OT-Cheap, fun place to go with the kids 2 hours from Allentown, PA

[loveysbydesign]

I'm looking for some place different to go and do outside this weekend that does not cost a lot and is within 2 hours drive of the Allentown/Lehigh Valley area. My kids are almost 3, 7 and 11 y.o.!
We've been to Lancaster a bunch of times so please don't suggest that!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I wish I knew, I'd be doing it too. We're long overdue for a nice outing. Oooh, how about Knoebels?

 

[mjkacmom]

This would be about 2 hours from you, and would cost you $7 per adult - your kids would be free. I find a day at the beach gets you a big bang for your buck, because the kids LOVE it! This is one of the most family-friendly beaches I know of. http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/Page.aspx?ID=2535

 

[loveysbydesign]

I wish I knew, I'd be doing it too. We're long overdue for a nice outing. Oooh, how about Knoebels?

Knoebels' will cost us over $100 for wristbands and we can't do just tix as we are all ride nuts-lol! However we are thinking we may go to Ashland to the coal mine and train! http://www.pioneertunnel.com/

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Knoebels' will cost us over $100 for wrsitbands and we can't do just tix and we are all ride nuts-lol! However we are thinking we may go to Ashland to the coal mine and train! http://www.pioneertunnel.com/

Ahh gotcha. We're ride nuts too. The Pioneer Tunnel-- that sounds fun I've done the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour a few times, it's cool.

 

[lisaross]

I don't live far from this beach - usually i hit pt. pleasant -

This looks like a nice beach - how are the waves? crazy high? and are their places to have lunch/dinner?

thanks

This would be about 2 hours from you, and would cost you $7 per adult - your kids would be free. I find a day at the beach gets you a big bang for your buck, because the kids LOVE it! This is one of the most family-friendly beaches I know of. http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/Page.aspx?ID=2535

 

[caborst]

Not for this weekend but for future reference, how about Monmouth Park Racetrack. Starting on Memorial Day weekend Sundays are family fun days. They have face painting, pony rides and other activities. Adult admission is only $3, under 12 is free. You don't have to bet on the races or it is only $2 to place a bet. My daughter used to bring her plastic horse and have her own race. There is a picnic area and playground and you can bring in coolers if you want. It is a very pretty, family friendly racetrack.

 

[robsmom]

My husband and I were having the same conversation this am, but we are looking for 2 hrs of South Jersey. The weather looks good so we are hoping for outdoors. We were considering walking around historic philadelphia. the historical attractions are mostly free and you can have lunch in the area. I also am going to read more about Menlo Park in Edison. Not sure if that is too much inside for a nice day. What about Bushkill Park in the Poconos. Would be a nice weekend to walk the trails.

 

[loveysbydesign]

My husband and I were having the same conversation this am, but we are looking for 2 hrs of South Jersey. The weather looks good so we are hoping for outdoors. We were considering walking around historic philadelphia. the historical attractions are mostly free and you can have lunch in the area. I also am going to read more about Menlo Park in Edison. Not sure if that is too much inside for a nice day. What about Bushkill Park in the Poconos. Would be a nice weekend to walk the trails.

You can get Bushkill Falls buy 1 get 1 free coupons online at tropicanarewards right now! Today is a free day to get your choice of rewards for huindreds of places in the US...museums, outdoor stuff etc!
We'd go to BF but the steps would be too much for my little guy!

 

[lisaross]

I heard this is lots of fun - do u know when its open till Memorial day till?

Not for this weekend but for future reference, how about Monmouth Park Racetrack. Starting on Memorial Day weekend Sundays are family fun days. They have face painting, pony rides and other activities. Adult admission is only $3, under 12 is free. You don't have to bet on the races or it is only $2 to place a bet. My daughter used to bring her plastic horse and have her own race. There is a picnic area and playground and you can bring in coolers if you want. It is a very pretty, family friendly racetrack.

 

[andrews_dad]

Lake Tobias
Cherry Crest Adventure Farms
Hershey Gardens

BOGO Coupons for all of these in the Lanc/York/Harrisburgh Ent Book.

Also consider Hawk Mountain. Lion Shrine, Paterno Statue, and scoops of Peachy Paterno the Creamery at Penn State.

 

[java]

Really check more into Knoebels. They have many buy on get one days- and what we have found is we buy bands for the kids- and we pay as we go. (Generally are doing only coasters and train oh and the carousel.

For us it's really the cheapest park - no parking fee, the food is inexpensive and delicious.
So while it might be out for this weekend- keep it in mind for the future.

I'm going to watch this thread for ideas! We are going to start Geocaching- basically hiking with a little prize treat added in for interest for the kids. and it's FREE once you get the GPS.
http://www.geocaching.com/
great site with local places.

My kids really enjoy that little zoo- the Lehigh Valley Zoo- but what they really enjoy is the drive around the back of the zoo- over to the stream. The picnic we have and then the drive around to see the bison! And that is all free. You could skip the zoo and just do Picnic- and see the Bison.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Really check more into Knoebels. They have many buy on get one days- and what we have found is we buy bands for the kids- and we pay as we go. (Generally are doing only coasters and train oh and the carousel.

For us it's really the cheapest park - no parking fee, the food is inexpensive and delicious.
So while it might be out for this weekend- keep it in mind for the future.

I'm going to watch this thread for ideas! We are going to start Geocaching- basically hiking with a little prize treat added in for interest for the kids. and it's FREE once you get the GPS.
http://www.geocaching.com/
great site with local places.

My kids really enjoy that little zoo- the Lehigh Valley Zoo- but what they really enjoy is the drive around the back of the zoo- over to the stream. The picnic we have and then the drive around to see the bison! And that is all free. You could skip the zoo and just do Picnic- and see the Bison.

We love the Lehigh Valley Zoo..only 20 minutes from where we live!

 

[LG2]

Crayola Factory
Website: www.crayola.com

The Franklin Institute Science Museum
Website: www.fi.edu

Independence Hall for Kids
http://www.nps.gov/inde/forkids/index.htm

Sesame Place
http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame2/
11 yr-old might be a little old, but if he/she bonds well with siblings, will have a good time. Single-day and 2-day tickets are same price. Entertainment book used to have a $5 coupon (up to 6) that could only be used on the single-day admission. Or maybe wait until it gets warmer because the water activities in the park are fun too.

 

[caborst]

I heard this is lots of fun - do u know when its open till Memorial day till?

Opening weekend is next weekend, the 22nd and it runs every weekend through Labor Day.

 

[lisaross]

Agree - Lake Tobias is really really lots of fun so is Cherry Crest Farms..

Lake Tobias
Cherry Crest Adventure Farms
Hershey Gardens

BOGO Coupons for all of these in the Lanc/York/Harrisburgh Ent Book.

Also consider Hawk Mountain. Lion Shrine, Paterno Statue, and scoops of Peachy Paterno the Creamery at Penn State.

 

[labdogs42]

great thread -- keep the ideas coming, 'cuz I can use them, too! I was goign to suggest hawk Mountain. We may go there this weekend, too!

Letterboxing or GeoCaching is cheap (if you already have a GPS) and fun, too.

How about the train over in P'burg? http://www.877trainride.com/index.htm

 

[ryanshana]

please touch, philly zoo.

Alsp Sesame Place is doing $20 off a signle day ticket during weekdays from now till 6/17.

http://www.sesameplace.com/sesame2/purchase.aspx?id=promotional-offers

 

[eyes4eeyore]

Knoebels' will cost us over $100 for wristbands and we can't do just tix as we are all ride nuts-lol! However we are thinking we may go to Ashland to the coal mine and train! http://www.pioneertunnel.com/

Just a heads up. My 9 year old daughter just went to the Ashland coal mine last week on her class field trip and thought it was on the scary side. She said it got very dark for a while and she really didn't like it. She did have trouble falling asleep that night. You might want to take a flashlight since it looks like you have smaller kids.

 

[DisforXmas]

Hi, I grew up in Emmaus. What about driving into NYC, go to Statue of Liberty, visit a museum, or picnic in Central Park. I miss the Brass Rail, Yocco's , and Josh Early's.