another question... playgrounds, wading pools, splash pads..

anything around the city centre or historical district in the way of playgrounds and wading pools for little kids?

thanks again in advance. :)

another question... playgrounds, wading pools, splash pads..

There is a playground at Franklin Square in the historic area

historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/ind…

People do let their kids play in the fountains although they are not supposed to... the water is not chlorinated and you risk cutting feet on glass or foreign objects

another question... playgrounds, wading pools, splash pads..

Yes. Three Bears Park is an excellent, small neighborhood toddler%26#39;s park. Located on Delancey Street between 3rd and 4th. Delancey is between Spruce and Pine. About 4 blocks from Independence Hall. Great spot to meet local parents and their kids.

Another playground-type park is Franklin Square, at 6th %26amp; Race. There is mini-golf and a carousel. Great spot to meet other tourists and an occasional Philadelphian.

There are no wading pools anywhere. Okay, that%26#39;s the official story. In reality, it is a Philadelphia tradition for kids to wade in certain public fountains. It is technically illegal, as well as impolite, and they do crack down on occasion, especially at the fountains on federal land. Rule of thumb- if others are doing it, it is accepted. Don%26#39;t be the first.

Another playground is Three Bears Park in Society Hill. It%26#39;s not as large as Franklin Square, more a neighborhood spot, but a lovely lttle space on a beautiful historic street.

…parentsconnect.com/attraction/three-bears-p…

Absolutely do not let them play in the fountains in city parks, not sanitary at all, as homeless people sleep in the parks at night. Enough said.

Owlyn and I wrote at the same time, and obvoiusly think alike.

Tom

On the 300 block of Delancy Street, in the heart of Society Hill, is lovely little playground for young children. My kids love it. It%26#39;s called Three Bears Park. If you go there and need refreshments or a meal afterward you can walk one block west to 5th Street and go to Zeke%26#39;s deli. It%26#39;s between Delancy and Pine). Across the street from Zeke%26#39;s is a Superfresh market.

Also, be advised that much of Independence Park is open lawn or little gardens.

Lynn

Since no one has mentioned it yet, Three Bears Park is a great place. ;)

Part of Independence Park is, as someone already said, a very large, inviting lawn. It%26#39;s between Chestnut and Walnut, and I think 4th and 5th. Very nice, you often see school groups picnic there in the spring. Good place to let a little kid run around safely.

The fountain used most often as an unofficial wading pool is the Swann on the parkway.

gophila.com/P/…880.html

Pretty fountain, but I%26#39;m not sure I%26#39;d wade in it. I never quite got over a local news station doing a test of the water and finding everything in there but ebola. At the very least, I%26#39;d check a kid for scratches/cuts before letting them wade in a fountain, and reconsider if the kid is too small to understand not to put her fingers in her mouth.

Actually, more than one block is green, but the block Superiorlines describes is very nice. My favorite block is between 3rd and 4th, Chestnut and Walnut Streets, and has Carpenters%26#39; Hall in the middle. I also really love the Jefferson Rose Garden.

Lynn

thanks to everyone.

i think we%26#39;ll steer clear of the fountains but it%26#39;ll be great to get to an age-appropriate playground. :)