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Children's Museum of Manhattan - 10:00 AM
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30 Things to Do with Kids in Chester County
Full of lush gardens, farms, parks, and so much more, Chester County has so many options when it comes to finding fun things to do with your children. So if you live in Chester County or are visiting the area and looking for ways to keep the kiddos entertained, read on for our list of 32 fun activities and places that are perfect for families in this Philly suburb.
For more ideas for quality time family fun, check out our Chester County, PA Guide.
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Chester County Places to Do Arts and Crafts with Kids
1. Color Me Mine — Glen Mills
Choose an unpainted ceramic and paint it. Pick from a plate, mug, bowl, vase, figurine and more.
2. Painting with a Twist — Exton
Attend an all ages class and learn how to paint unicorns, llamas, or an outer space scene.
Chester County Gardens to Visit with Kids
3. Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens — Devon
With 48 acres of gardens and woodlands and 1.2 mile trail, you could spend the good part of a day here. Admission is free, though donations are welcome. Jenkins Arboretum is open daily from 8am to sunset.
The children's garden at Longwood Gardens is always a hit with the kids.
4. Longwood Gardens — Kennett Square
Kids can learn about flowers, trees, plants and insects. Take part in one of the family-friendly activities offered throughout the year, free with general admission tickets.
Fitness Activities for Kids in Chester County
5. Ice Line Skating Rink — West Chester
Take the to the ice at one of Ice Line's public skating sessions or bring your aspiring hockey player to an open hockey session.
6. My Gym — Downingtown
Help your children develop strength, flexibility and balance in an environment that fosters physical engagement. Classes are available for infants through age 10, beginning with Little Bundles all the way up to Ninja Training.
7. The Campus — Downingtown
With sports like ice skating, wiffleball, basketball, swimming, and more, there's so much to do at The Campus.
8. Philadelphia Rock Gyms (PRG) — Malvern
PRG offers classes for ages 4 and up as well as homeschool classes. If you've got a kiddo who loves to climb, this is the place for you.
Indoor Activities and Entertainment for Kids in Chester County
Kids will love getting an up close look at the helicopters at the American Helicopter Museum.
9. American Helicopter Museum and Education Center — West Chester
Learn about aviation history in a hands-on environment, featuring more than 20,000 items on display. Your kids will enjoy climbing into a real helicopter and trying a flight simulator.
10. Bounce U — Exton
When your kids need to expend a little energy, head to this inflatables heaven. Pick from open bounce sessions, preschool sessions, sensory sessions and more.
11. The Colonial Theatre — Phoenixville
Watch a movie at this historic theatre, built in 1903 and featured in the '50s sci-fi film The Blob. After your flick, take a stroll down Bridge Street and grab a bite.
12. Escape West Chester — West Chester
Buy a ticket to the family friendly escape rooms at this venue, featuring one-hour adventures. Choose your room, find the clues, and make your escape!
13. Grand Slam USA — Malvern
Spend the day at this 30,000 square foot indoor activities and sports center. Choose from batting cages, laser tag, mini golf, a ninja obstacle course, basketball, and arcades.
14. Herr's Snack Factory Tours — Nottingham
Take a bite out of a fresh potato chip at Herr's Snack Factory. Follow a guide throughout the factory, watch a video, and see real workers in action. Tours last approximately one hour.
15. The Palace Bowling and Entertainment Center — Downingtown
You can't go wrong with a bowling alley! With specials all week long, Palace Bowling is a great place to spend the day.
Who doesn't love a fun arcade game? Round 1 in Exton has tons to choose from, plus bowling and more!
16. Round 1 — Exton
Located in Exton Square Mall, this entertainment destination features bowling, ping pong, karaoke, and arcades. Grab a bite and some Icees while you're there.
17. Urban Air Adventure Park — Downingtown
Take a ride on the zip line, head through the obstacle course, flip into the foam pit, or just jump around.
Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Chester County
18. Sunset Valley Farms — West Chester
Have an adventure and go horseback riding for the day. The farm also offers lessons and summer camp!
19. Treehouse World Adventure Park — West Chester
Climb through more than 10 tree houses including a 75-foot-train-treehouse, a 12 x12 gingerbread treehouse, a pirate ship treehouse, and more. Zip lines and bungee trampolines are also available onsite.
Visiting a pick-your-own farm, like Highland Orchards, is a great activity for families with children of all ages.
20. Highland Orchards — West Chester
Highland Orchards boasts over 200 acres of pick-your-own farmland, for anything from berries to peaches to pumpkins, as well as a playground, goat pen and feeding area, farm market, bakery, and lots of seasonal events. Don't leave without grabbing a couple (or a dozen) apple cider donuts!
21. West Chester Railroad Company — West Chester
Take a 90-minute round-trip ride on a train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and back, enjoying a picnic stop midway.
Get Outdoors with these Chester County Parks that Are Great for Kids
22. French Creek State Park — Elverson
Go fishing, camp, or hike at French Creek. French Creek also offers kayaking and paddleboard rental as well as a swimming pool with day passes in the summer months.
23. Marsh Creek State Park — Downingtown
With more than 1,700 acres and a 500+ acre lake, your outdoor enthusiasts will really enjoy this spot. Grab your fishing pole, hiking boots, and insect repellent. In the summer, rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
Get the whole family outside for a hike at Stroud Preserve.
24. Stroud Nature Preserve — West Chester
A great place to take a hike with the family, there are challenging hills but also lots of long gravel trails on flat land and through the woods. Be sure and check the preserve's calendar for fun events that kids will enjoy, like s'mores nights in the park.
Fun Places to Eat with Kids in Chester County
25. Jaco Juice and Taco Bar — West Chester
Freshly squeezed juices, made to order smoothies (the Nutter Butter is a personal favorite), amazing breakfast burritos, and anytime tacos, Jaco is a casual spot that's sure to please. Plus with the walk-up counter, it's easy to order food and take it to go, whether walking around town or sitting out at one of the patio tables and people watching. If you find yourself in Media, there's a location there as well.
26. Two Stones Pub — Kennett Square
With an extensive kids menu that's sure to please even the pickiest eater, and delicious food and drinks for the adults, everyone will leave with a full belly.
27. Gemelli — West Chester and Pheonixville
If you're looking for gelato and artisanal desserts, look no further than Gemelli in downtown West Chester. Flavors range from traditional Italian classics like Pistachio to children's favorites, such as Oreo cookie, to gourmet blends, such as local goat cheese and organic Pennyslvania raspberry jam blend. Unlike other gelato shops in town, Gemelli is open year round so you can get your sugar fix even in the middle of the winter (and you can always grab a coffee, too, to warm up). For adults and children over the age of 16, gelato making classes are also available.
28. Green Street Grill — Downingtown
A fun and bustling breakfast and lunch restaurant in Downingtown, Green Street Grill has a large menu with lots of kid-friendly options, a kind and knowledgeable staff, and a location just a couple of blocks from the Downingtown Library and Kerr Park, a 45-acre green space and all-abilities playground.
29. Pica's Restaurant — West Chester
Delaware County natives love Pica's iconic tomato-sauce-on-top pizza. With tasty pizzas, soups, and sandwiches - plus a large parking lot - Pica's is a great place for kids and families.
30. Cookie Dope — West Chester
Did someone say edible cookie dough? Pair your favorite cookie dough flavor with some ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Places featured in this article:
Color Me Mine
Painting with a Twist
Ice Line Skating Rink
Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Longwood Gardens
American Helicopter Museum
The Campus
The Colonial Theatre
Escape West Chester
Grand Slam USA
Herr's Snack Factory
Palace Bowling and Entertainment Center
Sunset Valley Farm
Treehouse World
West Chester Railroad Company
French Creek State Park
Marsh Creek State Park
Stroud Preserve
Highland Orchard Farms
Pica's Restaurant
Jaco Juice and Taco Bar
Green Street Grill
Cookie Dope
Two Stones Pub
