Are you looking for FREE places to go with your kids this summer in Lancaster County? This list encompasses everything you’ll need to keep your kids active—from playgrounds, to bowling, to roller skating, to movies, to cool on hot days, and dry on rainy days. Some of these free places to go with your kids you do have to register for, so be sure to check them out and plan accordingly.
Between FREE summer reading programs, FREE summer movies, FREE summer bowling, FREE summer roller skating, and all the other summer freebies your kids will be very busy this summer in Lancaster County!
FREE Roller Skating
Kids 12 and under skate for FREE. Bring your own skates for a completely FREE family time (or rent for a nominal fee). You must register each child to receive their free passes. You can learn more about that here.
FREE Kids Movies
Several theaters in the area offer FREE or very cheap summer kids movies. Each theater has a list of the movies that they will be showing and when they will be showing. Mark your calendar for the movies you want to see and where!
FREE Kids Bowling
Two FREE games of bowling every day — all summer long at local bowling alleys for kids! You do need to bring your own shoes or pay for rentals. Consider checking your local Goodwill or eBay to find your kids a pair of bowling shoes and save on rentals each visit!
FREE Fishing Days
Lancaster County is home to many FREE fishing derbies. There are also several FREE fishing days in Pennsylvania this summer. Check this list to see what fits your summer schedule.
FREE Museum Passes
Did you know you can register for FREE passes to local museums with your Lancaster County Libraries card? Sign up now to visit places like the North Museum, Landis Valley, The Science Factory, National Watch and Clock Museum and more!
FREE Petting Zoos
We are lucky we live in Lancaster County, where petting zoos are quite prevalent. Here’s a list of 8 FREE Petting Zoos in Lancaster County including The Pretzel Hut, and the ever-popular traveling petting zoo that comes to the area—the Record & Burpee’s Petting Zoo.
FREE Entry Days at National Parks
National Parks have FREE entry days throughout the year including a few this summer. This list explains which national parks have free entry days and which parks are always free for you to visit. It also lists the parks that within 2 hours of Lancaster County.
FREE Splash Pads & Wading Pools
This list will tell you the FREE splash pads and wading pools in the Lancaster County area! A few on the list are about an hours drive, but even I was surprised how many free splash pads are right here in Lancaster!
FREE Dutch Wonderland Tickets
Children in the Lancaster Library Summer Reading Program can earn a FREE ticket to Dutch Wonderland! And don’t forget these 9 Ways to Save on Dutch Wonderland Tickets for the rest of your family!
Birthday Freebies
Do you or your child have a birthday this summer? Sign up for these freebies and special offers to receive on your birthday! Some of them are free food and meals at restaurants, but you’ll be surprised how many other freebies you can get on your birthday including a free plant at a local greenhouse!
Kids Eat FREE at Restaurants
Check out this comprehensive list of restaurants that offer FREE kids meals. Whether you are out and about on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday—there are FREE meals for kids offered every day in Lancaster County.
FREE Summer Reading Programs
Did you know there are more summer reading programs than just the public library—and they all offer rewards or prizes? This list will show you 5 local summer reading programs your kids can register for, plus some others too!
Before-Naptime Trip Ideas
This list of 15 trip ideas are perfect for a family who needs to get a child home before naptime. Some of these have a small fee, but many are FREE including watching cows being milked at Lapp Valley, creek play at Boehringer’s or Poole Forge, and exploring a 88,000 square foot pet store with tons of animals to observe!
Lancaster County Playgrounds
Visit a Lancaster County playground using this Google playground map. Have you ever wondered where all the Lancaster County playgrounds area? You will be shocked to see just how many when you open this Google Map.
FREE Indoor Play Areas
For those rainy days, or extremely hot days when you want to be indoors, this list of FREE Indoor Play Areas in Lancaster County will keep your options open!
