Family fun takes over Franklin Square this spring

Franklin Square is a one-stop shop for many local families, with year-round mini-golf, a carousel, a fountain show and many food and drink options in its scenic venue. But this spring, the space has also added some events that are geared towards Philadelphians of all ages.

Firstly, to celebrate Easter, this Saturday locals can head to the Square for a free Hop-A-Long Trail (11 a.m. to noon) where children can bring an Easter basket and follow the trail to collect eggs. Then, next month, the Fountain Show will officially kick off for the sunnier season in the city.

In mid-April, the 186-year-old historic Rendell Family Fountain will feature choreographed lights and fountain jets dancing alongside this year’s soundtrack, and shows will run every 30 minutes from noon to closing time once it starts. Also next month, Philadelphians can head to the outdoor venue for Earth Day activities and children’s crafts (April 20) from noon to 2 p.m.

Franklin Square spring season’s official opening day (April 27), however, will mark the start of most of the venue’s activities kicking into high gear (including SquareBurger, home of the Original Cake Shake made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets) and some new additions (like greenery around the park) will be added. On that date from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will be able to join in on free rides aboard the Parx Liberty Carousel and see the debut Fountain Show at noon.

Franklin Square will also hold some free classes this springtime. As a release notes, Parenting Skills Classes (taking place the 2nd Thursday of the month, April through September, from 10 to 11 a.m.) will feature Kaila Dickstein, Psy.D.

Dickstein will discuss topics and tools for new parents such as parenting and career, from baby development through early years, a release notes.  The space will also hold yoga classes titled Yoga in the Square every Friday (April through August) from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants are just required to bring their own mat for these Kundalini Yoga sessions.

Storytime in the Park will also return for the spring season next month (taking place every other Wednesday from April 3 to Sept. 18, 11 a.m. to noon). Ms. Chen from the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will be on-site during these designated time periods with free storytime and crafts in the Pavilion. Storytime will feature rhymes and dancing exploring different themes throughout the season ending with bubbles and fun crafts. All kids and their caregivers are welcome.

Other stand-out dates this season include Bark in the Park and National Mini Golf Day/Franklin Square Play Day. The former will take place April 28, from noon to 2 p.m. and will feature activities for four-legged friends, while the latter (May 11, from noon to 2 p.m.) will boast free crafts and games, giant bubbles, live music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo. For National Mini Golf Day, visitors can buy one ticket and get one free all day at Philly Mini Golf (also on May 11.)

For those who can’t make it to that first Franklin Square Day in May, a second date will be held on May 25, from noon to 2 p.m. as well.

On top of mini golf ($13 adults/$11 children ages 3 to 12, guests 2 years of age and younger are free) and the carousel ($4 per person, guests 2 and under are free), Franklin Square also has playgrounds with slides, swings, and spinners for families to enjoy while on its grounds.

This spring, Franklin Square will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., though hours will extend in May to 9 p.m. For more information, visit historicphiladelphia.org