At Ashley Stack Photography, I love capturing special family moments, but I also know that making memories doesn't have to come with a big price tag! Having 3 kids, myself, entertaining them can get pricey, quickly. Luckily, Erie is filled with free and low-cost activities perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, indoor play spaces, or cozy activities at home, here are some of my favorite budget-friendly family activities in Erie!
Outdoor Adventures
Asbury Woods – Take a walk through scenic trails, explore the nature center, play on the natural playground, and enjoy seasonal events. Perfect for nature-loving families! Asbury Woods
Local Parks & Playgrounds – Erie is home to so many fantastic parks where kids can climb, swing, and slide to their hearts’ content. Frontier Park, Bayview Park, and Glenwood Park are just a few great options. See my favorite 5 parks here!
Presque Isle State Park Beaches – Build sandcastles, have a picnic, check out the lighthouses, or go for a swim! Presque Isle is a local gem for year-round outdoor fun. Presque Isle
Goodell Gardens & Homestead – Enjoy beautiful gardens and family-friendly events, tours, and classes throughout the year. Admission is donation-based! Goodell Gardens
Tom Ridge Environmental Center – Learn about Erie’s natural environment through hands-on exhibits, plus enjoy the observation tower with amazing views! Tom Ridge Center
Wintergreen Gorge – A beautiful hiking area with scenic trails and waterfalls, perfect for outdoor-loving families.
Bayfront Walk & Bicentennial Tower – Stroll along the bayfront and enjoy the views from the tower (small admission fee for the tower). Bicentennial Tower
Ice Skating in Downtown Erie - Enjoy outdoor ice skating in downtown Erie! The rink is located in the hear of downtown, in East Perry Square between the fountain and State Street. Downtown Skating
Off-Leash Dog Park - If you have a four legged friend, you may want to take them on a trip to the dog park! It's a great way to give everyone some time outside and exercise for man's best friend!
Fishing - Erie is home to some world-class fishing experiences! Take advantage of it by investing in a license! Or, try it for free during Pennsylvania's fish for free days, Sunday, May 25, 2025 and Friday, July 4, 2025!
Indoor Fun & Learning
Public Libraries – Storytime, crafts, and free book rentals make the library a perfect (and free!) place to entertain little ones. Check out the Erie County Public Library for events! Each branch has their own calendar of events; so check each one of them out! Erie County Public Library
Erie Art Museum – Families can enjoy discounted admission and free family days to explore inspiring exhibits. Erie Art Museum
ExpERIEnce Children's Museum – A hands-on learning museum where kids can explore, build, and create. Children’s Museum
Purrista Cat Café – Enjoy a warm drink while spending time with adorable, adoptable cats! A fun and relaxing family experience. Purrista Cat Café
Erie Maritime Museum – Learn about Erie’s rich naval history, including the story of the U.S. Brig Niagara (admission is low-cost and sometimes free for certain events). Maritime Museum
Hagen History Center - Explore Erie's history with a trip to the Hagen History Center! This estate is a public museum located in Erie, Pennsylvania and focuses on the history of Erie County for the past 200 years. There is also an additional campus known as the Battles Estates in Girard, Pennsylvania. Right now, they're running a pay-what-you-can special...and I have it on good authority from the Girard/Lake City Chamber of Commerce, that if you say, "The Mayor sent me," you get in for free!!
Claytopia - Get creative with a trip to Claytopia! They offer small, ceramic pieces for you to paint.
Active Play Spaces
We Rock the Spectrum – A sensory-friendly indoor gym for kids of all abilities to climb, jump, and explore. We Rock the Spectrum
That Play Place – A great indoor playground for toddlers and younger kids to burn off some energy. That Play Place
Polliwogs – A play café designed for younger children to explore, imagine, and have fun. Polliwogs
Tumble 84 – Gymnastics-style open play, perfect for little tumblers who love to jump and flip! Tumble 84
Dream Builders Play Space & Party Center – A creative indoor play space with imaginative and interactive activities. Dream Builder
Jump in Jungle – Inflatable fun for kids who love to bounce! They offer open play sessions at an affordable price. Jump in Jungle
Rolling Meadow Lanes – Offers affordable family bowling nights with specials throughout the week. Rolling Meadow Lanes
Seasonal & Special Events
Parent and Pal Days at Splash Lagoon – Erie’s indoor water park offers special discounted rates for parents and young children on select days. Splash Lagoon Website
Erie Zoo – A great way to enjoy the outdoors while learning about animals. Memberships are available for even more savings! Erie Zoo Website
8 Great Tuesdays - 8 Great Tuesdays is a free community summer concert series that takes place at the Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park, featuring a variety of cover and tribute bands. All concerts are 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Summer Festivals - Erie is host to so many fun summer festivals! Some are meant to celebrate cultural heritage while others are just plain fun, like rib fest! Check out my list of past festivals here!
At Home Extras
Family Game Night
Don’t forget about at-home fun! A simple family game night with board games, card games, or puzzles can be a fantastic (and free!) way to bond. Make it extra special with homemade popcorn and a cozy setup.
Snuggle Up with a Good Book
Being a former teacher, I'm HUGE on reading with and to your children!
Movie Night
Who doesn't love a good movie night? Make it special by letting your kiddos set up a snuggly viewing area or pillow fort beforehand!
Get Crafty
My kids love crafting! Sit down and color/paint/play playdough and see what you can create together!
Need More?
Here are a couple websites/groups that I've found helpful in planning activities with my kids!
Erie Macaroni Kid - Macaroni Kid is hands down, my go-to for all events and happenings around town!
Coffee and Chaos Mom's Group - This is a Facebook group for families primarily based around West County. Coffee and Chaos hosts get togethers and play dates for moms looking to socialize!
Capture the Memories!
These moments of laughter, exploration, and fun are worth remembering! Whether you’re enjoying a sunny day at Presque Isle or an indoor play session at Jump in Jungle, don’t forget to snap a few photos. And if you’d like to professionally capture your family’s joy, I’d love to help!
Looking for a family session? Let’s make magic together! Contact me here to book your next session.
Happy exploring, Erie families! As always, let me know in the comments if there is a fun, family friendly activity that I've missed! Until next time, take care and smile pretty!
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