Philadelphia is known for many beautiful cultural hotspots, but perhaps one of the most popular and flocked to destinations is Historic Franklin Square. The park has always provided an oasis of sorts for the city and is filled with a slew of family-friendly attractions, food and drinks, while also being home to some of the most highly anticipated city events including the annual Chinese Lantern Festival. This year has obviously hit many organizations hard, and Franklin Square, as popular as it may be, is no exception. Between Franklin Square and other entities run by Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit lost $1.5 million in revenue and city funding this year, but still, the historic landmark park has decided to venture forward and offer a summer series that will help raise everyone’s spirits despite the current climate of the world.
Franklin Square recently announced its Summer Splash series that will hold events from now until September, and there will be an event for anyone of any age to enjoy all while surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Philadelphians can bring the whole family out to check out the Franklin Square Fountain Show through its new expanded schedule (every 30 minutes from noon to 9 pm daily), the prolonged circuit of shows will run until labor day, and after the fact will then run on its normal schedule (daily daytime performances every 30 minutes from 12 – 2 pm and evening performances beginning at 6 pm and running every 30 minutes until closing.) The show also comes with the background music of a few rotating quintessential Philly favorites and uplifting beats including “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, the Theme from “Rocky”, “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men and more.
The fountain might be the centerpiece of all of the fun that Franklin Square has to offer, but there are also plenty of other offerings both old, new, exciting and even healthy to check out while stopping by.
Beginning this week, August 18th, Yoga in the Square will be offered for all to participate in, no matter what level your abilities may be. The classes come from Vinyasa yoga and will take place (weather permitting) every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 am, Wednesdays at 6 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. As an extra special bonus as well, Thursdays classes are free, but registration is still required for all. For those who are looking to maybe practice at home however, Vinyasa is also offering a full online schedule as well as an online library of classes. There are a few other healthy activities taking place at Franklin Square that happen to also be brand new, including the Silly Square Stroll, which allows visitors to get up and moving by following signage throughout the park— all which suggests different activities.
Health-wise the Park has plenty of options, but that doesn’t mean that things can’t get a bit more spirited too. At the Oasis Cocktail Garden featuring The Franklin Bus, those who head to the square can sit back and enjoy a slew of new cocktail creations including the Liberty Lemonade ($11 made with blueberries, vodka and lemonade), the Rocky Rita Strawberry Margarita ($11 made with strawberry purée, triple sec, tequila, and margarita mix), a few frozen cocktails such as Frosé and a Piña Colada, plus White Claws, beers and a few soft drinks as well.
Each week will also end with a fun learning experience for kids. According to the release, The African American Museum in Philadelphia is partnering with Franklin Square and Keepers of the Culture to offer Griot Tale Fridays. A Griot is an African oral historian that passes on their culture through the practice of storytelling, and this particular event is perfect for children ages 5 – 12. The event will run every Friday at 11 am through August 28th.
Franklin Square is also still offering a few of its popular ongoing attractions as well, such as Philly Mini Golf (which will turn to Spooky Mini Golf come fall), the Parx Liberty Carousel, its playgrounds and Squareburger which features an all-new menu with offerings including an assortment of burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes (such as their original TastyKake Butterscotch Milkshake) and a lite menu featuring a panini and strawberry smoothie.
The Square, of course, will also be implementing plenty of safety features including hand sanitizing stations, contactless entrance, capped capacity, mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing signs.
At this time, Franklin Square Park’s hours run daily from 10 am to 9 pm. To learn more information visit historicphiladelphia.org
