Save Money Without Sacrificing Summer Fun
Summer doesn't have to mean spending hundreds of dollars on entertainment. Whether you're looking for something completely free or just a few dollars, Chester County is packed with family-friendly activities.
We've rounded up some of our favorite ways to keep kids busy all summer long!
🆓 Totally FREE
📆 Check the Macaroni KID Calendar of Kids' activities daily - we keep it full or free and low cost activities to help you plan your days (and preserve your budget!).
📚 Join Your Library's Summer Reading Program or General Programming
Nearly every Chester County library offers:
- Reading challenges
- Weekly performers
- Crafts
- STEM activities
- Storytimes
- Special events
👉 Check our Summer Reading Guide
🎬 Watch a Free Outdoor Movie
Pack lawn chairs and snacks and enjoy family movies under the stars throughout Chester County.
👉 See our Outdoor Movie Guide
🎵 Attend a Free Summer Concert
Many local parks host weekly concerts all summer.
👉 See the Concert Schedule
💦 Visit a Splash Pad
When temperatures climb, splash pads are one of the best free ways to cool off.
👉 Find Splash Spots Near You
🌳 Explore a New Park
Make it a goal to visit a different playground every week.
👉 Browse our Park & Playground Guide
🏛 Borrow a Museum Pass
Did you know your library may let you borrow admission to museums—for FREE?
👉 Learn about the Museum Pass Program
🚲 Bike Trail Adventure
Looking for a free way to spend an afternoon? Pack water bottles and explore one of Chester County's scenic bike trails. Some family favorites include:
- Struble Trail – a mostly flat, shaded rail trail that's great for younger riders and families.
- Chester Valley Trail – a paved multi-use trail with several convenient access points throughout the Exton and Malvern area.
- East Branch Brandywine Trail – a beautiful paved trail connecting West Chester and Downingtown that's perfect for biking, walking, or scootering. The county also maintains dozens of miles of additional trails if you're looking to explore somewhere new.
🌻 Nature Walk
Check our Trail Picks - and if you find one we've missed let us know!
Farmers Markets
Many Chester County farmers' markets have:
- Live music
- Free kids crafts
- Storytimes
- Farm animals
Check our list of local markets
Free Community Festivals and Events
Check out the Festivals list and our Event Calendar for the latest free happenings. Don't miss these great free family festivals
- Uwchlan Community Day
August 1, 2026 - America 250 Celebration - West Chester
August 1, 2026 - Back to School Bash at Kerr Park - August 16th
💲 Other Budget-Friendly Ideas
🍿 Regal Summer Movie Express
Family movies for around $1 - check this summer's list.
🎥 Discount Kids Movies in Exton
Affordable weekday movie mornings - check the lineup
🍦 Ice Cream & Park Day
Grab treats then head to a playground.
Pick-your-own berries (depending on season)
Rainy Day Budget Ideas
- Library - visit and check out books, attend a program, rent a movie to watch at home
- Museum pass
- Discount movie
- Browse a bookstore
- Indoor scavenger hunt
- Try our Ideas for Indoor Fun: Stuck Inside This Summer - 70 Indoor Kids Activities to Save the Day
Create a Summer Challenge
Make a Summer Fun To Do List - use local ideas above and general summer fun ideas to make a family to do list. Use our FREE PRINTABLE.
