One of my favorite summer activities with my kids that is (almost free) is enjoying the sunshine by spending a day out at a park and then finding a local gem ice cream shop to end our "Monkey Bar & Milkshake" adventure day! Below are some tips on how to make the most of your day and a guide to parks, playgrounds, and ice cream shops in and around Boyertown, Emmaus and beyond! I hope "Monkey Bar & Milkshake" days become a fun summer tradition in your family as well!
Start at the Playground
Kick off your outing with a visit to one of your favorite local playgrounds. Many communities have fantastic parks equipped with everything from climbing walls and zip lines to splash pads and shaded picnic areas. Here are a few tips to make it even more enjoyable:
- Go early or late to avoid the midday heat.
- Bring sunscreen, water bottles, and hats for sun protection.
- Pack snacks or a light picnic, so kids can recharge between runs on the monkey bars.
If you have toddlers, look for parks with dedicated toddler zones. For older kids, adventure-style playgrounds with obstacle courses and big slides are always a hit, but I also always pack balls, roller blades (if flat and safe areas) etc. if they get tired of the playgrounds!
Cool Down with Ice Cream
After a good dose of fresh air and fun, it's time to cool down with a sweet treat. Local ice cream shops are perfect for creating small traditions and big smiles. See below for local gems and to support neighborhood businesses that make their own ice cream or offer unique seasonal flavors.
Don't forget to snap a few photos—sticky faces and melting cones make for some of the cutest summer memories.
Emmaus & Surrounding Parks & Playgrounds
Emmaus Community Park
Facilities • Emmaus Community Park
Jasper Park
Upper Milford Township | Parks & Recreation
Lenape Park (Zionsville)
Upper Milford Township | Parks & Recreation
Grange Park and Splash Pad
Grange Park (Splash Park) | Parks | Upper Macungie, PA
Emmaus Ice Cream & Treat Shops
Just Chill Creamery
TG Countryside
TG CountrySide – Top of the Hill at the Junction of 29 & 100
Hank’s Italian Ice Co.
Hank's Italian Ice Co. I Gourmet Italian Ice I Emmaus, PA
Rita’s of Emmaus
Rita’s of Emmaus PA - Rita's Ice
Boyertown & Surrounding Park & Playgrounds
Boyertown Community Park
Park and Recreation | Boyertown, PA
Ironston Park - Small walking trail, playground, creek to dip some toes in!
Ironstone Park Trail, Pennsylvania - 10 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Earl Township Park
Parks & Recreation | Earl Township
Fountain of Youth Spray Park (Pottstown - 15 minutes drive from Boyertown)
Facility: Fountain of Youth Spray Park
Boyertown Ice Cream & Treat Shops
Longacre’s Modern Dairy
Rita’s of Boyertown
Rita’s of Boyertown PA - Rita's Ice
The Peppermint Stick Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor
The Peppermint Stick - The Sweetest Place in Boyertown & Online
Wernersville & Surrounding Parks & Playgrounds
South Mountain Park
Parks & Recreation | South Heidelberg, PA
Spring Meadows Park
Facilities • Spring Meadows Park
Texter Mountain Nature Preserve
Texter Mountain Nature Preserve Loop, Pennsylvania - 587 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
*NO PLAYGROUND - but a great place to take your older kids to get out, hike, and explore nature!
Blue Marsh Spring Creek Trail
Blue Marsh Spring Creek Trail, Pennsylvania - 226 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
**NO PLAYGROUND - but a great place to take your older kids to get out, hike, bike, and explore nature!
Mill Spring Park (Womelsdorf)
Mill Spring Park | Good For PA
Womelsdorf Town Park (Womelsdorf)
Womelsdorf Community Park | Good For PA
Wernersville & Surrounding Ice Cream & Treat Shops
The Cone
https://www.facebook.com/TheIceCreamConeWernersville/
Twilight Acres Creamery
Home | Twilight Acres Creamery
Lori’s Candy Station
Fleetwood & Surrounding Parks & Playgrounds
Fleetwood Park
Parks & Recreation — Borough of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
Locust Street Playground
600 E Locust St, Fleetwood, PA 19522
Blandon Community Park
Recreation - Maiden Creek (Scroll down for entire list of playground in Blandon!)
Kutztown Park
Parks & Recreation | Borough of Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Fleetwood & Surrounding Ice Cream & Treat Shops
Willy’s Ice Cream Saloon
Delicious Frozen Treats & Good Eats at Willy's Ice Cream Saloon
Jen & Jessie’s Creamery (Oley)
Jen & Jessie's Creamery – Scooping Sweet Memories Since 2004
Pop’s Malt Shop (Kutztown)
I hope you have the best "Monkey Bar & Milkshake" days!
