With Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Philly’s top museums all just minutes away, Brewerytown offers a quality of city life for families that’s tough to beat. Whether you’re from the city or looking to move to Philly, let’s explore what makes Brewerytown an ideal spot for families.

Where is Brewerytown?

Tucked along the banks of the Schuylkill River and just north of the iconic Art Museum of Philadelphia, you’ll find Brewerytown. This is one of Philadelphia’s fastest, up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Named for the many breweries that populated the area in the 1800s, Brewerytown now gets accolades for its unbeatable location. Residents enjoy proximity to museums, parks, local restaurants, and, of course, Center City.

Living Here

Brewerytown has become a hotspot for families looking for the convenience of living close to so many of the city’s attractions without paying Fairmount or Center City prices. The neighborhood has experienced significant recent development, and steadily growing home values range from $200,000–$400,000. 

The area is defined by its main street, Girard Avenue, and the Schuylkill River to the west. It features a mix of classic Philadelphia rowhomes and new constructions, with stunning community gardens and murals throughout. 

It offers convenient daycare options in Kiddorable Kidz and the Innovative Learning Center of Philadelphia, as well as nearby preschool and daycare options in Fairmount and Francisville. Several public schools serve the area, as well as community and recreation centers offering after-school programs and sports.

Parks & Outdoor Activities

Few Philadelphia neighborhoods offer this much green space. Brewerytown borders some of Philly’s best parks and trails. Fresh air and family fun are never more than a short walk away.

Fairmount Park

4231 Avenue of the Republic

If outdoor recreation is a top priority for your family, Brewerytown goes above and beyond. The neighborhood is located at the edge of Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park systems in the country. 

Fairmount Park offers thousands of miles of trails, as well as many activities and programs for kids and adults. For families looking for outdoor activities, Fairmount Park is also home to Sedgley Woods Disc Golf Course, Strawberry Green Driving Range, and tons of tennis courts, ball fields, and playgrounds. 

Lemon Hill Park

Sedgley Drive & Lemon Hill Drive

Situated in East Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill Park is the perfect place to take the kids. Perched just above Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River, the park has tons of picnic space, a playground, a basketball court, ball fields, and plenty of open space to run around. Plus, its views of the city skyline and the Philadelphia Museum of Art can’t be beat!

Schuylkill River Trail

Access Point: Kelly Drive & Waterworks Drive

The Schuylkill River Trail runs directly along the edge of the Brewerytown neighborhood. This paved trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, with plenty of areas for picnics or activities. The trail is particularly busy in the summer, with outdoor events for parents including beer garden pop-ups, outdoor yoga, and fitness classes.

Smith Memorial Playground

3500 Reservoir Drive

Located in East Fairmount Park, Smith Memorial Playground sits on 6.5 acres of natural beauty. The Smith Playhouse features an indoor playground, “Playbrary,” and “play-stallations.” The outdoor playground has over 50 pieces of unique play equipment for kids, as well as its “Nature Explore” outdoor play area.  

Museums and Family Fun

Brewerytown’s location is ideal for families looking to enrich their kids’ childhoods with art, culture, and play. 

The Philadelphia Museum of Art 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Known locally as the “Art Museum,” this iconic institution is minutes away from Brewerytown by foot, car, or bus. Beyond just the iconic Rocky Steps and statue, the Art Museum is home to world-class art collections and rotating exhibitions. 

Free public programs for kids, as well as special family days, make visiting even more accessible. Admission to the museum is $30 for adults and free for children 18 and under. The museum also offers annual memberships (which include unlimited admission) for $95.

Rodin Museum

2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Just down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the PMA is the Rodin Museum. This museum features one of the most notable collections of work by Augustus Rodin, for whom the institution is named. Admission to The Rodin Museum is free with a ticket to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or a suggested admission of $15 for adults.

Barnes Foundation

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Next to the Rodin Museum, you’ll find the Barnes Foundation, known for its impressionist and post-impressionist collections. The museum is home to notable works from Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh, and more. The Barnes Foundation charges $30 admission for adults, $5 for youths 13-18, and free admission for children under 12.

The Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Ave.

Just down Girard Avenue is The Philadelphia Zoo. In addition to the zoo’s many animal experiences and exhibits, kids can enjoy its iconic “Pherris Wheel,” train rides, Amazon Rainforest Carousel, and even hedgehog meet and greets and camel rides. 

The Zoo also regularly hosts events during the summer for the whole family. Zoo admission is $16 for adults when purchased online, with attractions at an additional cost. 

Please Touch Museum

4231 Avenue of the Republic

Located just across the Schuylkill, the Please Touch Museum’s immersive, hands-on exhibits are made for younger children. The Museum makes for the ideal interactive day out or rainy-day activity. General admission tickets for both adults and children are $24, with certain events at an additional cost. The museum also offers annual family membership options for frequent visitors.

Franklin Institute 

222 N. 20th Street

The Franklin Institute offers a variety of scientific exhibitions and experiences for families. The museum combines scientific education with engaging, fun experiences and activities for kids. General admission for adults is $29, and admission for kids is $23. The Institute offers single and family memberships for frequent visitors.

Academy of Natural Sciences 

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Just down the parkway from the Franklin Institute is the Academy of Natural Sciences. This museum provides interactive exhibits and weekend events to connect families with the natural world. Admission for adults (13+ years old) is $22, with admission for children ages 2-12 at $18 and children under 2 years old free.  

Shopping in Brewerytown

Brewerytown’s retail scene is small but growing. Along Girard Avenue, more and more small businesses have taken note of the area’s growth and are putting down roots.

Retro Rewind Vintage

2804 W. Girard Avenue

A great stop for those looking for vintage clothing finds or unique gifts.

Lather Hair Studio

3726 W. Girard Avenue

A perfect place to escape the kids for a bit for a great haircut and skincare guidance.

Together Skateboarding

1301 N. 27th Street

Offers skateboarding decks, components, and apparel, as well as coffee and pastries for peckish parents.

Where to Eat in Brewerytown

Brewerytown has a booming food scene with distinctive neighborhood restaurants, cafés, and bakeries worth visiting.

All Day Hoagies/I Scream for Ice Cream

2809 W. Girard Avenue

Combines family favorites of hoagies and ice cream for a quick lunch stop.

Baby’s Kusina & Market

2816 W. Girard Avenue

A new addition to the neighborhood, spot has quickly become a hotspot for brunch, dinner, or just a quick coffee and pastry.

Brewerytown Bakery & Bagels

2949 W. Girard Avenue

With all-vegan bagels, buns, and other treats, Brewerytown Bakery & Bagels has quickly become a neighborhood staple.

Butter’s Soul Food

2730 W. Girard Avenue

Get amazing soul-food to-got from Butter’s, a neighborhood staple.

Green Eggs Cafe

2800 W. Girard Avenue

A brunch favorite, with multiple locations across the city, offering plenty of space for families with kids.

iMunch Cafe

1233 N. 31st Street

Enjoy delicious sandwiches, smoothies, coffee, and more.

Le Cat Cafe

2713 W. Girard Avenue

If you want to switch things up while enjoying the company of some furry friends, Le Cat Cafe is your place.

Lucky Goat Coffeehouse

888 N. 26th Street

A neighborhood staple known for its delicious coffee, tea, and sandwiches.

Nine Thai Kitchen

2829 W. Girard Avenue

Offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious Thai cuisine. 

Rival Bros. Coffee Roasters

3145 W. Jefferson Street

The Brewerytown location of one of the city’s favorite coffee.

Spot Gourmet

2821 W. Girard Avenue

Known city-wide as a burger hotspot, Spot Gourmet serves up delicious handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Seasonal Events

The neighborhood hosts several seasonal events throughout the year for people of all ages. In December, the Brewerytown Night Market celebrates the holiday season with local vendors, live music, seasonal treats, drinks, and more. 

In the summer, the Brewerytown Sidewalk Social brings the community together with live music, local vendors, and delicious food up and down Girard. 

Another summertime staple, Girard Street Fest shuts down the avenue for a day of live music, local food, shopping, and family fun. 

In addition to Brewerytown’s local events, nearby Fairmount Park and Lemon Hill Park host community events throughout the year. 

Getting To Brewerytown

Brewerytown is very well-connected to the city and surrounding suburbs. The neighborhood is easily accessible from I-76 via the Spring Garden exit. 

The area is serviced by multiple SEPTA bus routes, most notably the 48 bus, taking riders into Center City and regional rail stations. The 49 bus also connects Brewerytown to parts of South Philadelphia as well as University City. 

The Girard trolley (or 15 bus) connects Brewerytown to Francisville, Fishtown, and Port Richmond, as well as West Philadelphia. 

Raising Kids in Brewerytown: Big City Perks Without the Big City Price

Brewerytown lets families find community while having access to world-class cultural institutions, green space, and the conveniences of city living without the high price tag. From afternoon playtime at Lemon Hill Park to a day visiting an iconic museum, Brewerytown is perfect for families looking to enjoy everything Philly has to offer without sacrificing affordability.

All photos courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.