Here’s 5 Fun Ways to Get Your Kids Off Their Phones—and They’re All Local

We all spend way too much time staring at our phones. We scroll on Instagram the moment we wake up, check notifications while waiting in line at the store, and text through meals—you probably got a ping while reading this. In fact, adults rack up an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes a day just on their phones.

But our kids? They’re clocking in more; sometimes over an hour longer. And that’s not even counting time spent doing homework on their tablets, binge-watching Netflix on the living room TV, or playing endless rounds of Fortnite on their computers.

Simply put, it’s time to put all devices on Do Not Disturb. With school out for the summer, there’s no better chance to share some real-world, one-on-one moments with your kids (that doesn’t involve texting each other from across the room about what’s for dinner).

The good news is you don’t have to go far. Just outside Philly, Montgomery County is packed with kid-friendly attractions perfect for jumpstarting your family’s digital detox. From zoos and parks to entertainment centers, you have your pick of outdoor adventures and indoor, hands-on activities.

We’ve rounded up five standout spots that’ll keep your whole crew engaged, present and finally off their phones.

1. Elmwood Park Zoo

Spanning 16 acres in Norristown, this charming zoo is home to over 100 exotic and endangered species from around the globe. Kids will get a kick out of spotting real-life versions of their favorite animated stars, like the two-toed sloth in Zootopia and red pandas straight out of Turning Red. But Elmwood Park Zoo isn’t just for toddlers; it knows how to win over your most unfazed tweens too. They might just crack a smile while hand-feeding giraffes, snuggling adorable chinchillas, or stepping into Penny the alligator’s exhibit to toss her a toy (if they dare).

Beyond animal exhibits and encounters, the zoo also features a treetop ropes course, classic carousel rides and a percussion garden filled with oversized chimes, bells, and drums. And don’t worry about packing lunches. You’ll find plenty of kid-favorite bites, plus an outdoor beer garden and bar for the grown-ups.

2. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Get ready to hear “everything is awesome” on repeat because this Lego wonderland in Plymouth Meeting truly delivers. With colorful bricks around every corner, kids can bring their wildest designs to life in themed build zones (like fan favorites Lego Duplo and Friends), race their creations down a test track, or see if their builds can survive a serious shake on the earthquake table.

The fun doesn’t stop there, though. There’s also an interactive ride, a 4D cinema, a massive soft play area, a virtual reality experience, and meet-and-greets with beloved franchise characters. Budding master builders will appreciate exploring a mini version of Philly’s skyline that’s built entirely out of Legos. Bonus: it’s fully indoors and air-conditioned, so you can escape the heat on sweltering summer days.

3. Valley Forge National Historical Park

There are only a handful of parks in the state where a casual hike turns into a history lesson, and lucky for us, Montgomery County’s Valley Forge National Historical Park is one of them. Whether you opt to walk, bike, drive or hop aboard the trolley, you’ll stumble upon actual Revolutionary War landmarks along the 10-mile Encampment Tour route. We’re talking reconstructed soldier huts, rows of artillery cannons and towering monuments, like the portrait-ready National Memorial Arch.

Want to dig deeper into the Continental Army’s journey? Head to the park’s on-site museum for fascinating war artifacts and a life-sized model of George Washington himself. But if you’re craving more fresh air, go on a family picnic, hop on a horseback ride or help your little one complete tasks to become an official junior ranger.

4. Arnold’s Family Fun Center

At Arnold’s Family Fun Center in Oaks, your group doesn’t have to settle on just one activity. This supersized entertainment complex has everything you could imagine under one roof—think arcade, carnival and amusement park all rolled into one.

The super-fast go-karts, laser tag arena and blacklight mini golf are a hit with big kids and adults, while little ones gravitate toward the bounce houses, sprawling arcade and kiddie rides. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s more: a rock climbing wall, 4D theater, simulator ride and a high-rise ropes course. It’s the kind of place where your family won’t know where to start…and won’t want to leave.

5. Schuylkill River Trail

Sure, we’ve all driven past the Schuylkill River or biked alongside it on Kelly Drive, but have you ever actually been on it? Along the scenic stretch of the Schuylkill River Trail in Montgomery County, you can trade your walking shoes and rollerblades for paddles and kayak the waters yourself. Of course, biking along the trail is a classic family favorite–access trailheads at the Conshohocken or Spring Mill SEPTA stations and park for free on the weekends.

Want to extend the fun with a little less effort (and fewer complaints from the kids)? Try geocaching, camping or birding in one of the state, municipal or community parks along the trail.

And the Schuylkill River Trail is only one of the popular trails in the area. Montgomery County has 96 miles of trails that run through it. Fortunately, you’ll have all summer to explore them.

For more local activities across Montgomery County that’ll keep your kids screen-free this season, head to visitvalleyforge.com.

This is a paid partnership between Valley Forge Tourism and Philadelphia Magazine