6 things to do in Philly parks

We’ve made the Daylight Savings Time switch, which means spring is officially in the forecast. As the last of the snow melts, neighborhood parks are taking advantage of everyone’s itch to get outside with a lineup of March events.

Here are six things to do in a park this month.

1. Get crafty at Sister Cities Park
Bring the kids to the Logan Square Cafe in Sister Cities Park for Crafternoon, with nature-inspired stories and art projects hosted by Parks & Recreation. It’s for all ages and free.
Tuesdays, 2:30 to 3 p.m., 18th St. and the Ben Franklin Pkwy.

​2. Exercise at Dilworth Park
Take your workout outside with this weekly bootcamp run by a series of trainers. Next up on March 17 is City Fit Girls, who keep you moving with a combo of cardio, high intensity interval training and body weight training. It’s free.
Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m., the west side of City Hall

3. Dance it out at Dilworth Park
If you didn’t sweat enough during bootcamp, come back March 19 for a free Zumba session hosted by Optimal Sport Health Clubs.
Thursdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

4. Bring out your inner artist at Bartram’s Garden
Grab a sketchpad and head to the country’s oldest botanical garden for the Sketching in the Field workshop. And don’t worry if you haven’t drawn since grade school — beginners are welcome. Artists Heather Rinehart and Alina Josan lead the class.
March 22, 1 to 3 p.m., Lindbergh Blvd. and S. 54th St., $18, RSVP at rdensketching.bpt.me

5. Buy fresh and local at Filter Square
Unlike most farmers markets, the weekly one at Fitler Square is open year-round. It’s run by the Food Trust, a nonprofit whose goal is to make sure everyone can get affordable, healthy food — the same folks who bring us the Night Market food truck extravaganzas. Pick up fresh produce from the Highland Orchards stall and then get your eggs and grass-fed beef from B & L Grassland Farms.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 23rd and Pine streets

6. Run in Fairmount Park
Follow a six-mile trail in West Fairmount Park, though the Belmont Plateau and Chamounix trails. The run is led by Fix Your Run or West Philly Runners, depending on the date.
March 14, March 22 and March 28, 9 to 11:30 a.m., Free for Fairmount Park Conservancy members, $10 for non-members, meet at the car barn parking lot on Montgomery Drive, www.fairmountpark.ticketleap.com

Lunchtime

Did you know that mini-park you walk by on 17th and Chestnut, tucked away behind an ornate, sculptured gate, is open to the public? Take your lunch and heard over to John F. Collins Park for a green respite during the workday. It closes at 5 p.m.