Break Out The Blanket: Best Parks in Philly
Escape the cement and take your people-watching sessions (and judging) from the sidewalk to the grass in some of my favorite Philly parks.
Rittenhouse Square
two sites to see in rittenhouse: search for the noon-time market street suits who strip down to catch a tan (yes, I’ve seen a bikini top come out from under a blazer) and see if you can spot the dog crazed ladies walking their pampered pups in strollers, seriously.
Ritenhouse Square is one of five open-space parks created by William Penn during the late 1800's, in the central part of the city. It is named for the brilliant astronomer, inventor, and politician David Rittenhouse, who invented the collimating telescope, among many achievements. Many of the histori...
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Ritenhouse Square is one of five open-space parks created by William Penn during the late 1800's, in the central part of the city. It is named for the brilliant astronomer, inventor, and politician David Rittenhouse, who invented the collimating telescope, among many achievements. Many of the historic buildings lining the square have been converted to upscale apartments or condominiums. The Square lies slightly west of downtown, near JFK Plaza.
Features
scenic
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Ritenhouse Square is one of five open-space parks created by William Penn during the late 1800's, in the central part of the city. It is named for the brilliant astronomer, inventor, and politician David Rittenhouse, who invented the collimating telescope, among many achievements. Many of the historic buildings lining the square have been converted to upscale apartments or condominiums. The Square lies slightly west of downtown, near JFK Plaza.
learn more about this non-profit organization, “established in 1976 to work with the Fairmount Park Commission to continue the preservation and beautification of the six-acre historical oasis.”
on an episode of “Illadates,” philly’s cheap date videos hosted on uwishunu, audrey and mark pack a picnic, snack in the park and explore shops beyond the green.
Fitler Square
415 South 20th Street philadelphia, pa 19146
as soon as I get to a park I curse myself not bringing any picnic supplies (my 80’s flamingo beach towel and some snacks), but luckily when I head to Fitler’s sqaure on Saturdays I can snag some healthy treats at their local farmer’s market.
Cianfrani Park
8th and Fitzwater St. philadelphia, pa 19147
This dog friendly park is the perfect spot for some killer spot to watch dog owners awkwardly interact as their pooches get their sniff on. But if you’re not a dog person, you can usually spot the “mr. buff” (a tanned, in shape over 80yr old man pumping his hand weights or catching some rays. I swear if Rocky were real, this would be the 80 yr old version of him).
And when you’re done soaking in nature, head over to Vesuvio bar across the street and snag an outdoor table (they’ll even bring a dog bowl filled with H2O for your furry friend).
Love Park
1500 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
If you do you happen to stop by this urban oasis, watch the nervous guys attempting to be romantic by proposing under the 4 letter word. But don’t be the jerk that screams “just say no”-who does that?
Franklin Square
6th and Race Street philadelphia, pa 19106
some other guides to quench your thirst for the green life...
You’ll forget about dodging cabs, car alarms and your noisy neighbors when you take a quick ride over to America’s oldest living botanical garden. Known for its wetlands, trails, and old stone houses, you’ll get lost in the green without losing touch with Philly (as its skyline is in sight).
You’ll forget about dodging cabs, car alarms and your noisy neighbors when you take a quick ride over to America’s oldest living botanical garden. Known for its wetlands, trails, and old stone houses, you’ll get lost in the green without losing touch with Philly (as its skyline is in sight).
Palumbo Park
723 Catherine St. philadelphia, pa 19147
escape everyone and get creeped out by the silence of this quiet park. And if the silence starting getting to you and you swear you’re hearing voices, walk right next door to the Fleisher Art Memorial galleries.
Clark Park is a scenic urban recreation area featuring historic monuments such as a statue of Charles Dickens, and the Gettysburg Stone, a monolith commemorating 60,000 Union soldiers who were treated at nearby Satterlee Hospital during the Civil War. It sits on nine acres in Philadelphia's Universit...
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Clark Park is a scenic urban recreation area featuring historic monuments such as a statue of Charles Dickens, and the Gettysburg Stone, a monolith commemorating 60,000 Union soldiers who were treated at nearby Satterlee Hospital during the Civil War. It sits on nine acres in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood, near the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. The park also contains more than 300 trees.
Admission Details
Free
Features
budget, scenic, monument, walking, family-friendly
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Clark Park is a scenic urban recreation area featuring historic monuments such as a statue of Charles Dickens, and the Gettysburg Stone, a monolith commemorating 60,000 Union soldiers who were treated at nearby Satterlee Hospital during the Civil War. It sits on nine acres in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood, near the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. The park also contains more than 300 trees.
watch these guys have the time of their life swording it up in Clark Park. I guess there are worse things you could do in a park…
Actually the name for the entire parks system of Philadelphia, East and West Fairmount parks contain such attractions as historic houses, sporting fields, access to the Schuylkill River, the Fairmount Water Works, open green spaces and more. It's the perfect place to get out in nature while still sta...
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Actually the name for the entire parks system of Philadelphia, East and West Fairmount parks contain such attractions as historic houses, sporting fields, access to the Schuylkill River, the Fairmount Water Works, open green spaces and more. It's the perfect place to get out in nature while still staying in the city, whether with the whole family or alone. Miles of paths allow plenty of room for exercise of all types, whether on foot or bicycle. Just south of the park are the Philadelphia Zoo and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Admission Details
Free entry. Special activity fees vary, check website for details.
Features
outdoors, scenic, historic, family-friendly, nature, pet-friendly, fitness, water, boating, walking, picnic
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Actually the name for the entire parks system of Philadelphia, East and West Fairmount parks contain such attractions as historic houses, sporting fields, access to the Schuylkill River, the Fairmount Water Works, open green spaces and more. It's the perfect place to get out in nature while still staying in the city, whether with the whole family or alone. Miles of paths allow plenty of room for exercise of all types, whether on foot or bicycle. Just south of the park are the Philadelphia Zoo and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Liberty Lands
913-961 North 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
This Northern Liberties green spot stands out from the rest thanks to its community garden. The 37 plots, 180 trees and a composting area are sure to make a green guru’s heart skip a beat.
Penn Treaty Park
1199 N Delaware Ave Philadelphia, pa 19125
Carousel @ Franklin Square Park
a carousel, a fountain and mini golf. this park is a big kid’s fantasy.
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About The Author
Philadelphia, PA
as a word nerd and tea enthusiast, I can often be found with a few fingers on the keyboard and the other hand holding the dainty handle of one my many teacups. jazz is the soundtrack to my life and antique stores are my home away from home. I'm not sure I could live (or cook) without the Food Net...
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