Preparing for a trip can be challenging, especially if it’s your first trip to a new place.
Kensington, Pennsylvania is a small town about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It’s home to two colleges and one high school. It’s a diverse community, and that diversity shows in the town’s residents.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 30 percent of the town’s population is Hispanic. The town’s other major ethnic groups include African Americans, who make up about 19 percent of the population, and Caucasians, who make up about 45 percent. There are a number of religious congregations, too, including Pentecostal, Catholic, and Presbyterian churches.
People come from all over the United States and abroad to attend the schools that are located in Kensington. The college students are drawn from as far away as South America and Europe. Many of the high schoolers are from other parts of the country.
If you’re looking to bring your children to the area, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep them busy. Kensington has a public library, a theater, and a museum. There are also art galleries and craft shops to explore.
On the educational side, you can visit the Kensington Museum. The exhibits are always changing, so you should check the website to learn about current exhibits. The museum also offers a variety of classes and workshops for kids and adults, including science, art, music, and dance.
If you’re looking for a bit of quiet, you won’t have trouble finding it in Kensington. The town is just 10 square miles in size. But it’s packed with things to see and do.
We recently visited Kensington, PA, where we learned some tips to help parents plan their children’s school trips and enjoy their time off together. Here are some of our favorite things to do while you’re in Kensington, PA.
Visit a museum
Kensington is home to the Kensington Historical Society Museum and Library, which offers several exhibits for the whole family. Kids will love the historic photographs and local artifacts on display, and adults will love the interactive nature of the museum. You can learn about the history of Kensington and the surrounding area through the library’s archives. There are also special events like storytime and lectures held throughout the year. The museum is also open on Sundays, when the historical society’s offices are closed. For more information about museums in Kensington, follow this link.
Have a picnic
You can spend the day touring Kensington’s historic district, then stop in to Kensington Market for some groceries and lunch. The market offers tons of locally made products and a unique atmosphere that makes it a great place to hang out and chat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at a local craft, or shop for souvenirs.
When you get hungry, you can eat outside on the patio of The Kensington Coffeehouse and Tea Room, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and watch the town go by.
Learn about the town’s history
Kensington is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, so it’s no surprise that it has a rich history. Check out the historic district to see homes that have been restored and preserved, and learn about the stories behind each one. The town also has a few museums that can help you learn more about the region’s past. The Kensington Historical Society Museum and Library features exhibits on the local history and serves as the repository for the city’s public records. The museum is free to enter, but you’ll need to pay to tour the library.
Explore the outdoors
Kensington is home to several parks, including the Kensington Gardens, Kensington Reservoir, and the Kensington Nature Preserve. These parks offer tons of fun and interesting opportunities for kids to explore. Kensington Gardens has a large playground, an arcade, and a walking path that will take you through the park and past the beautiful rose garden. The park also has free concerts every summer and a special kids’ program. The Kensington Reservoir has an extensive trail system, and it’s the perfect place for a hike or bike ride. The reservoir has three beaches, one of which is suitable for swimming.
Go to the beach
Kensington has more than 30 beaches. There are many options for renting a beach cruiser bike, and the beaches are clean and safe.Many of the beaches also have concession stands, so you can grab a snack and a drink, and you can bring your own food and beverages to the beach.
Find a hotel that fits your budget
Kensington’s hotels are a great option for families. The Kensington Inn offers great rates, and rooms are spacious and comfortable. The hotel also has a pool and spa, making it a great place to relax. There are plenty of options for inexpensive lodging in the area. A search on sites like Hotels.com and TripAdvisor will help you find the best deals, but if you’re looking to save money on accommodation, you can also stay with Airbnb.