Hitting the bike trails for a family ride is an awesome way to get active and enjoy the outdoors. Biking allows you to cover miles of trails in a single outing, giving you a chance to truly explore the area where you’re riding. Thanks to the many bike trails we have in and around Philadelphia, you can choose the location and trail difficulty that fits you and your crew.
Have a kiddo who you think is ready to learn to ride? This short tutorial will give you some great tips to help them get rolling in a way that’s safe and fun.
A family bike ride is also a great option for a day trip, especially during these times when vacation options are limited or cancelled completely. Before you go, just make sure you’re aware of the status of any public restrooms on the trail and have a back-up plan if they are closed.
We’ve gathered a list of some top local trails for family bike rides, plus a perfect choice if you’re looking for more than a day trip.
Chester Creek Rail Trail
648-698 Mt. Alverno Road
Media, PA 19063
Located in central Delaware County, the Chester Creek Rail Trail is a 2.8 mile tree-lined trail in perfect for family bike rides. The trail follows Chester Creek along the Civil War-era Chester Creek Branch line of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Chester Valley Trail
132 Church Farm Lane
Exton, PA 19341
The Chester Valley Trail runs through Chester and Montgomery Counties and is fully paved, which is great for a family bike ride. Sections of the trail run alongside or follow the routes taken by General Washington’s Continental Army and British General Cornwallis after the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777. This includes the site of the “Battle of the Clouds,” near Phoenixville Pike and Swedesford Road. In 2023, a 3.8-mile extension of the Chester Valley Trail opened in Montgomery County, connecting it to the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown.
Centennial 5K Route at the Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA 19131
The Centennial 5K is a scenic, 3.1 mile loop through Fairmount Park that starts behind the Please Touch Museum. This accessible, well-marked path is perfect for families with some cool sites along the way, as it winds past the Japanese Tea House and the Centennial District, site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition.
Delaware Canal Towpath
11 Lodi Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
The 58.9-mile Delaware Canal Towpath offers a scenic journey through America’s past. Original locks and aqueducts remain from the days long ago when mule-drawn boats carried coal and goods south, powering the Industrial Revolution. Historic inns, villages, general stores, and old homes along the way reflect life from that era. Today, the canal’s towpath is a flat, bike-friendly trail with loop options and picnic spots throughout Delaware Canal State Park.
Fairmount Park
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
This 8-mile trail in Center City Philadelphia takes you along the Schuylkill River and past landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. With picturesque parks, gardens and mansions along the way, this urban trail lets you see the city from a whole new perspective. The popular paved trail is also shared with walkers and joggers, so just be sure your kids are aware of how to navigate through more congested spots.
Gettysburg National Military Park
1195 Baltimore Pike
Gettysburg, PA 17325
As the turning point in the Civil War, Gettysburg makes a perfect family trip. But those famous battlefields are also home to a 7.4-mile trail that combines amazing scenery with historical significance. The picturesque bike ride will take you past civil war monuments, historical markers, the National Cemetery and the Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Horsham Powerline Trail
540 Dresher Road
Horsham, PA 19044
The 5.2 mile Power Line Trail is paved, which is ideal for cyclists (although due to the overhead power lines, the trail does not offer any sun protection and can get hot.) Along the way, trail riders can stop to explore the Jarrett Nature Center, Jarrett Road Park, Lukens Park, and Deep Meadow Park. Although this trail is a family-friendly route, there are several road crossings.
John James Audubon Center
1201 Pawlings Road
Audubon, PA 19403
This 175-acre site features a 4.5 mile trail, the Audubon Loop, which circles the perimeter of the property that was home to naturalist and artist John James. The paved, family-friendly trail also connects to the Schuylkill River Trail and the Perkiomen Trail if you want to extend your ride.
Pennypack Preserve Trails
8500 Pine Road
Philadelphia, PA 19111
The Pennypack Preserve is home to 2.5 miles of the Pennypack Trail, as well as three small multi-use trails of .5 to 1.5 miles, making it an ideal spot for younger riders and casual outings. You’ll enjoy views of Pennypack Creek along with other natural and historic sites.
Perkiomen Trail at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park
101 New Mill Road
Oaks, PA 19456
The 20-mile Perkiomen Trail is about 10-12 feet wide, comprised mostly of crushed stone with some paved sections and follows the route of the Perkiomen Creek from Oaks to Green Lane Borough. It connects to the Schuylkill River Trail and the Audubon Loop. For most of its length, the trail uses the former rail bed of the Perkiomen Line of the Reading Railroad. This trail connects many public parks and historic sites, among them Lower Perkiomen Valley Park ,Central Perkiomen Valley Park, Green Lane Park, John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove and Pennypacker Mills.
Radnor Trail
520 Conestoga Road
Wayne, PA 19087
For family-friendly biking on the Main Line, head to the Radnor Trail, which runs along what was once part of the Philadelphia & Western Railway Company. The paved, multi-use trail is just 2.4 miles long, making it a great choice for an easy family bike ride with kids of all ages.
Ridley Creek State Park, Media
1023 Sycamore Mills Road
Media, PA 19063
A paved trail with gently rolling hills makes a perfect spot for family bike rides. Traveling the 5-mile loop within Ridley Creek State Park gives you access to picnic areas and restrooms, and will even take you through a Living Museum of Delaware County. The multi-use trail is shared with walkers and equestrians as well.
Tyler State Park
101 Swamp Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Tyler State Park in Bucks County offers 10.5 miles of paved bike trails that travel through farm and woodland along Neshaminy Creek. Most of the bike trails are more than eight feet wide and designed for easy, two-way travel. There are some hilly areas and curves, so be prepared to take it slow in some spots if you have less experienced bike riders.
Valley Forge State Park
1400 Outerline Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
To get close to history when you get out on the trails, head to Valley Forge National Historical Park. Ride through the state park and Revolutionary War encampment on 6.5 miles of paved trails, surrounded by monuments, farmhouses and peaceful rolling hills. Just be prepared to stop when the kids spot the reconstructed log cabins that are so tempting to explore.
Wissahickon Valley Park – Forbidden Trail
Valley Green Road
Philadelphia, PA 19128
This 5+ mile trail is within the city limits, but it certainly won’t feel like it as you bike along the peaceful Wissahickon Creek. The gravel path is mostly wide and even, so while it is a popular trail that can get busy on weekends, there’s usually plenty of space to spread out.
Updated April 2025