Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s art and cultural district, Sister Cities Park is one of our favorite places to go when we’re looking for a fun family outdoor outing during the spring and summer. This green oasis in one of the busiest parts of the city has something for everyone, and it’s easy for parents and kids to enjoy the good weather together here. Additionally, the close proximity to a variety of museums makes it easy to pair a trip here with a cultural experience. Some of the reasons why our Philadelphia adoption professionals keep returning to Sister Cities Park include:

Children’s Discovery Garden

At the Children’s Discovery Garden, your kids can explore their curiosity for nature in the middle of the city. This garden was inspired by the Wissahickon Valley and includes features borrowed from that area, such as winding paths, climbable rocks, and a miniature stream. Kids can take a mini-hike on the trail, climb a “mountain”, and enjoy a view of the park and surrounding area from atop the peak.

The Children’s Discovery Garden also has a boat pond, where kids can bring their own model boats or buy one at the park and float along the shallow waters. When the weather gets cooler, the Imagination Playground is installed in this area.

Logan Square Cafe

You don’t even need to leave the park if your family gets hungry – Logan Square Cafe offers some delicious casual food right next to the Sister Cities Park Visitor Center. This makes for a super convenient stop whether you’re enjoying a day in the park or visiting some of the nearby museums. The cafe is in a glass pavilion, which allows for beautiful views of the park and arts district while your family enjoys your meal. There are also plenty of kid-friendly options here, such as grilled cheese and pizza.

Visitor Center

If you’re curious about the arts and culture scene in the area surrounding Sister Cities Park, you can find plenty of information at the Visitor Center. Here, you can speak with a Visitor Service Representative who can help you explore the area with custom itineraries, brochures, maps, and tickets to dozens of nearby tours and attractions.

Plaza and Fountain

The Sister Cities Plaza & Fountain is always a hit with the kids on a hot summer day. Jets of water shoot up from the fountain’s ten spouts, which represents Philadelphia’s ten sister cities. These spouts are positioned in relation to their distance from Philadelphia. The fountain is shut off for the season in October, but eventually, this area is transformed into the Rothman Institute Ice Rink. We love coming here to ice skate in the winter and enjoy sunny days outdoors in the summer.