Where In The Montco? Family Fun That Won't Break The Bank

The Barn Yard, Collegeville, is Montgomery County's version of the famous Please Touch Museum. With a fully interactive play town, and a price tag of about $15 per child, this can turn a rainy Saturday into a fun learning experience for your younger children. 

If your family is more interested in a loose, self-guided time, then Merrymead Farm might probably be good for you. Located in Lansdale, Worcester Township, Merrymead is a fully functioning dairy, petting zoo, and eatery. No admission charge means you can visit the animals at your leisure, sample some ice cream or grab a specialty treat, and head home as the first sign of "Mommm, my feet hurt!"

If you have older kids, or if you consider yourself a big kid, this memorabilia museum might be right up your alley. The American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks is a guided tram tour through what they define as their "75,000 square foot Toy Box". There are also additional rooms for you to tour at your own pace, and every inch is packed with pop culture memorabilia. Checking in at about $18 for big kids and adults, and a 1.5-2 hour tour time, this is definitely some bang for your buck. 

Norristown holds a secret treasure, a zoo! Elmwood Park Zoo has all the fun of Philadelphia Zoo without the drive. Mammals, reptiles, and birds galore, there are also shows, playgrounds and family friendly activities inside the zoo to make the entire experience more memorable. Tickets for adults will run about $22, but PA EBT cardholders can get admission for as little as $4 per person. 

If you weren't tired enough of stepping on Legos in bare feet at home, let's get the whole family together for a day surrounded by them! Legoland Discovery Center in Plymouth Meeting is a completely immersive experience with things like Virtual Reality, 4D rides, and playgrounds, the Discovery Center has something for every member of the family. Tickets are a little more expensive, costing about $34 per person, but with plenty to do at that price point. 

Nestled in Valley Forge is the site where George Washington and his troops arrived for the winter during the Revolutionary War, and prepared for a cohesive defense of Philadelphia from the British. Valley Forge National Historical Park is expansive yet packed with historical significance. Free to the public, this park is completely free-reign. Bring a lunch, some outside activities for the kids, and soak up the knowledge!