How2Day: Free Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids Near Doylestown, PA

Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is a community that places a high value on the recreation and enjoyment of its residents. Doylestown has seven city parks and numerous recreation facilities that include baseball and softball fields, volleyball and soccer courts, tennis courts, playgrounds for kids, as well as boating and fishing opportunities. Miles of hiking, biking and nature trails are also available to do as free fun outdoor activities for kids and adults.

Peace Valley Park is a 1,500-acre park near Doylestown, and 365-acre Lake Galena is located in the park. Paved walking and hiking trails run throughout the forest along picturesque streams and around Lake Galena. Kids are invited to ride their bicycles on the paved trails where they may catch a glimpse of deer, ducks, songbirds and other forest creatures. Many tranquil spots are available for fishing and boating as well. Lake Galena is home to bass, catfish, bluegill and walleye fish. For those seeking more adventure, the lake is large enough for wind surfing and sailboats. The Nature Center in Peace Valley Park provides nature trails and a bird blind for the birdwatchers in the family.

Central Park in Doylestown covers 108 acres and provides a wide array of activities for the entire family. Families can enjoy tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, soccer fields and picnic areas. A special play area is available just for the toddlers and small children. Older children will enjoy the biking trails through the park, and the big attraction at Central Park is Kids Castle, an eight-story wood play structure that was designed by the kids of Doylestown. A drawbridge leads to the castle where kids enter a huge castle that has a treehouse, rocket ship, twisting slide and smiling dragon. Younger and older children can play on the slides and swings.

Doylestown hosts an annual "Howl-O-Ween" dog costume parade and bone hunt at Central Park. Kids and even grownups can dress up their pet dog in a costume and take part in all the free Halloween festivities in Central Park. They can also participate in contests for pets and kids, such as the "most creative costume" and "dog-owner lookalike" contests. Pets and kids will be awarded prizes for the best in group based on dog size.

Games include bobbing for weenies, tricks for treats, and a bone hunt for dog treats hidden throughout the park. The parade is for all dogs that have been adopted, and kids who register early get a goodie bag. The event is free to everyone.

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