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Free Fall Activities For Families In Philadelphia

Money is not even necessary for families who want to have fall fun in Philadelphia. The Delaware Valley is abundant with free fall activities suitable for the entire family. Whether it's a traditional day at a pumpkin patch or a fantasy-themed festival, there's something for everyone this fall in Philly.

Milky Way Farm
521 E. Uwchlan Ave.
Chester Springs, PA 19425
(610) 827-1484
www.milkywayfarm.com

This 103-acre farm in Chester Springs is one of the last area farms that offers hayrides to the pumpkin patch free of charge. The ride includes an educational tour of a family-owned working farm, with plenty of photo opps both in the pumpkin patch and with the farm animals available to meet at a mini petting zoo. If you're trying to save some cash, you may want to avoid the on-site creamery which sells ice cream made with milk from the cows on the farm, but families can still get the full farm experience at Milky Way without spending a dime.

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
8601 Lindbergh Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19153
(215) 365-3118
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/John_Heinz/

You're never too old or young to learn about birds, and a birdwalk is especially gratifying when you can see the birds without the leaves on the trees. This 1,200 acre refuge located in Philadelphia is home to more than 300 bird species, and guided walks take place most weekend mornings throughout the fall. It's an educational opportunity for the whole family, and eagle-eyed bird watchers will bring along a birding book to help identify their new found fall feathered friends.

Related: Top Hayrides in the Philadelphia Area

Peddler's Village Apple Festival
Routes 202 and 263
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-4000
www.peddlersvillage.com

Peddler's Village is known for its annual Scarecrow Festival, but that isn't that area's only must-see fall event. On Nov. 7 and 8, the Bucks County center features an Apple Festival where orchard apples abound and artisans show off their wares and demonstrate their skills. But there's also free live entertainment and apple pie-eating contests at the Street Road Green Artisan area, giving visitors a final dose of fall before the Village kicks off the Christmas holidays on Nov. 13.

Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 876-7116
www.linvilla.com

While some activities at Linvilla cost money, this Delaware County orchard offers plenty of freebies, too. Park your car and head to Linvilla's famous Pumpkinland, which features a massive display of carved, themed pumpkins. A display of scarecrows also helps illustrate the legends and lore of the harvest season, and  kids can learn about local history. Linvilla is in full-on fall mode through Nov. 8, but it's the most festive place in Delaware County year-round, no matter what the season.

Related: Top Spots for Apple Picking Near Philadelphia

Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 783-1008
www.nps.gov/vafo

There's no better place to view the fall foliage than Valley Forge National Park. Known for its 3,600 rolling acres, this Valley Forge historical site is located about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia, and it offers a plethora of gorgeous views during the fall season. This famous park was the headquarters of General George Washington's Revolutionary army, so there's plenty of historical markers to view as well.  With jogging and biking trails, the family can get a workout in too.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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