The Parents’ Guide to Montgomery County (On a Tiny Budget)
We live in a beautiful county; let’s actually see it! Skip the expensive malls and discover the local spots that real Montco families can afford. Think petting zoos that won’t break the bank, secret sculpture gardens, and miles of trails waiting for your kids to find the perfect walking stick.
Like most Montco parents who have to live on a budget, I am always looking for activities we can do as a family on an extremely tight budget. Seeing that the area has changed so much, and that most of the spots I used to go to for free no longer exist, kind of bummed me out. So, we take road trips around our area and discover free-to-cheap spots. Even with high gas prices, we found a few tricks for that, too.
The following is a list of places to visit as a family. Or, go solo if you don’t do group outings. I get it. It’s too "peoplie" out there.
⛽ The Gas Strategy: Where to Fuel Up
Before you head out, the first step to a cheap road trip is not overpaying at the pump. Prices in Pennsylvania have been climbing lately, averaging around $3.82 to $5.00 per gallon. Here is how to keep those costs down so you can actually afford the drive:
Turkey Hill (Our Local Favorite): This is a staple for a reason. If you use their SmartPay Rewards app and link it to your checking account, you save 10 cents per gallon every single day. Plus, you earn points toward free coffee or fountain drinks—perfect for those long "exploration" drives.
Wawa Rewards: If you already stop here for a Sizzli, make sure you use the app to pay for gas. You earn 5 points per gallon, which you can later redeem for even bigger fuel discounts. They often run "Fuel Day" promos where the savings jump to 15 or 20 cents off.
The Giant "Grocery-to-Gas" Pipeline: This is the ultimate budget hack. Every 100 points you earn buying groceries at Giant translates to 10 cents off per gallon at their pumps or participating Shell stations. If you time your shopping with their "Bonus Point" items, you can sometimes knock $1.00 or more off the price per gallon.
Warehouse Wins: If you have a membership, Costco (King of Prussia/Willow Grove), Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale (Oaks) are almost always the cheapest "base price" in the county, often sitting 20–30 cents lower than the standard street price.
The "Border" Trick: Gas taxes and competition mean that as you head toward the edges of Montco, prices often drop. If your road trip takes you toward Berks County (Pottstown area), you’ll usually find significantly cheaper signs than you will in the heart of the Main Line.
Secret Sculpture Gardens & Art Walks
If your kids love nature and art, these spots offer a blend of nature and creativity without the gallery price tag. Both are absolutely fun for the naturist and artist of the family.
Abington Art Center (Jenkintown/Abington): Their Outdoor Sculpture Park is a local gem that is free and open to the public daily. It’s a 27-acre "forest gallery" where massive art pieces peek out from behind trees. located at 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
PHS Meadowbrook Farms (Jenkintown): Open April through October, this 25-acre estate is free to enter. It’s a maze-like series of "garden rooms" filled with unique statues. located at 1633 Washington Ln, Meadowbrook, PA 19046.
Petting Zoos & Farmstead Fun
Skip the big-ticket zoos and head to these working farms where the pace is slower.
Merrymead Farm 2222 S Valley Forge Rd, Lansdale, PA 19446
Visit cows, sheep, and bunnies for free.
Great local dairy store with housemade ice cream.
Peter Wentz Farmstead 2030 Shearer Rd, Lansdale, PA 19446
Is a restored 18th-century working farm; free to walk the grounds.
Regularly hosts colonial-era farm life demonstrations.
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park 1615 Black Rock Rd, Royersford, PA 19468
Features a wildlife exhibit with foxes, wolves, and bison.
Entry is a suggested donation of about $5? Last time we went. It could be higher. (Update Needed)
Norristown Farm Park 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403
690 acres with over 8 miles of paved trails through a working farm.
John James Audubon Center 1201 Pawlings Rd, Audubon, PA 19403
5 miles of free trails along Perkiomen Creek.
Grounds are home to over 175 species of birds.
Green Ribbon Trail (North Wales Rd Trailhead) North Wales Rd & Moyer Blvd, North Wales, PA 19454
Shaded trail following the Wissahickon Creek.
Prime location for stone-skipping and stick-hunting.
Indoor Adventure & "Energy Burn" Zones
When the weather doesn't cooperate or the kids need to burn off some steam, these indoor spots offer ways to play without a massive price tag.
Urban Air Adventure Park 1150 Easton Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090 / 70 Buckwalter Rd, Royersford, PA 19468
Pricing: Basic attractions start around $16.99, but the "budget hack" is the Membership, which often starts at around $11.99/month for unlimited play. Otherwise, you will pay more every visit in the long run.
Parent Pass: Parents can jump for about 50% off the price of a standard pass.
Also, they're hiring People at the Royersford one. Great Spot for a Teens Summer Job.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park 122 Mill Rd Unit B-250, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Pricing: Standard 90-minute jumps are typically $22–$28, but look for Little Leapers (toddler time) which is often discounted to around $15 for a child and parent.
Memberships: Monthly memberships are available starting at around $14.99/month, which pays for itself in just one visit.
Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park 555 S Henderson Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Pricing: General admission starts at approximately $15 for 30 minutes or $25 for 60 minutes.
Specials: They frequently offer "Early Bird" deals where you can get double the time for the same price if you arrive right when they open.
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