For parents raising their kids in the city, knowing the best playgrounds in Greater Philadelphia is essential intel. Even amid Center City’s many historical, cultural, and dining attractions, families can find places for running around. Let the kids blow off some steam at one of these Center City playgrounds in Philadelphia.

Where Are the Best Playgrounds in Center City?

Whether someone is a local in the city or visiting from out of town, Center City Philly playgrounds offer a welcome respite for every family. Anyone moving to Philly should visit these playgrounds to experience the character and energy of these wonderful downtown neighborhoods. With water features and extensive play equipment, these playgrounds are attractions in their own right.  

Seger Park Playground

1020 Lombard Street, Philadelphia

Families enjoy water playtime in the summer and frolic on the playground throughout the year at Seger Park. Surrounded by trees and full of great play equipment, Seger Park Playground is a destination playground in Washington Square West.

Inside the fenced park, little ones explore the tot lot while older kids hit the bigger swings, slides, and climbers. Grassy areas and benches provide seating and picnic areas. The Seger Park Advisory Council, a group of parent and neighborhood volunteers, facilitates ongoing improvements and community events. 

Seger Park Playground Accessibility: 

• Artificial turf surface beneath playground equipment
• Recreation building with restrooms and a water fountain 

Sister Cities Park

210 N. 18th Street, Philadelphia

Sister Cities Park offers a scenic spot to play, eat, and relax within Philly’s arts and culture district. This small patch of green space, located on the east side of Logan Square, offers numerous reasons to visit. It’s one of the great Center City playgrounds.

On hot days in Philly with kids, get a sprinkle (or a soaking) in an array of geyser-like water spouts. Kids love the Children’s Discovery Garden with its winding pathways, play net and platform, stream dam, and wading pool. Visit the cafe for a bite to eat and relax on the public lawn chairs, taking in the picturesque city views. 

Sister Cities Park Accessibility: 

• Designed for accessibility
• Paved pathways throughout
• Sensory-friendly twig nest 

Old City Playgrounds

As Philadelphia’s most historic area, Old City is home to Independence National Historic Park and the Betsy Ross House. Within this very walkable district, families soak up history and get a taste of colonial Philadelphia. Expect some hustle and bustle at the Center City playgrounds, especially on the weekends. Old City draws millions of visitors each year.

Franklin Square

200 N. 6th Street , Philadelphia   

One of the original city squares in William Penn’s 1682 plan for Philadelphia, Franklin Square is an enduring green space. Now a family-friendly hub for recreation, this Historic Philadelphia park and playground attracts locals and visitors alike. 

Although surrounded by busy roadways, Franklin Square has a different feel from some of the other Center City playgrounds. It is an old-timey park oasis. The grand old water fountain, built in 1838, sits at the center of the square. Kids light up when they see the carousel, miniature golf course, and expansive playground. Grab a bite and a sweet treat from SquareBurger and enjoy a fun-filled couple of hours here. The carousel and mini golf course require a ticket purchase.  

Franklin Square Accessibility: 

• Rubberized surface
• Some accessible play equipment

Rittenhouse Square-Area Playgrounds

Situated in the heart of Philadelphia’s premier shopping district, Rittenhouse Square exudes classic urban park elegance. Take a walk around this leafy neighborhood to appreciate Victorian and brownstone homes, and a sprinkling of restaurants and cafés. 

Markward Playground

400 S. LeCount Street, Philadelphia

The village-like Fitler Square neighborhood enjoys close proximity to Rittenhouse Square and Schuylkill River Park. Stroll the tree-lined streets with impeccable 19th-century rowhouses to reach Markward Playground. Families from the neighborhood – and elsewhere – come to enjoy wooded play spaces and killer city and river views. 

Part of Schuylkill River Park, the playground features play equipment and swing sets for both toddlers and older children. Colorful slides range from beginner options to lofty spiral slides that delight more adventurous kids. A tall sprayer with sculptural faces and ground-level water jets cool off kids (and parents) on hot summer days. A public pool, tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, and a recreation center round out the amenities.

Markward Playground Accessibility: 

• Accessible pathways
• Adaptive swings 
• Rubberized safety surface
• Some wheelchair accessibility

Society Hill

With a short walk from Independence Hall, find some of Philly’s oldest homes in the historic Society Hill neighborhood. Explore nearby Head House Square along cobblestone streets or head down to Penn’s Landing Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Three Bears Park

319 Delancey Street, Philadelphia

After exploring historic Philly, let the kids loose in Three Bears Park. This charming little green space and playground gets its name from a small statue of three bears inside the park. 

Partly enclosed by hedges and colonial-era brick residences, the park reflects the charming character of the neighborhood, which is unique among Center City playgrounds. The small playground features swings, climbing structures, and slides. 

Three Bears Park Accessibility:

• Relatively accessible, though there’s no specialized equipment
• A rubberized area under play equipment

South Street Playgrounds

Funky South Street has long been a destination for shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s bordered by Head House Square. It’s an area known for excellent Philly farmers’ markets, frequent festivals, and plenty to do. 

Starr Garden

600-644 Lombard Street, Philadelphia

Spanning almost an entire city block, Starr Garden offers the neighborhood recreation, green space, and a community hub. Lots of trees make a pleasant shade. Volunteers maintain garden areas. 

Inside the playground, kids choose from multiple climbing structures, slides, and swings, just like the rest of the Center City playgrounds. But in the summer, a sprinkler gives city kids a place to cool off. Older kids and adults shoot hoops on the basketball courts. A large lawn area offers space for picnics and community movie nights. 

Starr Garden Accessibility: 

• Some rubberized areas
• Recreation building with restrooms and a water fountain 

Where to Play in Center City, Philadelphia

Visit these Center City playgrounds for a family-friendly activity in historic Philadelphia. Toddler-friendly tot lots, thrilling play structures for bigger kids, and cooling water features make these worth the trip. There’s always a Philadelphia event with kids. Let these playgrounds be the start of the Philly adventure.

Lead photo courtesy of Starr Garden Neighbors and Friends