Spring has sprung and the weather is starting to warm up, which means that Philly parks will be filled with different activities. In Fairmount Park specifically, the FP Conservancy has slated a plethora of events spanning volunteer days, outdoor movie screenings, workout classes and more.
As the FPC notes, one of the best ways to explore the park during the sunny season is through their variety of Guided Hikes, which explore the park’s geography, history, and natural environments (sometimes even at night.) One occasion to look out for this spring is the Trolley Trail Hike, which will take place on May 17 (free, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Locals can also join in on Second Saturday Guided Hikes (free, every second Saturday from May through November) which ranges from Hiking 101 to Birdwatching and more. Walking Tours on the other hand will kick off with the Parkside and Centennial District Walking Tour ($10, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) on April 19, and the City Nature Challenge: Guided Bird Walk (free, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) on April 27.
The Park after Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing Party series will also be underway in April. Taking place April 1 (7:45 to 9:45 p.m.), May 6 (8:15 to 10:15 p.m.) and June 3 (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.) and every first Tuesday of the month until August (times to be announced), this $15 experience helps showcase the venue and its surrounding skies in a unique way.
Yoga classes will also take place in Fairmount Park (in the fields of the East portion of the park) this spring leading into the summer. Led by Tula Yoga, the classes are free and all levels are welcome to join. Upcoming occasions include April 13, May 11 and June 8 at 10 a.m.
Keeping up with the workout theme, We Walk PHL will also be hosting a network of free walking groups, co-led by local volunteers at public parks throughout Philadelphia. The spring 2025 walking season (running May 1 through June 30), provides opportunities to join free weekly walks. The spring schedule with locations and times will be announced soon.
Fairmount Park Conservancy’s volunteer program is another way to get outside and explore different portions of the park. This spring, FPC has organized a series of volunteer days in West Fairmount Park. Project sites range from rain gardens to lakes and wooded trails, and all tools, including gloves, are provided. Upcoming volunteer days include April 10, May 27, May 29, June 3 and 10 (locations and times can be found online.)
Philadelphians can also save the date for Love Your Park Week (May 10-18.) As a release notes, in partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, over 100 Park Friends groups across the city are hosting volunteer cleanups to prepare for the busy spring and summer seasons. Volunteer registration (free) opens on Wednesday, April 2.
Locals can also opt to check out an outdoor movie series with Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Friday Flicks at the Fountain. These events are free (open to all ages) and take place at the John Welsh Fountain in front of the Please Touch Museum. Each event will have a pre-movie activity for kids, and family-friendly film titles will be announced later this spring. Early dates set for this series (so far) are Friday, May 2, and Friday, May 9.
Those who missed out on the lottery for the Broad Street Run can also train for a 10-mile race on Sunday, May 4. Bibs are still available for the occasion, which helps raise funds for Philly’s parks. Registration can be found online.
For more information on Fairmount Park Conservancy, visit myphillypark.org
