When William Penn laid out the original city plan for Philadelphia in 1682, he designated five open-space park squares throughout the city. Today, you can see how Penn’s plan remains intact with the variety of beautiful green spaces scattered across town. Franklin Square is one of our favorite outdoor spaces in the city and visiting here is always a treat for the whole family. There are a variety of rides and attractions here as well, which always make for a fun time. Some reasons why our Philadelphia adoption professionals love Franklin Square include:
Mini Golf
Franklin Square is home to Center City’s only mini golf course. This is one of our favorite ways to spend a summer afternoon and our family loves competing against each other for bragging rights. The course’s 18 holes are designed after Philadelphia landmarks like Elfreth’s Alley, the Liberty Bell, the Ben Franklin Bridge, and more. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for kids 3-12, and kids 2 and under are free.
Carousel
Carousels have been a kid favorite in the United States since the 19th century. Franklin Square’s carousel was added to the park after renovations in 2006. Some horses are modeled after local racehorse favorites like Smarty Jones and Afleet Alex.
SquareBurger
If you get hungry during your visit to Franklin Square, SquareBurger offers all of your summer favorites. Enjoy a burger or hot dog with french fries and if you have room for dessert, their menu features a variety of frozen treats. We’re big fans of the signature Cake Shake, which is blended with TastyKake Butterscotch Krimpets. They also have a rotating shake of the month and we love going back to try new flavors.
Fountain
The fountain is the centerpiece of Franklin Square and has been for much of its history. It was built in 1838 after City Council passed a resolution calling for a large fountain. This is considered the oldest surviving fountain from William Penn’s five original squares. The fountain hit hard times by the late 1970s and temporarily stopped operating, but was restored in 2006. The fence surrounding the fountain and its center stonework, which both date back to the original construction, were preserved.
Playground
A good playground is an important part of any outdoor city summer space. Franklin Square Playground has been named as one of the city’s best play spaces by Philadelphia Magazine. The park is covered in natural shade from the square’s bountiful trees and there is plenty of fun equipment for kids to play and stay active. The playground is also free and open year-round.
