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Sister Cities Park

4.7
·924 reviews·Philadelphia, United States

A vibrant city park featuring interactive water play, a charming boat pond, and the iconic Swann Memorial Fountain.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more splash time

CrowdLow
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Sister Cities Park - Sibling love. Enjoying lovely weather and capturing lovely family time.

Sister Cities Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more splash time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant city park featuring interactive water play, a charming boat pond, and the iconic Swann Memorial Fountain.

4.7
(924 reviews)

"Amazing water play park for little kids, a true hidden gem in Philly!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Swim Gear! 🩱

Essential for the water play areas! Pack swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes. Water shoes are also recommended for better grip.

Cafe Convenience ☕

The park has a cafe offering snacks, drinks, and clean restrooms. Great for a quick bite or a break.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Children's Discovery Garden

Children's Discovery Garden

Center City

An interactive oasis with a wading pool, stream, and spray jets perfect for little explorers.

Toy Boat Pond

Toy Boat Pond

Near the cafe

A charming spot where kids can send toy boats sailing down a gentle stream.

Swann Memorial Fountain

Swann Memorial Fountain

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

A beautiful 10-geyser fountain that adds a refreshing ambiance to the park.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat & Crowds

Sister Cities Park is a summer haven with fantastic water features. Visit early on weekdays to avoid crowds and ensure your little ones have ample space to splash and play in the wading pool and spray fountains. Remember to pack swimsuits and a change of clothes!

Parking & Accessibility

Parking near Sister Cities Park can be pricey, with some garages costing around $30 for a few hours. Consider public transport or rideshares if budget is a concern. While the park is generally stroller-friendly, some play areas might require you to leave strollers behind.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more splash time
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for cooling off
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best things to do in nyc if you’re on a budget. Yes theyre touristy but theyre fun! 🗽 #nyc #nyctravel #traveltiktok #solofemaletravel #newyorkcity #thingstodoinnyc #nyconabudget #travelvlog #nyctravelguide #nyctraveltips
@joarahyun
58.5K likes • 1.4M views

Bring Swim Gear! 🩱

Essential for the water play areas! Pack swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes. Water shoes are also recommended for better grip. InstagramReddit

Cafe Convenience ☕

The park has a cafe offering snacks, drinks, and clean restrooms. Great for a quick bite or a break. InstagramReddit

SISTER CITIES PARK IS OUR FAVORITE ⛵️💧 📍210 N 18th St The pond returns 4/26/24 @centercitydistrict #kidfriendlyphilly #philly #philadelphia #phillykids #familyfriendly #phillyfamily #visitphilly #momblogger #phillymomblogger #phillyparents #kidfriendlyplayground #kidfriendlysprayground #sprayground
kidfriendlyphilly
1.7K likes • 84K views
Hidden Gem in Philly! 💎 Sister Cities Park: Children’s Discovery Garden 🌳 🪨 💦 The garden features: kids’ swimming pond (chlorination and safely monitored by park staff), a stream dam for hands-on play, winding paths, scalable rocks, push-button water jets, sensory friendly twig nest, splash pad, shaded seating and cafe ☕️ Great location near Art Museum, Barnes & other Parkway Attractions. S...
thejerseyfamily_
30 likes • 888 views

Parking Pointers 🚗

Parking can be expensive. Look for deals on apps or consider public transport to save money. Reddit

Toddler Paradise 👶

Ideal for young children with shallow water features and safe play zones. InstagramReddit

Come with us to SISTER Cities park located in center center 18th st & Benjamin Franklin pkwy It’s free & fun go try it out 🎀 like & share #philly #kids #explorepage
brooklynboutique_
34 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Swim Gear! 🩱

Essential for the water play areas! Pack swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes. Water shoes are also recommended for better grip. InstagramReddit

Cafe Convenience ☕

The park has a cafe offering snacks, drinks, and clean restrooms. Great for a quick bite or a break. InstagramReddit

Parking Pointers 🚗

Parking can be expensive. Look for deals on apps or consider public transport to save money. Reddit

Toddler Paradise 👶

Ideal for young children with shallow water features and safe play zones. InstagramReddit

Capture the Fun :camera:

Plenty of picturesque spots for photos, especially around the water features and gardens. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(924 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sister Cities Park is a beloved urban oasis, especially praised for its engaging water play areas that delight young children. Visitors appreciate the park's thoughtful design, the convenience of the on-site cafe, and the refreshing atmosphere provided by the Swann Memorial Fountain. While parking can be a drawback due to cost, the free admission and abundant fun make it a highly recommended family destination.

"Small but efficiently laid out park. Plenty of water features. Good place for toddlers to play. Bathrooms were moderately clean but are located in the cafe and are not accessible after the cafe closes."

Max N

"Amazing water play park for little kids.
The ankle high pool of water has a lifeguard nearby who skims the water keeping it clean.

Kids dart from one zone to another in the tree covered oasis.

Kids climb on rocks, jump over fountains, and send boats racing down the streams.

⭐️🍪 Bring the bathing suits, change of clothes, and water shoes that help with slipping. Expect to make new friends.
❤️

👍🏽 FOLLOW THE STAR BISCUITS for more family friendly tips, adventures, and ideas!"

The Star Biscuits

"We were pleasantly surprised. Really didn't know what to expect from the review and what ppl told me.
The park itself is small and very detailed. It has water features kids would love from 6 months to maybe even 10. There is a café in the middle (didn't go this time) so you could get food or a drink will you're there.
The path to the hanging net is so neat.
A section of the park is stroller free be prepared to leave it. There is a good amount of shade as well"

Honey Nett

What People Like

Fantastic water play
Great for toddlers
Free admission

What People Dislike

Expensive parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sister Cities Park is located at 210 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It's accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, be prepared for potentially high parking costs in the surrounding garages. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated parking for the park itself, several parking garages are located nearby. However, as noted by visitors, these can be quite expensive, with some costing around $30 for a few hours. Reddit

Yes, public transport is a convenient option. SEPTA buses frequently service the area around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, making it easy to reach the park without the hassle of parking. Check SEPTA schedules for routes and stops closest to your starting point.

The park is generally stroller-friendly with paved paths. However, some specific play areas, like the path to the hanging net, might require you to leave strollers behind. Reddit

To save on costs, consider using public transportation like SEPTA buses or exploring rideshare options. Parking in the immediate vicinity can be quite expensive. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sister Cities Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone. You can enjoy all its attractions without purchasing any tickets. Instagram

The park is generally open daily. The Swann Memorial Fountain operates seasonally from April to October, typically from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal closures or special event hours. Instagram

All water features at Sister Cities Park, including the wading pool and spray fountains, are free to use. Just bring your swim gear and enjoy! Instagram

The pond and water features at Sister Cities Park typically return for the season around late April. The exact opening date can vary, so it's best to check local listings or the park's official information closer to the time. Instagram

For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, visiting on weekday mornings is ideal. Summer afternoons are great for cooling off, but expect more families. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Sister Cities Park boasts a Children's Discovery Garden with a wading pool, stream, and spray jets, a charming toy boat pond, and the iconic Swann Memorial Fountain. There's also a unique hanging net play structure. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The shallow wading pool, gentle stream, and interactive water jets make it a fantastic spot for toddlers to play and cool off safely. InstagramReddit

Yes, restrooms are available and are located within the park's cafe. However, they may not be accessible after the cafe closes for the day. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are areas suitable for picnics. It's a great place to enjoy a meal outdoors, especially after a fun session at the water features. Reddit

Definitely bring swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes for the kids. Water shoes are also highly recommended for safety and comfort in the water. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located in the center of the park that offers a selection of snacks, drinks, and food options. They also have clean restrooms. Instagram+1

According to visitor reviews, the cafe at Sister Cities Park offers high-quality snacks and food, with vegan-friendly options available. Instagram

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic in the park. There are several areas that are suitable for enjoying a meal outdoors. Reddit

The cafe provides food and beverages, and importantly, it houses the park's restrooms. It's a convenient spot for refreshments and facilities. Instagram+1

The cafe's operating hours may be seasonal, aligning with the park's peak usage times, especially during warmer months when the water features are active. It's advisable to check their specific hours before your visit. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Swann Memorial Fountain with its geysers, the Children's Discovery Garden with its water features, and the unique hanging net structure offer great photo opportunities. The surrounding Parkway also provides a scenic backdrop. Instagram

Yes, it's an excellent location for capturing candid shots of children enjoying the water play areas. Their excitement and interaction with the fountains and streams make for memorable photos. Instagram+1

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene shots. Late afternoons can also be beautiful with golden hour light, though it might be busier. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for professional shoots or commercial use, it's always best to check with park authorities for any specific guidelines or permits required.

A versatile lens is recommended to capture both wide shots of the park and close-ups of the water features and children playing. A waterproof phone case can be useful if you plan to get close to the water. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sister Cities Park is an absolute must-visit for families with young children! The Children's Discovery Garden is a dream come true, featuring a shallow wading pool, interactive spray jets, and a gentle stream perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Instagram+1 Parents can relax knowing the pool is monitored and kept clean, and there's plenty of space for kids to explore safely. Don't forget to pack swimsuits, towels, and a change of clothes – it's essential for enjoying the water play! Reddit

The park also offers a cafe with snacks and restrooms, making it convenient for longer visits. Instagram+1 While parking can be pricey, consider public transport to keep costs down. Reddit The combination of engaging water features and family-friendly amenities makes Sister Cities Park a top choice for a fun-filled day out in Philadelphia. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Sister Cities Park is a fantastic free attraction for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the park and all its water features is completely free, making it an ideal way to enjoy a sunny day in Philadelphia without spending a dime on admission. Instagram The main cost consideration will be transportation and any food or drinks you might purchase. TikTok

To save money, opt for public transportation like SEPTA buses, which are readily available and much cheaper than parking in the nearby garages. Reddit You can also pack your own picnic to enjoy in the park, further reducing expenses. Reddit This makes Sister Cities Park a prime example of how to experience Philadelphia's attractions affordably.

☀️ Summer Visitors

For anyone visiting Philadelphia during the summer, Sister Cities Park is a perfect escape from the heat. The park's numerous water features, including the wading pool, spray fountains, and stream, offer a refreshing way to cool down. Instagram+1 Visiting on weekday mornings is highly recommended to avoid the peak crowds and ensure your little ones have plenty of space to enjoy the water play. Reddit The park's natural shade also provides some respite from the sun. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Water Play Paradise

Sister Cities Park truly shines as a summer destination thanks to its incredible water features. The Children's Discovery Garden is the star, offering a shallow wading pool that's ankle-deep and safely monitored by lifeguards who keep the water clean. Kids can dart between various zones, climbing on rocks, jumping over fountains, and sending boats down gentle streams. InstagramReddit+1 The park also features push-button water jets and a splash pad, ensuring endless fun for little ones. It's a place where children can freely explore and cool off on a hot Philadelphia day. Instagram

Beyond the main discovery garden, the park includes the iconic Swann Memorial Fountain, a beautiful 10-geyser fountain that adds a refreshing ambiance. While not for direct play, it's a stunning visual element. For those who enjoy a more imaginative play experience, the toy-boat pond allows children to send their boats sailing down a dedicated stream, fostering creative play and gentle competition. TikTokInstagram These water attractions make Sister Cities Park a must-visit for families looking to beat the heat. Instagram

Pro-Tip: Visitors strongly recommend bringing bathing suits, towels, and water shoes that help with slipping. Expect to make new friends as kids often interact and play together in these shared water spaces. Reddit

Family-Focused Amenities

Sister Cities Park is thoughtfully designed with families in mind, offering a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. The presence of a cafe is a significant plus, providing convenient access to food, drinks, and, crucially, restrooms. This means parents can easily grab a snack or a refreshing beverage while keeping an eye on their children playing. Instagram+1 The cafe is noted for offering high-quality snacks and even vegan-friendly options, catering to diverse dietary needs. Instagram

While the park is generally stroller-friendly, it's worth noting that some specific play areas might require you to leave strollers behind. This is a minor consideration given the overall accessibility and the engaging nature of the play zones. Reddit The park also offers shaded seating areas, providing a comfortable spot for parents to relax and supervise. Instagram The combination of water play, accessible facilities, and thoughtful design makes Sister Cities Park a highly recommended destination for families with young children in Philadelphia. InstagramReddit

Navigating Parking and Budget

For visitors planning a trip to Sister Cities Park, understanding the parking situation is key, especially if you're traveling by car. While the park itself doesn't have dedicated parking, numerous parking garages are located in the vicinity. However, these can come with a significant cost, with some sources indicating prices around $30 for just a couple of hours. Reddit This expense can add up, particularly for families on a budget. TikTok

To mitigate parking costs, visitors often suggest exploring alternative transportation methods. Utilizing public transport, such as SEPTA buses that frequently service the Benjamin Franklin Parkway area, is a highly recommended and budget-friendly option. Reddit Rideshare services are another viable alternative for those looking to avoid the stress and expense of parking. Reddit Planning your travel in advance and considering these options can help make your visit to Sister Cities Park more enjoyable and cost-effective.

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