For those who live in the Philadelphia area, you don't need to travel far in order to enjoy a fun day with the family. In nearby Chester County, the town of West Chester offers plenty to amuse and entertain all ages, plus plenty of places to chow down when you need a bite to eat.
If you're looking for more fun things to do in the Philly area, don't miss our guide of 100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids.
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The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters.
Museums/Historical Sites
American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
Fans of things that go will love the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center, the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. The museum restores and displays rotary-wing aircrafts, featuring over 35 civilian and military helicopters, autogiros and convertiplanes. What's more: visitors can sit in the pilot's seat of many of the machines on display, and hands-on activities teach more about how helicopters fly.
Chester County History Center
The Chester County History Center serves as a hub for collections, manuscripts, photographs and other archival materials. The history museum lets visitors learn about Chester County, from colonial times through today, through selected artifacts. Perfect for the history buff or for an in-depth look at how key historical moments impacted the county.
Brandywine Battlefield Park
The Brandywine Battlefield Park was the location of the largest and longest single day land battle of the American Revolution. The admission price includes an 18-minute orientation film, a museum, a guided house tour of Washington's headquarters, and the Gideon Gilpin House. There are also walking tours available.
Brandywine Museum of Art
Known for its collection of the Wyeth family artists (N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth), the Brandywine Museum of Art also encompasses galleries of artists related to the Brandywine Valley. Located in nearby Chadds Ford, the museum offers special exhibitions on a rotating basis. For an additional fee, take a tour of the Andrew Wyeth Studio and the N.C. Wyeth House and Studio.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Stroud Preserve
Spanning 571 acres, Stroud Preserve joins together once-pastured grasslands, working farmlands, and woodlands. The preserve includes 9 miles of hiking trails. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes.
ChesLen Preserve
The largest privately-owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County, ChestLen Preserve offers miles of hiking trails across 1,282 acres of woodlands, farm fields, and stream valleys.
Ridley Creek State Park
Whether you're visiting to hike, bike, or walk the dog, Ridley Creek State Park includes both paved and woodland trails. In addition, there are several different picnic areas, some with small playgrounds, and pavilions that can be rented for special events like birthday parties.
Recreation
West Chester Railroad
The West Chester Railroad focuses on the history of the railroad in Pennsylvania and offers a variety of special train rides, such as the Halloween Special and the Fall Foliage Express, plus Santa's Express in November and December.
Treehouse World
Treehouse World appeals to both adventure seekers and nature lovers. Throughout the park, treehouses abound, just waiting to be explored. While some treehouses can be explored just like a jungle gym or playground, others require a rock-climbing harness.
Longwood Gardens
One of the most popular places to visit in the West Chester area, Longwood Gardens will appeal to all ages with conservatories, seasonal displays, special gardens, and fountain shows. It's easy to spend an entire afternoon enjoying the sights, and several eateries offer food when you get the hankering. Head to the nearby Creamery of Kennett Square before or after for food, drinks, and a kids play area.