Whoa, baby. This place is BIG!!! I came here on the hunt for a particular species of bird (which I found) but I stayed for the trails, views, sounds, and other birds. There is a lot to see and I know that in my hours spent here I barely scratched the surface. I've heard a rumor that the parking lot on Hagys Mill Road is not particularly safe in that some folks have had their cars broken into, but I didn't have a problem when I parked there. Maybe use the main entrance, though? Just a thought. Will return here to explore more! read more

What a hidden gem! It was a beautiful Saturday to go for a walk here. It's easy to find. When you turn in off Hagys Mill Road you follow a long driveway to the parking lots. A building with restrooms, water fountains, a children's play area, gift shop, special exhibit room and classrooms is across from parking lots. The gift shop had some unique items like local honey. The grounds are amazing. So many different trees and plants. A watershed walk was happening so I checked in and was given a map. It was about a 1 mile loop with several activity stations. It was geared more towards kids/families. The staff member gave me a swag bag with binoculars and a magnifying glass even though I didn't have kids. The activities looked fun. All of the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. I saw several groups of deer that were pretty close. I followed the walk and then ventured on a different trail on my own. It was a pleasant place to be! The trails were fairly easy. I was told by a few staffers that it would be hard to get lost! Most of the events are geared towards kids/families. A preschool is onsite so lots of kids are around during the week. Hopefully, more adult programs will be added. NOTE: dogs are NOT allowed read more

Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education - Pond - Preschools Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

There aren't miles and miles of trails here but the 4ish + are totally worth checking out. If you see a door definitely open it it leads to more trails. There some elevation so be ready for some up and downs. In the city limits of Philadelphia but you'd never realize it. read more

Love this place! Went today to escape the crazy winds and cold with the two munchkins that I watch! We went into the discovery center where there 1 1/2 year old loved see under dirt and plants! She also loved going through the tunnel! There's not a crazy amount of things to do in the discovery center but they still loved it! Cannot wait to go back when the weather is nicer to go on the trails and explore everything else they have! read more

Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education - Preschools Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I went there in mid-July with a hiking group. We hiked about 9 miles on the trails and picked up some delicious rasberries on the way. We went all the way to the montgomery county and saw some cool boats near the river bank. We were able to spot many many frogs in the ponds as we passed by. At one pond, they were definitely singing for a good five minutes. You can expect to see some birds, deer and horses. Overall a very cute park and accessible through public transportation as well. read more

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Worst experience. Our 6 year old daughter is traumatized from this camp. There is a lack of oversite or caring for your Childs well being. The counselors made her go to the bathroom in the woods. They made her defecate in the woods. They made her dig hole and cover it up. This is a 6 year old girl... Before you send child, you better think twice. Feel free to communicate with Aaliyah Green Ross aaliyah@schuylkillcenter.org, Amanda Cohen amanda@schuylkillcenter.org, Beatrice Kelly bkelly@schuylkillcenter.org or Mike Weilbacher mike@schuylkillcenter.org, they are aware of this situation. read more

We knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony for our wedding this past summer. My husband (then fiancé) had been to The Schuylkill Center many times as a child growing up in the area and thought it might be a good fit for the rustic, DIY, simple wedding we were planning. As soon as we saw Pine Grove, we knew it was "the one." We literally got married in a forest, and it was beautiful. The Schuylkill Center isn't your typical wedding venue, and so, the relatively small rental fee only pays to hold the space and nothing more. We had to DIY everything - chairs (rental company), sound (tailgater speaker), signage to direct guests. Denise and the rest of The Schuylkill Center folks were easy to work with and gave ample advice, but couldn't offer any services given their budgetary constraints. Be warned that Pine Grove is about 0.5 miles from the visitors center, which might be a bit tough for elderly guests. The only regret I have about our outdoor ceremony is having it in July. Shade from the large pine trees kept the space barely comfortable for our guests, but I was sweaty for most of the ceremony. We had many challenges having a wedding ceremony at a venue that doesn't typically host wedding ceremonies. But it was well worth it. Pine Grove provided the raw, natural, rustic backdrop that we wanted for our wedding ceremony. It was beautiful. read more

Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education - Our lovely rustic wedding ceremony at Pine Grove - Preschools Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Beautiful woods and building that provides a variety of hiking trails. They also have family friendly events.

The good, and what most people will want to know: it's beautiful, and yes, educational, with a good bookstore. Adults and kids can have a great day here. This is an oasis and an oddity- an island of natural inside city limits. Hike, view exhibits, and know that they have wildlife rehab available for those sick critters you might find. The not so good: the Center is not remaining completely true to its original mission. I'll not bore you with the politics I've read a lot about but the land was donated by family with certain stipulations and the plunking of a charter school in the midst of the Center is not in spirit with the plans, and the family descendants rightfully protested. Further, I know firsthand that the Center has sold off some land to the City of Philadelphia... a sad thing to see this happen to... what? Generate income? Lastly, I find it disappointing that current employees there have only a passing knowledge of the history of the place or knowledge about the current and past grounds. Don't mean to come off all "in my day..." but if you're running a place dealing with nature education and preservation, you ought to understand what you have been charged with preserving and teaching, and know why it's been given to you. read more

This is a true gem in the city of Philadelphia, so close for a retreat into the woods. A place for my kids to enjoy nature, with ponds, streams, trails. We also love the programs offered throughout the year. The mini store, has the best books for children at a low price. I try to take advantage of this place throughout the year, never crowded, quiet peaceful retreat in Roxborough. read more

This is the best environmental center in Philadelphia it has great bio diversity for example we saw 5 salamanders a deer dozens of tadpoles and frogs a few geese and a few turtle if your looking to get a day out of the big hustle of the city than this is you place they also have great service their and the ponds are very nice and well maintained. read more

Schuylkill Center For Environmental Education - Preschools Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Another gem in the Andorra/Roxborough section of Philadelphia. Great place to take your kids on a nature hike. Excellent trails. Friendly staff in the office. Be aware there is a school that uses some of the space M-F during the regular school year and parking is much less available. read more

Why am I the 1st to review this?!? I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! There's well maintained scenic trails and an environmental education center that's staffed with super friendly and informative people. A pefect place to take the kids for a fun learning experience. Whether you're looking for a relaxing nature walk or an invigorating hike, there's a trail for you. If you love nature and live nearby, check this place out!!! read more

This place is absolutely beautiful! I arrived just after it closed so I cannot review the facilities but the hiking trails were incredible. My favorite part was the small ponds which were full of tadpoles and frogs, more than I've ever seen before! I have spent a lot of time in the natural areas around Philadelphia but this place is truly special. There is so much wildlife, i'm sure the education center would be pretty interesting. read more

Such a wonderful place, from the indoor play area on a rainy day to the woods for hikes and of course the annual native plant sale.

REVIEW FOR NATURE PRESCHOOL: I really didn't want to write this review, but I work in education inequity - so I must. I heard about this preschool from a wonderful woman that sent her daughter to the Nature Center school. She warned me that she pulled her daughter out of the school, once a disgruntled worker was outside telling parents that their children were unsafe. That said, I have worked in education reform for over ten years, so thought that anything could have caused that scene. I should see the school for myself. That said, my husband and I drove up. When we met the "principal" she took us around to each of the classrooms. Talking about the school, never asking us one question. The classrooms and the nature surrounding the area was beautiful. That said, after going to a few classrooms - we noticed that there wasn't one brown or black child at the camp. So, knowing that these are not the same children during the year - we asked about the demographic breakdown (specifically race). She told us that they don't "think about race - they look at overall diversity - there is a child from Ireland that attends" WHAT?!? Now, again, I have been in education nonprofit for a long time and my husband works for corporate America - we understand that there are times when an organization has had an issue with diversity - but it's usually described as something that they are working on. I was incredibly disappointed. How can one learn about the world and nature without also being exposed and exploring the beauty of diversity? That said, at the end of the meeting - she rips a random piece of paper and explains she needs our contact information. We cannot apply to the school if she doesn't send us the link and if we don't visit with our son. She assured us that she would email us with all the information. That said, this was three weeks ago... still haven't heard anything. Our son is going to a beautiful school in the fall and so I wanted to avoid a bad review - but silence is not the answer during a times like these. read more