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Franklin Square, one of five public squares laid out by William Penn in his original plan for Philadelphia, offers a refreshing, urban green space with a ton of awesome activities within its eight-acre grounds.
Originally named “North East Publick Square,” the park was renamed in honor of Benjamin Franklin in 1825.
The park boasts several family-friendly attractions for kids and their parents to enjoy.
At Philly Mini Golf, guests can play a round of putt-putt on holes that pay homage to Philly landmarks including the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row.
With models of famous racehorses like Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones, Philadelphia Parx Liberty Carousel, a classic tribute to Philadelphia’s great heritage of carousel-making, offers a dose of nostalgia alongside the fun.
Guests can catch up on history at the park’s Once Upon a Nation storytelling bench, where costumed performers tell tales of Franklin Square’s past.
The centerpiece of the park, Franklin Square Fountain, stands as a marble masterpiece built in 1838 surrounded by wrought iron fences.
In August 2019, the Franklin Square Fountain — after undergoing a $2 million renovation — debuted a brand new fountain show which features water spraying and soaring in the air, in sync with music and colorful lights in the evening.
Fountain shows run daily every 30 minutes from noon to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. until closing and the shows end for the 2019 season on October 31.
The fountain is thought to be the oldest surviving fountain in William Penn’s five historic squares. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
When hunger strikes, munch on goodies from SquareBurger, an onsite burger shack selling BBQ pulled pork, burgers, fries, vegetarian options and family favorites such as cheesesteaks, fries and mac and cheese.
The signature Cake Shake blended with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets is one for the ages.
There are plenty of delicious food and drink options at Franklin Square. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
William Penn first laid out the land that encompasses Franklin Square in 1682, and over the years, the area has been used as a cattle pasture, a horse and cattle market, a burial ground, a drill and parade ground for the American military during the War of 1812 and, finally, a beloved city park.
In 1837, the city made Franklin Square into a public park and an elegant fountain was constructed in its center. The fountain is thought to be the oldest surviving fountain in William Penn’s five historic squares. The others are Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, Logan Square and Centre Square, where City Hall and Dilworth Park are now located.
Franklin Square hosts events throughout the year, bringing the community together to celebrate.
Crowdpleasers include the end-of-year Holiday Festival, which features the dazzling Electric Spectacle Holiday Light Show, and the annual springtime Chinese Lantern Festival.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia) and overnight hotel accommodations.
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