Parks and Picnic Spots in Philly
Published: 2018
Updated: June 29, 2021
By: Elizabeth Estrada & Phillyfunguide Staff
It can be easy to get caught up living in the concrete jungle of Philadelphia. Of course, living in the city comes with many perks (hello, delicious food, amazing art, history and more), but being surrounded by tall buildings and the hustle and bustle of traffic can be draining.
Stepping out of the city landscape and spending time in nature, alongside trees, grass and fresh air can be beneficial to our overall health and help us de-stress and even be more productive. It can also be a lot of fun and allow us the opportunity to explore a new place, alone or with others.
Lucky for Philadelphians, the City of Brotherly Love is home to many parks and public green spaces! Here at PFG, we wanted to roundup the best spots to escape to in the Philly area!
These parks are perfect for a romantic picnic, a fun gathering with your friends and family and ideal for a run or leisurely bike ride. Whether you need a quick break from work or want to plan a more elaborate get-together on the weekend, Philadelphia has the perfect park for you.*
*Please be sure to view and participate in these activities safely. For up-to-date information on the City of Philadelphia's COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, visit their official website.
Fairmount Park
Spanning over 2000 acres along the Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park has everything you can think of: trails for running, walking, hiking and biking, picnic areas, historical mansions, playgrounds and so much more! The Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse Row along with the Philadelphia Zoo and other attractions sit along the park, making it an ideal destination no matter what you’re looking for! Learn more about what Fairmount Park has to offer.
Dilworth Park
If you’re in Center City, Dilworth Park is a great spot for quick break. Although it’s not your typically grassy park, it’s a tree-lined area surrounding City Hall, right in the heart of the city. There are tables and chairs where you can sip on a coffee and watch the rise and fall of the fountain, plus all kinds of events from happy hours to fitness classes.
FDR Park
Make your way over to FDR Park for a beautiful and scenic day in the park. FDR Park is a historic gem in South Philadelphia and was designed by a firm established by the sons of Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park and Golden Gate Park. This park has everything from spots to grill and picnic to tennis courts, ball fields, a skate park, a golf course and more! It’s also home to the American Swedish Historical Museum.
Clark Park
Clark Park is located in heart West Philadelphia. The park covers nine acres and is lined with over 300 trees. The park was originally used as public dumping grounds in the 1890s, until the land was condemned, and Clarence H. Clark, who owned the land and whom the park is named after, recommended it be used as a park instead. The park features a basketball and shuffleboard court, checkertables and more!
There are plenty of other parks and green spaces in Philly, including Washington Square Park, Rittenhouse Square Race Street Pier and the Delaware River Waterfront, plus local community gardens and playgrounds. What is your favorite outdoor space to hang out in?
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