Create memories with the best playgrounds in greater Philly. Northwest Philly offers enticing playgrounds for kids of all abilities. Make every outing exciting with a visit to one of the fun-filled destinations below. 

Where are the Best Playgrounds in Northwest Philly?

With pocket parks and hiking trails, Philly neighborhoods have no shortage of lovely green spaces. Read all about it in the Moving to Philly guide. But where do people go for fun in Northwest Philly with kids?

Playgrounds in Chestnut Hill

Known as Philadelphia’s Garden District, Chestnut Hill features a variety of interesting independent shops, cobblestone streets, and Victorian architecture. More than an adult hot spot, it’s also a kid’s paradise. 

Jenks Playground

8301 Germantown Avenue

Locals call it Jenks Playground, but it’s officially known as The Children’s Park at Germantown and Southampton Avenues. The charming wooded area isn’t hard to find — it bumps up to Chestnut Hill’s J.S. Jenks public school. 

Jenks Playground entices toddlers and big kids with castle-themed wooden structures. Age-appropriate playground equipment in separate areas include features such as balance beams, bridges, swings, and even a sandbox.

Jenks Playground Accessibility: The Tot Lot offers wheelchair access and an adaptive swing.

Water Tower Recreation Center

209 E. Hartwell Lane

Inside or out, there’s plenty to do at the Water Tower Recreation Center. Climbing structures, swings, and slides are only the beginning. Two full-sized baseball fields, a basketball court, and pickleball or tennis courts keep kids of all ages busy and engaged. 

Don’t miss the excellent scheduled activities either. Look for the free Friday night outdoor film series, Movies under the Stars from the Chestnut Hill Community Association, during the summer months. Northwest Philly playgrounds like this can’t help but keep kids engaged.

Water Tower Recreation Center Accessibility: Enjoy a cushy, rubberized surface in some areas of the playground.

Playgrounds in Manayunk

Hip and trendy, Manayunk offers cool restaurants and shops along its hilly streets. Marvel at the architecture and tromp on the nearby trail. Wondering what to do with kids in Manayunk? Start here. 

Wissahickon Neighbors Park

Hermit Street and Terrace Street

Settle in on the benches and watch the kids enjoy the splash pad. This fenced playground has swings and slides. Due to its size, of all the Northwest Philly playgrounds, this one may be best suited for a younger crowd.

Anyone will enjoy the basketball court. Find a bench at Neighbors Park and take in all that this small, yet peaceful, place provides.

Neighbors Park Accessibility: It might be difficult for wheelchairs, although the playground has a bouncy rubber surface.

Pretzel Park

4300 Silverwood Street

Why is Pretzel Park called Pretzel Park? Named “Manayunk Park” in 1929, nicknamed Pretzel Park until its official renaming in 2004, no one knows the real story. Legend holds that the nickname came from the pretzel-shaped pathways or a regular pretzel vendor. Either way, this park delivers on family fun. 

Climbing structures, swings, and slides keep kids engaged at Pretzel Park, one of the more expansive Northwest Philly playgrounds, while the dog run occupies the time of four-legged family members. Look for a farmer’s market and other events all year on the Friends of Pretzel Park website.

Pretzel Park Accessibility: Although there are some paved areas, the playground equipment may not be fully accessible.

Mt. Airy Playgrounds 

Excellent attractions abound in Mt. Airy, with Awbury Arboretum, Historic Rittenhouse Town, and Woodmere Art Museum (to name a few). Turn to the Mt. Airy neighborhood guide for more information.

Lovett Park

6945 Germantown Avenue

Modern playground equipment provides nonstop adventure at Lovett Park. Climbers and slides let kids be kids. There’s room to roam at this outdoor playground in Mt. Airy. There are unique things to do here, there, and everywhere.

As Northwest Philly playgrounds go, this one is a true community hub. Discover year-round programming, thanks to Lovett Memorial Library. Mt. Airy kids, teens, and adults participate in informational workshops or specialized programs.

Lovett Park Accessibility: The park has paved pathways and some accessible play equipment.

Allens Lane Park

601 W. Allens Lane

This urban oasis provides climbing structures, swings, and slides. Off-street parking makes it a snap to get in or out of Allens Lane Park. It’s a shaded playground, perfect for hot summer months. This kid destination is one of the many reasons why people love Mt. Airy.

Work on that tennis serve with four tennis courts in this expansive Mt. Airy playground (three include lighting). The surrounding area offers a baseball field and wooded trails for nature exploration right in Philly. 

Allens Lane Park Accessibility: Although this Mt. Airy playground area is relatively flat, not all equipment may be fully accessible.

Playgrounds in Roxborough

Roxborough’s urban-suburban feel makes it a hit with families. Founded in 1682, this borough witnessed heaps of change — and keeps on getting better. Expect a diverse mix of restaurants and shops, and then hit one of the most loved of the Northwest Philly playgrounds.

Gorgas Park

6300 Ridge Avenue

What does Gorgas Park offer? Plenty. Just ask the locals who frequent the 20-acre park on the reg. Over 250 trees provide a lovely backdrop to the classic climbing structures with slides.

Consider the Gorgas Park award-winning pollinator garden a fun little bonus (and sneaky educational opportunity). Free movie events, festivals, and concerts take this park well beyond the usual playground activities.

Gorgas Park Accessibility: The Roxborough park possesses some paved pathways and accessible play equipment.

Northwest Philly Playgrounds to Know and Love

Philly parks and green spaces provide places to play and relax no matter the season. Just don’t forget the sunblock. But when Pennsylvania weather won’t cooperate, take advantage of all the great indoor play spaces in Philly. 

Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia.