We only really started exploring all the fun things to do in Montgomery County after we had kids. But, man, there is a lot to do!
One of our favorite places in Montgomery County is Elmwood Park Zoo. It’s such a perfect size for a quick morning or afternoon out, especially when you have nap time to contend with.
But as the kids get older, you’ll find even more fun things in the area, especially with the nearby indoor adventure parks and hiking trails.
The guide below shares some of Montgomery County, PA’s best things to do! We say “with kids,” but honestly, many of these activities are fun for all ages.
So, let’s dive in and see what this Philadelphia-area county has to offer!
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Free Things to Do in Montgomery County, PA
Abington Art Center, Abington
The Abington Art Center is an art school, gallery, and event space, all in one place!
However, in addition to all of the above, the Abington Art Center has a beautiful sculpture park that is open every day and FREE to enter.
This isn’t your typical sculpture park. The path meanders through the forest, where many of the sculptures blend into their surroundings.
Some of the sculptures are nature-based, made from materials like tree trunks, or incorporated into some of the property’s trees.
The trail is about .6-miles and is mainly paved. However, there is a short offshoot that is dirt and rocks.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Audubon
Bird and nature lovers, rejoice! The John James Audubon Center in Audubon is the place for you.
Located on the site where John Audubon lived after arriving from France, the property offers many activities.
Outside, there are 5 miles of trails throughout the property. Along those trails, visitors can view more than 175 species of birds.
Inside the center, guests can pay to enter the museum and learn more about birds and birding. There is even a fun play area for kids to enjoy.
Norristown Farm Park, Norristown
As a Pennsylvania State Park and working farmstead, the Norristown Farm Park is a unique attraction!
With walking trails, nature trails, and several historic buildings on the property, you can make a fun day exploring the park. Fishing is also permitted on the property.
They offer many public programs throughout the month. The majority of them are FREE, but they require registration.
Jenkins Arboretum, Devon
H. Lawrence Jenkins and his wife, Elizabeth, lived on this beautiful 20-acre property together until Elizabeth died in 1963.
Before Mr. Jenkins passed in 1968, he made sure that their home would be used as a place where the public could enjoy and learn about horticulture and wildlife. Thus, the birth of the Jenkins Arboretum in Devon, PA.
The Jenkins Arboretum now encompasses almost 50 acres of gardens and woodlands and over a mile of trails.
The arboretum is open every day and is FREE to the public, although they do accept donations.
It is a beautiful place to explore with kids and learn about various trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. They even have explorer vests with magnifying glasses and binoculars for kids to use during their visit.
Graeme Park, Horsham
Graeme Park is a historic site and National Landmark in Horsham, PA. The property was built by Pennsylvania’s Provincial Governor in 1722.
It has had a fascinating journey since then, including being seized by the colonial government during the American Revolution as property of a traitor.
Now, visitors can tour the historic home for a fee, or just enjoy the property for FREE.
There are small trails in the woods behind the house and several picnic tables in front of the barn.
The property also hosts big events, such as weddings, so it is always a good idea to call before you visit, especially on the weekends.
PHS Meadowbrook Farms, Jenkintown
PHS Meadowbrook Farms is one of the gardens run by the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society.
Formerly the home of the late J. Liddon Pennock, Jr., the 25-acre garden features several gardens, a meadow, and a vegetable garden.
Kids will love exploring the maze-like property and enjoy seeing the several unique statues and structures around the property.
PHS Meadowbrook Farms is FREE to enter and is open April – October. Plenty of parking is available on the property.
And don’t forget to visit their store. You can purchase various plants and garden décor.
Valley Forge National Historic Park, Valley Forge
From December 1777 until June 1778, the land at Valley Forge was home to General George Washington and his troops.
The historic park, run by the National Park Service, has preserved much of its history, including the redoubts built for safety.
There are so many things to do at Valley Forge National Historical Park. We love driving around the park, visiting the historic attractions and statues.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the biking and hiking available at the park.
Peter Wentz Farmstead, Worcester
Before Washington and his troops made their way to Valley Forge, they spent some time at the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester, PA.
Now, visitors can explore the farm and tour the restored home to learn what life was like for both the Wentz family and the Continental Army in 1777.
Tours are offered Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, and Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the hour and are FREE, but donations are accepted.
Take a Hike, Multiple Locations
There are so many wonderful hiking trails within Montgomery County!
Some of our favorites include the Mount Misery and Valley Creek loop at Valley Forge National Historical Park, the Four Mills Trail at Four Mills Nature Reserve, and the Skippack Creek Trail in Evansburg State Park.
You’re sure to find a hike perfect for you and your family, with various levels of difficulty.
Ott’s Exotic Plants, Schwenksville
You might be wondering why a garden nursery made this list. But you will understand once you see Ott’s Exotic Plants in person!
Inside, the enormous greenhouse feels like a jungle, complete with a waterfall and a koi pond.
Outside, during the fall, kids will love climbing up “mum mountain”.
Ott’s is FREE to visit, but it’ll be hard to leave without buying one of their amazing plants and flowers.
Merrymead Farm, Lansdale
Do your kids love farm animals? For a fun, FREE thing to do in Montgomery County, you’ll want to visit Merrymead Farm in Lansdale. You can see cows, sheep, bunnies, and even peacocks!
Merrymead also runs special events (for a fee) throughout the year. Many of the events include a ride on the Merry Express train, a popular Christmas activity in Montgomery County!
Don’t forget to grab some handmade ice cream before you leave.
Ringing Rocks Park, Pottstown
We love a good boulder field! And this one is even more fun because the rocks ring when you hit them with a hammer (just like the one in Bucks County).
This small group of boulders is located right next to the Ringing Rocks Roller Rink, so you can skate before or after you bang on the rocks.
Other Things To Do In Montgomery County, PA With Kids
Port Providence Paddle, Port Providence
A fun thing to do in Montgomery County with kids is to get out on the water!
We especially enjoy Port Providence Paddle offers several kayak and canoe tours on the Schuylkill River and canal. It’s one of the best places to kayak and canoe near Philadelphia.
Trip lengths range from 2.5 to 6 hours. If you want something a little more relaxing and a little less effort, you can rent tubes to float down the river.
After your outing, enjoy a snack and drink at the Fitzwater Station.
American Treasure Tour Museum, Oaks
A little bit kitsch, a little American nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun!
The American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks is a private collection of various player pianos, classic cars, and everything in between.
Your visit includes a tram tour ride, as well as the ability to peruse the unique pieces they have acquired over the years.
Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
If your child loves animals, but visiting a larger zoo like the Philadelphia Zoo seems overwhelming, the Elmwood Park Zoo is a perfect fit.
Located in Norristown, the Elmwood Park Zoo has tons of cute and unique animals to visit and learn about. One of our favorites is the red panda!
In addition to viewing the animals, the zoo offers fun activities, like feeding the giraffe and bison. Add in a small petting zoo, carousel, and large playground, and Elmwood Park Zoo is perfect for a morning or afternoon out.
Treetop Adventures, Norristown
If you want to do more than look at the fun animals at Elmwood Park Zoo, you can play in the trees!
Treetop Adventures is one of the fun ropes and obstacles courses near Philadelphia. They have courses for all age levels, so even your little ones can also get in on the fun!
Treetop Adventures is open seasonally, so visit their website for the best information.
Legoland Discovery Center, Plymouth Meeting
Are your children obsessed with Legos? Then they won’t want to miss the Legoland Discovery Center at the Plymouth Meeting Mall!
This center offers so many Lego-themed activities, including a short ride, a play area, and 4D movies! While you’re there, check out the Lego model of Philadelphia! We also love their special events, especially the Holiday Bricktacular during Christmastime!
Visitor Tip: Purchase your ticket ahead of time to save money and guarantee entry during busy times.
Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Horsham
If your kids love airplanes and helicopters, they will love the Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum.
This small museum has several aircraft on display, both indoors and outdoors. The aircraft range from World War I to the War in Afghanistan.
The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday with varying hours depending on the day.
Roller Skating at Ringing Rocks Roller Rink, Pottstown
Get some energy out at this local favorite. The Ringing Rocks Roller Rink (located right next to the musical boulder field) offers open skate on Tuesday and Friday nights and Sunday during the day.
You can also rent the facility for a private event on Saturdays. And they have family-friendly special events throughout the year. Visit their website for more information.
Indoor Adventure & Trampoline Parks, Multiple Locations
Every year, a new indoor adventure park opens with even crazier obstacles and fun than the last one!
There are several parks in Montgomery County; it’s hard to keep track of them all. But all of them offer something fun to do with kids, especially when the weather isn’t ideal.
iFly, King of Prussia
If your kid needs more excitement than an indoor adventure park offers, they might like indoor skydiving!
iFly at King of Prussia offers flights to kids as young as 3 years old with a parent or guardian present.
Flights last about 60 seconds each, but plan to spend about 90 minutes total for the whole experience.
Indoor Amusement Parks, Multiple Locations
For a one-stop shop of family fun, Montgomery County has several indoor amusement parks that will keep you and your family entertained for hours on end!
The biggest one is Arnold’s Family Fun Center in Oaks. They offer go-karts, bowling, ropes courses, laser tag, and more.
One of the newest indoor amusement parks is Tilted 10 at the Willow Grove Park Mall. The two-level park has bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, and a huge arcade.
And of course, a classic option is Dave and Buster’s at Plymouth Meeting Mall. It doesn’t offer as much as the other two, but it can still be a great way to spend some family time together!
Other Things to Do Near Montgomery County
If this list isn’t enough for you to choose from, there are even more things you can do near Montgomery County with kids.
First, of course, are some of the fantastic things to do in Philadelphia, including visiting some of the well-known historic sites in Old City.
Bucks County also offers a lot of things to do, including the Bucks County Children’s Museum in New Hope and Giggleberry Fair at Peddler’s Village.
For more fun outside near Montgomery County, try one of the many ropes courses, hiking trails, or places to go kayaking.
And don’t forget seasonal fun like train rides in the fall and Christmas-themed train rides.
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