FunKidsActivities
The Treehouse in the Sky

The Treehouse in the Sky

Treehouse in the Sky, Schuylkill River Trail - Philadelphia to Valley Forge, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Overview

Category:Hiking with Kids
Location:Philadelphia, PA

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

The Treehouse in the Sky is primarily an artistic sculpture offering panoramic, uncrowded views of the dam and Philadelphia Museum of Art, rather than a traditional, climbable treehouse for children. It's situated near the art museum and involves a pleasant, short walk up a small hill through a peaceful, green setting that insulates visitors from city noise. Its unique value lies in providing a serene, artistic viewpoint and a quiet break from urban crowds, best experienced as a brief addition to an outing in the area, not a standalone daily activity.

Key Highlights

  • Offers amazingly beautiful views of the dam and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
  • Provides a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere, serving as a nice break from city crowds.
  • Located conveniently right next to the art museum.
  • Surrounded by trees and bushes, providing natural insulation from the urban environment.
  • Features a 'very cool looking sculpture' (the Treehouse itself) described as artistic in nature.
  • Involves a fun walk up a small hill.
  • Has a 'nice walkway underneath' which might offer some accessible areas.

Standout Features

  • Unobstructed panoramic views of the dam and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
  • Consistently low crowd levels, offering a peaceful experience.
  • Strategic location adjacent to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
  • Natural, green ambiance with trees and bushes providing a calm environment.
  • The unique and visually appealing artistic sculpture itself.
  • A gentle, 'fun' walk up a small hill suitable for mild activity.

Perfect For

Good for: Families with children who can manage a short walk up a small hill (toddlers who can walk or be carried, up to elementary school age). They might appreciate the views and the quiet, natural setting.
Potentially boring for: Older children and teens expecting an interactive play experience, as it's primarily a viewpoint and sculpture. They might enjoy the views or artistic aspect briefly but are unlikely to be engaged for long.

Ideal For

Families seeking a short, scenic walk with beautiful views.
Parents looking for a peaceful, uncrowded spot to enjoy nature and art.
Adding a brief outdoor element to an art museum visit.
Children who appreciate scenic overlooks or unique artistic structures.
A quiet respite from urban hustle and bustle.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Treat it as a brief stop (15-30 minutes) or an addition to a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, rather than a standalone destination.
  • Manage children's expectations: explain it's an artistic sculpture with views, not a climbable play treehouse.
  • Be prepared for potential closures or no access to the main structure; plan to enjoy the surrounding views and walk even if the 'Treehouse' itself is inaccessible.
  • Utilize it as a peaceful break from more crowded city attractions.

Things to Consider

  • **Frequent Access Issues:** Multiple reviews reported the main structure was 'blocked,' 'no access,' 'closed up,' or 'part of it was closed off' during visits, indicating unreliable access to the primary feature.
  • The 'Treehouse' is consistently described as an artistic sculpture, not a functional, climbable treehouse, which may disappoint children expecting an interactive play structure.
  • Not suitable as a primary daily activity; reviews suggest it's best for a brief visit and not something to 'plan your daily activity around'.

Price & Value

Not mentioned in reviews. Implied to be a free outdoor attraction given the nature of the reviews.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • Involves walking up a 'small hill', which may be challenging for some mobility levels.
  • Multiple reports of the main structure being 'blocked' or 'closed off' suggest unreliable access for all visitors, regardless of specific needs.
  • A 'nice walkway underneath' is mentioned, which might provide some accessible ground-level viewing, even if the main structure is closed.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Consistently described as having 'not too many people' and 'no crowd', suggesting it's generally quiet and uncrowded.
  • Serves as a 'nice break from the crowds' of the surrounding area.

When to Avoid

  • If children are expecting an interactive, climbable treehouse experience.
  • If you are planning a full-day activity or expecting this to be your primary destination.
  • If guaranteed access to a specific structure is critical for your visit due to frequent reports of closures.

Photos

The Treehouse in the Sky photo 1
The Treehouse in the Sky photo 2
The Treehouse in the Sky photo 3
The Treehouse in the Sky photo 4
The Treehouse in the Sky photo 5
The Treehouse in the Sky photo 6

What People Say

What's Great

  • Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Keith Roussel

Keith Roussel

5 years ago

This is near the art museum. What is nice about this spot is that the trees and bushes serve as a nice insulation from the concrete and iron jungle around you. There aren't too many people hovering around this area so it can be a nice break from the crowds. I am not sure if there is some history behind this thing, but it appears to be of artistic nature. If you happen to be walking along this area you should stop for a brief visit, but certainly don't plan your daily activity around it.

Olga Istomina

Olga Istomina

8 months ago

This place offers an amazingly beautiful view of the dam and the Philadelphia Museum of art.

Helena V

Helena V

2 years ago

Walked up a small hill, was fun! It has been yrs since I've been in this area. Finally got up there and it was blocked. No access, but was still nice to see the view around.

H Cap

H Cap

2 years ago

Very cool looking sculpture right next to the museum. Seems like not a lot of people know about this place, no crowd when we went. It was closed up when we were there though. Follow my dog on IG, she’s the best Philly guide!😅 @meikamaligator

Jaskarn Bains

Jaskarn Bains

a year ago

Nice views. Part of it was closed off when I went. Theres also a nice walkway underneath

Contact Information

Treehouse in the Sky, Schuylkill River Trail - Philadelphia to Valley Forge, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.8
Total Reviews20
Recent Reviews5