Philadelphia is known for many beautiful cultural hotspots. Perhaps one of the most popular and flocked to destinations is still historic Franklin Square, which has always provided an oasis of sorts for the city throughout the year. In the wintertime, it might seem like the activities at square slow down — but they actually heat up.
Visitors can partake in events both day and night in Franklin Square, with evening activities beginning at 5 p.m. What’s consistent for the season is the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO featuring a new song (open until Feb. 27th) and the Chilly Philly Mini Golf.
The course, which is the only one in Center City, features 18 holes of reproductions of Philadelphia icons and landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Rocky steps and Ben Franklin Bridge. Mini golf is weather permitting and tickets range from $8-$15 depending on age. The light show on the other hand is free and occurs every 30 minutes until closing.
The park is in one of William Penn’s original five squares, and on top of mini golf and the light show, patrons can also spend time at the Parx Liberty Carousel, and SquareBurger, operated by Cooperage.
The square was named as one of the five coolest playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style 2013 by Philadelphia Style for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and in 2017 for “Family Bonding.” Just to name a few more accolades, Franklin Square was also named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as “Best Family-Friendly Venue” in 2016 and is featured in the book “100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die,” according to a release.
Franklin Square is also featuring a few different singular events including on Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for their Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Commemoration. While there, visitors can check out Once Upon A Nation Storytellers as they share short, interactive tales highlighting the contributions Black Americans made to our nation in its early days.
Ice Princess Weekend kicks off later in the month and will feature Elsa from “Frozen,” Jasmine, Elena of Avalor and Rapunzel. Ice sculptures will also be made live in the park during this weekend, which takes place Jan. 29 and 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
February brings its own version of events, including an update to the mini golf course. Starting Feb. 3rd, Philly Mini Golf with Love presented by IBEW Local 98 will showcase the season of love with special décor and music.
January hours for Franklin Square will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday from Jan. 13 to 30. SquareBurger will be open 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon – 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. February hours at Franklin Square will run from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Feb. 3 to 27; and the park will remain open Feb. 21 for Presidents’ Day.
For more information on Franklin Square Park, visit historicphiladelphia.org
