Philadelphia and its surrounding areas offer an impressive network of parks and trails for family activities and outdoor adventures. 

Whether you’re looking for an easy walk along a creek or an adventurous woodland hike, the area has options for all ages and skill levels. From the iconic Wissahickon Valley Park to historic Valley Forge, our top ten family hiking trails in Philadelphia provide the perfect way to unplug and explore nature.

We also highlighted a couple Philly-area arboretums, which have wonderful walking paths in and around their curated garden settings.

Finding the Right Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in Philadelphia 

When looking for family-friendly Philly hiking trails, opt for locations with these attributes: 

• Trails with moderate distances (usually 3 miles or less)
• Flat terrain, with little or no elevation changes
• Easy access to parking and restrooms

Many kid-friendly trails in Philadelphia have flat, paved, or packed gravel surfaces that are ideal for walking with kids. 

10 Family-Friendly Hiking Trails in Philly

Plan day trips or after-school adventures exploring Philadelphia’s diverse range of parks and hiking trails. From wetlands to forests, Philly hiking trails offers lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.

Forbidden Drive (Wissahickon Valley Park)

200 W. Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Forbidden Drive is one of the most popular trails in Philadelphia’s Wissahickon Valley Park. You’ll find visitors walking with the kids or their pets, jogging with a stroller, or going for a family bike ride. 

With a total length of five miles, Forbidden Drive gives you options for a long or short walk. Its gravel paths also make navigating easy for strollers or walking with young children. The trail follows Wissahickon Creek, which also offers scenic views and multiple access or turnaround points. 

Andorra Meadow (Wissahickon Valley Park)

950 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Also located within Wissahickon Valley Park, Andorra Meadow features a picturesque, 1.7-mile trail for all skill levels. This trail doesn’t have any elevation changes, which makes it easy for kids to navigate. 

Additionally, the trail prohibits bikes, which makes it nice for young children and families who want to bring their pets along. The open meadow areas also provide opportunities for spotting birds, insects, or wildlife. 

Boxers’ Trail (Fairmount Park)

Philadelphia, PA 19121

Located within Fairmount Park, Boxers’ Trail is one of the most convenient family hiking trails in Philadelphia. Both wooded and paved in parts, the 3.8-mile trail winds through historical Philly neighborhoods. The East Fairmount Park section is especially engaging for children. 

With three trailheads, you can choose your own adventure. All three trails accommodate hikers of all ages. Its accessibility makes it perfect for families looking to take a break from the city without actually leaving. 

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Located in Southwest Philly, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge has over 10 miles of trails and 1,000 acres of land to explore. The refuge hosts a variety of nature programs on the weekends, many of which are geared for kids. 

Additionally, the 3.5-mile wetland loop offers the opportunity for a mellow walk with bird watching. In addition to its 300+ species of birds, the refuge is great for kids looking to see turtles, fish, and other wildlife. 

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

304 Port Royal Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128

Located in Roxborough, the Schuylkill Center has miles of hiking trails full of meadows, ponds, streams, and more. On these grounds, kids can see frogs, toads, turtles, and other wildlife. 

The center also hosts youth programs to get kids outside and connect with nature. Spanning over 340 acres, most of the Center’s trails are considered family-friendly, but can vary in difficulty. 

Cynwyd Heritage Trail

321 Conshocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

Philly families can easily explore the Cynwyd Heritage Trail, located just outside of Philadelphia. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or ride bikes along this two-mile paved trail. 

The trail also follows an old railroad line and offers scenic views of the Schuylkill River. Plus, if you start at Cynwyd Station Park, you can end your walk at Bala Cynwyd Playground.

Pennypack Park

Pennypack Trail, Philadelphia, PA 19136

A great go-to for those looking for family hiking trails in Philadelphia, Pennypack Park stretches from Northeast Philadelphia into Montgomery County. 

Stroll along Pennypack Trail’s 6.2 miles of flat gravel or paved paths and stop for a picnic. The trail also features historic old mills and bridges, creating a small educational opportunity for the kids. 

Bartram’s Garden

5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143

Located in Southwest Philadelphia, this 50-acre park features America’s oldest botanical garden. Explore the garden grounds, go bird watching, or enjoy the easy 2.2-mile Bartram’s Garden Trail. 

The historic house and gardens provide unique cultural and nature experiences, combined with scenic views of the Schuylkill River.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406

About 30 minutes outside the city, Valley Forge offers a wide variety of trails for all ages and all skill levels. Here you can take a picturesque walk with your kids or embark on a more challenging hike.

The park also presents a great opportunity to give children a little taste of history while getting them outdoors. With over 26 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate, families can combine an outdoor adventure with lessons about the Revolutionary War.  

McKaig Nature Education Center

889 Croton Rd, Wayne, PA 19087

Just outside of the city on the Main Line, the McKaig Nature Education Center features multiple hiking trails across its 93 acres. Bring your kids to enjoy its breathtaking scenery and appreciate the outdoors. 

The trail winds through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, a lovely, engaging hike for all. The Nature Education Center is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring four-legged family members along. 

Family-Friendly Hiking in Philly Arboretums

Take a picturesque walk through curated garden settings that offer amenities like restrooms, cafes, and nature programming. Though arboretums generally charge admission, many offer discounted tickets for children or free admission for children under 2 years old.  

Morris Arboretum

100 W. Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118 

Though not a traditional hiking spot, the Morris Arboretum boasts 92 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and woodland trails. Ideal for families, this Chestnut Hills gem offers both paved and dirt paths. Wind your way through diverse plant collections, meadows, and streams, as well as greenhouses and unique sculptures. 

The arboretum offers plenty of seasonal educational programs and displays for kids to make your walk even more engaging. The arboretum has short and long trails and paths with plenty of benches for breaks along the way, and lets kids and adults alike enjoy its stunning landscapes. 

Admission: 

Adults: $14

Youth (Ages 3-17): $8

Child (Ages 2 and under): Free

Tyler Arboretum

515 Painter Road, Media, PA 19063

Take a short drive to Tyler Arboretum in nearby Media for stunning trails weaving through gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Stretching over 650 acres, this arboretum is ideal for parents wanting to introduce their children to bird-watching, botany, or just the beauty of nature. 

Tyler Arboretum is one of the oldest public gardens in the country, and offers a variety of seasonal programs and events for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.  

Admission: 

Adults: $18

Youth (Ages 3-17): $10

Child (Ages 2 and under): Free

What to Bring When Hiking With Kids

Consider bringing along nature guides for identifying wildlife, birds, plants, or rocks to keep kids engaged during your hike. Additionally, brainstorm a plan to turn the hike into a scavenger hunt (without disturbing nature, of course). 

Before leaving for your hike, prepare water, snacks or lunch for a picnic, sunscreen, bug spray, and anything specific your kids might need. It’s recommended to leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during warmer months. 

Making Nature a Family Affair 

Introduce your children to the many family hiking trails in Philadelphia. From the meandering paths of Forbidden Drive to historic Valley Forge or scenic John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, these trails provide opportunities for exercise, education, and family bonding.

Lead photo courtesy of Pamela Badolato.