By Michelle Reese

Falls Township Park, Photo by Michelle Reese

After spending SO much time together in the house this spring, you're probably getting really tired of hearing “I'm bored!” from the kids. But, you also can't keep buying them new toys to entertain themselves all the time. We're here to help with a list of cheap (or FREE!) things to do in Bucks County this summer.

Tip: Be sure to check out our 2020 Summer Fun Guide for even more ideas! And you should also check with individual businesses to learn more about their safety precautions and any requirements/restrictions for guests.

Visit a Local Farm

There are quite a few farms in Bucks and neighboring Montgomery County that allow families to visit to see the animals or pick-your-own produce.

Styers Orchard in Langhorne offers free hayrides to the orchard, and you only pay for what you pick. So it's a fun activity for kids, and then you have a healthy snack to enjoy at home. For more pick-your-own options, read this article about Fresh Fruit Season in Bucks.

At Snipes Farm in Morrisville, families can visit with the animals and then shop the weekly farm market from 9 a.m. to noon.

Ryerss Farm in Pottstown is a unique experience for any horse enthusiast. The country'd oldest non-profit organization of its kind, it provides a comfortable retirement for horses. Visiting the horses is free, though donations are appreciated. You can also purchase treats to feed the horses.

Bowling or Mini Golf

Kids can bowl free by registering at kidsbowlfree.com. Each child registered can get two free games of bowling per day. When you go to the website, just check for bowling alleys which participate in your area.  (Morrisville Lanes, Levittown Lanes, Penndel Bowling Center, and ThunderBird Lanes in Warminster are a few included.) Shoe rental may be required.

While not free, mini golf is another fun way to entertain the kids. Freddy Hill in Lansdale features mini golf, a driving range, batting cages and ice cream. Check out their website for discounts such as cheaper prices during weekdays before 5 p.m. and even special “Parent Plays Free with Paying Child” days. For an option closer to home, try Golf Adventure in Fairless Hills. According to their Facebook page, they've been promoting certain days where players receive complimentary ice cream.

Kids Eat Free

You probably aren't going out to eat these days as much as you used to, but if you do go out, it can still get expensive! Finding restaurants that offer free kids' meals definitely helps keep costs down.

Here are just a few:

Mondays:

Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse in Langhorne: Kids under 10 eat free with a purchase of adult entree on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Tuesdays:

Continental Tavern in Yardley: Kids eat free from the kids' menu

Saturdays:

Denny's in Langhorne: Free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree after 4 p.m.

Sundays:

J.B. Dawson's in Langhorne: One free child's meal per adult entree (excludes holidays)

Outdoor Movie Nights

You're not going to be headed to the theater to see the latest blockbuster this summer, but you can still enjoy a movie night with the family! Keep your eye out for outdoor movie options in Bucks County. Some are completely free, and the others are very reasonable when you consider you won't be dropping big bucks on movie theater concessions.

Here are a few to check out: Upper Southampton Parks & Rec's Movies in the Park, Warwick Township Movies in the Park, Mid Atlantic Event Group Drive In Movie Nights, Outdoor Movie Night at Peddler's Village.

Silver Lake Park in Bristol, Photo by Michelle Reese

Parks & Playgrounds

There's no shortage of beautiful parks and playgrounds in Bucks County that are perfect for spending a summer day. Here's our list of 11 favorite Bucks County playgrounds that are open this summer. To make this even more exciting for kids, consider making a “Playground Passport” where you dedicate each page to a different park in Bucks County. Then add a sticker or a stamp after you've visited it. You could even make a section where your child gives a rating and makes notes about what they liked about each one.

And check out our Outside Fun section of the 2020 Summer Guide for a list of local parks as well as other ideas of things to do outside.

Peddler's Village, Photo by Michelle Reese

Go For a Walk Someplace Different

Getting outside for a walk isn't limited to just parks or your neighborhood. If you're not feeling particularly “naturey” but still want to take the kids somewhere, consider visiting a location like downtown New Hope, Lambertville or Peddler's Village. You can get outside in the fresh air, do some window shopping, and grab an ice cream. There's plenty to look at that you can kill an hour or two without spending a lot of money.

Weekend Cabaret at Bucks County Playhouse

Summer Concerts & Other Music Events

Many of the usual summer concert series are cancelled this year, but you CAN still find some that are happening. And there are even a few new events!

The Falls Township Summer Concerts take place every Sunday night at Falls Township Community Park.

Shady Brook Farm has live music on the weekends, so you can visit The Stone's Throw Pub's patio seating (reservations are recommended, and there's a Kids' Menu). Or grab some ice cream from Uncle Dave's Homemade Ice Cream and eat while you listen.

Or catch a free Courtyard Cabaret show every Saturday and Sunday outside Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. Read more about that new series HERE.

Participate in Summer Quest & Other Ways to Utilize the Library

Summer Quest is the Bucks County Free Library’s learning program with a variety of free, fun activities to stay active, expand knowledge, and engage with the community during the summer. Due to COVID-19, this year's Summer Quest program will be virtual … but there will still be lots of fun ways for families to explore the library and encourage reading!

Read THIS ARTICLE to find out more about live virtual performances, pick-up activity bags, virtual storytimes, and more.

And if nothing else, don your favorite masks and go pick out a few new books to read at home!

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