Northeast Philadelphia is packed with some of the best playgrounds in Philadelphia. These are the go-to neighborhoods in Philly for family fun.

Whether it’s jumping on updated play structures, splashing around in Philly spraygrounds and splash pads, or shooting hoops on sports courts, there’s something for every kid—and parent—looking to get out and play.

Northeast Philly Playgrounds

These Northeast Philly playgrounds offer the perfect blend of adventure for kids and relaxation for the grown-ups. Did we miss a favorite playground? Chime in on the comments below.

Playgrounds in Burholme

Burholme is a unique mix of new and old architecture. Area visitors head to the Ryerss Museum and Library, a former Victorian mansion that’s now a museum with art and objects within Burholme Park.

Burholme Park Playground

401 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia

Burholme Park Playground is a 65-acre park. The playground features designated play areas for younger children (ages 2–5) and older kids (ages 5–12), each equipped with colorful climbing structures, slides, and swings. Safety is a top priority, with soft surfacing and updated equipment throughout. The fully fenced area of this northeast Philly playground offers peace of mind for parents and caregivers.

Renovated in 2017, the playground also features ADA-accessible pathways, new benches, and picnic tables to enhance comfort and accessibility. Open grassy spaces nearby allow for running, playing catch, or simply enjoying the outdoors. The surrounding Burholme Park offers additional recreational options, including ball fields and walking paths. It’s a go-to destination for active play and family fun.

Playgrounds in Bustleton

Sitting north of Rhawnhurst and Fox Chase, and south of Somerton, Bustleton is a fun mix of things to do and places to eat or drink.

Hayes Memorial Playground

9850 Roosevelt Boulevard, Philadelphia

Hayes Memorial Playground offers a variety of amenities spanning over more than 20 acres. This playground in Northeast Philadelphia is an ideal destination for families looking to spend quality time outdoors. The playground is equipped with multiple play structures, including swings, slides, and climbing areas.

In addition to the playground, the park features basketball courts, a baseball diamond, and open green spaces for picnics, sports, or casual relaxation. The well-maintained walking paths allow for leisurely strolls, and the abundance of trees provides shade on hot days. And speaking of hot days, the playground boasts a splash pad during the summer. 

Playgrounds in Fox Chase

Nice, old houses line the streets in the Fox Chase neighborhood. At just over half an hour from downtown Philly, it’s convenient, too.

Champions Park Playground 

910 Tustin Street, Philadelphia

Champions Park Playground is a spacious and accessible community park. The playground is thoughtfully divided into three distinct play areas, catering to toddlers, elementary-aged children, and older kids. Amenities include swings, slides, climbing structures, and a large grassy area. 

The park is fully fenced and open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it an easy destination for families throughout the day. ​ After enjoying the playground, grab a bite to eat at The Dining Car, a classic diner offering a variety of comfort foods. 

Fox Chase Recreation Center

7901 Ridgeway Street, Philadelphia

The Fox Chase Recreation Center unveiled an improved playground after an 18-month, $2.5 million renovation project. Enjoy this state-of-the-art playground with separate sections for younger children (2-5 years) and older kids (5-12 years), featuring swings, slides, climbing structures, a carousel, and a teeter-totter. Other improvements to the playground in Northeast Philadelphia include a new spray ground and expanded play areas.

The project also involved new tennis, hockey, and basketball courts, including vibrant U.S. Open-style tennis courts in blue and green. Additionally, a previously unused hockey court was converted into a multi-sport area for pickleball and futsal, further enhancing the center’s versatility.

Playgrounds in Holmesburg

Holmesburg was a village in Lower Dublin Township. It’s also the site of the country’s oldest stone-arch bridge.

Holmesburg Recreation Center

4500 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia

Just off I-95, Holmesburg Recreation Center offers an array of outdoor amenities that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Their expansive playground is designed with children of all ages in mind, featuring climbing structures, slides, swings, and a large, open space to run around and explore. There’s a separate area for younger children.

In addition, Holmesburg Recreation Center also boasts sports facilities that can make any trip more exciting. If your family enjoys basketball, you’ll appreciate the well-maintained courts available for a friendly game. The open field area is ideal for kicking a soccer ball around or playing catch. There’s plenty of space for a family picnic or a game of tag.

Playgrounds in Mayfair

With over 300 businesses in Mayfair, according to the Mayfair Business Improvement District, there’s plenty to do. Visit Palmyra Cove Nature Park, a 250-acre riverfront park with hiking trails.

Mayfair Recreation Center

2990 Saint Vincent Street, Philadelphia

The Mayfair Recreation Center Playground, in the Mayfair neighborhood, is a well-equipped community park designed for children of all ages. The playground in Northeast Philadelphia features modern play equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures, providing a safe and engaging environment for kids. The area is fully fenced and open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering ample opportunities for outdoor fun.

Adjacent to the playground, the Mayfair Recreation Center provides additional amenities, including basketball courts, a hockey rink, and a multipurpose room for various community programs. This well-maintained facility has a range of recreational activities for all ages and abilities.

Playgrounds in Millbrook

Millbrook, also known as Chalfont, is home to Benjamin Rush State Park, a 275-acre state park, and the Andalusia Historic House, Garden, and Arboretum, sometimes referred to as the Nicholas Biddle Estate.

Corporal Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Playground

1400 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia

Previously known as Chalfont Playground, the Corporal Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Playground is situated in the Millbrook neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, specifically at 4330-40 Deerpath Lane. This community park honors the legacy of a SWAT officer who lost his life in the line of duty in 2020. Formerly known as Chalfont Playground, the site underwent a significant transformation, reopening in late 2023 with $336,000 in renovations. The upgrades include a new basketball court, fencing, paving, a mural, and signage commemorating O’Connor’s service.​

Families visiting the playground can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a modern play area, a sprayground for cooling off, and a basketball court. The adjacent recreation building houses a gym and multipurpose rooms, offering additional recreational opportunities. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing a safe and engaging environment for children and families in the Millbrook area.

Playgrounds in Oxford Circle

Known for the traffic circle at Roosevelt Boulevard and Oxford Avenue, Oxford Circle, Pennsylvania, is a friendly Philly neighborhood. Visit Otherworld Philadelphia, a 40,000 square-foot attraction, for an extra dose of kid-friendly fun.

Jardel Playground

1400 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia

Jardel Playground is a vibrant recreational spot in the Oxford Circle. This playground in Northeast Philadelphia lets kids and adults kick back and have fun. It features multiple sports courts, including basketball and tennis, as well as a baseball field for team play and practice. In the warmer months, the outdoor swimming pool becomes a major attraction for local families. Shaded picnic spots and open grassy areas offer space for relaxation and informal gatherings.

The playground also includes a well-maintained children’s play area with safe, modern equipment suitable for various age groups. Seasonal programming and organized sports help bring the community together throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for active fun or a peaceful place to unwind, Jardel Playground offers something for everyone.

Playgrounds in Parkwood Manor

Parkwood Manor in Philly is a neighborhood with a small-town feel. Walk the trails in nearby Poquessing Creek for a different type of outdoor fun.

Junod Playground

12770 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia

Junod Playground is situated in the Parkwood neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, an area known for its suburban serenity and family-friendly atmosphere. This residential setting provides a peaceful backdrop for the playground, making it a popular spot for families seeking outdoor recreation.​ The playground offers a variety of amenities designed to cater to families.

In the summer, let your child run through their modern sprayground with interactive water features, as well as multiple play structures suitable for various age groups. The facility also includes sports courts, picnic areas, and shaded benches for relaxation. 

Playgrounds in Pennypack Park

Find this smaller community between the Northeast Philadelphia Airport and Pennypack Park (more on that park below). It’s a quiet, friendly community.

Pennypack Environmental Center Playground

8600 Verree Road, Philadelphia

Located just off the Pennypack Trail, the Pennypack Environmental Center Playground offers the perfect blend of outdoor play and natural beauty for families to enjoy. This playground in Northeast Philadelphia features swings, slides, and climbing walls in a park-like setting. Take a stroll down one of the nearby nature trails to explore the wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem.

Let kids explore this Northeast playground in Philadelphia, with its swings, climbing structures, and natural elements, before heading out on a nature walk. The educational exhibits at the center are perfect for sparking a curiosity about local wildlife and include accessible features as well. If your kids enjoy a challenge, encourage them to tackle the more complex climbing areas or participate in some impromptu games of soccer or catch on the open field. 

Playgrounds in Tacony

The Tacony neighborhood sits on the banks of the Delaware River. Located less than 10 miles from downtown Philly, this Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood offers many trails and excellent parks to its not-quite-30,000 residents.

Disston Recreation Center

4510 Disston Street

The playground at Disston Recreation Center in the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia is a great destination for families looking for an active day outdoors, thanks to a 2020 rebuild. The play area features swings, slides, climbing structures, and rubberized surfaces. It’s ideal for kids of various ages. Families can enjoy the nearby basketball courts or bring a ball for some fun on the open fields. 

Beyond the playground, the surrounding Tacony neighborhood offers even more to explore. The center also offers various programs and activities for families. After some time at the rec center, families can stop by the nearby Tacony Library for story time or to cool off with a good book. Whether you’re local or visiting, Disston Recreation Center is a welcoming and convenient spot for a full day of family fun.

Mullin Playground

4301 Princeton Avenue, Philadelphia

Mullin Playground serves as a community hub. This 4.79-acre park features two lighted basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, soccer and football fields, a playground with updated equipment, and a sprayground for summer fun. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing ample opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor activities.

In December 2023, the playground underwent a significant $354,000 renovation, which included the installation of two new play structures, two swing sets, a play mound, and the replacement of the safety surface with a cushioned material.

Great Northeast Playgrounds in Philadelphia

Whether you’re exploring brand-new equipment, relaxing in shaded picnic areas, or discovering hidden neighborhood fun zones, these parks provide the perfect backdrop for active, screen-free entertainment. When the weather isn’t quite right for playgrounds in Northeast Philadelphia, Philly’s indoor play places offer a cozy, creative alternative to keep the kids moving and entertained.

No matter the season, Northeast Philly has you covered for family-friendly play. Tag Philly Family on Instagram so everyone can share in the fun.

Feature Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.