Non-Sports Organizations
Here in Upper Darby, we welcome organizations who want to use our facilities to provide recreational opportunities for the community. Below is a list of organization(s) dedicating their time and efforts to those interested in non-sports related recreational opportunities.
NOTE: If you're looking for recreation opportunities for Seniors, please visit the Senior Services Page.
Are you an organization providing recreational opportunities in Upper Darby? If so, please contact us at recreation@upperdarby.org to be added to the list.
Fruits of the Family Table
Mission: With the use of therapeutic services, education, community events, mentorship and advocacy, we at FOTFT (Fruits of the Family Table) aim to restore the family unit, by addressing the areas of substance use disorders, parenting, senior care and (re)integration.
FOTFT hosts the following events within the Upper Darby Highland Park area:
Crafting Sundays: Crafting Sundays is intended to use arts and craft projects to increase socialization, self-expression, collaboration, cultural awareness, and creativity in the lives of children (ages 6 thru 12) in the Highland Park Upper Darby community. Crafting Sundays are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, 1:00pm - 4:00pm from June through October at the Observatory Hills Recreation Area, 13 St. Laurence Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082.
Monthly Community Clean Up Events: These take place every 4th Saturday of the month from May through September.
Movie Nights in the Park: Movie Nights are for the Upper Darby Community and this year they are scheduled for June 24, 2023 and September 9, 2023 starting at dusk at the Observatory Hills Recreation Area, 13 St. Laurence Rd, Upper Darby, PA 19082.
Website: www.fruitsofthefamily.org
Contact Person: Sharell Wilson, (267)410-6188
The Brad Schoener MusicMan Academy
Centered on uniting community through music, the MusicMan Academy provides unique arts education experiences to inspire youth creativity and responsibility thereby producing outward-focused adults engaged in their communities.
The MusicMan Academy is a result of the vision of the late Upper Darby School District music teacher, Brad Schoener – known as “Upper Darby’s Music Man.” Since Brad’s passing in 2009 the Brad Schoener Memorial Fund of the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation has provided out-of-school music education opportunities to over 2,000 students, donated more than 800 instruments, and distributed over $100,000 in classroom grants and student scholarships. In 2011, the Schoener Fund created what is now the MusicMan Academy – an elementary/middle school-focused instrumental music school uniting local and national professional musicians with children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play an instrument.
Today, the Schoener MusicMan Academy programs include the MusicMan Camp, Jazz Jam! Camp, Stay in Shape music lessons, and our most recent Butterfly Buddy programs—inclusionary art experiences for children with special needs. MusicMan programs focus on school-aged children and consist of workshops that offer instruction on a variety of musical instruments taught by experienced teaching artists.
Learn more about Schoener MusicMan Academy programs by clicking below:
MusicMan Butterfly Buddy Adaptive Arts Programs
Stay in Shape Summer Music Lessons
MusicMan Academy programs are open to young music learners across Delaware County. Learn more at www.udmusicman.udfoundation.org.
Upper Darby Summer Stage
Nationally recognized Upper Darby Summer Stage, celebrating its 48th season in 2023, is proud to be sponsored by the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Summer Stage delights over 25,000 audience members each summer with six Children’s Theater shows and its Broadway-quality mainstage production. Over 600 participants from ages 10 to 28 take part in the various Summer Stage theater programs.
Since 1976 Upper Darby Summer Stage has opened the magical world of musical theater to thousands of children and teenagers through a comprehensive program of classes, performing experiences and outstanding performances for the public.
Beginning at the ages of 4 and 5 children experience the magic of a fully staged children’s show live onstage. After 4th grade children can develop their imaginations and talents as part of the Summer Stage, Jr. classes, gradually working towards full participation in Children’s Theater shows.
Young technicians learn skills in carpentry, painting, lighting and sound as they participate in the Technical Theatre Program.
As performers develop their skills they may audition for the Shooting Stars, Summer Stage's touring ensemble.
The Summer Stage program culminates in the Mainstage Program, offering young adults a performance experience on a virtually professional level.
Audience members travel from all areas of the Delaware Valley – from Chester, Bucks, Montgomery and Delaware Counties, as well as Philadelphia and New Jersey – for our family-friendly performances.
For a list of programs offered by Upper Darby Summer Stage, Click Here.
Lansdowne YMCA Programs
Before and After school program – The Y S'cool Kids Club in most Upper Darby Elementary Schools.
The YMCA is proud to partner with the Upper Darby School District in offering a Before and After School program in most Upper Darby elementary schools that will give families an option when parents need to be at work. Our Y S’cool Kids Club staff members understand the cognitive, physical, and social development of children. Children must feel connected and supported in trying new things. The Y is committed to creating an environment of education-driven programming that enhance a child’s school year in a safe, supported, and enriching environment.
Learn more about YMCA Before/After school age care at www.cyedc.org/early-childhood-education.
Lansdowne YMCA for wellness and group exercise, including senior classes.
Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. Whether you are young or old, beginner or veteran, the Y offers a variety of equipment, classes, and programs for getting and staying healthy. Anyone who is a member and age 13 and older can participate.
Learn more at https://cyedc.org/
Silver Sneakers and other health insurance memberships at the Lansdowne YMCA.
Those who are eligible to participate in SilverSneakers or other insurance programs may receive a membership to the Y at little to no cost! To verify eligibility for Y membership, present a SilverSneakers Member ID card or your insurance card to a membership service team member at the Lansdowne YMCA branch. If you are unsure, we recommend you call your insurance company and ask what health club benefits are included as part of your plan.
Programs and events for children and families
Join us either at Ridley or Springfield for our ongoing special family events as part of a membership with our YMCA. We also have free fitness orientation classes for members aged 12 – 14 so they can create healthy habits and safely use our fitness areas at the Lansdowne YMCA.
Learn more at: https://cyedc.org/youth-and-family-programs-at-the-lansdowne-ymca/.
