Discover the Best Parks in Philadelphia

When William Penn designed Philadelphia in 1683, he laid out the city in a grid, featuring City Hall centrally located with four public squares in each quadrant. Clockwise from the northwest, Logan Square, Franklin Square, Washington Square, and Rittenhouse Square have thrived for over three centuries, each serving as a leafy retreat in the vibrant city.

Moreover, beyond these well-known green spaces, Philadelphia is home to an array of public parks. Fairmount Park alone spans around 9,200 acres, making it the largest urban park in America. Here’s a detailed look at the 10 best places to picnic, enjoy a tennis match, or simply unwind and connect with nature in the City of Brotherly Love.

Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park comprises a system of 63 parks and green spaces, featuring hiking trails, gardens, and historic mansions, all bisected by the Schuylkill River. There is an endless array of activities to enjoy here. For tranquility, visit the Shofuso Japanese house and gardens in West Fairmount Park, where you’ll find a traditional Japanese tea house and a koi pond.

If you’re visiting with children, make your way to the wooden slide built in 1905 at Smith Memorial Playground. You will also discover a sprawling play structure along with ample green space for them to run freely. For an iconic view of Philadelphia, take a stroll down the Schuylkill River trail to Boathouse Row, admiring the historic rowing clubs along the way.

Clark Park

Spanning 9 acres, Clark Park in the University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia is a communal hub featuring basketball courts, soccer fields, and a dynamic lineup of events. Check the schedule for flea markets, farmers markets, free outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and seasonal events like Shakespeare in Clark Park. Also, look out for the bronze Dickens and Little Nell statue, located near 43rd Street and Chester Avenue, created by artist Francis Edwin Elwell in 1890.

Sister Cities Park

Sister Cities Park, situated between City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is a small but vibrant oasis in the heart of the city. The splash fountain is a major attraction, where children can frolic to cool off on hot days, alongside a shallow pond and a discovery garden that offer ample fun. A small shaded lawn, encompassed by tall trees, is perfect for relaxing picnics.

Dilworth Park

The park surrounding City Hall – where the mayor and city officials operate – features limited green space; however, a fountain and summer garden attract visitors during the warmer months. Events like outdoor fitness classes are also popular here.

In winter, a picturesque skating rink and festive holiday markets take center stage. Regardless of the season, grab a coffee and a sweet treat from La Colombe at Pressed, located inside the Notary Hotel, and enjoy it on a bench in the park while indulging in some excellent people-watching.

Franklin Square

Situated in the city’s northeast quadrant, just a few blocks north of the historic Old City, Franklin Square hosts a variety of year-round activities including the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Visitors can enjoy Center City’s only carousel, a Philly-themed mini-golf course (be on the lookout for pint-sized replicas of the Liberty Bell and LOVE sculpture), and a newly covered beer garden.

Everything centers around a 180-year-old fountain, which features a light and music show every 30 minutes. Come hungry – Square Burger offers a unique Cake Shake, a Tastykake milkshake made with the iconic bakery’s butterscotch krimpet. The square also hosts events throughout the year, including springtime’s Chinese Lantern Festival.

Rittenhouse Square

This charming patch of green is located in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the park’s sculptures, including Lion Crushing a Serpent by the French artist Antoine-Louis Barye, as well as the beloved (and often climbed) bronze goat named Billy, created by Albert Laessle.

For lunch, grab a sandwich made on fresh milk buns from Huda, or indulge in coffee and sourdough pastries from Vibrant coffee shop. Relax on a wooden bench or a patch of lawn for a delightful outdoor dining experience while you people-watch.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Adjacent to the Delaware River, Spruce Street Harbor Park offers a splendid escape on the city’s eastern side. In summer, the lawn fills with hammocks and Adirondack chairs, alongside a floating Barge Bar serving cocktails and local beers.

A variety of shipping containers offer treats like Dre’s water ice and ice cream made from scratch using recipes inspired by Andre Andrews’ grandmother. You can also rent a swan or dragon boat to paddle along the water or participate in stand-up paddleboard yoga classes.

During colder months, head north to Race Street Pier, a transformed shipping pier that now serves as a promenade, lawn, and amphitheater-style seating area, showcasing stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

FDR Park

As the largest park in South Philadelphia, FDR Park features lakes ideal for fishing and kayaking, sports fields, 21 picnic groves and pavilions (available for permit reservations), as well as a renowned skatepark that attracts skateboarding champions.

In 2019, the park transitioned from its nearly 80-year-old golf course to remodel the 150-acre area into a wetland meadow, complete with walking trails and fields. The park is also a popular spot for bird watching, and in autumn, it becomes a canvas of vibrant foliage.

Schuylkill River Banks

The Schuylkill River Trail stretches approximately 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, to Philadelphia, passing through Montgomery, Chester, and Berks Counties. This stretch of green space alongside the river between Locust and South Streets offers a pleasing environment with public art and magnificent views of the city skyline, making it an ideal spot for a biking or running break. Additionally, nearby features include a dog park, basketball courts, and a popular playground.

LOVE Park

Commonly referred to as JFK Plaza, LOVE Park spans two acres in Center City and derives its nickname from artist Robert Indiana’s iconic red sculpture on display. The plaza recently underwent revitalization, featuring an upgraded fountain, new benches, and the upcoming Loveluck restaurant anticipated to open by early spring 2022.

In the meantime, visitors can enjoy the Lawn, open through fall as long as the weather permits, offering burgers and cocktails at picnic tables, along with sandboxes to entertain children.