Smith Playground

Smith Memorial Playground Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Philadelphia’s Beloved Historical Site

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, located in the heart of Philadelphia’s East Fairmount Park, has been a vibrant and welcoming space for children and families for over a century. Established in 1899 by the philanthropic efforts of Richard and Sarah Smith, this historic playground was created to provide free, safe, and imaginative play opportunities for children, particularly those in urban communities with few recreational options. Today, it stands as not only a premier play destination but also a cultural and community hub, renowned for its iconic Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide, the architecturally significant Playhouse, and a rich calendar of inclusive events and educational programs. This detailed guide will help you plan your visit—covering everything from hours and admission to accessibility, nearby attractions, and what makes Smith Memorial Playground a cherished Philadelphia historical site (Smith Playground Official Website, Visit Philly).

Introduction
Founding and Historical Significance
Key Features and Attractions
Community Programs and Events
Visiting Information
Safety and Guidelines
Nearby Family-Friendly Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Tips for a Great Visit
Conclusion and How to Stay Updated
References

Founding and Historical Significance

Smith Memorial Playground was founded in 1899 as a direct outcome of the vision of Richard and Sarah Smith, who left a generous bequest to establish a free space for children’s play. Designed by James H. Windrim, the Playhouse and its sprawling 6.5-acre grounds were intended to serve Philadelphia’s urban families by providing a safe, engaging oasis for children aged 0–10 (ushistory.org). The playground quickly became a cherished resource, notable for its innovative design, inclusive policies, and community impact—qualities that remain central to its mission today.

Key Features and Attractions

The Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide

A Philadelphia icon since 1905, the Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide is a 40-foot-long, 12-foot-wide, 10-foot-high structure constructed entirely of wood. Its unique design accommodates multiple children at once and has become a rite of passage for generations of local families, making it a must-try for visitors (Wikipedia, Visit Philly).

The Playhouse

The 16,000-square-foot Playhouse, designed by James H. Windrim, offers three floors of creative play spaces. Features include:

Stephen Starr Indoor Playground: Climbing structures and slides for all-weather fun.
Bodek Den Play-stallations: Rotating installations promoting collaborative play.
Playbrary Imaginative Space: Costumes and props for dramatic play.
Marion Stokes Library: Storytime and quiet reading corner (Nature Explore).

Outdoor Playground Spaces

The playground’s outdoor area features:

Tot Lot: For toddlers and preschoolers with age-appropriate equipment.
Classic and Modern Structures: From vintage seesaws to contemporary climbing nets.
Wide Open Areas: Fields and wooded spaces ideal for running, picnics, and nature play.

Nature Explore Classroom

Smith is a certified Nature Explore Classroom, offering hands-on connections to the outdoors:

Gardens, Native Plantings, and Natural Materials: Encourage environmental stewardship.
Water and Sand Play Areas: Sensory-rich zones for cooperative and creative play (Nature Explore).

Community Programs and Events

Smith Memorial Playground is a dynamic community hub, offering:

Annual Festivals: Including Kidchella Music Festival, Play-A-Palooza, Barely Scary Halloween, and Noon Year’s Eve (Smith Playground Events).
“Leaders and Legends” Black History Month Exhibit: Outdoor installation celebrating Black leaders’ contributions to Philadelphia (CBS News).
Literacy and Family Play Days: Storytimes, book giveaways, and crafts.
Community Partnerships: Inclusive programs for all families, including those facing adversity.

Visiting Information

Hours and Admission

General Hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April–October)
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Winter months)
- Closed Mondays and major holidays
Admission: Always free; no tickets required. Some special events may require registration (Smith Playground Plan Your Visit).

Check the official website for seasonal updates and event-specific hours.

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible with barrier-free entrances and paved pathways.
Adaptive play equipment and sensory-friendly spaces are available.
Staff are trained in inclusive practices (Family Fun PA).

Directions and Parking

Address: 3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA 19121
By Car: Free on-site parking; street parking available during busy times.
By Public Transit: Accessible via SEPTA bus routes; short walk from nearest stops.
By Bike: Racks available on-site.

Visitor Amenities

Restrooms and Changing Facilities: Located inside the Playhouse.
Picnic Areas: Shaded tables and open lawns for family picnics.
Refreshments: Bring your own food and drinks; limited onsite options.

Safety and Guidelines

Children must be supervised at all times.
Playground designed for children up to age 10.
Pets are not permitted.
Dress appropriately for the weather; indoor play is available during inclement conditions.
Follow all posted rules for safety (Been There Done That With Kids).

Nearby Family-Friendly Attractions

Combine your Smith Playground visit with other Philadelphia favorites:

Please Touch Museum: Interactive children’s museum in Fairmount Park.
Philadelphia Zoo: America’s first zoo, nearby.
Treetop Quest Philly: Outdoor adventure park for older children.
Franklin Institute: Renowned science museum (Visit Philly).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Smith Memorial Playground’s visiting hours?
A: Typically Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (spring/summer), 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (winter); closed Mondays and major holidays.
Q: Is admission free?
A: Yes, admission is always free; some events may have a fee.
Q: Is the playground wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the playground and Playhouse are fully accessible.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, free on-site parking is available.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: No, pets are not permitted within the playground or Playhouse.

Tips for a Great Visit

Arrive early on weekends or event days.
Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen and hats in summer.
Pack snacks and water—picnic areas are available.
Supervise children closely.
Consider making a donation to support Smith’s mission.

Conclusion and How to Stay Updated

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a Philadelphia gem—combining history, culture, inclusive play, and community spirit in a beautiful park setting. It remains a national model for accessible and imaginative play, welcoming over a thousand children daily and evolving to meet the needs of new generations through thoughtful renovations and programs. Plan your visit by checking the latest hours and events on the official website, and stay connected via social media for updates on special events and community news.

For personalized recommendations and seamless trip planning, download the Audiala app. Explore family-friendly guides, get real-time event alerts, and discover even more Philadelphia historical sites for your next outing!