Explore history hands-on with your family on the Time Travelers Backpack Tour at Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn. Perfect for kids ages 5-12, this interactive outdoor adventure turns a visit into a memorable journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children and adults with basic walking ability; minimal physical stress involved.
Wildlife
History
Glencairn Museum is known for combining art, architecture, and religious history, situated in a unique early 20th-century Gothic revival building.
Conservation
The museum emphasizes sustainability by maintaining natural landscaping and encouraging responsible visitor behavior to protect local ecosystems.
Glencairn Museum
Explore history hands-on with your family on the Time Travelers Backpack Tour at Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn. Perfect for kids ages 5-12, this interactive outdoor adventure turns a visit into a memorable journey.
Glencairn Museum is a historic museum located in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, housed in a castle-like home built by Raymond Pitcairn. The museum preserves and interprets a broad collection of religious artifacts, manuscripts, stained glass, metalwork, mosaics, stone carvings, and woodcraft displayed across galleries and family spaces. Glencairn offers a mix of guided tours, family programs, hands-on workshops, seasonal exhibitions, and musical recitals that connect visitors to art, history, and craftsmanship.
Educational offerings include the Medieval Life Education Program for ages 7–12, the Time Travelers family backpack tour for ages 5–12, and workshops such as Adorn Like a Roman that teach historical techniques in jewelry making. Public programs range from the 90-minute Highlights Tour with access to the Tower, to self-guided First Floor access during open house hours (1:00–4:00 pm). Special thematic tours include Craftsmanship at Glencairn: Five Artists, Sacred Adornment Tour, From Tower to Garden, and the annual Christmas in the Castle Tour, often paired with exhibitions like Rushnyky and World Nativities.
Glencairn also hosts concerts, notably the Elizabeth Pitcairn and Friends recital of chamber repertoire. The museum’s programming emphasizes authentic objects, skilled craftsmanship, and interpretive tours led by trained guides. Visitors can expect a combination of gallery-focused exhibitions and immersive, family-friendly experiences. Glencairn’s curated collections, historic architecture, and range of educational formats support its reputation as a cultural and learning destination in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania.
Visitors can see spaces such as the Bird Room and Great Hall, with exhibitions including Cardboard Chronicles and Rushnyky on display and history videos.
Location
Bryn Athyn, PA
Historic museum campus
Tours Offered
10
Guided and self-guided options
Family Programs
Ages 5–12
Interactive learning for kids
Open House
1:00–4:00 pm
First Floor self-guided access
Choose a guided Highlights Tour, a family backpack adventure, or a hands-on workshop and experience Glencairn’s art, history, and craftsmanship.
Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
Expect moderate walking on museum grounds, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Pack Water and Snacks
Carry water bottles and light snacks to keep energy levels up during the tour.
Use Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen and bring hats, especially on sunny days, to protect young explorers.
Engage Children With Questions
Encourage kids to ask questions and share thoughts to enhance the learning experience.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides support and comfort on varied terrain throughout the museum grounds.
Water Bottle
Keeps everyone hydrated, especially during warmer months.
summer
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure during outdoor segments of the tour.
spring
Light Backpack
Helps carry snacks, water, and any souvenirs comfortably.