Summer doesn't have to be packed with expensive camps and perfectly planned outings. Some of the best summer memories happen during simple adventures, spontaneous day trips, and exploring your own community. If you're looking for ways to keep kids entertained around Wayne this summer, here are some ideas to add to your family's bucket list.
Get Creative
- Take an art class or workshop at Wayne Art Center, which offers summer camps, classes, and hands-on creative experiences for kids and teens.
- Create your own sidewalk chalk art festival at home.
- Start a summer sketchbook and challenge kids to draw one thing they see each day.
- Visit local galleries and let kids vote for their favorite artwork.
Explore Nature
- Spend an afternoon hiking, taking a nature walk or attending an event through McKaig Nature Education Center.
- Pack a picnic and visit Radnor Memorial Park. Go on a scavenger hunt and see how many birds, insects, and wildflowers you can spot.
- Explore Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens at no cost, or register for one of their family friendly programs.
- Try an evening firefly hunt after sunset.
Beat Summer Brain Drain
- Sign up for free summer reading programs, events and activities at the Radnor Memorial Library, Tredyffrin Township Library or Paoli Library.
- Create a family reading challenge. Visit local bookstores and allow your kids to choose one summer read each!
- Let kids pick a new topic of interest each week and become "experts" on it. Have kids present their topic in fun and creative ways via posters, powerpoints or skits.
- Check out the Summer Program here at Brain Balance. Schedule your child’s assessment here.
Get Moving
- Explore summer sports camps and recreation programs through Radnor Township Parks & Recreation. Options include baseball, golf, field hockey, fishing, hiking, and traditional day camp experiences.
- Organize neighborhood kickball games or plan a weekly family bike ride.
- Create a backyard obstacle course.
Easy Day Trips
- Valley Forge - Just 20 minutes from Wayne, Valley Forge National Historical Park offers miles of paved and natural trails perfect for walking, biking, scootering, or exploring at your own pace. Families can visit historic buildings, and monuments while learning about local history in a hands-on way. The wide-open fields and wooded areas make it an excellent destination for children who benefit from movement, sensory breaks, and opportunities to connect with nature. Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and other wildlife throughout the park!
- Philadelphia - Philadelphia is full of family-friendly attractions that can easily fill a day, or several! The Philadelphia Museum of Art frequently offers hands-on family programs and creative activities, while destinations like the Please Touch Museum and the Franklin Institute provide interactive learning opportunities. Families can also stroll along the waterfront, visit parks and playgrounds, or ride the train, trolley, or subway simply for the adventure. For children fascinated by transportation, maps, or city life, public transit can be an attraction all by itself.
- Longwood Gardens - One of the region's most beloved destinations, Longwood Gardens offers stunning gardens, fountains, wooded paths, and seasonal exhibits throughout the year. The Children's Garden is designed specifically for young explorers, featuring interactive water features, treehouses, tunnels, and spaces that encourage imaginative play. During the summer, the famous fountain shows combine music, lights, and water displays that can be mesmerizing for visitors of all ages. Be sure to check their calendar for family workshops, nature programs, and seasonal events.
Rainy Day Ideas
- Build an indoor fort village.
- Host a family board game tournament.
- Create a homemade movie theater with tickets and concessions.
- Try a baking challenge.
- Build LEGO creations and display them in a family "museum."
Classic Summer Memory Makers
- Watch a sunrise together.
- Have breakfast outside.
- Sleep in a tent in the backyard.
- Make homemade popsicles.
- Visit a playground you've never tried before.
- Create a summer photo journal.
- Have a water balloon day.
- Make friendship bracelets.
- End summer with a family "favorite memories" night.
The best summer plans often combine a little structure with plenty of room for spontaneity. Pick a few ideas from this list and focus on creating opportunities for connection, exploration, and fun!
