Franklin Square Park: There’s plenty of family fun here this season

There is always a reason to head to Franklin Square, especially for families this fall season.

Throughout September, October and November, this picturesque and historic area of the city will be hosting a variety of events for all ages, on top of their core offerings, which span a mini golf course, playgrounds, a carousel, food and drink options, plus, the Rendell Family Fountain, one of the country’s oldest public fountains featuring a daytime and nighttime water and light show.

Recently, Franklin Square has also been awarded one of the Five Coolest Playgrounds in the United States by Yahoo! and declared Best of Style by ‘Philadelphia Style’ for “Philly’s Best Photo Op” and “Family Bonding.” In addition, as a release notes, Franklin Square was named by the Philadelphia Area Concierge Association as the “Best Family-Friendly Venue”, plus, the Travel Channel also declared its Philly Mini Golf as one of the 13 best mini golf courses in the country.

The venue will be hosting a few different activities over the course of the next three months with a family focus as well, including a Parenting Skills Class on Sept. 12 and 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. While there, Kaila Dickstein, Psy.D. from TAFT Psychological Services, will discuss topics and tools for new parents from baby development through the early years.

Storytime in the Square is another family favorite (Sept. 18, at 11 a.m.), where Ms. Chen from the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will be on site with free storytime and crafts in the Pavilion. Kids can also spend time with their loved ones through Grandparents Day (Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) where carousel tickets are buy one get one free, and during Play Day (Sept. 14 and 28, from noon to 2 p.m.) which will be filled with free crafts and games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo.

Some other family fun happening at the Square this fall includes the transformation of the mini golf course into Spooky Mini Golf (Oct. 1 to 31) which runs for $15 for adults and $12 for children, and a pumpkin patch onsite on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This particular activity is free for children 10 and under.

Franklin Square will also host a Trick-or-Treat Street and the Bark-or-Treat Trail during the month of October. With the former, (Oct. 26, from noon to 2 p.m.), children (free for those under the age of 10) can follow the Trick-or-Treat Street and receive treats at houses along the way. The day will also feature free games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and more. Getting tickets in advance is recommended.

Then with the latter (Oct. 27, from noon to 2 p.m.), dogs are encouraged to dress in costume, follow a trail of treats, and collect helpful information for their owners. The day will also feature music, photo opportunities, and a place to play and run in the Square.

The fall activities will run into winter activities in Franklin Square Park, which features its own set of fun, but the return of the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO is the highlight for most families at the venue.

But for now, guests visiting the park day or night can enjoy the free choreographed “performances” that showcase the historic infrastructure of the fountain. As a release finishes, each performance is a selection of one of eight songs: “Levitating” by Dua Lipa; “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti, (aka the theme from ‘Rocky’); “Beautiful Day” by U2; “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong; “Motown Philly” by Boyz II Men; “Firework” by Katy Perry, “Under the Sea” by Howard Ashman from ‘The Little Mermaid’ and “Fun, Fun, Fun” by the Beach Boys. 

For more information on family activities at Franklin Square Park (200 N 6th St.,) this fall, visit historicphiladelphia.org