Kids activities in Gladwyne, PA
An affluent community in Lower Merion with access to private youth enrichment programs, nature trails, and competitive youth sports clubs.
Gladwyne is a small, wooded neighborhood surrounded by Lower Merion Township's preserved open space. It is home to Riverbend Environmental Education Center.
Riverbend runs year-round nature programs on its 30-acre preserve: Budding Naturalists for ages 2–5 with a caregiver, summer camp for ages 4–13, and school programs. It also runs a summer camp at McKaig Nature Education Center in Wayne.
Gladwyne Free Library runs community programs for children throughout the year. Lower Merion Township Recreation programming is available to Gladwyne residents, including the township-wide youth sports leagues, swim lessons, and enrichment classes. Gladwyne's trails, creeks, and preserved open space are good for unstructured outdoor time.
24 listings in Gladwyne
Filter by age or dayBudding Naturalists: Toddler Nature Play
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Ages 2–5
- $120 per child per 6-week session
- Weekly
Weekly caregiver-and-child nature sessions for ages 2-5 at Riverbend Preserve in Gladwyne. Each 60-minute class includes a story, craft, nature activity, and hike on the preserve. 6-week sessions capped at 12 families, with a campfire & s'mores at the final meeting. Caregiver required.
Riverbend Summer Nature Camp
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Ages 4–11
- $464/week; before care $75/week…
- Multiple days, 9:00 AM…
Week-long outdoor summer camp on Riverbend's 30-acre preserve in Gladwyne. Campers hike, explore animal habitats, conduct science experiments, play nature games, and enjoy hands-on outdoor learning. Themed weeks include Messy Science and Sunny Science. Before and after care available.
Rangers & Adventurers Nature Summer Camp
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Ages 4–8
- $625–$660/week
- Mon, Fri, Sun, 8:45 am
Immersive nature summer camp at Riverbend Preserve in Gladwyne for ages 4-8. Rangers program (ages 4-6, $625/week) and Adventurers (ages 5-6, $660/week) offer daily outdoor exploration, hiking, and hands-on nature science on a 30-acre preserve.
- Outdoor
- Ages 4–14
- $35–$55/program
- Sat, Sun, 10:00 AM – 12:30…
The Gladwyne Nature Center provides outdoor education programs for children ages 4–14 in the woodlands and meadows of Lower Merion's Gladwyne preserve. Seasonal programs include wildlife tracking, plant identification, and ecological monitoring alongside hiking and free nature exploration. Summer camp and school-year half-day programs available.
Riverbend Year-Round Exploration Camp
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Ages 4–11
- Varies by session
- School holiday dates vary…
Single-day nature camps offered on school holidays and breaks at Riverbend Environmental Education Center. Activities include hikes, outdoor exploration, crafts, science experiments, and hands-on environmental education on a 30-acre preserve.
- Academic
- Ages 3–12
- $200–$350/term
- Mon, Wed, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Gladwyne Montessori School offers after-school enrichment classes in math exploration, language arts, and creative expression for children ages 3–12. Programs use authentic Montessori materials in small-group settings to foster intrinsic motivation and deep understanding. Enrichment sessions are available on a term-by-term basis.
- Arts
- Ages 5–12
- $95/6-week session
- Thu, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Gladwyne Elementary's Community Arts program brings professional teaching artists into after-school sessions for students ages 5–12 in Gladwyne. Students rotate through visual arts, drama, and music projects across a 6-week session. The program is offered three times per school year through the Lower Merion Arts in Education initiative.
Gladwyne Free Library Young Readers Club
Gladwyne Free Library
- Ages 5–10
- Free
- Sat, 10:30 AM
Monthly reading club for elementary-age children at the historic Gladwyne Free Library. Children listen to a read-aloud, discuss the story, and complete a related craft project. The intimate group setting nurtures a love of books in a welcoming neighborhood library.
Lower Merion Recreation Youth Tennis (Gladwyne)
Lower Merion Township Recreation
- Sports
- Ages 6–16
- $110/session
- Tue, Thu, 9:00 AM
Group tennis lessons for children at Gladwyne Park courts, organized by Lower Merion Township Recreation. USTA-certified instructors run age-grouped sessions that introduce beginners to the game while helping more experienced players refine their technique. Equipment loaners available.
Spring Bird Walk 2026
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Multiple days, 8:00 AM
A spring bird walk for families and kids at Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Gladwyne. An outdoor educational experience focused on birdwatching.
Tadpole Transformations 2026
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Multiple days, 8:00 AM
An outdoor nature program at Riverbend Environmental Education Center exploring the life cycle of tadpoles and frogs. A hands-on science experience for kids and families.
- Academic
- Ages 0–12
- Tuition-based; contact school for rates
- Multiple days, 8:00 AM–3:00…
The only AMS-accredited independent Montessori school on the Main Line, serving children from 6 weeks through Grade 6 since 1962. Infant, Toddler, Primary, and Elementary programs combining Dr. Montessori's approach with modern research.
- Outdoor
- Ages 4–13
- Varies; financial assistance available
- Multiple days, 9:00 AM–4:00…
Outdoor adventure nature camp for ages 4–13 with activities including arts and crafts, nature hikes, field games, and weekly themes such as Riverbend Animals, Messy Science, and Summer Camp Classics. Tuition support available for SNAP/EBT families.
- Sports
- Ages 2–8
- Varies by session
- Classes run year-round…
Year-round sports classes and activities for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2–5 introducing children to multiple sports in a fun, age-appropriate setting. Senior Sports Squirts classes available for ages 6–8.
- Academic
- Ages 3–12
- Tuition varies; contact school for…
- Multiple days, After school…
After school program providing quality care in a familiar Montessori school setting. Students enjoy outdoor recreation, indoor play, art, music, STEM, sports clubs, and homework study hall.
- Ages 4–11
- Varies by session
- Multiple days, 9:00 AM…
Nature-based summer camp since 1982 on a 30-acre preserve. Campers ages 4-11 hike, explore animal habitats, play games, perform science experiments, and experience outdoor free play in Gladwyne.
- STEM
- Ages 4–14
- Varies by program
- Multiple days, Varies by…
Year-round nature classes and birthday parties at Riverbends 30-acre preserve in Gladwyne. Environmental education programs connecting children with outdoor STEM learning and free play in nature.
Riverbend Summer Camp
Riverbend
- Outdoor
An outdoor day camp in Gladwyne focused on fun and free play including hiking, stream-stomping, and bug-catching for campers of all ages.
Riverbend Environmental Education Center Summer Camp
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
- Ages 4–13
Screen-free, nature-filled summer camps where children explore streams, hike trails, catch bugs, create art, and conduct hands-on science with experienced educators. Age-specific programs with weekly themes help kids build confidence, curiosity, and a love of the outdoors.
Summer Camp
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
Riverbend's Summer Camp connects kids to nature through outdoor STEM education and free play in a 30-acre preserve near Philadelphia. Registration is currently open.
Year-Round Adventure Camp
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
Year-Round Adventure Camp gives kids ongoing access to outdoor exploration and nature-based activities at Riverbend's preserve. A great option for families looking for consistent outdoor education beyond the summer months.
School Programs
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- STEM
Riverbend's school programs bring students outdoors to make science come to life through nature-based STEM education. Field trips and environmental learning experiences are available for school groups.
Aquaponics Program
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- STEM
Riverbend's Aquaponics program offers hands-on environmental STEM learning, including a collaboration with Aqua Pennsylvania and Upper Darby School District serving nearly 1,000 fifth graders. Students explore sustainable food systems and environmental science.
Scout Programs
Riverbend Environmental Education Center
- Outdoor
Riverbend offers nature-based Scout Programs at their 30-acre preserve in Gladwyne, PA. Scouts can explore meadow, woodland, stream, and pond habitats while working toward nature and conservation-related achievements.