The green spaces of Philadelphia spread far and wide, but they may not be on your radar when you arrive in the city this fall.
From the city parks and squares to public gardens, a simple daytrip outside the city grid of high-rises is a great way to enjoy the city’s historic Fairmont Park and unique green spaces with the family. Skip the over-traveled, leaf-changing locales you’re used to and try on Philly’s parks for a change.
Beloved by local hikers and adventurous trail runners, Wissahickon Valley Park boasts more than 50 miles of trails, suitable for all levels of athleticism. Situated in Fairmount Park’s 1,800-acre northwestern section, Wissahickon is a great spot for family nature walks before brunch, cycling to another location and even horseback riding. With paths leading to climbing locales, a scenic creek, the city’s last covered bridge and Forbidden Drive — a five-mile gravel trail — this park offers a variety of stunning views and outdoor activity.
Living up to the name, Rail Park is an elevated track remaining from the former Reading Railroad beaming with new life — literally. Now home to lush plant life, unique artwork, wooden swings and various seating for visitors, the Rail Park is in its first phase of a larger plan to transform the three-mile section. The once abandoned elevated tracks and rail lines will soon be twice the size of New York City’s High Line and a great place to bike, walk around with the kids and enjoy urban views in a rural oasis.
Over in West Philly, Clark Park has been a local favorite since 1895. The nine-acre green space boasts an amphitheater for open-air performances, a Saturday farmers market, playgrounds for kids, a basketball court and game section with space to play chess and bocce.
Morris Arboretum. Photo: Zrfphoto | Dreamstime.com
Live your childhood dreams, and children’s current dream, at the Morris Arboretum’s 50-foot-high treehouse. Take in the stunning fall views of impressive tree life and local flora and fauna. The 19th-century estate boasts 92 acres of beautiful meadows, flower gardens and sculptures — all primed and ready for your family’s fall explorations.
All an easy rideshare ride, drive or public transportation stop away, your family can enjoy the vibrant city life and call of the wild, all in one.
Read This Next
Kick Back and Relax in the Seychelles
Destinations / Africa
Aug 12, 2020#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Aug 6, 2020Your New Favorite Eco-Positive Travel Bag
While large areas of Colorado are experiencing exponential growth with far too many trees being clear-cut (it’s one of the fastest-growing states in the country), it’s still the home for great businesses striving to make the world a little greener. Those businesses include Sherpani, creators of women’s day bags, backpacks and travel bags, including a line of sophisticated, beautifully crafted items made from recycled plastic.
Travel Tips
Aug 5, 2020Bok Bar is Back and Better in 2020
After months of makeshift get-togethers and socially distant hangs, some friends and I were able to make dinner reservations at Bok Bar in South Philadelphia to celebrate an engagement, a birthday and a new move.
Travel Tips
Aug 3, 20204 Zoos to Visit with Kids
The zoo is the perfect place for children to see and potentially interact with wildlife. Whether your family is filled with animal lovers or you just need a good excuse to get out and about, here are some of the country’s best zoos for your next family adventure:
Sponsored Content
A New Outdoor Bonding Experience
With technology advancing faster than ever, children globally are becoming attached to devices. Adults too. Our Netflix queue and ever-expanding inbox call our names even when we’re on vacation. We carry distractions with us everywhere, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to truly connect with your loved ones.
Travel Tips
Jul 31, 2020Get Your Ducks in a Row: Races to Have on Your Radar
The mad bobbing of sunny yellow toy ducks vying for the finish line has become a popular community event and fun family activity around the world — with many events staged to benefit local or national charities. Event-goers “adopt” a brightly colored, numbered rubber duck, pop it into a water source (usually a river or a stream) and wait to see which duck crosses the finish line first. Winners typically are awarded a prize donated by a race sponsor, while proceeds from the duck adoptions go to benefit a specific cause.
ShareThis