Flanked on three sides by the Delaware River, Neshaminy Creek, and Poquessing Creek, Bensalem Township is an idyllic and peaceful parcel of land residing just 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Philadelphia. This suburban district of Pennsylvania is an age-old town founded as far back as 1692. Originally a quiet farming community until the 1950s, Bensalem Township was settled by English, Dutch, and Swedish homesteaders. This location offers a rich history since many important figures in the United States have either lived or visited the area. Benjamin Franklin’s daughter was a resident and her father frequently visited her here. If you want to explore this East Coast town, then read on to see an amazing list of things to do in Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania.
1. Reel in a fish or two at Neshaminy State Park
Surrounded by plenty of tall trees, greenery, and situated at the confluence of tranquil Neshaminy Creek and the mighty Delaware River, Neshaminy State Park is a 330-acre (133.5-hectare) piece of heaven. This riverfront park has a hiking trail affording nice views of the Philadelphia skyline in the distance. Two seasonal pools on-site are great for cooling off on a summer day. But it’s the fishing that’s a standout here, with a boating marina on the Delaware River and a large array of warm-water fish species available. Try your luck at nabbing large and smallmouth bass, muskellunge, and catfish.
Neshaminy State Park
Address: 3401 State Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Neshaminy State Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5 pm; Sat - Sun: 10 am - 6pm
2. Delve into the past at Historical Society of Bensalem
Established in 1977, the Historical Society of Bensalem is a great resource for finding historic sites located in Bensalem Township. If you want to trace your family history, this place offers expansive files for sufficient genealogy studies. This is also a great contributor to the city, as it participates in Bensalem Township’s Pride Day, assists in the annual Civil War Reenactment/Encampment festivities, helps preserve Johnson-Williamson Cemetery and more.
Historical Society of Bensalem
Address: 3211 Knights Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Historical Society of Bensalem
Opening hours: Wed: 9am - 12pm; Sat: 10am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Tue & Thu - Fri)
3. Explore the historic dwelling of Growden Mansion
An archival landmark in Bensalem Township, the modest yet stately Growden Mansion was built in 1685 and is a cherished monument in the town. Replete with a center-hall floorplan and a roomy courtyard, this structure was of architectural significance and showcased an imposing sight in the early days of the town’s development. Reportedly, Benjamin Franklin was closely acquainted with the well-established and influential Growden family and supposedly performed his groundbreaking kite-flying electricity experiments on the lawn of the Growden Mansion.
Growden Mansion
Address: 5408 Neshaminy Valley Dr, Bensalem, PA 19020
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Take a nice stroll at Bensalem Firefighters Field Community Park
When you want to enjoy a splendid walk, the place to head to is Bensalem Firefighters Field Community Park. A pleasant space honoring the fallen firefighters and the public service workforce in the area, this location provides excellently maintained walking paths so visitors can always have a pleasant spot to walk in a natural environment. If you desire a bit more strenuous activity, this park also offers an expert workout machine, three expansive soccer fields, and a fun playground equipped with slides, swings, and a thrilling bouncy bridge for the little ones.
Bensalem Firefighters Field Community Park
Address: Bensalem, PA 19020
5. Have fun that's a cut above at Bury The Hatchet - Axe Throwing
Engage in an unexpected and uniquely fun diversion at Bury The Hatchet - Axe Throwing. Discover the thrill of axe throwing at this expertly led indoor recreation center. It provides numerous axe-throwing lanes with wood targets housed in a very safe and jubilant environment. Professional instructors are available to guide newbies. When you’re not tossing an axe, just sit back and enjoy the exciting action as a spectator while sipping your favorite beer.
Bury The Hatchet - Axe Throwing
Address: 3007, 1890 Woodhaven Rd suite 2b, Philadelphia, PA 19116, United States
Website: Bury The Hatchet - Axe Throwing
Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 9:15pm; Tue - Fri: 2:30pm - 9:15pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 9:15pm
Price: 39.99 USD
6. Spend an evening listening to music at the outdoor Penn Community Bank Amphitheater
To relax and enjoy outdoor entertainment there’s no better place than Penn Community Bank Amphitheater. An award-winning amphitheater, this facility is home to a lively fall festival and a popular, yearly summer concert series that boasts musical acts ranging from jazz and bluegrass to rock. This amphitheater can easily accommodate more than 3,000 visitors and offers spacious lawn seating. It’s the ideal spot to spend a warm summer evening listening to stellar musical performers. Tasty concessions are available, but don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Penn Community Bank Amphitheater
Address: 2400 Byberry Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Penn Community Bank Amphitheater
7. Discover supreme serenity at Wat Mongkoltepmunee
An unexpected delight to find in Bensalem Township is the gleaming Thai Buddhist temple, Wat Mongkoltepmunee. Serving the local Thai community in the area, this temple is a feast for the eyes. It displays a brilliant red roof replete with delicately designed gold-hued overhangs. The decor is ornate, with the interior boasting a prominent golden Buddha in the center of the building. All faiths are welcome and the soothing rhythmic chants and meditative atmosphere makes this attraction a nice spot to obtain some inner peace.
Wat Mongkoltepmunee
Address: 3304 Knights Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
8. Roll the dice at Parx Casino
Parx Casino is the ultimate place in Bensalem Township for some high-stakes gambling action. This casino boasts a large selection of first-rate casino games like Blackjack and Roulette, along with more than 3,330 stellar slot machines. It also offers a top-notch live-entertainment venue called Xcite Center that hosts a myriad of thrilling engagements, such as hilarious comedy shows, action-packed boxing matches, and energetic musical performances. It’s enough to keep the party going all night long.
Parx Casino
Address: 2999 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Parx Casino
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Become a sharp shooter at Pistol People Inc
Whether you’re a novice dreaming of handling a firearm like James Bond or a seasoned gun handler who can shoot as well as Jason Bourne, Pistol People Inc is happy to welcome you no matter your skill level. This indoor shooting range is run by professional and skilled personnel. The facility provides nine expert individual shooting booths, and a paper target is utilized at a distance of 5 feet (1.52 meters) to 50 feet (15.2 meters). Participants must wear eye and ear safety gear and the items are supplied for an additional charge.
Pistol People Inc
Address: 2167 State Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Pistol People Inc
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 15 USD
10. Embrace retail therapy at Neshaminy Mall
One of the United States’ first shopping malls, Neshaminy Mall was constructed in 1968 and offers more than 120 big-name department stores along with an inviting collection of small shops that are wildly popular with locals. This mall provides an appealing interior with many features found in nature, like a sparkling waterfall, multiple green plants, and sturdy trees native to the region. There’s also a selection of restaurants and cafes offering a wide range of foods from flavorful Chinese cuisine to tasty American grilled sandwiches.
Neshaminy Mall
Address: 707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Neshaminy Mall
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 6pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm
11. Chill with a variety of games and drinks at Fox Hunt Tavern
A good time's perfect partner.
Posted by Foxhunt Tavern on Friday, 1 March 2019
If you’re in the mood to unwind with a cold beer and a game of billiards, then Fox Hunt Tavern is the spot for you. Providing a laidback ambiance since 1963, this modest tavern features expert pool tables, shuffleboard, and exciting arcade games. A fully stocked bar can accommodate any drink request from beers on tap to smooth cocktails. Ready to eat? This establishment specializes in satisfying bar nibbles like spicy chicken wings and delicious pub grub such as pizzas and hoagies.
Fox Hunt Tavern
Address: 3546 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Fox Hunt Tavern
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 2am; Mon - Sat: 7am - 2am
12. Give your brain a workout at All In Adventures Escape Rooms
All In Adventures Escape Rooms offers a unique and engaging environment to mentally challenge yourself. Whether you want to participate in a Black Ops situation or escape from a cell at Alcatraz, this escape room venue provides a great selection of themed scenarios that’ll provide heart-stopping fun. Solve mind-bending puzzles, find cryptic clues, and gather vital information to help you and your team break free and claim victory.
All In Adventures Escape Rooms
Address: 707 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: All In Adventures Escape Rooms
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 6pm; Mon - Fri: 12pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm
13. Sample a wide range of liquors at 1675 Spirits
Oozing subtle, sophisticated flair with an easy clandestine vibe, 1675 Spirits is an unassuming small-batch distillery boasting the best spirits in Bensalem Township. This business is committed to choosing only the most ideal grains, and every ingredient is sourced locally. Vodka and whiskey are the primary liquors created from an Old World-style recipe, but the distillery has many others in the works. This cozy establishment offers a relaxing cocktail lounge and tours of the distillery are eagerly conducted.
1675 Spirits
Address: 2685 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: 1675 Spirits
Opening hours: Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
14. Let the kids run wild at Imaginationland Playground
Even though Imaginationland Playground was designed and constructed specifically for special-needs children, this lovely and tranquil park can be enjoyed by everyone. Surrounded by dark green grass and tall, leafy trees, this clean and nicely maintained park is a great spot for a leisurely afternoon picnic. Watch your kids climb, swing, crisscross bridges, play in bouncy cars, run, and jump on the well-equipped and imaginatively devised playground area. Many in the region travel some distance to visit this park which is an obvious testament to its appeal.
Imaginationland Playground
Address: 3700 Hulmeville Rd #3864, Bensalem, PA 19020
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
15. Savor classical American breakfasts at Metro Diner
Metro Diner is an easygoing eatery displaying an extensive menu prepared with the freshest ingredients. Breakfast is the highlight at this restaurant. Traditional American breakfasts offer everything from flavorful omelets to fluffy pancakes. They even serve 12-inch (25.4-millimeter) pancakes for those who are truly hungry. Standouts are the crispy fried chicken and Belgian waffles topped with sweet-tasting strawberry butter, warm cinnamon roll pancakes, and spicy honey chicken biscuits. Among other dishes, house specialties include savory shrimp and grits and Gram D’s Big Fish Sandwich.
Metro Diner
Address: 3630 Street Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020
Website: Metro Diner
Opening hours: Sun: 7am - 8pm; Mon - Sat: 7am - 9pm
Beautiful Bensalem Township
Whether you want to try your luck by spinning the roulette wheel, perfecting your shooting skills, or enjoying a myriad of other fun attractions, Bensalem Township is a wonderful getaway that offers all these and more. When it comes to suburban excellence, you can do no better than this tiny East Coast town.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to