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17 Best and Fun Things To Do In Glenside, Pennsylvania


TouristWire Editors

This relatively large town is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It is known for its wide variety of entertainment options, as well as its selection of recreational activities and beautiful parks.

Glenside plays host to a variety of bars and clubs, such as the Keswick Theatre and the Blue Comet Bar and Grill. Here, visitors can stop for a delicious meal or a drink and enjoy the live entertainment!

Additionally, Glenside is also the perfect place for lovers of history and historic castles. It is home to Grey Towers Castle, perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire county.

Read on to discover our list of the best and most fun things to do in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

The 17 Most Popular Things To Do In Glenside, Pennsylvania

17. Ambler Arboretum of Temple University

3.8 ★★★★☆ (11 reviews)

The Ambler Arboretum is on the Ambler campus of Temple University. It takes up about 187-acres. The foliage is quite diverse and good for the surrounding environment. The grounds are still used by the faculty and students and is a source of learning. However, it is also open to the public.

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Credit: KGQ NYC, Google Maps

Location: 580 Meetinghouse Road Ambler PA

Tel:  267 468 8000

Web Address:   https://ambler.temple.edu/arboretum

16. Pennypack Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ (23 reviews)

The Pennypack Trail stretches around 16 miles and is suitable for cross-country skiing, walking, biking, and horseback riding. It is also accessible and there are fishing spots along the trail. The trail is broken up into smaller sections with different access points. It is quite a scenic trail all the way and is definitely worth a visit.

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Credit: Daryl Hernandez, Google Maps

15. Hope Lodge

4.7 ★★★★★ (46 reviews)

Hope Lodge is a historical building that hosts guided tours for visitors. The building was built by Samuel Morris. The early Georgian architecture is quite impressive and the exhibits are open to the public every Sunday. Part of the house is open to events and weddings hire.

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Credit: Sergey Reznichenko, Google Maps

Location: 553 S Bethlehem Pike Fort Washington PA

Tel:  215 646 1595

Web Address:   http://historichopelodge.org/

14. Twining Valley Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ (49 reviews)

The Twining Valley Park is quite expansive and even has a dog park. There are also about 6 miles of trails within the park that are great for hiking and walking. Bicycles are permitted on the trails as well, but no motorized crafts are permitted. There are some sports fields, pavilions, and a playground.

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Credit: Bill Causer, Google Maps

Location: 1400 Twining Road Willow Grove PA

Web Address:   https://upperdublin.net/twining-valley-park/

13. Loch Alsh Reservoir 

4.0 ★★★★☆ (54 reviews)

The reservoir is one of the best fishing spots in the area. There are also some picnic areas.

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Credit: Ruifeng Xu, Google Maps

Location: Ambler PA

Tel:  215 643 1600

Web Address:   http://upperdublin.net/information/facilities

12. Robbins Park Environmental Education Center

4.7 ★★★★★ (81 reviews)

This park is a great escape from nearby cities where visitors can view wildlife and foliage around the park. There are also picnic areas and walking trails. It is a great way to spend a Saturday with kids during daylight hours.

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Credit: Michael Gross, Google Maps

Location: 1419 E Butler Pike Ambler PA

Tel:  215 641 0921

Web Address:   https://sites.google.com/udsd.org/robbins-park/home

11. Four Mills Nature Reserve

4.6 ★★★★★ (137 reviews)

This nature reserve is on the smaller side, but there is still a creek running through it and two hiking trails. The park has picnic tables that are open to the public. Keep your eyes open for small animals on the trails.

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Credit: oh ma, Google Maps

Location: 12 Morris Road Ambler PA

Tel:  215 646 8866

Web Address:   https://wissahickontrails.org/explore-the-watershed/find-your-trail/four-mills-nature-reserve

10. Mondauk Common Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (674 reviews)

Mondauk Common Park has a few nice hiking trails. There is a playground for children and large open spaces for play and movement. While there are pavilions, they need to be booked in advance. There are bathroom facilities and ball fields as well. The park is in a residential area, so it is quite safe as well.

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Credit: John Turnmire, Google Maps

Location: 1451 Dillon Road Ambler PA

Tel:  215 646 1000

Web Address:   https://upperdublin.net/departments/parks-recreation/

9. Masons Mill Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (1,232 reviews)

Masons Mill Park is a very well equipped park that actually has an archery range as well. There are also basketball courts along with other ball courts. There is plenty to do in the park for kids and adults of all ages. Including fishing, picnic areas, pavilions, and a playground. Unique to this park is its small library and “book walk”.

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Credit: Taser Shock, Google Maps

Location: 3500 Masons Mill Road Willow Grove PA

Tel:  215 659 3388

8. Tacony Creek Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ (1,626 reviews)

Tacony Creek Park is in the Philadelphia area and only this park portion of the creek is accessible to the public. There are meadows and woodlands to see on your way and these are habitats for wildlife and birdlife. There are plans to connect the trail that runs through the creek with longer trails on both sides, but at this time it is not yet connected to outside trails.

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Credit: Gilbert Alfaro Jr., Google Maps

Location: Philadelphia PA

Web Address:   http://taconycreekpark.org/

Our Top picks

7. Grey Towers Castle

4.8 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

William Welsh Harrison, who was a rich sugar merchant, originally lived in this stone home constructed in 1898. It is one of the areas most important architectural buildings that was conceptualized by the same architect as the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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Credit: Shuvaev, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 450 S Easton Road Glenside PA

Web Address:   https://arcadia.edu/story/story-grey-towers-castle/

6. Abington Art Center

4.4 ★★★★☆ (39 reviews)

If you are an art lover this is one of the best things for you to do in this area. With a pleasant atmosphere and plenty of art related activities, it is one of the best attractions to visit with kids who want to have fun while they’re learning. There are pottery and art classes, workshops, etc. The venue is also available for parties on reservation.

Location: 515 Meetinghouse Road Jenkintown PA

Tel:  215 887 4882

Web Address:   http://abingtonartcenter.org/

5. PHS Meadowbrook Farm

4.6 ★★★★★ (52 reviews)

This is one of the attractions on our list that can be visited completely free of charge. The gardens are quite relaxing and a great way to spend an afternoon. Dogs are welcome in the garden on a short leash, and it is expected that you pick up after the animal.

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Credit: tina s, Google Maps

Location: 1633 Washington Ln Jenkintown PA

Tel:  215 887 5900

Web Address:   https://phsonline.org/locations/phs-meadowbrook-farm

4. The Highlands Mansion and Gardens

4.8 ★★★★★ (62 reviews)

Architecture and horticulture meet here to make one of the most beautiful attractions in Pennsylvania. The mansion and garden also include about nine outbuildings that can be seen. These include a garden cottage, smokehouse, greenhouse, springhouse, and a bank barn. Day visits are common and the venue is available for hire for weddings and other events.

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Credit: Bob Garrett, Google Maps

Location: 7001 Sheaff Ln Fort Washington PA

Tel:  215 641 2687

Web Address:   http://highlandshistorical.org/

3. Briar Bush Nature Center

4.7 ★★★★★ (205 reviews)

Between all of the museums and restaurants there are quite a few picturesque gardens and nature centers. At this attraction there is also a summer camp held every year. The attraction is dedicated to providing a space where anyone can visit over a weekend and just relax and enjoy the local beauty.

Location: 1212 Edge Hill Road Abington PA

Tel:  215 887 6603

Web Address:   http://briarbush.org/

2. Curtis Arboretum

4.6 ★★★★★ (400 reviews)

Another picturesque mix between a historic building and beautiful garden is the Curtis Arboretum. There are more than 50 species of trees on the property along with 2 ponds. The hall is available for hire.

Location: 1250 Church Road Wyncote PA

Tel:  215 884 7675

1. Fort Washington State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (955 reviews)

This park is quite popular with picnickers and hikers. The park and some of the hikes are ADA accessible. There is a lake in the park where fishing is allowed. You can also camp or take self guided tours in the area. Beautiful nature makes for great pictures and an overall amazing experience.

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Credit: V K, Google Maps

Location: 500 S Bethlehem Pike Fort Washington PA

Tel:  215 591 5250

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Glenside, Pennsylvania! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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