If little 54-acre Churchville Nature Center seems specifically designed to make young kids feel at home outdoors, that’s because it is.

While nearby Tyler State Park offers wide-open spaces and plenty of room for hiking, biking, fishing, and other activities, Churchville’s intimate trails are perfect for getting young children comfortable exploring nature.

The 2 miles of trails are color-coded and easy to follow; all start at the visitor center. They take you to a diverse set of habitats to explore—woods, marsh, meadows, pond, lake, even an apiary. For children ages 8 and under, the trails offer numerous opportunities to explore nature just by doing what comes naturally. They can watch birds from a bird blind, imagine they’re living in the woods in a re-created Lenape village, or search for frogs under lily pads.

Churchville feels a bit larger than it is because it’s adjacent to the Churchville Reservoir, as well as to several hundred acres of open space (county and local parkland and private lands), which contribute to the abundant wildlife that can be found at the nature center.

The enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff of this Bucks County park, who can be found both at the visitor center and along the trails, are eager to talk with kids. Numerous programs are designed to entertain youngsters while acclimating them to the outdoors. Visit the website or call for more details.

Remember: Paths are handicap-accessible and wheelchairs are available. Yellow Trail, behind the main building, is paved; all-terrain strollers can traverse the other paths, which are dirt. No fishing is permitted in the reservoir. Bicycles and pets are not permitted. Bring snacks and have a picnic at one of the many picnic tables.

Tyler State Park and Core Creek Park are nearby, offering hiking, biking, and paddling.
 

Follow Bustleton Pike, becoming PA 232, north to Richboro, where there are several shopping areas.