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Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in October

Photo of Franklin Square Pumpkin Patch by G. Widman
Photo of Franklin Square Pumpkin Patch by G. Widman
9/26/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

Autumn is the time of year when Philly families can enjoy the crisp October air, take a hayride, pick apples from the orchard, select pumpkins from the patch, and get ready for one of the most exciting nights of the year, Halloween. While some activities can be expensive, there are so many cost-effective ways to enjoy the change in seasons on a budget.

Mommy Poppins Philadelphia has rounded up plenty of options to keep everyone in the family entertained while saving money. This month features free experiences including a hands-on building project, a photography workshop, and science day festivities.  Outdoor activities include bird watching at Riverbend, boating on the Schuylkill River, playing among the trees at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, and even a haunted hayride at Green Lane Park! Towards the end of October, plenty of free Halloween fun awaits Philly kids so be sure to review our recently updated post to find great ways to get multiple uses out of those adorable and spooky Halloween costumes.

For now, keep reading for free fun for the month ahead.

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Free Events

Free Admission to the Delaware Children's Museum

October 4, 2019
As part of October's Wilmington Art Look, the Delaware Children's Museum offers free admission to preview two new art installations: Celebration of Creativity by VSA DE Our New Hallway of Helpers and Dial 911 Sculpture. READ MORE

Free Crafts for Kids

October 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2019
Until further notice, Lakeshore will not host Free Crafts for Kids programming. Come make some crafts at Lakeshore. From 11 AM to 3 PM, children can drop by and create something spectacular each week. Themes vary by week and no registration is needed. READ MORE

Saturday Free Boating

October 5, 12, and 19, 2019
Families can explore this quiet stretch of the Schuylkill River by using Bartram Garden's kayaks or rowboats. No registration or boating experience is necessary to participate and all ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

Public Star Parties

October 5, 2019
Experience the nighttime sky at Norristown Farm Park. DVAA members set up telescopes for visitor viewing as Jupiter and Saturn are showcased. Guests can bring their own binoculars or telescopes. READ MORE

Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day

October 6, 2019
On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors with a full day of family-friendly activities. Themes change monthly, with new art activities, performers, and guest artists each month. READ MORE

Tall Trees Playdate

October 11, 2019
Explore the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education at its Tall Trees Playscape event. This all-natural playground allows children to dig in the sand, explore the mud kitchen, play on the music wall and more. Meet new friends and discover the wonders of the outdoors. READ MORE

Birding & Bagels

October 12, 2019
Experts at Riverbend teach visitors how to use binoculars, what field guide to choose, what clothing to wear, and share some tips and tricks for identifying local birds. Experienced birdwatchers are also welcome. Light refreshments to fuel this birding adventure are offered. READ MORE

PECO Second Saturdays

October 12, 2019
PECO Second Saturdays at Second State Press is a free public program that allows families and students to come together and learn about printmaking every second Saturday of the month from noon to 2 PM. READ MORE

Cheltenham Township Community Harvest Festival Fireworks

October 12, 2019
Throw on your costumes and come out for the fireworks at Curtis Arboretum. Normally Cheltenham Township hosts a festival during the day, but for 2021 they're just sticking with the fireworks show, which begins at 8:15 PM. READ MORE

Bucks County Book Festival

October 12-13, 2019
It's time for the 2019 Bucks County Book Festival featuring professionally published authors, panel discussions, book readings and signings, Books 'N Brew, writers' and illustrators' workshops, and a Kids Book Fest and Fire Prevention Open House. READ MORE

Pumpkin Painting

October 16, 2019
Children are invited to Lovett Memorial Library to paint their very own mini pumpkin. Supplies are provided by the library. Please note that space is limited and is first-come, first-serve. READ MORE

PBGW’s Annual Halloween Bash

October 17, 2019
Enjoy a free evening of trick-or-treat fun at the Montgomery Township Community Center! This event allows individuals with special needs as well as their families the opportunity to trick-or-treat in a fun and safe environment suitable for wheel chairs and other special equipment. READ MORE

All Hallow's Eve Fall Festival

October 19, 2019
What could be better than visiting Pennypacker Mills for an All Hallow's Eve Fall Festival? The whole family can climb aboard the hay wagon and take a scenic hayride through the meadow. Kids can paint pumpkins, make crafts, and play bean bag toss.  READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch in Franklin Square

October 19, 2019
Wander through the pumpkin patch and pick the perfect one at Franklin Square. Afterward, decorate your pumpkin with spooky and scary designs. READ MORE

Geology Walk

October 20, 2019
Head to Lock 60 at Schuylkill Canal Park for a guided walk led by the Schuylkill Canal Association’s Dave Williams. Participants learn about faults and fossils during this moderately difficult 1.5 hour hike. READ MORE

Ambler Halloween Parade Extravaganza

October 26, 2019
Main Street is the place to be for costumed kiddos, who'll meet at the Ambler Theater for trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and other kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Spider's Tea Party

October 26, 2019
Bring your favorite stuffed pal for some tea (juice) and crumpets (snack food) at Spider's Tea Party at Peace Valley Nature Center. Then guests can listen to some creepy stories. READ MORE

CANCELED: Community Night

October 28, 2019
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at the Franklin Institute's Community Night. Kids and parents alike can explore the museum's fun and educational science exhibits for free. The doors open at 5 PM and pre-registration is not necessary. READ MORE

Halloween Happenings at Herr's

October 28, 2019
Dress in your Halloween costume (or not) and head to the Herr's Snack Factory. Walk through the snack facilities for a free tour and trick-or-treat along the way. READ MORE

Candy Carnival

October 31, 2019
Children who visit Varner Farms on Halloween night can participate in its Candy Carnival. Little ones complete 20 activities and receive candy after each one. READ MORE

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