Philly’s Fairmount section is dominated by Schuylkill River–adjacent Fairmount Park — at 9,000-plus acres, the country’s largest landscaped park. Anchored by two of the city’s major cultural magnets, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Zoo, the neighborhood harbors plenty of family-fun opportunities.
Exercise: Kelly Drive, an 8-mile scenic trail intersecting with Boathouse Row, is a perfect place to get active. Walk, push strollers, jog, bike, roller-blade — you’ll have plenty of company, especially on weekends, when connector MLK Drive closes to automobiles.
Look East: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Shofuso, which combines a nationally acclaimed stone-pathed garden and an island-dotted koi pond with a traditional 17th-century house and teahouse. (Horticultural & Lansdowne Drs.)
Eat: Grabbing a bite at Sabrina’s Café gives you a sweet kids’ menu and a Super Mario–themed brunch. The Fairmount branch is located so close to the art museum, you can pop over to digest masterpieces along with your meal. (1804 Callowhill St.)
Go with the flow: The Fairmount Water Works, built in 1812 to deliver safe water to the newly industrialized city of Philadelphia, now houses kid-friendly exhibits that focus on water use and stewardship. PS: It’s free!
(640 Waterworks Dr.)
Play: Moms and kids alike swear by Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse in East Fairmount Park. Its 16,000-square-foot playhouse and all-abilities, 6½-acre playground are always packed. (3500 Reservoir Dr.)
Want to make a day of it in other great local towns and neighborhoods? Check out our other Take the Kids features.
Delaware: Bear | Clayton/Smyrna | Newark | Rehoboth Beach | Riverfront Wilmington
New Jersey: Cape May | Mt. Laurel | Lambertville | Voorhees
Pennsylvania: Doylestown | New Hope | Wayne | West Chester
