Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
A free, expansive playground and historic playhouse in Fairmount Park, featuring a legendary 44-foot wooden slide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more slide time!
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more slide time!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, expansive playground and historic playhouse in Fairmount Park, featuring a legendary 44-foot wooden slide.
"This place was amazing!!!! My niece and nephew loved it. An entire room of cardboard boxes, another with toys and other with blocks and so on and so forth. It’s free to get in..."
🎯 Free Admission is a Gem!
This incredible spot is completely free! Pack snacks or a lunch to enjoy a full day of play.
👟 Wear Play-Ready Shoes
Sturdy sneakers are essential for climbing, running, and enjoying all the outdoor play structures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Wooden Slide
Outdoor Playground
A 44-foot-long wooden slide that's a thrilling ride for kids and a unique photo op. Featured on TV!
The Historic Playhouse
Indoor Building
A 16,000 sq. ft. wonderland with multiple levels of imaginative play, toys, and climbing areas.
Expansive Outdoor Play Areas
6.5 Wooded Acres
Multiple themed playgrounds, swings, and climbing structures scattered across beautiful, wooded grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Fun!
Dress for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission is a Gem!
This incredible spot is completely free! Pack snacks or a lunch to enjoy a full day of play.
👟 Wear Play-Ready Shoes
Sturdy sneakers are essential for climbing, running, and enjoying all the outdoor play structures.
📸 Capture the Wooden Slide
Don't miss the iconic 44-foot wooden slide – it's a major highlight and a great photo opportunity!
🧸 Donate Old Toys
Consider donating gently used toys, dress-up clothes, or art supplies to support the playground's mission.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission is a Gem!
This incredible spot is completely free! Pack snacks or a lunch to enjoy a full day of play.
👟 Wear Play-Ready Shoes
Sturdy sneakers are essential for climbing, running, and enjoying all the outdoor play structures.
📸 Capture the Wooden Slide
Don't miss the iconic 44-foot wooden slide – it's a major highlight and a great photo opportunity!
🧸 Donate Old Toys
Consider donating gently used toys, dress-up clothes, or art supplies to support the playground's mission.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Parking is available but can fill up quickly. Consider arriving early or using ride-sharing services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse for its incredible value, offering a vast and engaging play experience completely free of charge. The combination of the expansive indoor playhouse and numerous outdoor structures, including the famous wooden slide, provides hours of entertainment for children. While parking can be challenging and food isn't available on-site, the overwhelming sentiment is one of delight and strong recommendation for this community gem.
"Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is such a fun spot!! It’s amazing that it’s all free to the public. There are 3 levels of playrooms on the main building and so many play structures across the grounds. This place is great for kids toddler-aged and up to explore and play. It exceeded all of my expectations and the staff members were all so kind! If we lived in the area, we would definitely make this one of our regular play spots. Highly recommend!"
Haley Torres
"This is such a great place for young little ones. My kids played for hours all independently. They have 3 floors plus tons of play structures outside. Best part is it’s free! Pack a lunch or a snack and head over for an entire day of fun. Promotes creative and independent play."
C C
"This place was amazing!!!! My niece and nephew loved it. They have so many toys and things for kids to do. An entire room of cardboard boxes, another with toys and other with blocks and so on and so forth. It’s free to get in and we only made it to one of the 6 (I think) different outdoor play grounds. It was a kid heaven I will absolutely be back and I can’t wait to explore more. What an amazing resource for the community."
Justine Hulbert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is located in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Public transportation options are available, and driving is also common. Parking is available on-site but can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
Yes, there is parking available at Smith Memorial Playground. However, it's recommended to arrive early as the lot can fill up, particularly on weekends and during peak hours.
SEPTA bus routes serve the Fairmount Park area. It's best to check the SEPTA website for the most current routes and schedules that will get you closest to the playground.
The playground aims to be accessible, with various play structures and areas designed for different abilities. The playhouse also offers accessible play spaces.
Yes, strollers are generally welcome. However, some of the outdoor paths might be uneven due to the natural terrain of the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a treasured community resource that offers completely free admission for all visitors.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can simply show up and enjoy the playground and playhouse.
The playground is designed for young children, generally recommended for ages 9 and under, especially within the indoor playhouse. However, the outdoor areas offer fun for a wider range of ages.
Yes, Smith Memorial Playground is a popular spot for birthday parties and other events. Inquire directly with the playground for rental information and availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There's a 16,000 sq. ft. indoor playhouse with multiple levels of toys, blocks, and climbing areas, plus extensive outdoor playgrounds with swings, slides, and unique structures like the giant wooden slide.
The iconic 44-foot wooden slide is a major attraction, offering a thrilling ride for children. It's a unique and memorable part of the outdoor play experience. 
Yes, the indoor playhouse is fantastic for toddlers and younger children, offering a safe and engaging environment with various toys and play zones.
Restroom facilities are available on-site for visitor convenience.
While primarily designed for children, adults can certainly enjoy the park's atmosphere and even participate in some of the outdoor play structures.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no on-site food vendors. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks, drinks, and picnic lunches to enjoy in designated areas.
Absolutely! Smith Memorial Playground is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are plenty of open spaces and areas where families can spread out and enjoy their meals.
You can find many scenic spots throughout the 6.5 acres of wooded grounds for a picnic. Many families enjoy eating near the play structures or on the grassy areas.
It's advisable to bring your own water bottles, as water fountains may not always be available or operational. Staying hydrated is key for a fun day of play.
Yes, bringing a cooler with food and drinks is permitted and highly recommended for a comfortable and extended visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic 44-foot wooden slide is a must-capture. The colorful playhouses, unique outdoor structures, and the natural beauty of Fairmount Park also offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
Yes, capturing your children's joyful moments is encouraged. The vibrant play environment provides endless opportunities for fun videos.
Weekday mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and fewer crowds, making for more relaxed and picturesque photo sessions.
For professional or commercial photography, it's advisable to contact the playground administration in advance to inquire about any specific policies or permits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parents will appreciate the opportunity for independent play, allowing children to explore and entertain themselves.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Beyond the free entry, the sheer amount of play space and activities available ensures excellent value for your time. You can easily spend several hours exploring the indoor playhouse and the numerous outdoor play areas. It's a high-quality experience that rivals paid attractions, making it a smart choice for budget-savvy visitors to Philadelphia.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The colorful and multi-level playhouse interiors also present unique opportunities for capturing candid moments of children's joy and imagination. The expansive outdoor grounds, set within the natural beauty of Fairmount Park, provide a scenic backdrop for photos and videos.
Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting and fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Playhouse
The space is thoughtfully laid out to encourage unstructured creative play, allowing children to explore and invent their own adventures. Many visitors rave about the sheer variety of activities available indoors, making it a perfect destination regardless of the weather. One of the most delightful aspects of the playhouse is its ability to cater to various age groups, though it's particularly well-suited for children aged 9 and under.
Visitors often highlight the generous donation policy, where families can contribute gently used toys, dress-up clothes, and art supplies. This not only helps keep the playhouse stocked with fresh activities but also teaches children about generosity and community support.
Conquering the Iconic Wooden Slide
+1 Its sheer size and unique wooden construction make it a standout attraction, often featured in social media posts and local media. Getting to the top of the slide involves a bit of a climb, adding to the sense of adventure. Once at the summit, the descent is swift and thrilling, eliciting cheers and laughter from delighted children.
Many visitors mention their children riding it multiple times, a testament to its enduring appeal. It’s a classic playground experience that provides a memorable thrill and a fantastic photo opportunity. While the slide is a major draw, it's important to note that it can get busy, especially during peak times. Visitors often recommend heading to the slide early in the day or during off-peak hours to maximize ride time and minimize waiting.
Exploring the Expansive Outdoor Grounds
The sheer amount of space means that even on busy days, families can often find a quieter spot to play. The natural environment of Fairmount Park adds to the charm of the outdoor areas. Shaded by trees and integrated with the landscape, these play spaces feel like a hidden oasis.
The variety ensures that children of all ages and abilities can find something to enjoy, from toddler-friendly zones to more challenging climbing apparatuses. It’s a place where kids can run, jump, swing, and explore to their heart's content, fostering both physical development and a connection with nature. Many reviewers emphasize that they've only scratched the surface of the outdoor offerings, even after multiple visits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit