Cheap Trips: Skatium, Newtown and the Promised Land

Looking to save money and get away? Try one of these three trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: the Skatium in Havertown, the Newtown Theatre in Newtown and the Promised Land State Park in Greentown.

Skatium

Address: 1010 Darby Road, Havertown

How Far From Levittown Patch: 34 miles

Hours:

• Monday through Friday, 10 a.m to noon
• Friday night, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
• Sunday 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Admission: 

• regular - $7 
• under 6 - $5
• seniors - $3
• skate rentals - $2
• Group Rate (10 or More) -- $6.00/person (Includes skates)

Summary: Since 1974, Skatium has been owned and operated by Haverford Township. Skatium hosts school hockey leagues, public skating, and also offers meeting room rental and birthday party packages. And it’s open all year around, so whenever you are in the mood to go ice skating, the Skatium is the place to be. If you get hungry from all of that ice skating, check out the new Nick & Lou’s Skatium Diner.

Links:

• Website

Newtown Theatre

Address: 120 N. State Street, Newtown

How Far From Levittown Patch: 9.5 miles

Admission: Adults, $9; Children 12 and under and seniors 64 and older, $7.
Hours: Screening times vary. Contact the theatre for specific information.

Summary: The Newtown Theatre has an extensive history dating back to 1831. It is, in fact, the oldest movie theater in the United States with its first movie being shown in 1906. Originally built to be a hall for town gatherings and a "non sectarian" church for traveling ministers, it soon became a center of entertainment in Newtown. Today, the Newtown Theatre screens modern movies in a facility with plenty of old-time charm. Movie genres range from children's films, comedies, drama, action and more. In addition to movies, the Newtown Arts Company performs plays at the theatre.

Links: 

• Patch Place Listing
• Website

Promised Land State Park

Address: 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown

How Far From Levittown Patch: 106 miles

Admission: Free
Hours: Open daily dawn to dusk

Summary: Promised Land State Park spans about 3,000 acres atop the Pocono Plateau, which rises 1,800 feet above sea level. The park is surrounded by close to 12,500 acres of Delaware State Forest. There are two lakes with sandy beaches open mid-May to late September. The 422-acre Promised Land Lake and the 173-acre Lower Lake have five boat launching areas. There's also a concession stand offering both food and boat rentals off Route 390 north of Canadensis. Activities at Promised Land include hiking on 50 miles of trails, biking on 6.5 miles of roads, plus fishing, picnicking and camping. Rustic cabins are available for rent.

Link:

• Website