Things to Do in Darby

The walls of an old, repurposed church reverberate with the sounds of joyful singing, strumming guitars, rhythmic tap shoes, theatrical monologues, and whirring pottery wheels. As part of a nonprofit organization, ACPPA Community Art Center's instructors kindle sparks of creativity in the community through youth and adult programs in studio and performing arts, fitness, and dance. A jam-packed calendar keeps families busy with art exhibitions, Mommy and Me pottery-painting classes, and community mural projects bring that residents together to beautify local spaces or paint over typos on the town's welcome sign.

Propelled by an affinity for fresh air, the family that helms Hispaniola Cycling fosters the same free-spirit mentality in its guests who embark on the outfit’s bike tours, which include cycles and helmets. Hispaniola’s guides are experts on the local topography, calling upon their respect for Mother Nature and a healthy fear of her mood swings to guide groups for spins around town or weekend jaunts through Valley Forge and along the Schuylkill River Trail. They can also expand fitness with wellness tours and camaraderie with corporate tours that follow custom routes around worksites, kick-starting employee heart rates a midday slump after they wrestle faulty fax machines.

Nestled in the heart of a scenic 45-acre expanse, Out of Reach Farm hosts one indoor and one outdoor ring, both equipped with challenging jumping courses. A covered arena juts out from the indoor ring, hosting private and small group lessons. While one of three instructors relays equestrian basics or advanced techniques to pupils aged 5 and older, parents and other spectators keep cozier than mitten-clad sheep in a heated viewing area. As the seasons evolve from chilly to sun-drenched, so do the farm's offerings, which include half-day summer camps suited to riders aged 5–15. For a more intimate peek into farm life, patrons can schedule two-hour birthday parties, with an hour devoted to pony rides for guests.

Marsh Creek Lake, lined with verdant shores and rolling hills, bobs with fishing boats, kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfing boards. About 535 acres of azure waters bejewel the surrounding 1,705 acres of hiking trails and picnic areas. Throughout the day, Marsh Creek Watersports leads one-hour pontoon-boat excursions that take guests through a history lesson of the park and surrounding region, leaving time for peaceful moments spent gazing at the natural wildlife. During the summer months, Marsh Creek also hosts kids' sailing camps to acquaint young ones with the techniques and safe practices of aquatic navigation, such as defending against Peter Pan attacks.

Valley Forge Bikes—the land-based arm of Marsh Creek Watersports—sends hoards of cyclists into the miles of trails snaking through Valley Forge National Historical Park. Among its network of paths carved from converted railroad beds lies a 5.5-mile paved loop adjacent to the Schuylkill River Trail. Visitors can amble through these thoroughfares on foot or aboard an assortment of mountain, racing, or combo bikes, as tots ride behind on trailer bikes and buggies.

At Markie's Mini-Golf, flowing brooks meander through rocky outcroppings and pristine greens that span 26,000 square feet across 18 holes. The course's nature-inspired layout snakes through caves and around a central waterfall, which flows into a fountain that summons thirsty golf balls. Groups putt around the pintsized course before lapping up sweet, hand-dipped scoops of Nelson's ice cream in an air-conditioned snack area. The frosty treats can be consumed around indoor tables or outside at picnic tables.

A combination magic shop and theater, South Street Magic revels in the impossible. Every Friday night, mentalist Lucas Simmons presents his jaw-dropping Deadly Game of Chance, where, armed only with his mastery of the mind, he risks his fingers in a bag full of broken glass randomly placed by an audience member. Sunday afternoons, Mr. Messado dons his finest hat and wand for two family-friendly shows that might incorporate juggling, puppets, and classic illusions, such as convincing the audience that they have free will. In the evening, Dan Hauss of Paper Crane Magic demonstrates his preternatural powers of illusion, with which he destroys and repairs ordinary cards at will, melds shoelaces even as their wearers gape, and causes audience members' signatures to manifest on cards in his deck. Thursday nights, South Street Magic features a differently weekly performer from across the United States and abroad. Previous examples have included Peter McLanachan from Scotland, Mr. Bottle from Singapore, and Max Krause from Phoenix, and upcoming performers include vaudeville enthusiast Fred Siegel and world-traveling illusionist Sam Sandler, who both hail from the Philadelphia area.