Parks & Recreation If you are interested in visiting southeastern Pennsylvania to experience local culture and events, the region offers you a wealth of opportunities throughout the year. Listed below are local parks and recreational sites which host events throughout the year.
Please ask us for suggestions for other local events that may interest you.
Springton Manor Farm
Glenmoore, PA
Initially part of a William Penn Manor, Springton has been in agricultural use since the early 1700’s. On this 300 acre demonstration farm, you can meet the animals and tour the Butterfly House. An interpretive nature trail ends at a catch & release fishing pond. The elegant Manor House features a Victorian garden, gazebo, terrace, and a full caterer’s kitchen perfect for weddings & corporate retreats. A new edition to the Springton Manor Carriage House is the Heritage Mural.
Springton Manor offers farm tours & wagon rides, self-guided or staff-led, for a chance to meet and greet the animals. Tours are $2/ person. Wagon rides are $40 for 30 minutes and can accomodate 45 persons. Wagon rides are weather permitting.
Victorian Valentine Cards - Friday, February 13th, 2009, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Nature Tykes: Nature's Patterns - Wednesday, February 18th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM& 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Pioneer Tykes: Maple Sugaring - Thursday, February 26th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Tick Check! 1-2-3 - Friday, March 6th, 2009, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Genealogy for the Family - Saturday, March 7th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Let's Go Fly a Kite - Sunday, March 9th, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Moving Waters - Friday, March 13th, 2009, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Nature Tykes: Nuts about Acorns - Wednesday, March 18th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Springton's Past: A Walking Tour - Saturday, March 21st, 2009, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
"Irish Spring" Concert - Sunday, March 22nd, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Pioneer Tykes: Cornbread & Butter - Thursday, March 26th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Wet Worlds: The Vernal Pool - Friday, April 3rd, 2009, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Nature Tykes: Slugs & Snails - Wednesday, April 8th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Pioneer Tykes: Jam-Sticky-Jam - Thursday, April 16th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Family Campfire: Local Myths & Legends - Friday, April 17th, 2009, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Rain Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2009)
Victorian Tea - Sunday, April 19th, 2009, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sheep & Wool Day - Saturday, April 25th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Family Day - Saturday, September 26th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
For event fees and more information, call 610-942-2450 or visit the official website.
Black Rock Sanctuary
Phoenixville, PA
Black Rock Sanctuary is dedicated to wildlife habitat and public use. It consists of 119 acres of wetlands, woodlands and meadows. Black Rock Sanctuary offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and discover the history, geology, wildlife, plant life and habitats of the sanctuary. The sky over Black Rock is a flyway, or air highway, for birds that migrate up and down the East Coast. Observe your surroundings to appreciate the wetlands, which attract waterfowl and provide for other plants and animals.
Birding at Black Rock Sanctuary - Saturday, February 21st, 2009, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Birding at Black Rock Sanctuary - Saturday, March 21st, 2009, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Birding at Black Rock Sanctuary - Saturday, April 4th, 2009, 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Birding at Black Rock Sanctuary: Explore the meadows and wetlands and learn about feathered friends that inhabit our natural areas and those who just stop by for a winter visit. Learn techniques to identify birds. Led by an experienced birder; meet in the parking lot.
For more information, call 610-344-6415 or visit the official website.
Hibernia County Park
Wagontown, PA
Over 900 acres of trails, woodlands, meadows, open fields, play areas, pavilions, camping & picnic areas are strewn throughout. Popular fishing sites include the Brandywine Creek’s west branch, Birch Run & a children’s pond. Small boating & fishing occur on the 90 –acre Chambers Lake. Hibernia Mansion, home of Colonial Franklin Swayne, is open for public tours on Sunday afternoons, Memorial Day – Labor Day. During the month of December, the Friends of Hibernia host annual Candlelight Tours.
Hibernia Hiking Club - Wednesdays, March 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Who Dunnit? Forensic Wildlife Hibernia - Saturday, March 7th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Li'l Nature Detectives - Wednesday, March 11th, 2009, 12:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Hibernia Hiking Club - Wednesdays, April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Hibernia Guided Horse Trail Ride - Saturday, April 11th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
81st Annual Old Fiddler's Picnic - August 8th, 2009, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Hibernia Hiking Club: Do you love the brisk morning air and exercise? Enjoy a 3-mile hike along a mostly-wooded gravel path. The series continues throughout the winter and spring as weather permits. Plant identification will be ongoing. The last Wednesday of the month will be a special hike! Please bring water. Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.
Who Dunnit? Forensic Wildlife Hibernia: Appropriate For Ages 12 & Older. Investigate a hunting- related crime scene within Hibernia County Park! Learn forensic tools and methods used by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Practice on several mock crime scenes hidden in the park and see if you can figure out “who-dunnit.” Dress for the weather and outdoor investigations.
Li'l Nature Detectives: For Ages Infant to Preschool. March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. Or is it the other way around? We’ll talk about wind and its importance in nature. Make a wind-related craft and read a “windy” story. If it is a "lion-like" day, bring a kite to fly.
Hibernia Guided Horse Trail Ride: Enjoy an afternoon riding through the park on a guided trail ride. See the park’s natural beauty and learn about the park's history. Riders must bring their own horse and a riding helmet. A snack will be provided for you and your horse after the ride.
Old Fiddler's Picnic: Hundreds of musicians and music lovers gather for music, memories, and dancing in the woodlands of Fiddler's Field. (Rain Date is Sunday, August 9th, 2009).
For event fees and more information, call 610-383-3812 or visit the official website.
Warwick County Park
Strasburg, PA
Warwick’s woodlands provided much of the timber for charcoal used in the early American iron industry. A portion of the French creek meanders through the 538 acre park. An ideal site for nature study, the Horse-Shoe Trail, extending from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail, adds length to the numerous miles of multi-use park trails. A children’s play area, picnic pavilions and an informal volleyball court are also available.
Build a Bluebird Box - Sunday, February 15th, 2009, 2:00 PM.
Scout Wildlife Conservation - Saturday, February 28th, 2009, 2:00 PM.
Orienteering with DVOA - Sunday, March 22nd, 2009, 10:00 AM
First Peep of Spring - Saturday, March 28th, 2009, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Frogwatch USA Volunteer Training - Saturday, April 4th, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Woodland Wildflower Walk - Sunday, April 26th, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
Autumn Harvest Celebration - Storytelling & Bonfire - Saturday, October 10th, 2009, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Build a Bluebird Box: Join us in building a home for Pennsylvania's most popular songbirds. Families may construct bluebird boxes for use in the park or for their own backyard. Learn all you need to know about a bluebird box: construction, mounting and seasonal maintenance.
Scout Wildlife Conservation: Cub Scouts can complete the options for the Wildlife Conservation Belt Loop by learning about: (1) natural resources and why it is important to protect and conserve them; (2) producers, consumers and decomposers in the food chain, and (3) endangered species and how they became endangered. Scouts may also build a bluebird nest box.
Orienteering with DVOA: Orienteering is a sport where you use a map to look for locations in the woods. Beginners should allow 20 minutes for instruction and 45 -60 minutes to walk the course. A White (instructional level) Course and a Score Course (find as many locations within an hour) will be available. Scouts can earn badges or patches such as Finding your Way (Jr GS) or Map and Compass hatpin/belt loop (Cubs). A family or group of two or more can enjoy a leisurely course with one map (payable at program)
Autum Harvest Celebraton: Seasonal activities, storytelling and evening bonfire.
First Peep of Spring: Experience a "Sac Full O' Sound" in the early spring. Listen to the frogs and toads produce distinctive sounds and a variety of calls. Learn to identify different frogs just by their calls, and discover how and why they call so much at this time of year. Please wear your tromping boots or shoes as we follow the calls to their wet hiding places. Lots of fun for all!
Frogwatch USA Volunteer Training: Globally, populations of frog and other amphibian species are declining. Frogwatch USA is a partnership between the National Wildlife Federation and the U.S. Geological Survey. It collects data from volunteer citizen scientists, who monitor the vocalizations of local frog populations. Receive the background information necessary to become a Frogwatch USA volunteer and enjoy learning about our local wetland species.
Woodland Wildflower Walk: The woods are coming alive and the flowers are in bloom. Don't miss this magical time of year when the spring "ephemerals" make a brief but showy appearance. Look for wildflowers and other signs of spring during a leisurely stroll through the forest. See the spring blossoms before they disappear for another year.
For event fees and more information, call 610-469-1916 or visit the official website.
Nottingham County Park
Nottingham, PA
The 651 acre park sits atop an out-cropping of serpentine stone greater than one square mile in size – one of the largest serpentine barrens on the East Coast. A popular picnicking park, which offers nine pavilions, as well as informal picnic areas, play lots and rugged trails. Fishing is available in two ponds for bass and pan fish.
Coyote Calling: A CSI Investigation - Sunday, February 22nd, 2009, 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Winter Campout - Saturday, February 28th to Sunday, March 1st, 2009, 5:30 PM Setup (2/28) to 9:30 AM Breakdown (3/1)
Starry Night - Saturday, February 28th, 2009, 7:00 PM
Creating a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard - Saturday, March 14th, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Beautiful Birds & Egg-citing Eggs! - Saturday, March 28th, 2009, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Hi-Tech Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 4th, 2009, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Ride Nottingham - Sunday, April 19th, 2009, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Who-Who Said What? - Friday, April 24th, 2009, 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Ride Nottingham - Sunday, April 26th, 2009, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Freedom Fest - Saturday, July 4th, 2009, 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Coyote Calling: A CSI Investigation: For Ages 10 & Older. Are coyotes in Chester County? Winter is the best time to make your coyote case! On a brisk winter day, enjoy the barrens looking for evidence that coyotes exist in the park. Discover the coyote habitat and clues of their presence - hair caught on green briars perhaps. If snow is present, look for tracks and make plaster of paris cast from discovered tracks. Use predator calls to trick the wily coyote out of cover, hopefully for an eye witness account. Hear testimony from deer hunters and hikers, then decide if coyotes indeed exist in Nottingham's forest. Bring binoculars to peer into heavy cover and look for dens. Program occurs mostly outdoors. Dress in warm, rugged outdoor clothing. Hiking boots suggested.
Winter Campout: This is for the adventurous family! After you arrive and set up, learn tips for winter camping and wilderness survival. Then participate in the Starry Night program (see next program) followed by a toasty campfire. Participants must bring their own camping supplies (tent camping only)* and arrive at the designated time to ensure enough daylight for set-up. Please bring your own dinner. A light breakfast will be provided in the morning. Dress appropriately and pack supplies for February!
Starry Night: Join members of the Chester County Astronomical Society for a star-gazing party. Learn about wintertime constellations, comets, satellites and other objects of the night sky via star charts and telescopes. Please wear warm clothes. Equipment is provided; however, feel free to bring your own.
Creating a Wildlife Habitat in Your Backyard: Is your backyard a welcoming haven for wildlife or a sparse wasteland? This informative session will explain how to create great habitat for wildlife while beautifying your landscape. Learn how to get your backyard certified as a wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.
Beautiful Birds & Egg-citing Eggs: For Ages 5 & Older. Spring is coming and it’s time to get ready for the birds! Enjoy a hike to identify native birds that would love to find a home in your backyard. Make a craft to attract your new friends. Learn all about bird eggs and try your hand at natural egg dying. Learn to dye an egg orange using onion skins or pink with cherries. Supplies for both crafts will be provided. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting messy!
Hi-Tech Egg Hunt: Pair up with a friend and try a new twist on an old favorite! Teams of 2 will go on a hi-tech egg hunt in the park with their GPS. You'll need a GPS, a buddy and hiking footwear. Dress appropriately. Please pre-register, space is limited.
Ride Nottingham: For Ages 14 & Older. Mountain bike Nottingham’s trails to see the park from a different viewpoint - down and forward. From level and easy to steep and challenging, the park contains a variety of terrain. Join us for a refreshing spring ride approximately 1 hour long and geared towards participants’ comfort levels. Front shocks and disc brakes recommended.
Who-Who Said What?: Spring is a great time to look for owls, and a chilly nighttime stroll through the park may reveal several species. Listen to their eerie calls and see if we can spot the caller. Dissect a real owl pellet! Come prepared for a gentle hike. Fun for all ages!
Freedom Fest: An independent weekend concert, fireworks, entertainment and food. Co-sponsored by Herr Foods (Rain date Sunday, July 5th, 2009).
For event fees and more information, call 610-932-2589 or visit the official website.
