There are many public parks that line Darby Creek, with some having large recreation areas with athletic fields for baseball, soccer, and football, and others containing woodlands and nature trails. There are a total of eight golf clubs bordering the creek, featuring some of the largest stretches of undeveloped land in the watershed. The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge offers many recreational activities such as hiking and canoeing. The Ridley Township marina is located on the lower end of the creek.