Dilworth Park
A dynamic urban park at City Hall, transforming with seasons for skating, markets, and vibrant events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical holiday lights & ice skating
Dilworth Park
Best Time
Magical holiday lights & ice skating

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dynamic urban park at City Hall, transforming with seasons for skating, markets, and vibrant events.
"Nice park in the heart of Philly! Plenty of seats to relax, eat, work, or just enjoy the vibes."
🎟️ Book Skating Tickets Early
Popular ice skating sessions sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book online in advance!
⛸️ Bring Your Own Skates
Save on rental fees by bringing your own skates for the Rothman Rink or Roller Rink.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rothman Rink
Dilworth Park
Glide on ice under City Hall's glow. A quintessential winter Philly experience for all ages.

Seasonal Markets
Dilworth Park
Discover unique crafts, delicious food, and festive cheer at pop-up markets throughout the year.

Water Orchestra
Dilworth Park
Conduct a symphony of water jets in this interactive, musical fountain experience.

Roller Rink
Dilworth Park
Roll into fun with summer skating sessions, offering a vibrant alternative to ice.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Spectacles
Location & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Skating Tickets Early
Popular ice skating sessions sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book online in advance!
⛸️ Bring Your Own Skates
Save on rental fees by bringing your own skates for the Rothman Rink or Roller Rink.
🚇 Utilize SEPTA Access
Dilworth Park is a transit hub with multiple subway entrances, making it super easy to get to.
☕ Check Cafe Hours
The park cafe is convenient, but hours can vary. Have a backup coffee spot nearby just in case.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Skating Tickets Early
Popular ice skating sessions sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book online in advance!
⛸️ Bring Your Own Skates
Save on rental fees by bringing your own skates for the Rothman Rink or Roller Rink.
🚇 Utilize SEPTA Access
Dilworth Park is a transit hub with multiple subway entrances, making it super easy to get to.
☕ Check Cafe Hours
The park cafe is convenient, but hours can vary. Have a backup coffee spot nearby just in case.
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
Catch free live music performances, especially during lunchtime in the summer.
💧 Cool Off in Sprinklers
Walk through the sprinklers on warm days for a refreshing break without getting soaked.
🛍️ Explore Local Vendors
Discover unique finds and local treats at the seasonal markets held at the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dilworth Park is a lively urban oasis praised for its seasonal transformations and central location. Visitors appreciate the variety of events, from ice skating to markets, and the convenience of SEPTA access. While it lacks traditional green space, its vibrant atmosphere and ample seating make it a popular spot for relaxation and recreation.
"Nice park in the heart of Philly! Not a lot of grass but plenty of seats to relax, eat, work, or just enjoy the vibes. There is a coffee shop but it was closed at the time. They also have good trucks, water fountains, a stage, and an entrance to the subway."
Krishna
"I loved it had multiple SEPTA entrances and exits. Also the park is low key lively and has some decent sitting options out of the sun. Love that you have walkways through the sprinklers and not get very wet to shave off a couple mins on your walk."
Rebekah Harris
"Walked past/through here several times. Seemed nice, lots family and kids there who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Like any big city there were some homeless people around and some sketchy individuals but there was also a subtle police presence to where it never seemed unsafe or I felt uncomfortable. I can't skate but the skating rink looked fun for those that are into that type of thing."
Brandon B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dilworth Park is conveniently located at City Hall and is a major SEPTA hub. You can easily reach it via multiple subway lines (SEPTA Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line) with direct entrances into the park. Many bus routes also stop nearby.
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, public transportation is highly recommended due to traffic and cost. The park's central location makes it easily accessible via SEPTA.
Yes, there are bike racks available in the area, and the park is easily accessible by bike paths. It's a great way to combine cycling with a visit to the park.
Dilworth Park is designed to be accessible, with ramps and smooth pathways throughout. The Water Orchestra and other installations are generally accessible for wheelchair users.
From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), take the SEPTA Airport Line train to Suburban Station, which is a short walk from Dilworth Park. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Dilworth Park itself is a public space and free to enter. However, specific seasonal attractions like the Rothman Rink (ice skating and roller skating) and some special events may require paid admission or ticket purchases.
Ticket prices for the Rothman Rink vary, but typically range from $10-$15 for general admission, with discounts for children. Skate rentals are an additional fee. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and to book in advance.
Entry to the holiday markets at Dilworth Park is generally free. You only pay for any purchases you make from the vendors.
Dilworth Park is generally open daily from early morning to late evening. However, hours for specific attractions like the Rink, cafe, and seasonal events will vary. Always check the official schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Bringing your own skates for both the ice rink and roller rink can save you money on rental fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dilworth Park hosts a variety of seasonal events, including outdoor movies, concerts, holiday markets, food festivals like Panda Fest, and interactive art installations like the Water Orchestra. There are also plenty of seating areas to relax and enjoy the urban atmosphere.
Yes, Dilworth Park has a cafe, and often features food trucks and pop-up vendors, especially during events and markets. You'll also find nearby restaurants and cafes around City Hall.
Definitely! Kids love the splash fountains in the summer and the ice skating in the winter. Seasonal events often cater to families, with activities and entertainment for all ages.
Generally, pets are not allowed in the main seating and activity areas of Dilworth Park, especially during events like skating or markets, to ensure safety and cleanliness. Always check specific event rules.
Dilworth Park hosts a wide range of events, including holiday celebrations, summer concerts, roller skating, ice skating, food festivals, cultural events, and art installations.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic City Hall building provides a stunning backdrop for photos, especially when lit up at night. The Rothman Rink, seasonal markets, and the Water Orchestra also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, Dilworth Park is particularly beautiful at night, with festive lights illuminating the area, especially during the winter holidays. The contrast between the lights and the historic City Hall is very photogenic.
Absolutely! The Water Orchestra is a highly visual and interactive installation, perfect for capturing dynamic photos and videos.
Look out for seasonal art installations and events, like the mini print vending machine by local artists, which can offer unique photo souvenirs.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. However, the park is also very photogenic at night, especially during the holiday season with all the lights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack swimsuits and towels for summer visits to the splash pads, and consider bringing your own skates to save on rental fees for the rinks. The park's central location and easy access via SEPTA also make it a convenient outing for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
While ice skating and roller skating at the Rothman Rink have associated costs, bringing your own skates can significantly reduce expenses. Plus, with multiple SEPTA entrances, getting to the park is very affordable. Pack a picnic or grab affordable eats from nearby food trucks to keep costs down.
💑 Couples
Consider visiting during a SIPS event in the summer for drink specials and a lively atmosphere, or simply find a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the city views. The park's central location also makes it a perfect starting or ending point for a date night in Center City Philadelphia.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Transformations: A Year at Dilworth Park
The winter months see Dilworth Park draped in festive holiday cheer. The Rothman Rink becomes an ice-skating paradise, surrounded by twinkling lights and the bustling Philadelphia Holiday Market, which offers unique gifts and seasonal treats. This period is a major draw for both locals and tourists, making it a truly magical time to visit.
Beyond the major seasonal shifts, Dilworth Park also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, including food festivals like Panda Fest, interactive art installations such as the Water Orchestra, and community gatherings. These events ensure there's always something new and exciting happening, making Dilworth Park a year-round destination.
The Rothman Rink Experience: Ice and Roller Skating
During the summer, the space is reimagined as the Rothman Roller Rink, providing a fun and active way to enjoy the warmer weather. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent them on-site, with sessions typically lasting an hour. This summer iteration has been a popular addition, drawing crowds looking for outdoor recreation.
Tips for visiting the Rink: It's highly recommended to book your skating sessions in advance, especially for weekend and evening slots, as they tend to sell out quickly. Consider bringing your own skates to save on rental costs. The rink area also often features a cabin or kiosk offering hot beverages and snacks, perfect for warming up or refueling.
Community and Events at Dilworth Park
Throughout the year, the park features various markets, including the Philadelphia Holiday Market and smaller vendor showcases, offering opportunities to support local businesses and find unique items. These events, often accompanied by live music and food trucks, create a lively and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Reddit users often highlight the park's role as a central meeting point and a place for spontaneous enjoyment, noting the subtle police presence that contributes to a feeling of safety even amidst the urban bustle. The park's accessibility via SEPTA further enhances its role as a community hub, making it easy for people from all over the city to participate in its events.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit