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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more splash time
Sister Cities Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more splash time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant city park featuring interactive water play, a charming boat pond, and the iconic Swann Memorial Fountain.
"Amazing water play park for little kids, a true hidden gem in Philly!"
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Children's Discovery Garden
Center City
An interactive oasis with a wading pool, stream, and spray jets perfect for little explorers.
Toy Boat Pond
Near the cafe
A charming spot where kids can send toy boats sailing down a gentle stream.

Swann Memorial Fountain
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
A beautiful 10-geyser fountain that adds a refreshing ambiance to the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
Parking Pointers 🚗
Parking can be expensive. Look for deals on apps or consider public transport to save money.
Toddler Paradise 👶
Ideal for young children with shallow water features and safe play zones.
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.
Cafe Convenience ☕
The park has a cafe offering snacks, drinks, and clean restrooms. Great for a quick bite or a break.
Parking Pointers 🚗
Parking can be expensive. Look for deals on apps or consider public transport to save money.
Toddler Paradise 👶
Ideal for young children with shallow water features and safe play zones.
Capture the Fun :camera:
Plenty of picturesque spots for photos, especially around the water features and gardens.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
To save on costs, consider using public transportation like SEPTA buses or exploring rideshare options. Parking in the immediate vicinity can be quite expensive.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Absolutely! The shallow wading pool, gentle stream, and interactive water jets make it a fantastic spot for toddlers to play and cool off safely.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
According to visitor reviews, the cafe at Sister Cities Park offers high-quality snacks and food, with vegan-friendly options available.
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.
The cafe provides food and beverages, and importantly, it houses the park's restrooms. It's a convenient spot for refreshments and facilities.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park also offers a cafe with snacks and restrooms, making it convenient for longer visits. While parking can be pricey, consider public transport to keep costs down. 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.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, opt for public transportation like SEPTA buses, which are readily available and much cheaper than parking in the nearby garages. You can also pack your own picnic to enjoy in the park, further reducing expenses. This makes Sister Cities Park a prime example of how to experience Philadelphia's attractions affordably.
☀️ Summer Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Play Paradise
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. These water attractions make Sister Cities Park a must-visit for families looking to beat the heat.
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.
Family-Focused Amenities
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. The park also offers shaded seating areas, providing a comfortable spot for parents to relax and supervise. 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.
Navigating Parking and Budget
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. Rideshare services are another viable alternative for those looking to avoid the stress and expense of parking. Planning your travel in advance and considering these options can help make your visit to Sister Cities Park more enjoyable and cost-effective.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit