14 Coolest Playgrounds in Philadelphia (2024 Map)

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Glasgow Park Playground is not to be missed. It offers unlimited fun with extensive playground equipment, including a sensory playground for kids with autism. There's also a skate park, walking path and sports courts.

Kerr Park features tennis courts, basketball courts, a softball field, a disc golf course, a skatepark, an all-abilities playground, and three pavilions.

Shila:  This playground is worth a drive to explore the multilevel heart-themed castle! At the top, two identical tube slides send kids flying back down. There are separate play areas for different ages, multiple types of swings, and a pretty epic spinning merry-go-round that can hold multiple kids. You'll love that this playground is almost fully fenced in.

Kelly R:  This large (and mostly-enclosed) playground had a wide variety of things to do, with an expansive wooden play structure, obstacles, musical play, sandbox and inclusive play equipment. If you have a runner, be aware that there are blind spots and hiding places here and it can be tough to keep track, especially on busy days.

Juan L.:  This park is a crowd favorite because of how big it is. The park features two playgrounds that are great for kids of all ages. There are jungle gyms, swings, and many slides. Gorgas Park is the site of concerts, movie nights and other activities throughout the year. It's a great place to take the kids and feel a bit more outside of the city.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Smith Memorial Playground, located in East Fairmount Park, is one the kids will want to come to again and again. It has unique playground equipment to foster climbing, exploring, pretend play and more. It offers a special tot area for young children as well. But its signature giant wooden slide will be the highlight of your visit.

If you venture across the bridge to NJ, you will be rewarded with this wonderful historic park. Red Bank Battlefield Park was the location of a Revolutionary War battle, and kids love to check out the cannons and cannonballs that are on display. The Ann and James Whitall House is perched atop the Delaware River, and is open seasonally for tours. Families enjoy the playgrounds, picnic areas, butterfly garden, children's garden, and access to the Delaware banks. Watch the boats come through, and the airplanes come into the airport at close view. Bathrooms and Park Rangers on site.

Sister Cities Park offers imaginative nature-inspired play with a Children's Discovery Garden, where kids can climb rocks, wander pathways and explore a sensory-friendly twig nest. There's a wading pond open April-October, and a tunnel log made from a rescued fallen silver maple tree for the rest of the year. The Sister Cities Café is available to grab a quick bite or beverage.

Located just a few blocks from the Liberty Bell, Franklin Square offers a fun interactive playground for kids to play and explore. Open year round, the playground has something for everyone! While the playground is free, Franklin Square offers mini golf, a carousel and restaurant for an additional fee. Franklin Square also holds special family-friendly events throughout the year.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This handicap-accessible playground is a favorite because it really does have something for everyone. Kids can climb, swing and explore on numerous playground equipment features. There's water spray to cool off in the summer, too.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This epic spot in Doylestown is one of the best playgrounds near Philadelphia, and is worth a drive to check out! The centerpiece is a multi-level wooden castle that kids love to explore, but there's plenty of modern equipment, too. You'll find a zipline, electronic game station, and play structure that's inclusive of all abilities.

The highlight of this park is Safety Town, a mini town that kids can play in and explore (bring your big-wheel!). There is also playground equipment, a spray pole, climbing structures, sports fields, trails, picnic areas and more.

Safety Town is a miniaturized version of Warminster Township where young children can ride tricycles and big wheels and experience interactive play in a make-believe town. All the storefronts and street buildings are local businesses and the safety signs and street markings have been shrunk down to smaller size to help teach the importance of street safety to youngsters. Stop signs, street lights, a railroad crossing, and pedestrian crosswalks are all included. The buildings have been designed for collaborative play. There is plenty to spur the imagination of any child!

Jake's Place All-Inclusive Playground is specially made for the comfort and enjoyment of children of all abilities including wheelchair accessibility, sensory and hands-on play, and equipment to develop skills of balance and coordination. The playground complex also includes a 1/4 mile track, wheelchair accessible basketball and baseball, and more.