11 Kid-Friendly Nature Centers Around Philadelphia

Filled with kid-friendly features, the Tyler Arboretum is 650 acres of wholesome natural fun. There are hiking trails through woodlands, meadows and streams, plants, flowers, herbs, trees, plants and historic buildings. Special features include a fragrant garden, vegetable garden, Thoreau's cabin, Magical Path, Crooked Goblin Shack, treehouses, Butterfly House and Stopford Family Meadow Maze. Special events are featured throughout the year.

The McKaig Nature Center boasts 93 acres of preserved trails, streams and wooded areas for wholesome family outdoor fun. Their family friendly trails are less than one mile in length and have meadows, creeks and bridges along the way to keep the interest of the little ones. They also offer nature programming for children and families throughout the year.

With a visitor's center, 10 miles of hiking trails, fishing, canoe/kayaking (B.Y.O.Boat) and more, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place for families to explore. The wildlife and habitat are home to countless birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.

The Riverbend Environmental Education Center aims to grow greener children by connecting them to nature through their programs and events. They offer programs for schools and scouts, summer camps, nature clubs, and birthday parties at their 30 acre reserve. Busy and working parents tend to appreciate Riverbend's flexible nature camp schedule, where programs are specifically run on most school holidays and breaks, along with extended evening care. Year-round exploration camps foster the love of nature through hands-on activities, like hiking, science experiments and free play.

Founded in 1965, the Schuylkill Center is one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country, with 365 acres of fields, forests, ponds, and streams in northwest Philadelphia. 

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to understanding the natural world and inspiring everyone to care for it. It captivates visitors with immersive exhibits ranging from towering dinosaur skeletons and live butterfly gardens to historic dioramas and hands‑on discovery centers, all complemented by robust educational and outreach programs 

Also known as the Tree House, the Wissahickon Environmental Center has been offering public and group nature programs for over thirty years. Explore their trails, visit their large native fish aquarium, and enjoy a wide selection of nature programs for kids and families.

The Briar Bush Nature Center offers a nature playscape for children of all ages year round, summer camps, hiking trails, along with the nature center to explore. Popular programming for children and families include nature walks, live animal encounters, story time and more.

Originally designated as a bird sanctuary in 1958, today the Pennypack Environmental Center now boasts an outdoor amphitheater, nature exhibits, campfire and free picnic areas, as well as public and school environmental education programs. The center itself holds a 300 gallon fish aquarium, and a display of local wildlife and Native American artifacts.

The Churchville Nature Center invites friends of all ages to explore and take part in nature walks, nature-based workshops, campfires and more. Their kids activity guide includes a live Butterfly House where kids learn about metamorphosis. Lenape Village Programs offer families a chance to embrace native history by experiencing a variety of hands-on public programming. Learn about Wild Edibles, Learning From Animals, Firemaking, Cordage & Crafts, and much more complete with an authentic replica of a Native American village.

The museum is quick stop but quite interesting for all ages, with a Touchables Table (sensory play with finds of the forest), displays of animal skulls & antlers, even birds nests. But the overall Rancocas Nature Center is always buzzing with activity. With over 3 miles of hiking trails through forests, meadows, & wetlands, picnic area, weekly programs for children & adults, birthday parties & more.