Three Itineraries for Having a Fun Day with Your Family This Summer

From the city to the ’burbs to the Shore, all for under $45.


Illustrations by Greg Christman

The city

First stop: Hit up Markward Playground (400 South Taney Street, Fitler Square), then walk up the ramp to get to the Schuylkill River Trail, but be sure to stop and watch the pups in the dog parks first. Cost*: free.
Second stop: Head over to Honey’s Sit N Eat (2101 South Street, Grad Hospital), where kids are half off for dinner until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Honey fried chicken fingers with fries are $12; the burger is $10. Cost: $30-ish.
Third stop: Watch the sun go down at Parks on Tap, which has hammocks, yard games, ample seating, and plenty of room for kids to be kids. Check out the website for location. Cost: $14 for two beers.

The ’burbs

First stop: The barnyard animals and some classes (cooking, story time) are free at Linvilla Orchards (137 West Knowlton Road, Media); pay $1 per kid for the ginormous wooden playground. Cost: $2.
Second stop: Get some cheeseburgers (wit’ Whiz, of course) and house-fried chips at Wimpy’s Original (1015 North Providence Road, Media), a Delco institution. Cost: $25-ish.
Third stop: It’s $8 per kid on Fridays at Bette’s Family Fun Center (2971 West Duttons Mill Road, Aston). There are Boardwalk-style games, moon bounces, zip lines, and many places for parents to chill. Cost: $16.

The Shore

First stop: The Cape May County Zoo (707 Route 9 North, Cape May Court House) is home to more than 550 animals — including a baby giraffe that was born in November. Cost: free.
Second stop: The high-quality hot dogs (even the ones with all the fixings) and chili-covered mashed potatoes are all under $5 at Hot Dog Tommy’s (319 Beach Avenue, Cape May). Cost: $22-ish.
Third stop: Avalon’s Big Beach Movie series is just that: flicks like Star Wars Rogue One on a giant inflatable screen at the 30th Street beach, every Tuesday at dusk through August. Cost: free.

*Prices based on a family of four with two kids


» See also: The Cheapskate Parent’s Guide to Summer in Philly

Published as “Know-It-All Guide: Wheelin’ and Dealin’” in the July 2018 issue of Philadelphia magazine.