin Grist Mill 219 Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, PA

    Help make the park a better place for wildlife and people! The Habitat Stewards group meets once a month to work on outdoor tasks related to habitat restoration and species conservation. Projects vary by month but include things like invasive plant removal, tree planting, garden maintenance, trail cleanup, and outdoor […]

    Free
  • Free Holiday Concert with Top-Tier Folk Artists in Berwyn

    Trinity Presbyterian Church 640 Berwyn Avenue, Berwyn, PA

    Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of the season and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit through the power of music! The Spotlight Concert Series is thrilled to announce the return of 'Songs, Stories & Sleighbells – A Holiday Concert' at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Berwyn. Join a […]

  • Berwyn Farmers’ Market

    Berwyn Farmers’ Market

    The Berwyn Farmer's Market is back and better than ever with expanded hours and vendors, new charity partners, live music every first Sunday, a kids' zone, food trucks, and special theme days. The market will be open weekly on Sundays from May 18 through December 21, 2025, with brief breaks […]

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Shine A Light Family Day at the Weitzman

    Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History 101 South Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA

    Join The Weitzman for their annual Shine a Light program. This year, on the first night of Hanukkah, celebrate community, creativity, and connection. Enjoy Adoughma Hanukkah-themed sensory play, a lively performance of Two of a Kind with Rodney Whittenberg, and an optional PJ Library book exchange—bring your children’s books and […]

  • Teen Crochet and Crafts Club

    Teen Crochet and Crafts Club

    Tredyffrin Library 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, PA

    The Tredyffrin Library will provide the supplies to make a beginner-friendly crochet project. Then, bring whatever you're working on to the next sessions. Contact Laurie for further information: Ldoan@ccls.org or 610-688-7092 x200.

  • Makin’ Music at Villa Maria Academy

    Villa Maria Academy Lower School 280 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA, United States

    Parents and children up to 5 years of age are welcome to join Villa Maria Academy Lower School for a free event, as Makin' Music performer Miss Jen visits Villa for a 45-minute performance of music and fun. Session begins at 10:00 am and will meet in the Gymnasium. Park […]

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    Downtown West Chester N. High and Gay Street, West Chester, PA

    Dressed in Victorian attire, The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will roam around downtown West Chester and perform throughout the holiday season! Enjoy the music while you do some local holiday shopping. Downtown West Chester Schedule: Friday, Nov. 28 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Black Friday) Saturday, Nov. 29 […]

  • Bird Walks at Newlin Grist Mill

    Morning Bird Walks at Newlin Grist Mill

    Newlin Grist Mill 219 Cheyney Road, Glen Mills, PA

    Newlin Grist Mill and Wild Birds Unlimited (Glen Mills) have teamed up to explore the wonderful world of bird life! Join them for monthly, naturalist-led walks through the 160-acre park at Newlin Grist Mill. Participants will meet year-round residents, visit exciting migrants, and learn the basics of bird identification and […]

    Free
  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers

    Downtown West Chester N. High and Gay Street, West Chester, PA

    Dressed in Victorian attire, The West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers will roam around downtown West Chester and perform throughout the holiday season! Enjoy the music while you do some local holiday shopping. Downtown West Chester Schedule: Friday, Nov. 28 – 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Black Friday) Saturday, Nov. 29 […]

  • Berwyn Farmers’ Market

    Berwyn Farmers’ Market

    The Berwyn Farmer's Market is back and better than ever with expanded hours and vendors, new charity partners, live music every first Sunday, a kids' zone, food trucks, and special theme days. The market will be open weekly on Sundays from May 18 through December 21, 2025, with brief breaks […]

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Teen Crochet and Crafts Club

    Teen Crochet and Crafts Club

    Tredyffrin Library 582 Upper Gulph Road, Strafford, PA

    The Tredyffrin Library will provide the supplies to make a beginner-friendly crochet project. Then, bring whatever you're working on to the next sessions. Contact Laurie for further information: Ldoan@ccls.org or 610-688-7092 x200.

  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free
  • Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    Lights Up! Holiday Weekends in West Chester

    The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N High Street, West Chester, PA, United States

    Voted one of USA Today’s Top Places to See Santa Claus, more than 80,000 lights glow in West Chester this holiday season during Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. Enjoy free family fun including free photos with Santa in front of M&T Bank on the Square with their new […]

    Free

Managing Editor, Main Line Parent, Philadelphia Family & Bucks County Parent

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