Fall is the perfect time to explore Philadelphia’s incredible parks. With cooler weather and colorful trees, there’s so much to see and do outdoors. Fairmount Park Conservancy has a packed schedule of free and family-friendly events this season.

Here’s your guide to fun activities, festivals, and ways to give back to Philly parks this fall.

---

Special Events

Family Field Day – September 20

Head to the Rugby Fields at Welsh Fountain in West Fairmount Park for a day full of fun. Try youth sports, music, prizes, free face painting, and food trucks. Registration is encouraged, and the event runs 10 AM – 2 PM. (Free)

Fiesta de los Muertos – October 25

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at FDR Park. This vibrant festival features music, dancing, art, food, and crafts. A true community celebration of Mexican culture and tradition. (Watch the Conservancy’s page for more info. This event is free.)

Love Your Park Fall Weekend – November 14–16

Volunteer with neighbors at parks across the city. Help clean, plant, and prep green spaces for winter. A great way for families to give back together. (Free.)

---

Outdoor Adventures & Activities

Community Paddle Boating – Select Dates

Explore Edgewood Lake at FDR Park on a swan-shaped paddle boat. Kid-friendly binoculars provided for spotting turtles, ducks, and herons (free).

• Fri, Sep 5 | 4 – 7:30 PM
• Sat, Nov 1 | 10 AM – 2 PM

Also try Intro to Rowing on the Schuylkill – Sep 6 (free).

Second Saturday Hikes – Monthly

Discover West Fairmount Park with free guided hikes. Each month highlights a new theme.

• Birdwatching | Sat, Sep 13 | 10 AM – 12 PM
• Tree Tour | Sat, Oct 11 | 10 AM – 12 PM

For more adventure, try the Trolley Trail Hike – Sep 28 ($10).

Park After Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing

Take a one-mile moonlit walk in East Fairmount Park and enjoy telescope viewing with an astronomer. ($15)

• Tue, Sep 2 | 7:45 – 9:45 PM
• Tue, Oct 7 | 7 – 9 PM

---

Wellness & Fitness

Wellness Wednesdays – Monthly

Join Coach Shay for meditation and movement in West Fairmount Park on the last Wednesday of the month. (Free)

• Wed, Aug 27 | 6:30 – 8 PM
• Wed, Sep 24 | 6:30 – 8 PM

Yoga in the Park – Select Sundays

Practice yoga with Tula Yoga in East Fairmount Park. Open to all ages and skill levels. (Free)

• Sun, Sep 14 | 10 – 11 AM
• Sun, Oct 12 | 10 – 11 AM
• Sun, Nov 9 | 10 – 11 AM

¡BAILAR en FDR! Salsa Classes + Social Dance

Learn salsa from expert instructors, then stay for a lively social dance at FDR Park Boathouse. (Free)

• Fri, Aug 22 | 7 – 11 PM (special location at Gateway Plaza)
• Fri, Sep 26 | 7 – 11 PM
• Fri, Oct 24 | 7 – 11 PM

---

Community Events

Events at The Yard – Strawberry Mansion

Enjoy this new outdoor space near the historic John Coltrane House. Activities include yoga and movies.

• Chair Yoga | Tue, Aug 26 | 6:30 – 7:15 PM
• Chair Yoga | Tue, Sep 9 | 6:30 – 7:15 PM
• Movie Night (“Dreamgirls”) | Fri, Sep 12 | 7 – 9 PM

Parkside & Centennial Walking Tours

Learn history and culture on a two-mile walk through West Fairmount Park.

• Sat, Sep 13 | 10 AM – 12:30 PM
• Sun, Oct 19 | 10 AM – 12:30 PM

We Walk PHL – Weekly

Join community walking groups in parks across the city. The fall season runs Sep 1 – Oct 31. (Free)

---

Volunteer Opportunities

Community Workdays

Give back to the parks through weeding, planting, and cleanup projects. It’s also a fun way to meet new people.

Upcoming dates include:

• Parkside Edge – Thu, Aug 7 | 9 AM – 12 PM
• Chamounix Drive – Tue, Aug 19 | 9 AM – 12 PM
• FDR Park – Thu, Aug 21 | 9 AM – 12 PM
• More listed on the Conservancy’s events page.

---

Support Philly Parks

Love these events? Help the Conservancy keep Philly parks thriving. Learn more and donate at fairplayphilly.org.

Want more family fun this season? Check out our full Fall Family Fun Guide.