Cheap Trips: Film Institute, Art Studio and Liberty Bell Museum

Looking to save money?

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, the Mermaid Art Studio in Ambler, Jungle Wonder in Royersford, and the Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown.

1. Bryn Mawr Film Institute

Address: 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
How Far From Nazareth Patch? About 65 miles / About one hour and 20 minutes

Hours:

• Check brynmawrfilm.org for movie showtimes and events

Admission:

• Adults: $10
• Seniors and Students: $7
• BMFI member: $5
• The cost for classes and other events vary. Check BMFI's website.

Summary: Bryn Mawr Film Institute is a non-profit theater that was founded in 2002 on Lancaster Avenue in Lower Merion Township. In addition to regularly showing independent and documentary films, the theater also broadcasts a number of theatrical and dance performances from locations around the world.

The institute hosts classes taught by area film experts and invites patrons to dress up for one of several annual sing-alongs.

Currently showing is The Descendants and My Week with Marilyn.

Links:

• Other Patch stories
• Website

2. Mermaid Art Studio

Address: 15 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002
How Far From Nazareth Patch? About 50 miles / About one hour and 10 minutes

Hours:

• School Year: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, closed. 
• Summer: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, closed.

Summary: Customers can enjoy painting porcelain objects from mugs to butterflies. Locally owned and operated, Mermaid Art Studios is a great place to make heartwarming gifts for loved ones, to bring kids, or to simply enjoy an afternoon of painting. Mermaid Art Studio also holds parties, classes for adults and children, and a summer camp.

Links:

• Facebook Page

3. Jungle Wonder

Address: 238 W. Ridge Pike, Royersford, PA 19468
How Far From Nazareth Patch? About 50 miles / About one hour and 10 minutes

Hours: 

• Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Admission:

• Black Light Miniature Golf: $5
• Soft Playground (Jungle Gym): $6
• Toddler Gym and Bounce (Ages 1-2 years): $6
• Bounce and Gym (Ages 3-5): $8.99
• Balladium: $6
• Bowling: $3
• Laser Tag: $6
• Golf and Gym: $10
• Gym, Golf and Balladium: $15
• Family Deal (Jungle Gym, Golf and Balladium; 2 adults, 2 kids): $39.95
• Tuesdays: Every attraction is 1/2 price (excludes laser tag; not valid on school holidays).

Summary: Jungle Wonder is a 25,000-square-foot facility that will entertain the family for hours with a variety of attractions. The highlight of the trip will be spending time in the gigantic soft playground that combines slides, tunnels, mazes and other obstacles to challenge and entertain children up to 12 years old.

Also featured are six spacious party rooms that are ideal for your child's birthday party, group activities or company meetings. There is a private dining area and cafe that feature pizza, sandwiches, wraps, chicken strips, hot dogs, coffee, soft drinks, ice cream and more.

Links:

• Patch Places Listing
• Website

4. Liberty Bell Museum at Zion's Church

Address: 622 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, PA 18101
How Far From Nazareth Patch? About 16 miles / About 25 minutes

Hours:

• Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Admission:

• Donations appreciated

Summary: The Liberty Bell Museum is in the basement of Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ in Allentown -- the church where patriots hid the Liberty Bell under the floor when Philadelphia was at risk of falling under British control during the Revolutionary War.

A train of 700 wagons carried the bell and military stores to the Lehigh Valley to keep them out of enemy hands. The museum features an exact copy of the Liberty Bell, which visitors can ring. The church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was used as a refuge during Indian raids, a Revolutionary War hospital and a gathering place for the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

The museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012.

Links:

• Website