Location: Fairmount Park
Top Things to do in Fairmount Park
What to do and see in Fairmount Park, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Things to do
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Restaurants in Philadelphia
1. Fairmount Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
One of the world's largest municipal parks, a sprawling 9,200 acres contains several million trees and America's oldest zoo.
Reviewed By DMarshall2014 - Philadelphia, United States
Warm sunny day, have a picnic and enjoy the fabulous view... Now that spring is here, many restaurants have takeout....
2. Please Touch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
Hands-on museum where adults and children can learn and explore together. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free.
Reviewed By pookala - Philadelphia, United States
Our family’s 3 year old toddler spent a fully engaged 4 hours at The Please Touch Museum. Her first stop was the large water play area, followed by the Alice in Wonderland play space. We took a break for lunch & I have to say the cafe and its operation were run really well. Staff in the cafe were very kind and helpful. Different dining areas are available & she was enchanted by the Teddy Bears Picnic murals in our room. Also props to Maintenance for keeping the mayhem of families eating under control. Tables were cleaned, floors swept etc. After lunch, more playtime. We did two carousel rides ($3 for one ride, $5 for unlimited), went to the transportation area, the supermarket, the hospital, a building section and a restaurant. The only dud was perhaps the shoe store. Finished with some more time back in the water zone. One of the nice things about Please Touch is it’s housed in a beautiful old building & even though it was an obviously very crowded time (week between Xmas & New Years) you didn’t feel overwhelmed by other guests.
3. Joan of Arc Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
A statue of Joan of Arc riding a horse.
Reviewed By waunderlust_forever - Houston, United States
This was honestly one of the first things that caught our eye. So pretty. Bring out the camera, and take a snap. Cool pic
4. Philadelphia Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,768 reviews
Animals are on the move like never before at Philadelphia Zoo with Zoo360, a first-in-the-world system of trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways & connecting habitats, giving animals like amazing big cats, majestic primates & marvelous meerkats the opportunities to travel & explore. Visit our baby western lowland gorillas, giraffes, hippos, polar bear, white rhino, zebras, red pandas, Amur tigers & more at America’s first Zoo. Explore a 42 acre Victorian garden & enjoy award-winning exhibits like KeyBank Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, McNeil Avian Center & KidZooU, a wildlife academy that offers dynamic displays, rare breeds & hands-on experiences. The Zoo is one of the region's foremost conservation organizations & home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare & endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery & inspires action for animals & habitats. Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Reviewed By scout1246 - Bechtelsville, United States
Been going since I was a youngster and every time I go, I have such a fun time. There's a new lion and tiger exhibit, a huge monkey house, an amazing polar bear exhibit-just to name a few opportunities to see the animal world. Expect to spend at least three hours-well worth the time.
5. Boathouse Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
The best walking and biking route in the city is along the Schuylkill River. The cluster of 15 rowing clubs host a variety of rowing and running events each year.
Reviewed By MissElegance
These mostly historic boathouses are private, but there is a public place to rent boats and another for bikes or surreys. The view from Martin Luther King Dr (FKA West River Drive) is beautiful -- day or lit-up at night. Biking, hiking, driving, or picnicking along the water is lovely and can be busy but never overly crowded except on regatta days! There's an ok cafe for a beverage or snack near the bike rentals on Kelly Drive (fka East River Drive).
6. Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Discover. Connect. Act. Nation's first public water supply system. Global tourist attraction. Showing the public how to be better water resource stewards. Come downstairs to visit one of Philadelphia's hidden gems. Best of all, we are free and open to the public six days a week. The mission of Fairmount Water Works is to foster stewardship of our shared resources by encouraging informed decisions about the use of land and water.
7. Lemon Hill
8. Strawberry Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By vhenry6 - Mount Laurel, United States
Excellent time seeing all the Fairmont Park mansions dressed up for the holidays! So much history, architecture and views!
9. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Tour our house, view our garden and feed our koi! Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the installation of its contemporary paintings in 2007.Shofuso was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials and exhibited in the courtyard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was moved to Philadelphia in 1958, to the site of several previous Japanese structures dating to the 1876 Centennial Exposition. In 2007, internationally renowned artist Hiroshi Senju, inspired by our waterfall, donated 20 murals to Shofuso.A viewing garden with koi pond and island, a tea garden, and a courtyard garden comprise the 17th century-style Japanese walled and fenced garden of this historic site and museum.
Reviewed By 200PL - Philadelphia, United States
I visit this place maybe twice a year, I would totally go more times, but I like to stretch it out a bit. I park near the horticulture center and walk through it’s courtyard to The shofuso house. The entrance is grand and reminiscent of that of walking into a courtyard in 16th century Japan. You take a stone trail to the guest window (there is only one, so on a good day, there can be quite a wait. Arrive around 11:00-11:45 to avoid crowds or long lines. After a check in, price is reasonable for the culture experience, you can either walk the path around the house or visit the koi pond. Many of the koi are huge and have beautiful colors. A few turtles live in the huge pond as well. If you take a walk to the pond, grab some fish food for $2 on your way. You’ll appreciate the many fish and the colors. They love to eat! There is a statue hidden amongst bambo and brush that you can cast some coins onto for luck. When you’re finished walking the ground and taking in the: many varieties of trees, pond, island and bridge (performance or ambiance purpose only for the island), a small yet meaningful waterfall, and pathways, visit a service member to get a lecture about the house. I found the history of the house to be fascinating. You learn about the different rooms, how and why the house arrived to Philadelphia, the reason for the scenery and even a few demonstrations of how certain aspects of the house work. This is a great place to visit for those who enjoy cultural experiences, history, and who want to simply enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s a great place for professional and amateur photographers to get some awesome shots. They hold tea classes once a month and have many different events throughout the year. The porch like area of the house, is great for just sitting around and taking in the scenery. A representative even stated it’s a great place to visit in rainy weather because of how the house is designed, as the water runs off of the roof and into the many waterways throughout the house grounds. All in all, everyone, from children to teens will enjoy their visit. The enclosed photo is during the first week of Spring. Cherry blossoms are scheduled beginning in April.
10. Smith Kids Play Place (Playground & Mansion)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse opened its doors in East Fairmount Park in 1899. Funded by Richard and Sarah Smith, the site was dedicated to the memory of their adult son, Stanfield. Smith’s beautiful, 24,000 square foot Playhouse was designed solely as a play space for children by one of Philadelphia’s most prominent late 19th century architects, James H. Windrim. The Playground is situated on its original historic landscape – 6 1/2 acres of open fields, wooded terrain, and sloped hills – and is home to the century old Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, a treasured play experience for generations of Philadelphia’s children, as well as other unique pieces of play equipment.Smith’s mission is to provide children 10 and under from diverse backgrounds with free and accessible one-of-a-kind play experiences that meet their physical, behavioral, and developmental needs.
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