Engage
Surrounded by beauty, Chestnut Hill has something for everyone from cultural and recreational activities to restaurants and cafes.
Community Associations
Chestnut Hill is one of the most vibrant communities in the country. It features unique organizations that work to keep the neighborhood beautiful, sustainable and fun. The community has many highly-ranked educational options and a variety of social clubs.
Chestnut Hill Community Association
The CHCA is volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and encouraging a sense of community in Chestnut Hill. Organizing events throughout the year like Pastorius Park Concerts, Movies Under the Stars, Black & White Gala, Holiday House Tour, Hoops Madness Basketball Tournament, and more.
Chestnut Hill Conservancy
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy formerly known as the Chestnut Hill Historical Society founded in 1967, is an educational center and advocate of the architecture, open space, and social history of Chestnut Hill and surrounding Communities. The Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the Chestnut Hill area’s heritage.
Chestnut Hill Business Association
The Chestnut Hill Business District is dedicated to supporting the area’s businesses through retail attraction, economic development, and promotion of the neighborhood as an attractive destination to live, work and visit. As a member organization they support 140 retailers and restaurants in the neighborhood and advocate for growth and opportunity.
Friends of the Wissahickon
The Wissahickon Friends is a member and volunteer organization that supports and helps care for the 1800 acre Wissahickon Valley Park. With more than 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians as well as luring fishermen and bird watchers; this park has an abundance of recreational activities. Get involved by becoming a member, supporting their conservation mission or volunteer to help take care of the Wissahickon.
Philadelphia Cricket Club
Wissahickon Skating Club
The Venetian Club
Friends of the Wissahickon
Philabundance
Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels
Chestnut Hill Library
Social & Recreational Clubs and Service Organizations
There are many ways to get involved in the community socially, recreationally or by volunteering. Chestnut Hill is home to a number of established social clubs including the Philadelphia Cricket Club, founded in 1854, as well as the 1925 Venetian Club and the Chestnut Hill Bocce Club. The Wissahickon Skating Club is a great spot for family recreation. Many organizations seek volunteers such as the Friends of the Wissahickon, which strives to help keep our nearby parks beautiful. Another wonderful organization is Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels who delivers meals to those in need, making a difference in everyday life. Become a working member at Weaver’s Way and develop relationships with the community to help make the Co-op a better place. Donate your time to a local Philabundance agency and help fight hunger by distributing food to those in need. The Friends organization, which is part of the Chestnut Hill Branch of the Philadelphia Public Library seeks volunteers at the library as well the recently opened, “Hilltop Books,” a used bookstore in the neighborhood. There are so many ways to get connected within the community and make a difference right within your own neighborhood.
Stagecrafters Theater
Allens Lane Art Center
Quintessence Theatre Group
Allens Lane Art Classes
Allens Lane Summer Camps
Arts and Theatre
Chestnut Hill and the surrounding area has some great options for live entertainment and artistic expression. In the heart of the village you will find the Stagecrafters Theater, a non-profit theater with a history dating back over 90 years. They produce five shows per season with a variety of styles from classics to edgy contemporary plays. Close by in Mt. Airy is Quintessence Theatre, a professional theatre that focuses on putting a spin on classics to find relevancy in the contemporary world. The Allens Lane Art Center is another excellent place to get involved in the arts. They offer art classes for children and adults, art exhibitions and innovative mainstage plays. Get involved in the performing arts right in your own neighborhood by becoming an audience member, volunteering, taking classes or audition to be in a show.
Chestnut Hill College
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
The Crefeld School
Jenks Academy
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy
Arcadia University
Schools and Daycares
Chestnut Hill is well-known as having a high concentration of highly-ranked educational options for all ages. If you’re just starting your child in school or day care you’ll find plenty of opportunities whether church-run or in-school. There are a variety of top-notch public or private schools to choose from, such as the highly considered public school at Jenks Academy (K-8) or the excellent private schools such as Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (PreK-12), Norwood-Fontonne Academy (Pre-K-8) or The Crefeld School (7-12). In the heart of our town we have our very own liberal arts college at historic Chestnut Hill College as well as many other nearby options such as Arcadia University, both offering adult education programs.
