Parks & Gardens
- Awbury Arboretum: (Germantown) A 55-acre public arboretum featuring beautiful gardens, woodlands, and historic structures, offering educational programs and outdoor activities. www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/awbury-arboretum
- Bartram’s Garden: (along the Schuylkill River) America’s oldest surviving botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections and educational programs. www.bartramsgarden.org
- Bartram’s Mile Trail: A scenic extension of Bartram’s Garden, offering walking and biking paths along the river. www.schuylkillbanks.org/projects/bartrams-mile
- Benjamin Rush State Park: named after Benjamin Rush (1746 -1813), a civic leader in Philadelphia, physician, politician, writer, educator, the founder of Dickinson College, and a Founding Father of the United States. It is a 275-acre Pennsylvania state park and is the site of community gardens, believed to be one of the largest in the world. The original residents of this area were the Lenni-Lenape who hunted, fished, and grew crops along the Poquessing Creek. Over time, their footpaths became wagon trails, and then the major roads we use today. www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/benjamin-rush-state-park.html
- Catherine Park: Philadelphia’s smallest green space, this park features a playground, garden, and vibrant community gatherings, transforming from a former hotspot for crime to a beloved neighborhood spot. catharinepark.org
- Chanticleer Garden: (Wayne) This former estate features a diverse array of garden rooms, including a woodland garden, a cut-flower garden, and a serene water garden. www.chanticleergarden.org
- Chinese Friendship Gate: This colorful, 40-foot gate marks the entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood. www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-china-gate/
- Cira Green: An elevated park offering panoramic views of Philadelphia’s skyline, complete with seasonal events and a rooftop beer garden. www.ciragreen.com
- Clark Park: (West Philadelphia) A vibrant urban park known for its active community events, including a popular farmers market. www.friendsofclarkpark.org
- Curtis Hall & Arboretum: (Wyncote) A 47-acre arboretum featuring diverse tree species and landscapes. Visit Philadelphia
- Dilworth Park: A central city hub featuring a café, lush lawns, tree groves, and a fountain that transforms into an ice-skating rink in winter. centercityphila.org/parks/dilworth-park
- East Fairmount Park: A 650-acre expanse along the Schuylkill River, home to cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and historic sites such as Boathouse Row. myphillypark.org/explore
- Franklin Square: One of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn when he laid out the city of Philadelphia in 1682 and is named after Benjamin Franklin. historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/
- FDR Park: (South Philadelphia) This park offers a lake, sports fields, and recreational facilities, serving as a green oasis for various activities. www.fdrparkphilly.org
- Gardens at Independence National Historical Park: Historic gardens including the Magnolia Garden, Rose Garden, and Benjamin Rush Garden in the heart of Philadelphia. Visit Philadelphia
- Hunting Park:(Hunting Park)There is a recreation center, soccer court, track, tennis courts, basketball courts, two sports fields and four ball fields. The park land was originally a part of James Logan’s (1674-1751) Stenton estate. myphillypark.org/explore/parks/hunting-park/
- Independence LIVE Community Center’s Green Wall: (Center City) This green wall outside the Independence Blue Cross building offers a seating area open to the public, providing a refreshing splash of greenery during lunch breaks. greenphl.com/philly/visit-8-secret-philadelphia-gardens
- Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens: (Devon) A 46-acre public garden offering a diverse collection of plants and natural landscapes. www.jenkinsarboretum.org
- John F. Collins Park: A secluded “pocket park” in Center City, offering a peaceful escape with high walls, lush greenery, and a calming fountain. centercityphila.org/parks/john-f-collins-park
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum: A 1,000-acre refuge protecting Pennsylvania’s largest freshwater tidal marsh, offering trails and bird-watching opportunities. www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/best-parks-in-philadelphia/
- Laurel Hill and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries: Historic cemeteries that also serve as arboreta, featuring a vast collection of trees and sculptures. www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/laurel-hill-and-west-laurel-hill-cemeteries
- Longwood Gardens: (Kennett Square) A 1,000-acre botanical garden renowned for its extensive plant collections and seasonal displays. https://longwoodgardens.org
- Love Park (JFK Plaza): An iconic city square featuring the famous “LOVE” sculpture, fountains, and green spaces, recently renovated for enhanced public enjoyment. www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/best-parks-in-philadelphia/
- Norris Square Community Gardens: (North Philadelphia) A collection of urban gardens cultivated by local residents and reflecting the community’s cultural heritage. www.myneighborhoodproject.org/our-gardens
- Perth and Addison Park: A small, tranquil park near South Street, featuring flowerbeds, trees, and benches, perfect for a peaceful retreat. phillymutts.com/lst/190-perth-and-addison-street-park
Penn Treaty Park: (Fishtown) A historic riverside park known for its iconic monument commemorating the 1682 treaty between William Penn and the Lenape people, and offering scenic views of the Delaware River. www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/penn-treaty-park/ - Pennypack Park: A 1,600-acre natural space following Pennypack Creek, offering trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as historic landmarks. www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/pennypack-park/
Rittenhouse Square: (Center City) Named for astronomer and clockmaker David Rittenhouse, the park is known as one of five original squares planned by city founder William Penn in the late 17th century. www.friendsofrittenhouse.org - Schuylkill Banks: A revitalized riverfront area providing walking, jogging, and cycling paths, along with recreational activities like kayaking and fishing. www.schuylkillbanks.org
- Sister Cities Park: A family-friendly park featuring a café, a garden, a pond, and a wintertime playground, celebrating Philadelphia’s global connections. centercityphila.org/parks/sister-cities-park
- Spruce Hill Bird Sanctuary: (West Philadelphia) This sanctuary is a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of species to observe. www.sprucehillca.org/committees/bird-sanctuary
- Spruce Street Harbor Park: A seasonal waterfront space offering hammocks, games, food vendors, and a boardwalk, creating a lively outdoor atmosphere. www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/spruce-street-harbor-park
- Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College:(Swarthmore) This arboretum showcases over 4,000 plant varieties, providing year-round beauty and educational opportunities. www.scottarboretum.org
- Tacony Creek Park: (Northeast) Offers trails, nature preserves, and recreational activities for the community to enjoy. myphillypark.org/explore/parks/tacony-creek-park
- The Gardens of Independence National Historical Park: (Old City) These gardens—such as the Magnolia, Rose, and 18th-Century Gardens—offer a glimpse into colonial-era horticulture. www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/placestogo
- The Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania: (Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia) is the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A 92-acre Victorian landscape garden featuring a vast collection of plants and unique garden features. www.morrisarboretum.org
- The Rail Park: An innovative elevated green space transforming former rail lines into a park, featuring plantings, art installations, and seating areas. www.therailpark.org
- The Schuylkill Center: (Andorra) The education center was founded in 1965 as one of the first environmental education centers in the country. schuylkillcenter.org
- The Spring Gardens: A thriving community garden near the Eastern State Penitentiary, offering raised bed plots, abundant trees, and open green space for picnics and neighborhood events. thespringgardens.org
- The Summer Winter Garden: (Powelton Village) A volunteer-run garden is one of Philadelphia’s oldest community gardens, featuring beautiful plots and paths, as well as a mosaic installation by local artist Karen Krivit. summerwintergarden.org
Washington Square: One of the five original squares planned by city founder William Penn in 1682 names after George Washington in 1825. It contains memorials to General George Washington and soldiers of the American Revolution. www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-washingtonsquare - Wissahickon Valley Park: A natural haven with over 50 miles of trails through rugged terrain, alongside the Wissahickon Creek, popular among hikers and cyclists. fow.org
- Woodmere Art Museum Gardens: (Chestnut Hill) Gardens surrounding the museum provide a peaceful setting for art and nature enthusiasts. https://woodmereartmuseum.org