My spring/summer version of this list is always one of my most popular posts, but this is the first time I’m creating a winter list! If you’d like to see my full list of Things to Do with Kids in Winter, click HERE.
For the purpose of the list below, I’m trying to keep all activities either free, under $15, or a discounted rate from their usual price.
(Mostly) Free
Local Libraries
We love visiting our local libraries! Obviously, you’ll want to pick out some books, but there’s even more to do than that! Penn’s Little Village (Langhorne) and Career Corner (Yardley) have the biggest play areas, but all of the Bucks County Free Libraries have a children’s area. Read THIS post for more details on the children’s areas in several Bucks County libraries, including photos of the activities that are typically available. There are also usually grab n’ go crafts to take home, and some libraries even have games that you can borrow. We usually also pick out a DVD or video game. So between our time spent there, a craft, new movie to watch, and books to read, it can really fill up the day!
Be sure to check the Bucks County Free Library calendar for events like storytimes, crafts, and more! Note: All of the Bucks County libraries are closed on Sundays.
NOTEWORTHY:
Little Harmonies with Ms. Nancy is a free music class that takes places every Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Southampton Library.
Lolly Hopwood is at the Langhorne library every Tuesday this winter from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and at the Yardley Library on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a special musical storytime.
New Jersey State Museum
205 W. State Street, Trenton
This FREE museum is less than 10 minutes from our house in Yardley, so we finally checked it out last winter. For our kids (6 and 5 at the time), it was a fun new way to spend an hour or two. I think your time there would vary greatly depending on the ages/interests of your kids. Some of the exhibits include fossils, Civil War flags, fine art, Native American artifacts, and more. There’s also a small play area for kids with different activities. While not free, the favorite feature of our family was seeing the Planetarium show. We’ve now seen two there as they change up the shows throughout the year.
There’s even a Small Explorers program that meets on the second Saturday of the month. It’s a 45- minute playgroup that meets in the Discovery Den at 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. This program includes a planetarium show! It’s free, but you do need to sign up.
Kids Play at Willow Grove Mall
2500 Moreland Road, Willow Grove
Free kids event on the 3rd Wednesday of every month between January and October from 11 a.m. to noon. SKIPPING MARCH THOUGH! Includes a variety of activities and special guests. No need to register. Located on the first level court by Macy’s. See the schedule HERE.
Indoor Play Spaces at Local Fast Food Restaurants
My kids LOVE to get to eat some nuggets and fries and then run around a play area. The ones I know of that are open include:
McDonald’s in Penndel (shown above)
Burger King in Feasterville
Burger King in Langhorne
Burger King in Souderton
Chick-fil-A in Bensalem (Street Road)
Chick-fil-A in Warrington
Chick-fil-A in Warminster
Mr B’s at Calvary Church
820 Souderton Road, Souderton
Mr B’s is a great place to meet for a playdate! There’s a 2-story PlayZone that’s designed for kids up to 54″. Socks are required. There are a variety of vending machines, and you’re also free to bring in outside food. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Storytime at The Bridge Coffee
6800 Bristol-Emilie Road, Levittown
Free every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Howell Living History Farm
The farm welcomes guests Tuesdays through Saturdays to walk around and explore the farm. Free admission, free parking. And free Saturday events most weekends! On February 10, there’s an “Old Fashioned Valentine’s Day” event with sleigh, carriage and wagon rides and card making. Later in the month, activities are focused on maple sugaring.
Cheap Activities/Special Offers
Altitude Feasterville
1045 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville
Let the kids burn off some energy with lots of jumping!
Altitude offers special Junior Jump discounts for children 6 and under. You get 3 hours of jump time Monday – Friday for just $12. Parents can join for $3. Junior Jump starts at 10 a.m. These times are open to all ages, but it’s a little bonus for the little ones.
Bowling
Many people know about the Kids Bowl Free program that’s offered in the summer, but you can also find good deals on bowling throughout the year.
For example, Morrisville Lanes offers deals such as dollar bowling every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon!
Movies
With how many ways we can watch movies from home these days, we sometimes forget how exciting it can be to see them on the big screen. Regal offers discounted $6.50 tickets and half price popcorn on Tuesdays if you sign up for their Regal Crown Club. (It’s free.) AMC Neshaminy offers $5 Tuesday tickets and $5 fountain drink and small popcorn combo if you’re an AMC Stubs member. (Also free.)
Limited Time Discounts
Crayola Experience
Creative kids will have so much fun with hands-on activities such as naming and wrapping your very own crayon, climbing through a Crayola themed playground, making wax molds, playing with Scribble Scrubbies, and much more. On Tuesdays, Crayola offers Toddler Tuesdays with toddler-themed activities from 11 a.m. to noon.
During the month of February, preschoolers ages 3 and 4 are free on weekdays! (Kids 2 and under are always free.)
Grounds for Sculpture
Grounds for Sculpture is beautiful any time of year! Until the end of February, tickets are discounted to $12. Children 5 and under are always free. On Saturday, February 17, GFS is offering a Tots for Sculpture event where children ages 3 through 5 can create mosaic tiles for $5.
Morris Arboretum
100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia
I wrote about Morris Arboretum during the summer HERE, but the grounds are actually open year-round! It’s a beautiful place to take a long walk, and kids will enjoy spots like the giant nets, log cabin and fairy woods. Morris Arboretum offers discounted tickets during the month of February. Tickets are $12 for adults instead of $20 and $6 for kids instead of $10. Children 2 and under and always free.
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden
Pet the stingray, walk over sharks, and learn all about your favorite sea creatures!
On weekdays from January 23 through February 15, Adventure Aquarium is offering one free child’s admission with one paying adult.
Ice Skating at Dilworth Park
West side of City Hall, Philadelphia
On Mondays and Tuesdays in February, enjoy free admission to the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. Skate rental is not included.
Sweet Mini Moments 