The Best Parks in Philadelphia

This massive riverside park unfurls over 2,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows and waterfront, threaded with miles of trails and dotted with historic mansions and public sculpture. It also serves as home base for beloved attractions like the Philadelphia Zoo, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center and the Please Touch Museum.

A wooded ravine carved by Wissahickon Creek offers more than 50 miles of rugged paths for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding just minutes from the city. Its centerpiece is Forbidden Drive, a flat five-mile gravel route that traces the creek past the historic Valley Green Inn and Philadelphia's last covered bridge.

From spring through fall, this pop-up waterfront destination transforms Penn's Landing into a festive oasis of tree-slung hammocks, string lights and floating barge lounges over the Delaware River. Visitors graze on food from local vendors and sip craft beer along the boardwalk while lawn games and colorful nets keep the vibe playful.

One of William Penn's five original squares, this leafy Center City park is a genteel gathering place with tree-lined walkways, sculptures, a reflecting pool and a central fountain. Year-round it draws readers, dog walkers, picnickers and artists, plus rotating farmers markets and craft fairs.

This family-friendly Old City square packs acres of green space around one of the country's oldest public fountains, along with a carousel, playgrounds and a Philly-themed mini-golf course. Seasonal daytime and evening water-and-light shows make its historic fountain a nighttime draw.

Set on 50 riverfront acres, this National Historic Landmark is America's oldest surviving botanic garden, founded by 18th-century botanist John Bartram and free to the public. Visitors wander fragrant historic gardens, a reclaimed meadow and an urban farm, or head to the public dock for fishing, boating and river views.

Jutting into the Delaware in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, this two-level pier offers tiered seating, a grassy lawn and sweeping water views. Shade trees and benches make it a favorite spot for picnics, sunsets and a breezy riverside stroll.

This popular multi-use trail runs for miles along the Schuylkill River, linking Center City to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount Park and Kelly Drive with a standout over-water boardwalk section. Open year-round, it's a go-to for walking, jogging and cycling, with summer movie nights, kayak tours and scenic river cruises.

Another of Penn's original five squares, this tree-shaded green near Independence Hall carries layered history as a former burial ground and colonial-era gathering place. Today it's a tranquil retreat anchored by the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier and its eternal flame.

Tucked among South Philly's neighborhoods and stadiums, this park spreads across fields, trails, a lagoon and lakes that make it a bird-watcher's haven and a hub for tennis, rugby and baseball. Seasonal highlights include kayak tours, a volunteer-built skate park and the beloved Southeast Asian Market.