Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount Park

Serving as a free playground for children in Philadelphia, the Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount Park has strived to offer the best play experience since its inception. It was established in 1899 and closed during 2003 - 2005. After it was reopened, it welcomes more than a thousand of kids every day.

This fantastic playground features a Giant Wooden Slide that has lasted for over a century. Also, a wonderful playhouse which looks just like a mansion is counted as the best-loved play equipment situated at the Smith Memorial Playground. Plus, the Smith Memorial Playground also contains a terrific play area that is as large as about three football fields, in addition to a small play area for toddlers.

Just like lots of visitors have put it: "This is an excellent playground with a ton of interesting things for children to enjoy." It's no exaggeration to say that the Smith Memorial Playground really creates oodles of wonderful and unique lifetime memories for almost every kid in Philadelphia. For these kids, this fabulous playground might be their favorite childhood memory, far more than a lovely play area.

Official Website of the Smith Memorial Playground

http://smithkidsplayplace.org/

Smith Memorial Playground on Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_Memorial_Playground_%26_Playhouse

The Smith Memorial Playground is located at the East Fairmount Park, next to the junction of 33rd and Oxford Streets. It is served by bus No.32 and No.3. Visitors can take bus No.3 to get to the intersection of Cecil B. Moore Avenue and 33rd Street. And then walk to Reservoir Drive. Or take bus No.32 to arrive at the cross of Oxford and 33rd Streets directly. Once you enter the Fairmount Park, you will find the Smith Memorial Playground on your left.

For parents who opt to drive to the Smith Memorial Playground, the exact driving direction plays a very important role in ensuring their little ones an unforgettable play experience. Just take a look at the following driving directions, they might be helpful.

1) Visitors driving from Center City Philadelphia:

Proceed on Kelly Drive in the opposite direction of Center City. When you arrive at the Equstetrian Statue, make a right turn onto Fountain Green Drive. Continue on Fountain Green Drive until you come across Mt. Pleasant Drive. Bear to the right onto Mt. Pleasant Drive and keep straight. Then take Reservoir Drive to Smith's Circular Drive. The entrance of the Smith Memorial Playground is right ahead.

2) Visitors driving from I-76 or Schuylkill Expressway

Take the Girard Avenue Exit to pass through the Girard Avenue Bridge. Then make a left turn on 33rd Street. Stay straight on 33rd Street and then take the first left turn onto Reservoir Drive. Proceed toward north on Reservoir Drive for about 1/3 miles until you see Smith's Circular Drive. Bear left onto Smith's Circular Drive and the entrance of the playground would be on your immediate right.

Driving Directions and Public Transportation

http://smithkidsplayplace.org/directions/

The Smith Memorial Playground opens to all the children aged 10 and under. But note that any kid should be accompanied by at least an adult aged 18 or older. If you are going to visit the SMITH in a group of more than 5 kids, it's best for you to make a reservation prior to your arrival.

If you need more details about group trip, or just want to make an appointment, you can contact a representative of the Smith Memorial Playground at (215)765-4325.

The opening hours of the playground as well as the playhouse will vary from month to month. Additionally, the availability of the Smith Memorial Playground also depends on the weather. Therefore, it might close in the event of snow, rain or other inclement weather.

1) Playground:

The playground which is available for kids below the age of 11 would open at 10 am and close at 4 pm every day, except Mondays, from April through October. When it comes to weekends, from the last weekend of June to the end of August, the closing time of the playground would be extended to 7 pm.

2) Playhouse:

The playhouse would only open to kids aged 5 and under all the year around, excluding Mondays. Its opening time is at 10 am while closing time is at 4 pm.

However, you should really have in mind that the entire Smith Memorial Playground would be closed on a number of holidays, as well as Mondays. These holidays that the SMITH would not be available for visitors include New Year's Eve Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day.

More about Operation Hours

http://smithkidsplayplace.org/visit/

Apart from all the wonderful play equipment for children to have a complete blast at the playground, the Smith Memorial Playground also hosts various programs and events, including some really great annual events.

1) Play-A-Palooza:

This annual event is always held on the first Saturday in April, celebrating the yearly grand opening of the Smith Memorial Playground. Children below the age of 11 and their caregivers would be welcomed.

2) Smith's Birthday Party:

The birthday of the Smith Memorial Playground is July 23rd. However, the celebration would be put off to the first Saturday after its real birthday. Every year, a large number of kids of the age 10 or under will be invited to the fantastic birthday party.

3) Victorian Holiday Open House:

When it comes to the third Saturday in December, there will be more activities for kids to take part in at the playhouse. These unique activities are particularly designed for little children.

4) Story Time:

Between September and May, children will be able to register for the Story Time hosted at 10:30 am on every Wednesday. During this period, a group of children would be accompanied by Smith employees to enjoy wonderful stories and songs.