To those families looking for time outdoors but have had their fill of the beach with its summer heat and sand, there is a Delaware County alternative that keeps you outdoors near streams, ponds, and towering trees, writes Christine Coppa for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum lets your family hike out into nature.
Children can explore native fish, wildlife and plants of the Delaware estuary at the nation’s first urban refuge, established in 1972.
There’s freshwater tidal marshes to explore with the cool waters, mudflats, and woodlands that are home to hundreds of species.
The refuge covers 1,000 acres with 10 miles of trails. The 3.5-mile Wetland Loop is perfect for families, offering a flat and accessible path for birdwatching and checking out diverse flora and fauna.
“It’s also ideal for family-friendly programming,” said Lamar Gore, refuge manager, through its educational programs and interactive exhibits.
There is a .6-mile accessible loop featuring a wide asphalt path, a boardwalk and two accessible fishing decks. The visitor center is also accessible.
Parking is free at the Lindbergh Boulevard entrance and the Route 420 entrance, with another lot at the west end..
Find out more about the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
