During the summer months, we can usually rely on the pool, the sprinkler, or the neighborhood playground to keep the kids busy for a big chunk of each day. That is, until the weather stops cooperating and we’re forced indoors. Here’s a roundup of free or cheap places to hit in Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy and surrounding suburbs.
The first place that probably comes to mind is the Little Treehouse in Chestnut Hill, a fun and affordable option for indoor play (check out the link for prices/hours). For a similar experience, but for free, the play area at the Plymouth Meeting Mall is a good choice. It’s not as big, but you also have the water fountain, the carousel and the food court and you can drop by H&M to check out the ultra-cute and affordable kids section while you’re there.
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IKEA- Conshohocken
For those of you who don’t already know, IKEA offers FREE babysitting! You can drop your kiddo off at the Smaland (play area) for up to one hour (two if you’re an IKEA Family member) and then go shop, eat, check your email, whatever! The only catch is that your child must be potty-trained and a certain hieght. Even if your little one isn’t quite ready for the Smaland, the café is very kid-friendly and affordable (free for children under a certain age if you’re an IKEA Family member) and you can still explore the children’s area (I let my son play with the mini kitchen, crawl around on the rugs, etc). There’s even a changing area with free diapers and wipes in case you’re short. While you’re there, you can also swing by Michaels next door to pick up some crafts to do at home (get their app for easy coupons).
Find out what's happening in Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Barnes and Noble- Plymouth Meeting
I know, another Plymouth Meeting location… it’s a little bit of a hike from our neighborhood, but at least you can hit Whole Foods while you’re out there. Also, be sure to take the more scenic route (take Stenton to Flourtown road, past the arboretum; it winds around a couple of farms with sheep, cows and even longhorns!). Back to Barnes and Noble. They have story time Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and a Thomas the Train table. If your child has a dramatic flair, there’s also a stage area where you can encourage her to perform some readers’ theater while you sip on an iced coffee from the B&N Starbucks.
William Jeanes Memorial Library- Lafayette Hill
The Chestnut Hill Free Library is closer, but travel a couple more miles up Germantown Pike to the William Jeanes Memorial Library in Lafayette Hill and you’ll find many more children’s programs and (no offense, Chestnut Hill), a more impressive facility. Check out this link for up-to-date events and programs.
Water Tower Park Spray Pool- Chestnut Hill
If heat is the issue rather than rain, this park is very shaded and has a spray pool open in the summer from 11-4 each day. If it’s not running when you go, you can just go inside and ask somebody to turn it on for you.
Keep your eyes out for a future article about things to do at home on hot/rainy days and please share your ideas for places to take the kiddos when it’s rainy/hot/miserable outside!
