Smith Playhouse and Playground

We love Smith Playhouse and Playground ("the kids' play place in the park")! Right in Fairmount Park, Smith was created over 100 years ago to provide a safe and FREE place for inner-city kids to have fun. It includes 24,000 square foot playhouse full of old-school toys (play kitchen, large wooden train, numerous ride-on toys -- on three levels!) and a gorgeous outdoor playground complete with a BRAND NEW tot lot for the toddlers!! Only children under 5 may go in the Playhouse, while the Playground is for children under 10. Of course, kids love the 13 foot-wide wooden slide!

The first Wednesday of the month is story hour at 10:30. Crafts are the third Friday of the month at 10:30. We haven't been to either yet.

The parking lot is big and free.

What a great place for kids, rain or shine!

Franklin Square

Franklin Square just opened for the season and we went the other day to spend a fun-filled morning. The park is so nice and includes a beautiful fountain in the middle, a gorgeous playground with a special tot lot, a carousel ($3, children under 2 are free but must ride with an adult), and an adorable Philly-themed mini-golf course. We had Jeremy's first birthday at Franklin Square last May. SquareBurger, Steven Starr's snack shop, has been around since last summer and offers many treats (burgers, hot dogs, salads, fries, milkshakes) and makes for a fun picnic!! The Square has many events through out the season (Easter Egg Hunt, Mother's and Father's Day Activities, and events for Labor Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve). Check it out!!