Map all locationsParks & Gardens
The Philadelphia region is known as the “Cradle of Liberty” as well as the “Cradle of American Horticulture.” Both traditions began with the enlightened settlers who brought to the New World their curiosity about the natural world. William Penn was so inspired by the eastern hardwood forest that greeted him that he named his colony Penn’s Woods, or Pennsylvania.
His desire to establish a “greene countrie towne” was fundamental to his vision of the colony as a place of religious freedom. Today, the Philadelphia region is blooming with parks and gardens, many of which grace the city’s historic homes and art museums.
Featured Listings
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Longwood Gardens
One of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens
When you’re at Longwood Gardens, it’s easy to imagine that you’re at a giant, royal garden in Europe. Stroll along the many paths through acres of exquisitely maintained grounds featuring 11,000 different types of plants.
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Franklin Square
Celebrating 6 years of carousel rides, mini-golf, burgers and more
One of Philadelphia’s five original squares laid out by William Penn – and the only one dedicated just to fun!
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Fairmount Park
One of the world’s largest city park systems
With more than 9,200 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront and shaded woodlands, Fairmount Park keeps a wealth of natural landscapes within easy reach of all city residents.
You can take a stroll, head out for an afternoon of softball, organized frisbee or pier-side fishing, or just settle in for a family picnic. There are miles of trails for horseback riding, off-road cycling and deep-woods hiking, yet there are also tours of historic mansions, Japanese tea ceremonies and outdoor concerts. Three environmental centers, as well as a wildlife refuge treatment center, help bring the natural world to life for adults as well as children.
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Penn Park
The art of fielding
A beautiful green area situated between Penn’s campus and the Schuylkill River waterfront, Penn Park features open space and recreational facilities available to the public from 6 a.m. to midnight.
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Clemente Park and Playground
An outdoor homerun
Named for legendary baseball player and humanitarian Roberto Clemente, Spring Garden’s premier park hosts an annual “Clemente Fest” in the springtime, as well as a safe space for kids’ after-school activities.
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Beck Park
Sit and stay
This small, charming green space is characterized by the marble polar bear sculptures constructed by a local volunteer.
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Drexel Park
Spectacular skyline views from the west side
Both Powelton residents and Drexel students flock to this 2.5-acre oasis for its walking paths, benches and open green space, where picnics, Frisbee games, reading and sunbathing are the main activities. And that view—it makes a typical day in the park visually stunning.
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Julian Abele Park
An awesome new neighborhood park at 22nd and Carpenter Streets
This public green space has been revamped to make it even friendlier to local residents looking to relax in a clean, green setting.
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Fishtown Recreation Center
A destination for the pursuit of play time, picnicking and basketball
Across the street from the Fishtown Community Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Fishtown Recreation Center contains a playground, picnic tables and a roller rink.
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Penn Treaty Park
Historic spot of peace along the Delaware River
According to legend, Pennsylvania founder William Penn signed his treaty of peace with the local Lenape tribe under an elm tree just off the Delaware River in 1683.
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Fishtown Shadfest
Just keep swimming
Held each spring in Penn Treaty Park, this family friendly gathering is designed to celebrate Fishtown’s seafaring heritage.
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Triangle Dog Park
How a co-op dog park takes shape
A real treat for local dog owners, this community-run dog park is fenced in behind a double-gated entrance, meaning pets can run off-leash.
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The Barnes Foundation
New location for one of the world’s leading collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings
After years of planning and construction, its time to celebrate the highly anticipated opening of the new Barnes Foundation campus on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
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The Betsy Ross House
Unearthing A Masterpiece at the Penn Museum
Alla Spina
The Rittenhouse Hotel
The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company
Ellen Powell Tiberino Memorial Museum of Contemporary Art
Adventure Aquarium
Nockamixon State Park
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles
