Family Activities for Fall Fun in Philadelphia

Cari Feiler Bender, local mom of 2, says her kids “love going to paint their own pumpkins in Franklin Square on a beautiful fall Saturday.  The Square is always decorated for the holiday with hay bales, corn stalks, etc., and the pumpkin painting is free, as is the Trick or Treat trail, another chance to wear their favorite Halloween costumes.  There is a cute little train you can ride around the Square (for a small fee) plus the Philly Mini Golf, where you putt through miniature versions of the Liberty Bell or the Art Museum, is a must.  Now that renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr has opened SquareBurger in Franklin Square, we’ll be lunching there, for sure, too.  The Cake Shake, with TastyKake Butterscotch Krimpets in the shake, is worth all the calories!”

Fun family entertainment and a beautiful park are just steps away from the Liberty Bell, in one of William Penn’s original five squares.  Award-winning Franklin Square is an outdoor amusement oasis located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, featuring Philly Mini Golf, a renovated vintage marble fountain, playgrounds, and the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel.  After a day of experiencing the treasures of Philadelphia’s history, putt through some of the city’s most famous icons, take a ride on hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones aboard the carousel, or enjoy a rest next to the refreshing fountain.  All summer long, enjoy a 150-ton sand sculpture honoring the Philadelphia Phillies, a Once Upon A Nation storyteller, and free balloon animals on weekends.  Named Top 10 Playground in the United States by Dream On Travel.

Franklin Square: 6th & Race Streets

September 8 – 30:        10 am – 7 pm, daily

October 1 – 31:  11 am – 8 pm, Saturdays and Sundays (open Columbus Day)

•  Philly Mini Golf: Putt around the city on this Philadelphia-themed miniature golf course!  $8 adults/$6 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2
• Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel: A zebra, a lion, an eagle, horses and more!  Hop on this spectacular all-American style carousel with hometown racehorse heroes Afleet Alex and Smarty Jones.  $3 adults/$2 children (3-12), FREE for children under 2
• Playgrounds: Slides, swings, and spinners…bring the kids and enjoy two playgrounds! Open year-round and free.
• SquareBurger: Burgers, hot dogs, shakes, ice cream, and more!  New upgraded permanent food operation by Starr Restaurants!

Saturdays and Sundays, October, after dusk – Spooky Mini Golf – Enjoy Philly Mini Golf after dusk with fog effects, special lighting, spooky music, and much more!

Saturdays, October 10 & 17, 12-3 pm – Pumpkin Patch – Show up in costume to decorate and take home your very own pumpkin and enjoy spooky storytelling (FREE)! Take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Express! ($5 adult/$4 child)

Saturdays, October 24 & 31, 12-3 pm – Trick or Treat Trail – Show up in costume to decorate your own trick or treat bag, follow the trail and grab some candy from some furry friends (FREE)! Take a ride on the Lightning Bolt Express! ($5 adult/$4 child) 

Need ideas for a hotel?  Read our list of Kid-Friendly Hotels in Philadelphia.