Exploring The Parks of Philadelphia

The Awbury Arboretum in the Awbury Historic District has been open to the public for almost a century. An urban oasis, it has 55 acres of landscaped gardens and unique features including a playground made from natural materials, a wildflower meadow, a wetlands habitat, and a cooperative farming village. The farming village has an education center with a teaching kitchen and garden classroom which are used for programming and special events, as well as facilities and services for community organizations such as the Philly Goat Project and the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild. Admission to the arboretum is free to the public.

1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-849-2855, Map

More than 50,000 visitors come to Bartram’s Garden each year to see the attractions, participate in the programs, or access the Lower Schuylkill River. With a focus on horticulture, agriculture, sustainability, and education, Bartram’s Garden is a great destination for nature lovers and budding botanists. Guests of the garden can stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a map or schedule a guided tour of the grounds. In addition to innovative garden spaces, tidal wetlands, and open meadows, the property has historic buildings, footpaths for walking and jogging, and a community boathouse and public dock. The gardens are open year-round from dawn to dusk.

5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, PA, Phone: 215-729-5281, Map

Northeast Philadelphia is home to Benjamin Rush State Park, which has 315 acres of woodlands, recreation space, and one of the largest community gardens in the country. The park is popular with hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, birdwatchers, environmentalists, and radio-controlled model airplane hobbyists. Pet owners can bring their dogs for a walk or run along the park’s 3.5 miles of loose gravel trails that wind through shady forested areas and along open fields. Day-use visitors will appreciate the comfort stations and informational kiosks available at the trailhead. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.

15001 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-639-4538, Map

Romantic Parks in Philadelphia

At the corner of Cottman and Central visitors will find Burholme Park, on the grounds of which lies the Robert W. Ryerss Library and Museum. The park, library, and museum offer local residents and out-of-town guests a place to view the collection of books and artifacts, have a picnic on the lawn, or play a game of baseball, football, or soccer on one of the park’s well-kept fields. A playground is available for young children and older children enjoy using the batting cages at the Burholme Golf & Family Entertainment Center. Golfers can take private lessons from PGA-certified instructors or practice their swing on the center’s driving range.

Burholme Park, 401 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-685-0060

This 9.1-acre municipal park in West Philadelphia is a community treasure. Visitors to Clark Park come to shop for flowers, fruit, and vegetables at the year-round farmers’ market, watch productions of the Shakespeare in Clark Park theater company, or snap a shot of the sculpture of Charles Dickens. Walkers and joggers use the park’s path for outdoor exercise and many bring their dogs to this pet-friendly park. Other opportunities for exercise include a basketball court for older kids and adults and a playground for the younger set. One unique feature of the park is its pétanque court, a French game that is similar to lawn bowling.

Clark Park, 43rd & Baltimore, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-552-8186

Cobbs Creek Park is a neighborhood park with 851 acres of sports and recreation space. Designated picnic areas, multiple playgrounds, and open fields perfect for tossing a frisbee or playing a game of flag football make it a popular place for birthday parties, family reunions, and other special events and celebrations. Tree-lined trails follow the creek past natural attractions and historic sites and are connected to the trails in Bartram’s Garden via the 58th Street Greenway. The park has numerous sports facilities and fields as well as a recreation center and environmental education center with regularly scheduled programs and events.

Cobbs Creek Park, 1338 South 59th Street, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-683-3600

Parks in Philadelphia for Families

The largest city-owned park in Philadelphia, Fairmount Park is divided into two sections by the Schuylkill River, a popular waterway for competitive rowing. Family-friendly attractions include the Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Please Touch Museum. Other cultural institutions and educational sites attract art and history buffs, while sports facilities offer places for athletes to hone their skills. Though the park is open year-round, a popular time to visit is in the spring when the cherry trees are in bloom. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the welcome center to pick up maps and brochures that list the locations and hours of the park’s many attractions.

Fairmount Park, 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-988-9334

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is known for its natural beauty. Scenic wetlands and waterways, landscaped lawns and gardens, and acres of deciduous trees with their color-changing leaves serve as a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Their 18-hole golf course is environmentally friendly and offers a challenge for golfers at all levels. Community organizations offer tennis lessons, art classes, and yoga sessions in addition to hosting events such as movie nights and a summer concert series. The American Swedish Historical Museum has artifacts and archives celebrating Swedish and Scandinavian culture and is available to rent for celebrations and special events.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue & South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-683-3600

The 18 acres surrounding the Glen Foerd mansion are run by the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation as a public park Glen Foerd on the Delaware. The grounds are home to mature trees, flowering shrubs, a formal rose garden, and a vineyard as well a picture-perfect riverfront pavilion. The mansion is open to the public as a museum and event space. Its collection of art and artifacts of American and European origin can be viewed as part of a guided tour or through self-guided exploration on select Saturdays. Pets are welcome on the ground if kept on a leash, but are not allowed in the mansion.

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-632-5330

Hunting Park in North Philadelphia is one of a group of parks that makes up the Fairmount Park complex. Over the past 10 years, the Fairmount Park Conservancy has revitalized Hunting Park making it a community gathering space with amenities and programs focused on healthy lifestyles. Football, soccer, and baseball fields are available for team practices and scrimmages. Handball courts and tennis courts are open for public use. Families with small children are invited to use the playgrounds year-round. Access to a community garden, orchard, and weekly farmer’s market encourages visitors to eat well in addition to being active.

Hunting Park, 900 West Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, Phone: 215-685-9153