With the slogan “everybody’s hometown,” it’s easy to see why everyone feels welcome in Media, Pennsylvania. It boasts a rich history dating all the way back to 1681, when the state’s namesake, William Penn, was declared leader of the local colony. It’s been the county seat of Delaware County since 1850, and many of the attractions and sites date back generations and have a fascinating heritage. The area has a wonderfully traditional and wholesome feel with all the modern amenities you could ask for.
Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Media, PA, whether you’re visiting a loved one or living in this magical place yourself.
Outdoor Activities in Media, PA
There are tons of outdoor activities in Media, PA, including kid-friendly parks and farms and nature reserves bejeweled with the local flora and fauna.
1. Tyler Arboretum
This stunning arboretum is characterized by 650 acres of beautiful wetlands, woodlands and meadows. It’s a great venue for special events and celebrations, but it’s also a joy to wander around on a sunny afternoon. The grounds were established hundreds of years ago with a mission to preserve and enhance the natural world, which the patrons continue to uphold.
The majority of the park is accessible for wheelchair users, and the Fragrant Garden is the perfect attraction for people who are partially sighted or blind.
2. Ridley Creek State Park
Encompassing more than 2,600 acres of meadows and woodland, Ridley Creek State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It’s open year-round, with areas for swimming, disc golf, picnicking, and more. There are a number of conservation efforts taking place in the park, including efforts to preserve forests and trees, wild plants and biodiversity in the local area.
3. Horseback Riding at Hidden Valley Farm
Animal lovers can check out Hidden Valley Equestrian Farm, which is located within the boundaries of Ridley Creek State Park. Facility rental is available for celebrations, and lessons, boarding and training are offered at the site. Owners Tom and Ellie Chidester are lifelong horse enthusiasts and pillars of the local community, where they’ve lived their whole lives. There are now 35 horses at the facility, which is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Museums in Media, PA
There’s so much heritage to draw from in Media, PA, and you can immerse yourself in history at one of the city’s museums.
4. Pennsylvania Veterans Museum
Pennsylvania Veterans Museum is in Media, PA, and it’s located within the historical Media Armory. Since its opening in 2005, it’s amassed a huge collection of memorabilia and artifacts, bringing to life the plight of the county’s honorable veterans and celebrating their bravery. Regular exhibitions including exhibits about the Second World War, the Korean War and an array of memorabilia from film and TV. Anyone with an interest in U.S. heritage will want to come back again and again.
5. Historic Archives Collection
The borough of Media is one of the oldest and most popular areas in Pennsylvania, and this archive museum exists to preserve and maintain the city’s historic materials. You can rifle through scrapbooks, photographs, movies, maps, recordings and all sorts of trinkets related to local history. You’ll need to book an appointment to visit, and local reviewers are blown away by the passion and knowledge of the collection’s curators.
6. Delaware County Institute of Science
The Delaware County Institute of Science was established in 1833 with a mission to provide education to the local public. Corals, fossils and shells from around the world join native American bottles, pottery, tools and natural specimens from near and far in this intriguing collection. You’ll also find a grand library with locally significant books as well as those related to the natural world and science. Plus, there are free monthly lectures in the winter months that you can attend in person or by Zoom.
Attractions for Group Parties in Media, PA
If the whole family comes to visit, you might need a few places to recommend for the kids. Despite being a historical behemoth, Media has plenty of fun things for younger generations to do as well as activities that are ideal for people of all ages.
7. Media Theatre
No matter your age, there are few things more immersive and enjoyable than a trip to the theatre. Media Theatre is one of the city’s historic buildings, and there are all types of shows, with previous titles such as Sister Act, Frozen Jr., Baby and Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids. Season tickets are available, and proceeds go toward the upkeep of the building and help keep this nonprofit organization running. Other opportunities for participation include acting classes, summer camp and State Street Miracles.
8. Xscape the Room
Anyone in pursuit of a fun-packed day can try out one of the live action escape rooms at Xscape the Room. Designed for between four and 10 players, your team needs to work together to beat the clock and solve puzzles, riddles and problems to get out of the locked room. It’s a great day out for families, friends and parties.
9. Painting With a Twist
What’s better than creating some beautiful art on your own or with friends? Doing it in a group setting with a glass of wine or two! Painting With a Twist is a painting class with a difference. You can attend in person or online, with a group of friends or alone, and improve your art skills, take part in trivia quizzes or paint your pet.
Hiking Trails in and Around Media, PA
Walking is one of the healthiest pastimes you can pursue. And despite being so close to the bustling city of Philadelphia, there are plenty of places to escape into nature in and around Media.
10. Hildacy Preserve
Hildacy was once a farm, but its 55 acres are now dominated by native grasses, including switchgrass, Indian-grass and bluestem. This is a boon for birds and bird-watchers alike, as these meadows provide the perfect habitat for a number of rare bird species. Red-shouldered hawks, indigo buntings, American kestrels and eastern bluebirds are just a few of the birds you might spot in this nature reserve.
11. Rose Tree Park
Rose Tree County Park is in Upper Providence Township and features 120 acres of picturesque rolling hills, woodlands, mature trees and charming picnic areas. Rose Tree Old Tavern, the Hunt Club and Leedom House are three historical buildings you’ll pass on your trek through the park, and various festivals are held there throughout the year.
12. WalkWorks
The Media Borough Route is a 1.8-mile walk through the township, with stops at local points of interest. Starting at the Media Borough Offices and ending at the Delaware County Courthouse and Government Offices, you can learn about local history while getting your daily exercise.
Food in Media, PA
Media, PA, is a hotspot for fresh fruits and veggies. In fact, locals love picking their own produce so much that there are plenty of options for those who support farm-to-table food.
13. Linvilla Orchards
Linvilla Orchards is a garden center, playground, fishing spot and beer garden with barnyard animals and train rides. To call it a fun day out for the entire family is an understatement, and you can pick your own produce and find local treasures at the farm market.
14. Indian Orchards Farmers Markets
Indian Orchards Farm is great for people who are passionate about picking their own fruit. There are pumpkins, apples and fresh apple cider in the autumn, Christmas trees in December, fruit, vegetables and honey in spring/summer and much more.
15. Wolff’s Apple House
Wolff’s Apple House is a farmers market, garden center and restaurant with a focus on making the most out of Media’s deliciously fresh local produce. It’s been around since 1910, and in that time, the team has learned how to delight customers and keep them coming back. The market changes with the seasons, and you can always find something mouth-wateringly tasty and nutritious to eat.
Historic Buildings to Visit in Media, Pennsylvania
If you’re a fan of visiting a historic building or two, there’s a good chance you’ll love the following locations:
- Media Presbyterian Church
- Delaware County Court House
- Cooper House
- Hillhurst
- Provident National Bank
- Media School
Seasonal Events in Media, PA
Media is a bustling city that hosts an array of events throughout the year, such as:
- Opera nights
- Dining Under the Stars
- Live music
- DJ nights
- Jazz nights
Nearby Cities and Towns to Visit
You’ll find plenty more to do in the local area, with Philadelphia located to the northeast and small towns and beautiful rural areas to the west. Some nearby places of interest include:
- Chadds Ford
- Kennett Square
- Springfield
- Ardmore
- West Chester
- Wilmington, DE
Whatever your preferences, you’ll find something fun and rewarding to do in Media, PA. It’s got the perfect blend of urban and suburban living and the bonus of a rich cultural heritage.
While enjoying the beautiful and vibrant Media PA, you can also visit Riddle Village and get a tour to find the perfect community for your love ones. To schedule a visit, you can call us here: 610-891-3700.