Children looking for winter waterfowl and bald eagles at John Heinz National Wildlife RefugeFree
Outdoors

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum: Winter Birding & Bald Eagle Family Trails

Visit on your scheduleRefuge trails and boardwalks open daily sunrise to sundown; Visitor Center open Wed–Sun 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19153 · 6.5 mi approx. from PhiladelphiaDirections

All ages; flat gravel paths and wooden boardwalks are stroller-friendly; free loaner binoculars available at Visitor Center for kids

FreeFree admission to all trails, observation blinds, and Visitor Center; free loaner binoculars and fishing gear; free parking

About this adventure

Established in 1972 as America's first urban national wildlife refuge, John Heinz at Tinicum protects 1,000 acres of freshwater tidal marsh right next to Philadelphia International Airport. Winter is prime wildlife-watching season here, as resident bald eagles court and reinforce their nests while thousands of migratory waterfowl, including pintails and mergansers, rest in the open impoundment waters. The flat, gravel Wetland Loop and accessible wooden boardwalks are completely flat and ideal for strollers. Stop inside the LEED-certified Visitor Center to borrow free child-sized binoculars and birding scavenger hunt sheets from the rangers. Multi-story wildlife observation blinds let kids peek safely at waterfowl without disturbing them.

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