Cheap Trips: Trees, Tiny Towns and Fun for Kids

Are you interested in taking a trip, but not willing to part with a stack of money?

Try one of these three trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, Roadside America in Shartlesville and Chuck E. Cheese's in Springfield.

1. Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

Address: 100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia
How Far From Palmer-Forks Patch: About one hour and 17 minutes / About 57 miles

Admission:

• $16 for adults
• $14 for seniors
• $7 for children ages 3 to 17, students and active military
• $7 for those who walk, hike or take public transportation to the arboretum
• Free for members, and children under the age of 3

Hours:

• Open daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Summary: The arboretum, which was once the estate of Quaker brother and sister John and Lydia Morris, is now home to more than 2,500 types of plants and trees. The campus features a rose garden, a swan pond, and numerous sculptures and antique buildings. Throughout the year, the arboretum sponsors concerts, workshops and story times that are family-friendly.

Links:

• Morris Arboretum Website

2. Roadside America

Address: 109 Roadside Drive, Shartlesville
How Far From Palmer-Forks Patch? About 58 minutes / About 49 miles

Admission: 

• $6.75 for ages 12 and older
• $3.75 for ages 6 to 11
• Free for children under 6

Hours:

• Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (September through June)
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (September through June)

Summary: Billed as the "world's largest miniature indoor village," the 8,000-square-foot display features trains, trolleys and cable cars that wind their way through towns and countryside dotted with 300 miniature buildings, 4,000 tiny people and 10,000 handmade trees. Interactive displays include a circus parade, saw mill and construction site that visitors can activate. The attraction is off Interstate 78 in Berks County between Allentown and Harrisburg. Roadside America is fully handicapped accessible.

Links: 

• Roadside America website

3. Chuck E. Cheese's

Address: 381 Baltimore Pike, Springfield
How Far From Palmer-Forks Patch: About one hour and 32 minutes / About 74 miles

Admission:

• Starts at $5, see website for packages and coupons

Hours: 

• Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Summary: With three different zones -- Toddler Zone, Kiddie Area and Skill Games & Arcades -- Chuck E. Cheese's is a great place to let kids of all ages run, jump, climb and play on the games, rides and attractions. Chuck E. Cheese's provides children and adults with food and fun. The specialties include pizza and sandwiches. But the main attraction of the restaurant is the arcade games and rides, where players earn tickets to exchange for prizes. Chuck E. Cheese's is also a popular spot for children's parties.

Links:

• Patch listing