Itching for some unique summer fun? Philly parks have a way to scratch that need.
Family Field Day
Later this month in East Fairmount Park, a jam-packed Family Field Day will be in full swing at Mander Recreation Center (2140 N. 33rd St.) The free-to-attend affair is set for July 26 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and will feature all-ages youth sports (think soccer, baseball, football, and basketball), plus, music, prizes, free face-painting, craft activities with Smith Memorial’s Pop-up Playhouse, pay-as-you-go food trucks and more. Advance registration (available online) is recommended for receiving pre-event details.
Periodically, Fairmount Park Conservancy works with different partners, including Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, to organize youth sports days that “offer something for everyone,” at no cost to families. This year, the Conservancy has expanded its 2025 schedule to include three field days in three different parks, a release notes. This is the Conservancy’s first-ever Family Field Day in East Fairmount Park and the only one set for the summer.
Franklin Square Park birthday party
That same day, Franklin Square Park (200 N 6th St.) will also be hosting a celebration in honor of the Square’s 19th birthday (the space was created by William Penn in 1682 before HPI renovated it in 2006.) Beginning at 10 a.m. on July 26, the space will be filled with free fun, including complimentary rides on the carousel (for the first 100 guests), birthday crafts, the Chinese Lantern Festival scavenger hunt, plus, music, games, giant bubbles, and “fitness fun” with YoYo.
At 11 a.m., locals can head to the Park’s benches to catch segments of Once Upon A Nation Storytelling (on site until 4 p.m.) The program brings history to life with stories about real people and events that occurred in Philadelphia’s historic district and in Valley Forge. Professional storytellers share these stories, covering a variety of topics that often connect past experiences with contemporary events and interests.
At 11:15 a.m., Benjamin Franklin will be in attendance for the official Happy Birthday moment, and will come supplied with treats for guests. While there, locals can also check out Franklin Square’s most popular landmark, the historic Rendell Family Fountain, the Philly-themed mini golf course, or head to Squareburger for some American comfort food. This day also serves a great opportunity to check out the 2025 Chinese Lantern Festival during the day, which will be on site until Aug.31.
Those who can’t make it out to the two events this summer have plenty of other opportunities to enjoy some local, sunny season fun.
Wellness Wednesdays
For those looking to get healthy, Wellness Wednesdays will be in full swing in West Fairmount Park on select dates through August. While there, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Coach Shay of Inner Sanctuary Wellness will be hosting a meditative and reflective program the last week of each month (July 30 and Aug. 27) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The Second Saturday of each month will also feature free guided hikes, some of which will hold themes like a Tree Tour (July 12) and a Summer Hike and Meditation (Aug. 9) from 10 a.m. to noon.
Bailar en FDR is another unique way to spend time in Philly Parks, and these Salsa dance classes take place at the historic FDR Park Boathouse. The all-levels dance lesson happens from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., and is followed by a social dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. hosted by DJ Val Flores and Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa (free, July 18 and Aug. 22.)
Free outdoor movie series
There’s also a continuously run, free outdoor movie series, organized by Philadelphia’s Park Friends Groups. Locals can bring a blanket and some snacks around the city (the location changes to spots like Hissey Playground, Vernon Park and Fotterall Square) and enjoy a variety of films. Upcoming showings include ‘Moana 2’ (July 17 and 26), ‘Paddington’ (Aug. 9), ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (Aug. 28) and more. A full schedule can be found online.
To find a full list of fun happening in Franklin Square and Philly Parks, visit historicphiladelphia.org and myphillypark.org
