guides

FREE Places to Play in Erie

By Kara Murphy October 24, 2020

Lucky for us parents looking for somewhere for our kiddos to work off all of their energy, there are lots of other FREE indoor places in Erie to escape on cold or rainy days with the kids.

Here are details on our favorite spots in Erie, Pa., where kids can play inside for FREE:

Asbury Woods Nature Center

4105 Asbury Road

Why we like it: 

There are live animals! Plus a fun room where kids can spend time playing with puzzles and puppets. It's also easy to get outside here: You can take a walk in the woods that lasts 5 minutes or an hour and play in the natural playground.

Programming: 

Asbury Woods holds regular events and classes for children of all ages, families and adults. There is typically a cost for programming. You can find program details on Macaroni Kid Erie's events calendar.

Hours: 

Nov. 1 - March 31: Mon.-Sat.: 10 am - 4 pm, Sun.: Noon - 4 pm

For more info:

www.asburywoods.org 


Erie County Public Library

Five branches:

Blasco Memorial Library
160 East Front Street, Erie

Edinboro Branch Library
413 W Plum St.

Iroquois Avenue Branch Library
4212 Iroquois Ave

Lincoln Community Center
1255 Manchester Rd.

Millcreek Branch Library
2088 Interchange Rd., Suite 280

Why we like it: 

It's the library! Each branch has its own distinct personality and charm. Make it a family goal to visit all five! 

Programming: 

The lineup of programs at the different Erie County library branches is phenomenal -- whether you have babies, teenagers or kids in-between. Don't miss the teen center and make it space at Blasco! All programming is free and listed on Macaroni Kid Erie's events calendar.

Hours: 

Blasco hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

All other branches: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; closed Sundays. 

For more info:

www.erielibrary.org


Millcreek Mall’s Widget Kidz Zone

5800 Peach St.

Why we like it: 

The play area is designed for kids 42 inches and under, so perfect for the preschool set. There are nice benches for parents to sit and chat while watching the kiddos work off some energy.

Programming: 

On the first Wednesday of every month meet with local organizations for free storytelling, crafts, treats and more from 11 a.m. to noon. 

Hours: 

The playground is open during regular mall hours.

For more info: 

https://www.millcreekmall.net


Tom Ridge Environmental Center

301 Peninsula Drive

Why we like it: 

The kids love the interactive exhibits and looking for birds at the feeders. You can also go to the top of the tower, play in the kids’ room, and see a movie on the Big Green Screen.

Programming: 

TREC naturalists hold regular programming for kids and teenagers and there are also occasional special events for families. There is typically a small cost associated with programming.

Hours: 

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

For more info:

www.trecpi.org


Fast food restaurants in Erie with indoor playgrounds

๐Ÿ”Burger King, 4205 Peach St. 

Playground open regular business hours.
For more info: (814)868-3322

๐Ÿ“Chick-Fil-A, 7160 Peach St.

Playground open during regular business hours (closed Sundays). Also monthly storytimes.
For more info:www.cfarestaurant.com.

๐ŸŸMcDonald’s, 7200 Peach St.

Play Place open regular business hours. UNDER CONSTRUCTION!
For more info: (814)866-2416


Have a favorite free indoor family-friendly spot in Erie that you don't see here? Let me know at karam@macaronikid.com.

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