With historical sites and natural areas galore, along with indoor adventures and places that unleash creativity, Montgomery County offers families oodles of options for things to do with children. Whether you're a Montgomery County resident, a local, or a visitor, check out our list of 35 fun activities and places for families to enjoy in this county near Philadelphia.
Looking for more fun things to do in Montgomery County? Check out our Montco Guide to find all the best playgrounds, shops, and more.
Montgomery County Places to Do Arts and Crafts with Kids
Kids can explore their creative side with art classes in ceramics, drawing, painting and more. The studio is also open for special events like birthday parties.
Located in an historic building, Engage Art Studio offers fine art classes and one-day workshops for all ages, as well as summer and holiday day camps. Birthday parties available.
Ages 4 to 17 can take visual art classes in drawing, painting, mixed media, ceremics, jewelry, animation, comics/illustration and more.
Instructors at Stoneleigh have lots of knowledge to share. Photo courtesy of Stoneleigh
Montgomery County Gardens to Visit with Kids
Located on the border between Montgomery County and Delaware County, Stoneleigh is free to explore, with a variety of habitats, including bogs, evergreens, water gardens, and curated gardens. Families can participate in the PlayIn Time Music Circle and other events.
An historic home, The Highlands is open to the public for tours, which must be arranged in advance. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk and include restored historic gardens.
Montgomery County Parks that Are Great for Kids
In addition to a playground and picnic tables, Parkside Place Park contains a pool complex with a concession building, as well as tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. Two trails of a 1/2 mile each traverse the property, with the Woodlands Trail winding through the sensory garden.
At Norristown Farm Park, families can walk, run, bicycle or hike on eight miles of paved trails and additional rustic trails that weave through woods and agricultural fields, passing by a variety of historic farm buildings. Picnic areas and a stocked trout stream for fishing make this a multi-use park.
Stony Creek Park's 21.5 acres include a 1-acre pond, a 0.6-mile nature trail, a 0.2 foot path, as well as a gazebo, labyrinth and tot lot.
Trampoline parks make for a fun active afternoon. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Fitness Activities for Kids in Montgomery County
Adventure seekers recognize Urban Air as a primo place for indoor adventures, including trampolines, a ropes course, an indoor zipline, bumper cars, climbing walls, dodgeball, an indoor tube playground, and much more. Urban Air is in multiple locations in the Philadelphia area.
The Oaks location of Sky Zone boasts freestyle jump, a foam zone, ultimate dodgeball, and a Ninja Warrior Course.
An indoor playground and birthday party center, the Little Pod provides interactive play for children and toddlers. They can climb on the multi-level gym, play sports-oriented arcade games, or play in the toddler area.
With both indoor and outdoor play areas, Chatter Splatter appeals to kids between 7 months and 9 years old. Look for kid-sized rideable and pushing toys, bounce houses and more.
A 13,000-square-foot facility, The Barn Yard gives the whole family a chance to get some energy out on the indoor 1/2 basketball court, play in the arcade game room, relax in the library/reading nook, and use their imaginations in the interactive play town. In addition, there's a sensory room and a nursing room.
Children aged 7 and under can explore the bright and colorful play area while parents relax in comfort in the cafe area, with free Wi-Fi.
An indoor experience that goes beyond an indoor playground, Thrillz has super-sized slides, zip lines, a climbing wall, sky jousting, and other challenges in an aerial course over giant airbags. While many of the activities suit older kids best, the Mini Thrillz section is for kids 3 and under.
Nothing beats the feeling of beating the clock in an escape room. Photo courtesy of The Escape Game
Indoor Activities and Entertainment for Kids in Montgomery County
LEGO fans of all ages will enjoy the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Try out ideas in the build area, including fabricating and testing vehicles on the test track, or testing sturdy towers on the earthquake table. Kid-friendly rides, virtual experiences, live character activities, and a soft play area add to the fun.
Great for parties or a family outing, Arnold's provides a wide array of activities, many of which are kid-friendly. Top kid attractions include the indoor playground, bowling, laser tag, go karts, and a bounce zone. Keep going longer by grabbing hot foods and specialty treats at the cafe.
Family members of all ages can try out their gaming skills at Retroware Arcade on classics from the 1980s through current Japanese rhythm games. Kids under 6 are free with every adult pass purchased.
At Code Ninjas, kids can learn coding, use their creativity, and gain critical thinking skills. Camps and STEM-related birthday parties are also available.
All ages and skill levels can find challenges that suit them at Escape Game. Many games involve multiple rooms, but don't be intimidated. There's no penalty involved in asking for hints.
With rooms like Candy Factory, and Shipwreck Island, Escapopolis is popular for families and other groups. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Choose from 9 adventures for a fun family night. Rooms suit various skill levels and ages, so check the descriptions and choose the best fit.
Ever wondered what it's like to fly? Ages 3 and up can feel the sensations in a wind tunnel. All sessions begin with skills building time, where instructors help participants learn to maneuver safely.
Experience the sights and sounds of pre-digital-age pop culture in all its oddness and variety. The 100,000 square foot museum showcases toys, games, machines, cars, promotional materials, posters, and much more.
Plenty of nyuk-nyuk-nyuks will be had at the Stoogeum, as visitors view the collection of 100,000 pieces of Stoogeabilia, celebrating the legendary comedy team The Three Stooges. Interactive exhibits and special events, such as special showings will broaden the appeal to younger visitors.
Spend the day at a national park exploring history and nature. Photo courtesy of Valley Forge
Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Montgomery County
History fans, nature lovers, kids, and others will find something appealing at Valley Forge. View the museum exhibit in the visitor center, participate in tours and other events, or learn how to become a junior ranger.
The Wentz house was used as George Washington's temporary headquarters in 1777. The restored 18th century historic site is also a working farm. The Farmstead provides educational events and programming year round, with living history demonstrations, workshops, nature programs, guided tours, and more.
Briar Bush Nature Center tries to inspire people of all ages to explore and protect nature. Kids' programs (for ages 2 through grade 5) get the little ones outside to make crafts and play in nature. Family programs welcome kids of any age.
Animal lovers can visit over 100 species from around the globe, including giraffes, zebras, bald eagles, red pandas, and many more. Check out the special events and Elmwood Encounters for extended opportunities.
Nestled within Lukens Park, Everybody's Playground is a handicap accessible place designed to accommodate a variety of abilities. The park also has trails, softball fields, and a basketball court.
A sanctuary and working farm, Rose Bridge Farm helps people connect with animals and experience farm life. Sign up for experiences like an animal husbandry tour, workshops, goat hiking, and private animal cuddling. Farm Fest takes place every Saturday.
Fun Places to Eat with Kids in Montgomery County
Enjoy over 32 flavors of hand-crafted ice cream, fresh baked pieces and other baked goods, and specialty items like sauces, cheeses, jelly and jams, and others. Families can participate in seasonal events like Easter events, pumpkin carving, Santa visits. Visit the farm animals and observe cow milking daily.
Hankering for pizza or maybe for a satisfying salad? The Tomato Shack menu has options. Expect thin-crust New York style pizza, while the salads and sandwiches are customizable with homemade dressings.
Get your cheesesteak on, or select from a menu crammed with sandwich options at this local hot spot.
Expect stick-to-your-ribs family favorites, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, at Urban's. From breakfast fare to burgers and salads for lunch, even the pickiest family member should find something yummy to try.
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Alyce Wilson is a write-at-home mom who somehow also finds time to write poetry, edit an online literary magazine, do genealogical research, and teach aqua fitness classes. She lives in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
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