9 Family-Friendly Activities Near Philadelphia This Summer

Now that 2020 is halfway over, you might be feeling ready for a little relaxation and fun. Although the specter of serious illness still hangs over much of the world, there are ways you can entertain yourself and the kids, and even get out a little bit.

1. State Park Beaches and Pools

If the heat is getting to you and you have to find a way to cool off the kids, consider a trip to one of the state parks. Many of them are open for limited capacity. The beaches may or may not be open, but most of the pools are available. Visit parks such as:

• Neshaminy State Park
• Marsh Creek State Park
• French Creek State Park

Keep in mind that openings may be heavily dependent on weather and coronavirus-related activity. If you don't want to swim, there are other activities like hiking or fishing. Regardless of the activity, check the local Twitter accounts of the state parks above, or visit their websites. 

2. Sailboats, Rowboats and Water-fun with Boat Rentals

Every Philadelphia sailor knows about Lake Nockamixon. One of the best kept secrets is the boat rental at Lake Nockamixon State Park. It's a beautiful quiet lake with plenty of open water, grassy lawns, peaceful beach landings and even a rope swing if you look carefully!  This was definitely open when we last checked.

3. Pick-Your Own Fruit Orchards

If you spent your lock-down time learning to improve your homesteader kitchen skills baking bread, pastries or make jam, now is your chance to put your skills to the test. Although strawberry season has passed, there are many orchards in the Delaware Valley that offer pick-your-own fruit opportunities for blackberries, blueberries, peaches, cherries and more. Be sure to check out places like:

• Linvilla Orchards
• Shady Brook Farm
• Solebury Orchards
• Highland Orchards

If you are looking for a specific fruit, it's always wise to call in advance to make sure they have the fruit you are hoping to pick. Otherwise, take a look at the websites of the orchards above to get a good idea on their hours of operation, safety precautions, and more. 

4. What? A Steam Train and a Maize-Maze Combination?

One of our staff's absolute favorite farm spots every year is Cherry Crest Farm. We bring our kids and their cousins to a corn maize adventure with tons of outdoor activities, games, animals and a historic steam engine running right through the middle of it all. Never a disappointment because there is something for everyone - And YES it's OPEN!

5. Tubing on the Delaware 

If you want a more relaxing water experience, check out Twin Rivers on the Delaware River. Our kids loved this and even the grandparents were able to go - although any recent rain can make this more stimulating. White Water Rafting was super fun - you won't need to be an athlete but you will need to be in reasonable shape and you may fall in the water!

• Twin Rivers Tubing
• White Water Rafting Adventures

6. Ropes Courses and Ziplines in the Poconos

Amazing fun for teenagers and hearty adults. It's a drive, but very safe and very memorable. We took my son and 13 year old niece up and they had a blast!

• Skytop Lodge
• Blue Mountain

7. Museum Visits and Virtual Options

Many of our local museums are now open for visitors, although you will need to verify hours in advance and probably purchase tickets online beforehand as some access will be limited. If you are looking for something you can do from home, most of these museums also provide virtual activities:

• Brandywine River Museum of Art
• The Escape Game Online
• Philadelphia Museum of Art Online Exhibitions

• Watson Adventures’ Murder at the Art Museum (this one can be reserved for older kids & adults) 

Most museum activities are self-paced, so you can do them on your own schedule. Additionally, look for the wonderful outdoor parks outside of these museums - great for kids who can't stand still for too long and need a break.

8. Classes & Workshops

If you are looking for ways to kill time at home, why not learn something new? Many local organizations have developed online classes and workshops tailored to kids and teenagers. For example, you might enjoy:

• Anne-Marie Mulgrew and Dancers Co.’s Summer Fun Video Challenge
• Portside Art Center’s Saturday Art Classes
• Toc Toc Spanish

While some activities are free, others may require reservation in advance or the purchase of supplies to take the class. Check in advance so that you do not miss out! 

9. Outdoor Dining Opportunities

After months of eating your own food creations and wishing you could have someone else cook for once, you might be dying to do just that. Plenty of restaurants in Philadelphia are open for outdoor dining, as well as takeout or delivery. For example, you might try:

• Pizzeria Stella
• Martha
• Honey’s Sit N Eat

Many of these places have kid menus you can browse online, to see if it is a good fit for you and your family. 

The year 2020 does not need to be full of stress and isolation at home. With these activities for kids and adults of all ages, you can make new, happy, family memories that everyone will remember. Do you have a favorite family-friendly activity near Philadelphia? Let us know in the comments! 

Written by Taylor Rennick and Will Giesey