The great outdoors: Where to enjoy Philly parks this season

The springtime means that flowers begin to bloom, temps begin to rise and the sun starts to shine just a little brighter—so it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and spend time in Philly parks. Luckily for locals, each outdoor venue has its own list of offerings and experiences to indulge in over the next few months, and we’ve rounded up some of the best.

One way to see everything in the city’s green space is through walking, and Fairmount Park Conservancy has taken that notion up a notch by now offering the “We Walk PHL” program, in partnership with the Departments of Public Health and Parks & Recreation. 

This particular initiative offers group walks in different locations around Philadelphia from May 1 to June 30. Participation is free, and updates on locations/times will be available through the group’s Facebook page. This initiative was created to help promote the benefits of being out in nature, while also building bonds in the community. 

For runners out there, and for those who missed their chance at the lottery for the Broad Street Run, when you sign up for the event on May 5 through Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Charity Team (and help raise funds for Philly parks), you get a guaranteed bib for the 10-miler. More info can be found online. 

For those who are looking to slow things down, Philly parks also offer a great space to meditate and find peace. This Saturday, April 6, Eunmi Chang will be leading a hike/ sound healing meditation beginning at 9:30 a.m. The guided hike will take place on the Lemon Hill Rim Trail, followed by a peaceful sound healing meditation at Lemon Hill Mansion ($35). 

Anyone who can’t make it out this Saturday has numerous opportunities to join in on Yoga in the Park as well. Taking place at Lemon Hill Mansion, these classes will be led by a rotation of local Tula Yoga instructors ($15). Dates span April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5, 12 and 19, beginning at 10 a.m. 

Philadelphians can also enjoy the outdoors for a good cause when they volunteer. As a release notes, opportunities span individual volunteer workdays to help with removing invasive species, weeding, trash pick-up and trail maintenance, or, there will also be singular events to make a difference. 

On April 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., and April 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, locals can be a part of the West Park Community Tree Planting, taking place at the Horticulture Center parking lot off of North Horticultural Drive. Also, the FDR Park Community Planting: Arbor Day (1500 Patterson Ave.) will be in full swing on April 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Lastly — but certainly not least — another volunteering opportunity comes from Love Your Park Week. Taking place May 11 to 19, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and Park Friends Groups across the city team up to host volunteer events, encouraging residents to show love to their neighborhood parks, a release notes. Sign-up for the occasion is open now at loveyourpark.org

Philadelphians can also indulge fully in everything Philly parks have to offer through different tours. One, the West Park Bird Hike is led by experienced birder Holger Pflicke. Taking place along the Trolley Trail in West Fairmount Park, participants will learn to guide their eyes and ears while looking and listening for woodpeckers, sparrows, thrushes, warblers, and more ($15). This tour will take place Saturday, April 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Belmont Plateau Cross Country Course/ Army Road. 

Another tour gets locals moving—The Guided Bike Tour of East Fairmount Park will take place on Saturday, May 11, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., and the occasion will feature an 8-mile ride (open to all levels) highlighting the history, hidden gems, and stories of interesting places in East Fairmount Park, led by experienced bike tour guide Graham Robb. Riders begin at Lloyd Hall and 1 Boathouse Row.

This spring, families can check out the “Swing into Spring at the Anna C. Verna Playground” event at FDR Park on Saturday, April 20, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. As a release notes, locals can join Fairmount Park Conservancy and children’s music performers Two of a Kind for a free concert in the playground while enjoying a music-filled morning along with kid-friendly giveaways and free treats (while supplies last) from Dre’s Water Ice. All ages are welcome. Registration is appreciated but not required, and children must be accompanied by an adult. 

This season at FDR Park will also hold free, family-friendly pop-ups every other weekend with the theme of “Music in the Park.” Events will take place May 7 and 18, and June 4 and 15, more details can be found online. FDR Park is also the venue for ¡Vamos a Bailar. Hosted by DJ Val Flores and Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa, the all-levels dance lessons (7:30 – 8:30 p.m.) will be followed by a social dance (8:30 – 11:30 p.m.) These free events will take place April 26 and May 31. 

To find more information on what to do at Philly Parks this spring, visit myphillypark.org