Back-to-school time is almost here, and just like everyone else, we're trying to squeeze the last bit of sunshine out of summer. If you're new to Erie, you may be scratching for ideas to get the kiddos through the dog days. Look no further! Broker Bear did the digging for you! Check out Broker Bear's (Before) Back-to-School Bucket List: a compilation of fun, kid-friendly activities to close out the summer!
Movie Nights
UPMC Park Movie Nights
- Cost: $5 per person. Ages 3 and younger, free
- Tickets can be purchased in advance here: https://www.milb.com/erie/tickets/movie-nights
- Tickets can be purchased in person at the UPMC Park ticket office - 831 French St.
- Start: 8pm
- Next Showing: Aug 11th, Sept 9th, Sept 30th
- Notes: Audio will be VERY loud in the stadium seating bowl and concourses. For the best viewing experience, seating on the field is STRONGLY recommended, so bring a chair! Gates open at 7 p.m.
Movies Under the Stars @ Edinboro University and Goodell Gardens
- Cost: Free!
- Start: around 8pm
- Next Showing: Aug 4th, Aug 10th, Aug 17th (Goodell Gardens)
- Notes: All welcome!
Goodell Gardens Educational Summer Classes for Kids
*Please note: Registration is required for ALL Goodell Garden classes, even free ones. Find out more about these classes and register here!
Garden Seedlings - Grades K-2
- Cost: Free!
- When: Meets Sundays from 4 to 5pm
- About: Each session of Garden Seedlings will revolve around a topic that is sure to captivate young explorers! We also provide sensory activities, crafts, and games to make environmental education come alive.
- Notes: Parents and guardians must attend this program with their children.
Young Trees - Grades 6 - 8
- Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers
- When: Meets Thursdays 5:30 - 6:30pm
- About: The next generation of gardeners and nature enthusiasts is just on the horizon! This program is designed for middle-schoolers to receive training in plant science. It includes numerous hands-on experiences in field botany and garden maintenance.
- Notes: Parents and guardians are welcome to attend this program with their children but are not required.
Presque Isle Activities
Lagoon by Pontoon
- Cost: Free!
- When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9-10am, 10:3 - 11:30am, and 12:30 -1:30pm.
- About: DCNR staff and Volunteers offer a free interpretive pontoon boat ride throughout Misery Bay and the lagoons. Experience the plants and animals that live in this wetland habitat, learn the local history, and discover the natural resources and how they are managed.
- Notes:
- Rides are on a first come first serve basis.
-
Sign up begins 15 minutes prior to the start time at the pontoon station and all participants must be present at sign in.
-
Children 13 and younger must wear a PFD throughout the ride. You can bring your own coast guard approved PFD or use one provided.
Presque Isle Beaches
- Cost: Free!
- About: The sandy beaches, washed by the clear waters of Lake Erie, provide visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- When: Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. Regular hours are 12pm - 7:30pm.
- Notes: For more information, call the park office at 814-833-7424, or visit here: Swimming & Beaches | Presque Isle Partnership (discoverpi.com)
Tom Ridge Environmental Center
- Cost: Free!
- About: The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula.
- When: For hours of operation, call the park office at 814-833-7424. Park office is open M-F from 8am - 4pm.
- Activities Include:
- Climb the 75’ tower
- Explore interactive exhibits
- Visit Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts to take home "treasure" from the Isle
Activities Downtown
Erie's Splash Pad
- Cost: Free!
- When: Open daily noon to 8 p.m.
- Where: located at West Second and Walnut streets
Blasco Library
- Cost: Free!
- When:
- Mon.-Thur. 9:00-8:30 PM
- Fri.-Sat. 9:00-5:00 PM
- Sun. 1:00-5:00 PM
- Where: 160 E Front St.
- Activities Include:
- Summer Reading Program
- Meditation & Yoga classes
- Amateur Dog Circus Performance
- Teen Chalk Art
- And much more! Visit here: Erie County Public Library (erielibrary.org)
8 Great Tuesdays @ Liberty Park
- Cost: Free!
- About: Outdoor summer concert series all summer long!
- When: Tuesdays 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Where: Liberty Park & Highmark Amphitheater - 726 W Bayfront Pkwy
- Notes:
- All are welcome! Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Click here for the 2023 band lineup, more info and rules.
Raised Garden 101