City Cast Philly logo

The Best Philly Parks

Posted on June 27, 2023   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Brittany Valentine

Brittany Valentine

I can’t wait to see the lanterns at this year’s festival. (Jon Bilous/Getty Images)

I can’t wait to see the lanterns at this year’s festival. (Jon Bilous/Getty Images)

Philly has more than a hundred parks scattered throughout every pocket of the city, and they each offer different opportunities for fun. Here are a few of my favorites.

Center City’s Franklin Square Park is a gorgeous eight-acre green space. It has a mini golf course, a carousel, a delicious burger restaurant, and a daily fountain show.

Every year, it hosts the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, which features dozens of massive, handmade lanterns made by artisans in China. There are also cultural performances, shopping, and a Dragon Beer Garden. This year, the festival runs from June 21 to August 13 🏮

Wissahickon Valley Park in Northwest Philly offers 50 miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, and more.

Bird enthusiasts: this park is home to more than 250 bird species, including owls, chickadees, woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, and goldfinches.

Whether you crave that runner’s high, or just love to take leisurely strolls in nature, the Wissahickon is the place to be. Print out this trail map for your next visit!

Forbidden Drive is so beautiful. (Jon Lovette/Getty Images)

Forbidden Drive is so beautiful. (Jon Lovette/Getty Images)

At 348 acres, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park is the largest park in South Philly. Residents from across the city visit for picnics, celebrations, recreational sports, kayaking, and more.

FDR also has a permanent Southeast Asian Market on the weekends, which features dishes from over 70 vendors. Foodies can delight in sweet, savory and spicy meals like coconut sticky rice with mango, stir-fried noodles, and Cambodian sausage 🇰🇭🥭

Which are you favorite Philly parks?

Share article

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Philly

Sponsored

Moving to Philadelphia? What to Check Before You Pick a Neighborhood, Book a Truck, and Sign a Lease

With this guide, you can move to Philadelphia, move from another place to Philadelphia, or just see if living in Philadelphia fits your d...

Wellknown Moving Company Logo
Philly, ExplainedAugust 28

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines.

City Cast Philly Crossword
Keep It LocalAugust 27

A Pit Stop at PAPERTrail Bike Cafe

When Paul Daniels opened PAPERtrail Bike Cafe six years ago, he envisioned a place where cyclists could stop for an espresso, fix a flat...

PAPERTrail Bike Cafe owner Paul Daniels and his dog Roost outside the store inside Wissahickon Valley Park.
Food & DrinkAugust 27

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delic...

An orange plate sits on a wooden table. A cooked fish topped with sauce, herbs, and lemon slices rests on the plate.
Keep It LocalAugust 27

Where to Shop For Your Next Philly Bike Ride

Whether you’re training for the Philadelphia Cycling Classic or just looking for a better way to get around town, Philly has no shortage...

Cyclists competing in the Philadelphia Cycling Classic climb up a hill in Philadelphia while spectators watch.
Philly, ExplainedAugust 21

Prove Your Weekly Philly Knowledge

How well do you know Philly's latest headlines and historical facts? Try your hand at this quiz to find out!

Picture of xfinity mobile Arena building
Keep It LocalAugust 20

Get Matched With a Good Used Book at Little Yenta Books

Ariel and her husband Simon Censor opened used bookshop Little Yenta Books on East Passyunk Avenue in February in the back of a children’...

The brick storefront of Little Yenta Books with a green and white striped awning on East Passyunk Avenue.
Keep It LocalAugust 20

Independent, Niche Bookstores on the Rise

Philly is no stranger to independent, niche bookstores. Here are six of our favorites.

A display of horror, thriller, and true crime books on a table at Thrillerdelphia.