Franklin Square is a park in Center City that may be small in size, but is big with history (it's…read moreeven on the National Register of Historic Places for being on of the five open-space parks planned by William Penn, founder of the city back in the 1600s). The park is currently managed by Historic Philadelphia and offers entertainment for locals and visitors - lots of things to do for families and everyone. There's the fountain, carousel, mini golf, a beer garden, passive green areas. Check out Franklin Squares' winter festivities/light show and also the Chinese Lantern festival.

Stopped at Franklin Square during a Big Bus city holiday lights tour to see the PECO Light Show, a…read morelight show synchronized to seasonal music throughout the entire area. The park's carousel is illuminated with festive lights, and seemed to be a hit with the families present. Seasonal treats and warm beverages were available at the on-site SquareBurger, priced as one would expect at a tourist location like this. While the festive decorations and activities are lovely, the park was quite crowded, while we were there. Also, the bathroom trailer was absolutely disgusting, despite a small team of custodial employees on site, so plan on holding it while you're there if you can! All in all, Franklin Square was a pleasant diversion, I wouldn't make a special trip to visit.

My grandson has been going to Markward summer camp for years. He loves this playground. It's well…read moremaintained, well run and a safe place for kids to play. There's a place for tennis, basketball a playground for little ones and a place for the bigger kids too. There's lots of trees, grass, shade and when it's hot there's a sprinkler and a water fountain to cool the kids down. The bathrooms are spotless and your dogs are welcomed.

The playground portion of this larger park is under construction at the moment. My review is more…read moregeared towards the field portion of the Markward Park. I'm in a kickball league that plays at Markward every week. To optimize the space, we play on the grass portions of the field, so two games can happen concurrently. The space is very poorly maintained, so when it comes time to run the bases and determine outs, it's nearly impossible for the players and umpire to see the bases because the grass is so overgrown. There are also large amounts of weeds growing up the fences. While the location of this park and playground is convenient, it does not seem to be cared for at all. Maybe the fields are being neglected because the playground is under construction?

Such a cute and well maintained park! Sometimes going to the Squares just isn't the vibe, this park…read moreFEELS like a real park. Lots of benches, picnic tables, a small playground, basketball court, dog park and direct access to the water and river trail. Everything was clean and the park is really well kept!

Whenever I'm in Philly, my running route is from Queen Village to the Schuylkill River Park. I…read morealways break stride of my elite 9 minute mile pace, pause the Watch the Throne album blasting in my ears, and walk through this park. It is a great moment to just take in the peaceful energy. I love this place and parks like it in general. Everyone is just out enjoying life: Kids playing basketball, friends having picnics, people playing tennis, others reading a book or taking a calm walk with their airpods in, dogs running around the dog park while their owners watch from the sidelines, etc. The kids playing basketball always gets me a little emotional because that used to be me and my friends before the responsibilities of adulthood caused my cortisol levels to go through the roof. All we cared about was playing basketball and having fun. It's like a little time portal to the past. The FMC tower watches over the park, reflecting the sky. I always get fascinated with buildings like this and it makes me appreciate human beings. Like we just built that thing no problem. Wild. I can't close out this review without shouting out running. I could be spiraling into the abyss of negative thoughts and force myself to go for a run, and it completely alters my brain chemistry. I feel like I can do anything after a run. It has done more for me than any drug ever could. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

The review is for adjoining kids playground. Describing a visit in mid January 2021 on a Friday…read moreafternoon. PROS: It's a solid wooden structure. It has nice bridges, slides and labyrinths for various ages. We liked the swings too. There's a dedicated 2-5 yrs play area. It's surrounded by fence for kids safety. CONS: The visual appeal is not well maintained. Paint is faded and chipping away. Many tiles cracked or missing. Sand boxes are nearly empty. Playground needs some face lift. Overall, my daughter enjoyed it

Very nice family park to enjoy with your little ones. I definitely recommend! Check it out!read more

This park is a must-visit, offering an amazing playground for families and a delightful walking…read moretrail for all to enjoy.

Challenge Grove Park will always hold a sentimental place in my heart, as it is the place where I…read moretrained for my first 5K. Four years later, I still find myself driving here from time to time to do the old running route. Besides that, I run through the park on an almost weekly basis, as it is part of my running clubs 12 mile Sunday run. The park is open and welcoming. A year or two ago volunteers built the Build Jake's Place, a "boundless" playground which welcomes children of all abilities and disabilities. During my most recent visit to the park this past week, I noticed that a second new playground area is being built. (I can't find the info now, but I think I read that it is going to be a softball/baseball field of sorts, again for all children, regardless of ability/disability). The park also includes a quarter mile track, restrooms, bocce court, a basketball court, and baseball field. There is also what appears to be a soccer or football field set back behind a wooded area that I have not ventured to, but I often see games being held there. A short walk to the other end of the park brings to to an area of the Cooper River, and a large grassy field area where one could spread out and relax. For the runner or walker, there are also some trails, which Cherry Hill Township has been making a point of maintaining in the last year or two, and has encouraged people to take advantage of these areas. I only recently ventured back in these trails, and they are really beautiful, well maintained, and not long or complicated enough to get you lost. If you prefer the roads, a lap around the entire park (Caldwell Road, Park Blvd., Kings Hwy., and back into the park on Bortons Mill) is about a 1.25 mile run. The park area is also home to the old Croft Farmstead, but I'll be honest... I don't know what goes on in those buildings, just that it's a historic area in the township. One thing the township/county needs to improve are the restrooms. On the occasion that they are actually open, they are absolutely awful. Smelly, filled with graffiti, no paper towels, and just filthy. The water fountains could use some upgrading, too... they are forced to be turned off in the winter because they don't utilize no-freeze technology, and in the summer the water is just hot, and therefore useless to an overheated endurance runner. If the park could fix either one of those things, they'd easily be a 4 or 5 star park in my eyes.

This newly opened playground is such a great addition to FDR Park!…read more There are massive slides, a few "natural" climbing features, and one of the biggest sets of swings I've ever seen. This playground offers a space to stretch your legs and fun for your more adventurous kids. It is conveniently located right off of I-95, with plenty of parking, and there are plenty of picnic tables and benches for parents who just want to sit back. I did take off one star for the lack of restroom facilities, which I believe is very important when you're out with kids. There are porta-potties nearby.

Great park, good vibes, a huge playground if you have kids, and a beautiful trail that encircles…read morethe entire park, and an overall friendly community of people...a lovely park! I have many memories at this park and it will always be my go-to! I grew up at this park since the age of 10! Am now 35! You won't be disappointed, and is also worth the drive if you don't live nearby also!

Their splash park for little toddlers is perfect. We go there at least 5 times a summerread more

My three-year-old grandchild LOVES this playground. So many places to climb and explore, and…read moremultiple musical and visual elements to spark creativity and imagination. We've visited on overcast weekdays, so it's never been crowded. Bonus elements: restrooms, free parking, and a covered area with picnic tables.

Great playground with tons to do! My daughter (2) loved it and apparently there are misters when…read morethe weather gets warmer.