Clark Park
43rd & Baltimore Sts.
www.clarkpark.info
Does the thought of venturing beyond 42nd Street make your palms sweat profusely and your heart race? It's time to face your West Philly phobia. Otherwise, you might miss out on the bucolic oasis that is Clark Park (assuming that West Philly is the barren desert). Not only is Clark Park home to hundreds of trees, but also to a life-size bronze statue of Charles Dickens. You'll also find the Gettysburg Stone, which commemorates Civil War soldiers. Plus Amish people are there on Saturdays, and they're adorable.
Schuylkill River Park
Schuylkill River between Race & Locust Sts.
www.schuylkillbanks.org
You don't have to be able to pronounce its name to enjoy Schuylkill River Park. If you're the jogging type, there's the 11.4-mile Schuylkill Trail. If you're into other sports, the park also offers a baseball diamond and an athletic field, plus tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Take an afternoon stroll along the river bank with the beautiful backdrop of Center City.
Washington Square
Sixth and Locust Sts.
We've all been to Rittenhouse Square too many times to count. Why not try another one of William Penn's original five squares? Established in 1682, Washington Square looks very similar to Rittenhouse, except maybe for the eternal flame that burns in front of the Revolutionary War memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you're into history, this is a must-visit. While you're there, stop into one of the many cute shops that surround it.
Fairmount Park
Kelly St. & Parkside Ave.
www.fairmountpark.org
You haven't experienced Philly completely if you've never been to Fairmount Park. Stretching across 9,200 acres, Fairmount Park is nearly eleven times the size of Central Park. Take that New York! The phrase "there's something for everyone" must have been coined to describe this urban paradise. Bike the 215 miles of recreational trails, try your hand at horseback riding or play on its disc golf course. Fair mountain, indeed!
Franklin Square
Sixth & Race Sts.
www.onceuponanation.com
Thinking of taking a trip to Camden anytime soon? If so, you should stop by Franklin Square on the way. Directly in front of the bridge to Danger City, Franklin Square is a great place to have a picnic. Enjoy your PB&J, then test out the merry-go-round and futuristic playground (you gotta see it to believe it). And don't forget to try out the Square's putt-putt golf course which showcases pint-sized Philly landmarks. Foooore!
Starr Garden Park
Sixth & Lombard Sts.
If you're looking for a quiet place to play some soccer, look no further than Starr Garden Park. Located in the Queen Village neighborhood, Starr Garden Park has a large open field, basketball courts and two playgrounds to keep the kid in you busy. There are plenty of historical landmarks around the park, so if you get tired of playing, take a walkabout!
Seger Park
11th & Lombard Sts.
Just a hop, skip and a jump from the lovely Antique Row, Seger Park is a quaint neighborhood park with lots to offer. Show off your tennis or basketball skills on the park's courts, check out the sweet playground or play with your favorite drooling friend in the dog park. You'll have peace and quiet while you frolic and a great view of some charming row houses across the street. However, we must warn you: feeding the pigeons is strictly forbidden.
