In the summertime, Sister Cities Park is our little Parkway paradise thanks to its wonderful splash pad and the expansive Children’s Discovery Garden boat pond. But it’s about to get even better, with a summer’s worth of free programming for families beginning in June.

 

The park partners with local institutions like the library and museums to bring Parkway Pals STEAM lessons and activities on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings from June 3—August 21. Meanwhile, the whole family will appreciate free Thursday night outdoor concerts! And that’s besides the always-present splashing sites, Free Library book cart, and on-site café. Here’s what the park has planned for this summer.

Story Art

Mondays,10:30–11:30 am

 

The Free Library of Philadelphia will lead a weekly storytime, followed by nature-themed crafts with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. If you want more reading, stop by the Free Library’s book cart, located near the boat pond across from stroller parking, and settle in for your own private storytime!

Art in the Park

Mondays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm

 

The Philadelphia Museum of Art will lead a collage activity based on their summer family festival, Art Splash.

Woven Together

Tuesdays, 10:30–11:30 am

 

The Fabric Workshop & Museum will bring their current exhibit–“Sonya Clark: Monumental Cloth, the Flag We Should Know”– to life.  The exhibit will be the inspiration for engaging textile, craft, and hands-on activities.

Nature in the Park

Tuesdays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm

 

The Academy of Natural Sciences will bring fun games and experiments that involve creatures and crawlers!

Grow Up Green

Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 am

 

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will lead activities for kids age 3 and up that encourage a connection to nature and outdoor play.

Young Science Hour

Wednesdays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm

 

The Franklin Institute will bring unique science experiments, demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed to teach kids about space, robotics, and more.

Live at Sister Cities Park

Thursdays, 5–8 pm

 

Live at Sister Cities Park brings local singer-songwriters together for a season-long party on the Parkway! A variety of snacks will be available for purchase at Sister Cities Café, including beer and wine. Kids are free to frolic in the Children’s Discovery Garden and Boat Pond, which will stay open late. See our Outdoor Summer Concert guide for the full lineup of this and other series!

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Sister Cities Park is located at 210 N. 18th St. on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway. All events are free and weather permitting.

 

 

Photographs by Laura Swartz.