You survived the summer and your kiddos are finally off to another school year! Now you just have to figure out what to do with your younger children while the older ones are away. Don't worry! There is so much to do in The Lehigh Valley with your little ones, regardless of the weather!
1. Cool Off in the Promenade Splash Pad (https://www.thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com)
The pools may be closed for the season, but that doesn't mean that your little one can't enjoy some water play on a warm day. In the past, I've noticed that The Promenade has left their splash pad open later into the fall than local pools. This summer this attraction has been closed a couple of times for repairs, so I would suggest calling ahead or visiting the promenade website to ensure that it is open before you head out. Bonus: Grab yourself a treat from Starbucks while you're there!
2. Visit Your Local Library
Your neighborhood library has so much more to offer than you may think! Yes, there are stacks and stacks of books for you and your child to curl up and enjoy. There are also story times, educational games, children's programs, and toys too! On a rainy day, it's the perfect place to spend an hour or two without spending any money!
3. Visit Slime Time (https://slimetimeentertainment.com)
If you haven't visited Slime Time at The Lehigh Valley Mall yet, you are missing out! This is a parent's dream. Kids love to play with slime, water beads, and all things messy, but they're a pain to cleanup! For one price, Slime Time allows your child to make their own slime complete with fun add-ins. They will also have access to two large sensory bins filled with a different substance each month. Water beads, kinetic sand, and slime are just a few great examples.
4. Feed the Fishies (https://www.allentownpa.gov/Department-of-Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Bureau/Park-Inventory/Lil-Le-Hi-Trout-Nursery)
My kids love to feed the fish at Lil-Le-Hi Trout Nursery! This location is right next to Lehigh Parkway if you are coming from Cedar Crest Blvd. There is plenty of room to run around and even spread out and pack a picnic. You can see different sized trout, and even purchase a bag of food for only a couple of dollars.
5. Venture Out to a New Playground (https://kutztown-to-allentown.macaronikid.com/directory/category/5c848e06c9e66f24f3da5be8/parks-and-playgrounds)
When all else fails, hit the playground! My kids love exploring a new playground! We've driven all over The Lehigh Valley trying out different parks. This one has the best slides, that one has the best climbing walls... Try out a new location each week and let your kids come up with their own list. I've also found playgrounds to be a great place to meet new mom friends! Pour some coffee in a travel mug and head out on a nice day to help your kiddos get their energy out!
6. On a Rainy Day, Head to The Lehigh Valley Mall's Indoor Play Area (https://www.simon.com/mall/lehigh-valley-mall/family)
The Lehigh Valley Mall recently reopened their indoor play area right outside of JCPenney! It can be hard to find somewhere for kids to run, climb, and play on a rainy day. This is the perfect spot! There are plenty of places to grab lunch and window shop throughout the mall. If you don't feel like sitting at home, head to the mall and get out for a while.
