Photo: Harriton House
Photo: Giles Wozniak
Photo: Christine Seel
Harriton House
★4.6(77 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 6-14. Elementary and middle school students studying colonial America will get the most out of the guided tours and historical context, while younger children may enjoy the grounds and outdoor space but find the detailed historical tours challenging to follow.🧡 Saved by 12 families
About
Harriton House offers families a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century colonial life on this beautifully preserved historic estate. Kids can experience hands-on colonial demonstrations, explore the grounds of this authentic plantation home, and participate in educational programs that bring American history to life in an engaging, interactive way.
Highlights
- ✓Guided tours through authentic 18th-century rooms with period furnishings
- ✓Live colonial demonstrations including traditional crafts and cooking
- ✓Beautiful historic grounds perfect for exploring and learning about colonial farm life
- ✓Educational programs that align with Pennsylvania history curriculum
- ✓Connection to notable historical figures including Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to schedule your visit around special colonial demonstrations like hearth cooking, spinning, or blacksmithing,kids find these hands-on activities far more engaging than standard tours
- 2.The grounds are perfect for exploring before or after your tour, so bring a picnic and plan extra time for kids to run around the historic property
- 3.Ask about their school break camps and family programs which offer more interactive experiences tailored specifically for children
- 4.Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be touring both indoor historic rooms and outdoor grounds
- 5.Check their website for special family-friendly events around holidays like Independence Day when they host colonial celebrations
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday around 10:30 AM) for quieter, more personalized tours, or come during special event days on weekends when they offer additional colonial demonstrations and activities specifically designed for families.
What to Know
Admission fees are very reasonable (typically under $10 per adult, with children often discounted or free). The historic house has limited accessibility due to its 18th-century construction, and there are no food services on-site, so pack snacks for younger kids.
Seasonal Notes
Closed Sundays and Mondays year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the grounds. Check their calendar for special seasonal programs during school vacation weeks and holiday-themed colonial celebrations in summer and around Independence Day.
Nearby Eats
Head to Suburban Square in nearby Ardmore (5 minutes away) for family favorites like Chick-fil-A and Chipotle, or try Iron Hill Brewery which offers a kids' menu in a casual atmosphere. For a quick bite closer by, Bryn Mawr has several pizza shops and cafés along Lancaster Avenue.
More Activities Near Bryn Mawr
Park
Garrett Hill
Free
Garrett Hill is a charming neighborhood park in Bryn Mawr that's perfect for a spontaneous afternoon outing with the kids. This low-key community gem offers just the right mix of play equipment, open space, and shaded spots for families looking for a quick play session without the crowds of larger parks. It's the kind of place where kids can burn off energy while parents relax on a bench or spread out a picnic blanket.
Cafe
Pinwheel Provisions
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Pinwheel Provisions is a welcoming neighborhood coffee shop that truly embraces families with open arms. This cozy Bryn Mawr cafe offers delicious treats that kids love, comfortable seating for families to settle in, and a relaxed atmosphere where parents can actually enjoy their coffee while little ones snack happily. It's the perfect pit stop during a busy day of errands or a comfortable spot to meet up with other families.
Playground
Elevator playground
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Elevator Playground in Bryn Mawr is a beloved neighborhood gem that consistently earns rave reviews from local families. This well-maintained community playground features modern equipment designed for various skill levels, cushioned safety surfaces for worry-free play, and plenty of shaded spots where parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
Theater
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
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This stunning art deco gem offers families a magical movie-going experience far beyond the typical multiplex. With special kids' programming, family-friendly film screenings, and beautifully restored 1920s architecture, it's both an entertainment destination and a chance to introduce children to the wonder of historic cinema in an intimate, community-focused setting.