The summer heat is here, and like everything else right now, COVID-19 is making things a little more complicated! Sure, you could spend your summer inside with the AC cranked, but if your family is getting stir crazy, here’s a list of ways to beat the heat, stay safe and have fun in & around Montgomery County.
1. Make a Splash:
Montgomery Township Parks and Rec Splash Pad hasn’t announced official plans yet. (Photo by Michelle Reese.)
Unfortunately, many of the nearby summer favorites (Sesame Place, Hurricane Harbor, Wildwater Kingdom) are currently closed, as well as several community splash pads. BUT, Warwick Township Community Park in Jamison is open, and according to Facebook, the Montgomery Township Parks and Rec Splash Pad is talking about reopening plans.
UPDATE: Montgomery Township announced on June 30 that they will NOT be opening the splash pad this year.
2. Cool off Creekside:
Cool off with a kayak or canoe outing at Green Lane Park. Boat rentals are open for the summer, so you can enjoy the Perkiomen Creek.
3. Take the Fun Indoors:
Things are bound to be a bit different, but there ARE spots that are open! Limerick Bowl is open for family fun. Escape Rooms such as 2020 Happening List Winner Expedition Escape! in Montgomeryville and King of Prussia and Happening List Finalist Play It Out Escape in Souderton reopened on June 26. And Happening List Finalist, Painting with a Twist in Skippack is opening for events with limited seating on July 2.
4. Escape to the Movies:
This year, there won’t be packed movie theaters to see the summer blockbuster. But if movie nights at home on the couch are getting stale, consider the drive in! Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield is showing movies every night. Get more info in our 2020 Summer Guide.
5. Indulge in an Ice Cream Treat:
While there are plenty of chain ice cream shops in the area, be sure to try out the special, privately own stores throughout the county for truly great ice cream. (Carminati Creamery in Glenside is our 2020 Happening List Winner!) Find more suggestions in the Food & Drink section of our 2020 Summer Guide.
6. Cool Off Underground:
Ready for a quick road trip? Cool off underground at nearby Crystal Cave in Kutztown. The temperature in the cave is a constant 54 degrees, so you might even need a jacket! Enjoy a movie and tour of the stalagmite and stalactite formations. Then finish off the day with a round of mini-golf and a trip to the ice cream shop.
7. Go Swimming:
If you have your own pool, this is a no-brainer! If not, there are some local pools that are opening this year with safety precautions in place. Towamencin Township Pool, for example, opened on Saturday, June 27. And Abington Township Pool is opening July 1.
8. Head to the Beach:
We’re lucky enough to live in a location where you can reach several shore cities within a couple hours. For quieter beaches, try Belmar or Brigantine. And if you’re missing the boardwalk fun, Ocean City is always a family favorite. Many businesses are open this season, but with precautions.
Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Lauren Stites from wildkidswander.com.
9. Explore a Museum:
This one is a little trickier than usual, but there’s hope in sight! The Franklin Institute, Adventure Aquarium, The Michener Art Museum, Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle have all reopened. The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia hasn’t released their opening date yet, but has started sharing information about the modifications they’re making. So fingers crossed that they’ll be opening this summer.
In the mean time, many local museums (including Bucks County Children’s Museum) are offering at-home tours and activities that you can access from home. So take a virtual field trip from the cool comfort of your living room.
10. If all else fails, get out the baby pool, turn on the sprinkler, or toss some water balloons!
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