The Best Family-Friendly Hikes In and Around Philadelphia

While Philadelphia may be famous for its rich history and delicious cheesesteak sandwiches, there is so much more to the city than that! The city has a ton of green space (that's yellow and orange and red in the fall!) and nature to explore. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you're going to want to get your family outside to wander! Here are our top 5 favorite family-friendly hikes in the area.

Forbidden Drive

200 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Forbidden Drive, a 7-mile trail, is part of the Wissahickon Valley Park. It is one of the most talked about trails in Philadelphia for a reason. It is perfect for beginner hikers, especially children! The trail is wide, so children are free to explore along the trail without disrupting other visitors. There are several different areas to park to join Forbidden Drive-- my favorite place to park is the Northwestern Ave parking area, as there is a coffee shop, The Cedars House, at the beginning of the trail entrance. It's a perfect place to stop on your way to or from the trail for a great coffee or lunch. Access to this trail is free and dogs are welcome on leashes.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406

With 26 miles of trail, Valley Forge National Historical Park is the perfect area to find your favorite family hiking spot. You can find trail maps online, at the Visitors Center, and at the trailheads. In addition to trails, Valley Forge holds a lot of history so stop by the Visitors Center after your hike to learn more about its rich history. They even have different types of tours. Access to this park is free. 

Haverford College Nature Trail

88-2 College Ln, Haverford, PA 19041

Haverford College Nature Trail is a 2.2-mile loop around the beautiful Haverford College campus.  You will come across a beautiful duck pond and a pinetum to view along your hike. There are benches along the trail for children to stop for a quick snack before continuing on the hike. Access to this trail is free and open to visitors. You will follow the signs for visitor parking once you enter the campus. Dogs are welcome on leashes. 

Pennypack Trail

Pennypack Trail, Philadelphia, PA 19111

6.2 miles of trail following along Pennypack Creek make for a beautiful family day on the Pennypack Trail.  When your children need a break from the hike, there are areas to enter the beach along Pennypack Creek for exploring.  Dogs are welcome on leashes.  For an even longer hike, the trail connects to Bucks County’s Newtown Rail Trail at the northern end. Access to the trail is free. 

Saunders Woods Preserve

1020 Waverly Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035

Saunders Woods Preserve sits on a 25-acre property in the center of the suburbs. A mowed lawn will lead you to a beautiful wooded trail. Wildflowers, a bubbling creek, and plenty of birds to watch will have the whole family enjoying the trail. You can find maps at spots along the trail, and you may also pick up a physical copy at the beginning of the trail. Dogs are welcome on leashes and access to the trail is free. 

What are your favorite Philadelphia area spots? Have you done any of the hikes on the list? Be sure to tag us on Instagram with any of your family's adventures @gethappyly.

Interested in other fun activities that will get the kids outside? Read up on our Building a Family Garden article, Build a Bug Hotel in your backyard, or learn some new Sidewalk Chalk Games!

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