The Discovery Center

Located at the edge of Fairmount Park’s Strawberry Mansion Reservoir, the Discovery Center serves as the Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s headquarters and a vibrant home for outdoor learning, challenge, and community engagement.

This unique campus combines urban wilderness, purpose-built adventure elements, and a protected waterway to create an environment where young people and adults can push past comfort zones and discover new strengths.

The Discovery Center was built and operates in partnership with Audubon Mid-Atlantic, whose conservation and wildlife stewardship work complements POBS’ focus on character development and experiential education. Together, we share this space as a hub for exploration, learning, and connection. The Center not only serves our students, but is open to families, neighbors, and visitors from across Philadelphia.

Challenge & Adventure Elements

The Discovery Center features a range of signature Philadelphia Outward Bound School program elements.

High Ropes Course

A series of elevated challenges where participants support one another, practice trust, and push beyond perceived limits in a controlled, encouraging environment.

Vertical Play Gym

A dynamic, multi-level structure designed for movement, exploration, and team-based challenges. Participants climb, balance, and work together to move through vertical space in creative ways.

Climbing Wall

Our indoor climbing wall offers a controlled environment for participants to take on physical and mental challenges year-round.

With multiple routes of varying difficulty, the wall invites climbers to practice problem-solving, persistence, and trust.

Reservoir Canoeing

The reservoir is a calm, scenic environment ideal for learning paddle skills, practicing teamwork, and experiencing the natural beauty of this protected habitat.

Community & Collaboration

The Discovery Center serves as a welcoming campus for community events, environmental education programs, neighborhood gatherings, volunteer activities, and Discovery Days, when we open select challenge course elements to the public on designated Saturdays. It’s a place where people of all ages can connect with nature, support one another, and experience the shared sense of purpose that defines this unique space.

The Discovery Center is open to the public 6 days a week (closed Mondays). Check out the Discovery Center's Events Calendar for upcoming Discovery Days.