Travel

A Family-Friendly Weekend in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

Chestnut Hill, which is located in the northwest of Philadelphia, is sometimes referred to as the Garden District of Philadelphia. The residential area is known by the local slogan, which refers to its green streets, stone houses, and closeness to some of the most spectacular green spaces in the region. This is contrary to most urban locations where the fast-paced lifestyle makes it very unattractive to families intending to have a relaxing weekend at Chestnut Hill.

Most of the attractions are located close to one another and are within a short distance in the area since the Germantown Avenue, which is the main street of the neighborhood, is historic. Families may hike through wooded trails in the morning, visit gardens or museums in the afternoon and spend the evening in the community parks. Such combination of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences contributes to the fact that Chestnut Hill is one of the most rewarding family destinations of Philadelphia.

Saturday Morning: Exploring Wissahickon Valley Park

One of the most popular parks in the system of Philadelphia is the Wissahickon Valley Park which is a good place to start the weekend. The park, area of which is approximately 1,800 acres, has over fifty miles of trails passing through thick woods and along Wissahickon Creek.

The visit to families usually begins at Forbidden Drive which is a broad gravel road that runs along the creek in the valley. Due to the fact that the road is fairly flat, it is good with children and even strollers. On their journey, the sightseers pass stone bridges, wooded hillsides, and quiet places where the families can rest on the water.

Valley Green Inn is another of the most identifiable features in the park and is an eighteenth century stone building which is presently a restaurant and a rest stop to hikers. The wood area is also good area where the children can see wildlife like turtles, birds and at times deer going in and out of the woods.

Saturday Afternoon: Discovering a Living Garden

The next place to visit after lunch can be Morris Arboretum and Gardens a botanical garden of the University of Pennsylvania, covering ninety two acres. The arboretum integrates scientific collections of plants with exhibits that encourage exploration and thus is a popular field among children.

It has one of the most visited attractions in the form of Garden Railway where the miniature trains move over well built landscapes using natural materials. Bridges, tunnels, and model buildings give a mini world that is fascinating to the younger visitors.

The other attraction is Tree Adventure canopy walk which is a 450 feet walkway which has been elevated over fifty feet above the ground. There are suspended bridges and rope structures, which enable the visitors to view the forest at the top of the trees and this is the view that is hardly seen in the city parks.

Nature walks and garden workshops are also seasonal activities that provide families with even more chances to learn about plants and ecosystems and have fun outside.

Sunday Morning: Art and Creativity

Chestnut Hill is also very culturally oriented, and this is evident when one visits Woodmere Art Museum. The museum is devoted to the artists who are related to the Philadelphia area and periodically holds the exhibitions of the painting, sculpture, and contemporary installations.

The museum weekend programs are also valued by the families and may include workshops on art and other interactive activities targeting the younger visitors. Outside activities are also held on the grounds in the surrounding all the year round to provide a warm atmosphere where children will learn art in a calming environment.

To the parents, Woodmere offers a chance to experience the artistic traditions in Philadelphia yet making the visit interesting to the whole family.

Sunday Afternoon: A Relaxing Finish at Pastorius Park

The families will be able to spend the last afternoon of their stay in Pastorius Park, before leaving the neighborhood. The sixteen acre park has sloping grasses, walking paths and scenic pond where ducks and other birds are attracted.

Children like wandering along the shore or have fun in the open grassy areas whereas adults can sit and relax under shade trees that are mature. The park hosts an old outdoor concert series that is a source of attraction during the summer months, to residents all over the city.

A visit here is a relaxing experience to finish the weekend and emphasizes the sense of community which makes Chestnut hill what it is.