Best Kid-Friendly Parks and Public Space in Philly

Philly's Ultimate Playground: A Guide to the Best Kid-Friendly Parks and Public Spaces

Philadelphia, William Penn's original "Greene Countrie Town," is a city filled with incredible parks and public spaces that are perfect for a family adventure. From historic squares with carousels and mini-golf to modern parks with dancing fountains and amazing playgrounds, the city offers a fantastic array of fun, and often free, activities for kids. Whether you're a local parent or a visitor looking for the perfect spot for your children to run, play, and explore, here is a guide to the best kid-friendly parks and public spaces in Philadelphia.

1. Franklin Square (Historic District)

• The Vibe: A true family-fun hub in the heart of the Historic District, Franklin Square is one of William Penn's original five squares and has been beautifully revitalized into a kid's paradise.

  
  
  

• Why Kids Love It: The park is packed with attractions, including the classic Parx Liberty Carousel, a Philly-themed miniature golf course featuring tiny versions of city landmarks, and a large, modern playground. It's the perfect place to unwind after a morning of exploring historic sites.

2. Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse (Fairmount Park)

• The Vibe: A Philadelphia institution for over 120 years, Smith Memorial Playground is a legendary destination dedicated to unstructured, creative play.

  
  
  

• Why Kids Love It: The main event is the famous Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, a historic and thrilling slide that kids (and brave parents!) can ride down on burlap sacks. The massive, 6.5-acre Playground is filled with over 50 pieces of unique play equipment, and the 24,000-square-foot Playhouse is perfect for younger children (ages 5 and under).

3. Dilworth Park (Center City)

• The Vibe: Located on the west side of City Hall, Dilworth Park is a vibrant and modern civic space that offers year-round fun.

  
  
  

• Why Kids Love It: In the summer, the park's massive, in-ground fountain becomes an urban splash pad where kids can run and play in the dancing jets of water. In the winter, the fountain is transformed into the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink. It's a bustling, energetic spot right in the heart of the city.

4. Spruce Street Harbor Park (Delaware River Waterfront)

• The Vibe: A magical, seasonal oasis on the Delaware River, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a must-visit during the warmer months.

• Why Kids Love It: The park is famous for its hundreds of colorful hammocks, perfect for relaxing. Kids also love the lawn games, the small arcade, and enjoying treats from the floating barges. At night, the entire park is illuminated by thousands of colorful LED lights, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

5. Sister Cities Park (Logan Square)

• The Vibe: Situated on the beautiful Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Sister Cities Park is a charming and serene space specifically designed with young children in mind.

• Why Kids Love It: The park's main feature is the Children's Discovery Garden, which includes a popular wading pool and splash pad modeled after the Delaware River, a boat pond, and an "Imagination Playground" with large foam blocks for building.

6. Please Touch Museum & Fairmount Park

• The Vibe: While a museum, the Please Touch Museum is an essential part of the kid-friendly park experience in Philly. It's located in the magnificent Memorial Hall within the vastness of West Fairmount Park.

• Why Kids Love It: After exploring the two full floors of hands-on, learn-through-play exhibits inside, families can enjoy the surrounding park. Just a short walk away is the historic Carousel House, and the area offers acres of open green space perfect for a picnic or running around.

7. FDR Park (South Philadelphia)

• The Vibe: A massive, 348-acre park in South Philly, FDR Park (known to locals as "The Lakes") offers a more rustic and nature-focused experience.

• Why Kids Love It: The park features a large, popular playground, a world-class skate park, and numerous trails that are perfect for a family walk or bike ride around the park's scenic lakes. It's also a fantastic spot for birdwatching.

From the historic fun of Franklin Square and the epic slide at Smith Playground to the modern splash pads at Dilworth and Sister Cities, Philadelphia is brimming with incredible parks and public spaces for families. These destinations offer the perfect opportunity for children to play, explore, and create lasting memories in the heart of America's "Greene Countrie Town."

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Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly