Happy spring! Franklin Square is back from its brief winter’s nap, with lots of family fun and events in store for the warm months ahead. Franklin Square’s 2021 spring season kicks off Friday, March 19, and will be open daily from 10 am – 10 pm. This will also mark the date SquareBurger re-opens for the season, Cake Shakes and all.

You already know Franklin Square for its Philly-themed mini golf, beautiful Parx Liberty carousel, and fantastic playground, but they’ve got even more planned this year. Here’s what you can look forward to as the days get longer and your kids’ school year wanes.

Spring into Philly Mini Golf

March 19 – April 18 (special lights and music from 8-10 pm daily)

Franklin Square’s Philly Mini Golf gets a spring-themed makeover with oversized tulips and other special decor. From 8 pm to close every night, enjoy a special version of Spring Mini Golf complete with lights and music.

Note: the nighttime version has a higher ticket cost ($15 for adults and $12 for kids), and reservations are highly recommended. During the day, tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids. Mini golf is free for kids under 2.

Franklin Square Fountain Show

Returns mid-April; daily performances every 30 minutes from noon through closing

Every 30 minutes starting at noon, enjoy free fountain performances, with jets choreographed to the music. And of course, musical selections include “Motown Philly” and the Rocky theme, along with some other pop classics. At night, synchronized colored illuminations add to the spectacle.

Easter at Franklin Square

April 3, 11 am — 1 pm

The Hop-A-Long Trail puts a socially distanced, investigative twist on a traditional Easter egg hunt. Kids age 10 and under will bring their own baskets, and start at the Great Lawn where they will get a map to guide them to their Easter eggs. Capacity is limited and tickets are timed in order to have fun safely. Tickets are not available at the park, so be sure to buy them in advance.

Griot Tale Storytelling

April 10 and 24, 1 pm

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is partnering with Franklin Square for special outdoor storytimes to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and Earth Day. Told by a Griot (an African oral historian), these free and engaging storytimes are  perfect for children ages 5-12 and their favorite adults, as well the young at heart. The storytime on April 24 will have an Earth Day theme.

Hand sanitizing stations remain throughout the Square, as well as friendly social distancing reminders. All Franklin Square staff will have daily health screenings and will be required to wear masks and use gloves or regularly sanitize hands on site. In accordance with city protocol, guests must wear masks and use hand sanitizer while enjoying the park’s green space and playgrounds. Guests will be required to wear masks while riding the Parx Liberty Carousel and playing Philly Mini Golf as well.

Stay posted for more announcements and events as they happen. We can’t wait for all the fun — and for the springtime weather to finally arrive!

Franklin Square is at 200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia.

Photographs courtesy of Historic Philadelphia.