Fox Chase Farm
| Fox Chase Farm | |
|---|---|
| Type | Working farm / Environmental education |
| Location | Northeast Philadelphia (Fox Chase) |
| Coordinates | 40.0720,-75.0850 |
| Area | 112 acres |
| Established | 1976 (as public farm) |
| Operated by | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation |
| Features | Working farm, livestock, gardens, environmental education |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk; programs by appointment |
| Transit | SEPTA Regional Rail to Fox Chase; bus 18, 28, 70 |
| Website | Official Site |
Fox Chase Farm is a 112-acre working farm in the Fox Chase section of Northeast Philadelphia. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation runs it as an environmental education center where the farm preserves agricultural heritage right in the middle of the city and gives Philadelphia kids hands-on experiences with farm life.[1] For many of these children, it's their first encounter with farm animals or any look at where food actually comes from.
It's rare. A working agricultural operation in a major American city? That's tough to find.
History
Agricultural Roots
The land here has been farmed for centuries. It wasn't always surrounded by neighborhoods. This area sat on Philadelphia's rural edge, where dairy and produce farming thrived before urbanization crept outward and started changing the landscape around it.
Public Farm
The city made it official in 1976. Philadelphia acquired the property and transformed it into a public facility with a clear mission: keep working agriculture alive while teaching people about it. That core vision hasn't changed. The farm itself stayed operational, becoming a living demonstration of urban agriculture instead of just vanishing under concrete.
Programming Development
Things expanded from there. The animal collection grew. Community gardens got added. Schools started bringing kids out for field trips. Public events began happening regularly, turning the farm into something more than just a place with animals and plants.
Features
Livestock
You'll find a solid variety here:
- Horses and ponies
- Cows and calves
- Pigs
- Sheep and goats
- Chickens and ducks
- Rabbits
Gardens
The farm grows more than just animals:
- Vegetable gardens
- Herb gardens
- Demonstration plots
- Community garden plots
- Native plant areas
Facilities
Historic barns still stand on the property. There are animal enclosures, educational buildings, picnic areas, and trails winding through the grounds where you can walk and explore.
Programs
School Programs
Field trips are huge here. Philadelphia schools bring students out to tour the farm, interact with animals, and learn about agriculture through hands-on work. The curriculum shifts with the seasons, so kids see different aspects of farming throughout the year.
Public Programs
Beyond school groups, there's a lot else going on. Farm tours happen regularly. Seasonal events like lambing and harvest celebrations draw families. Summer camps run throughout warmer months. You can volunteer too. Lots of people do.
Community Gardens
Plot rentals are available to people in the neighborhood. This isn't just a tourist farm. It's an active part of supporting urban agriculture and teaching gardeners about growing their own food.
Visiting
Hours
The park itself opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Most programs need appointments, so call ahead to check what's available. Special events get scheduled throughout the year, and they fill up fast.
Getting There
The address is 8500 Pine Road in Fox Chase.
If you're taking transit, SEPTA Regional Rail stops right at Fox Chase Station. Bus lines 18, 28, and 70 also serve the area.
Driving? There's free parking on site near Pine Road.
Tips
Call ahead. Seriously. Program availability changes. The farm really shines for kids, and animals are much more active in the morning. Seasonal events get crowded, so arrive early if you're planning to attend. Pennypack Park sits nearby if you want to combine visits. It's worth your time.
Significance
Fox Chase Farm matters for real reasons. It's the only working farm still operating inside Philadelphia's city limits. That distinction means something. Kids who'd never otherwise see where food comes from get that chance here. The farm keeps agricultural heritage alive in an urban setting while serving as a real environmental education resource for the community.
Nearby
- Fox Chase — The neighborhood surrounding the farm
- Pennypack Park — Right there adjacent
- Burholme Park — Close by
- Northeast Philadelphia — The larger area
See Also
References
- ↑ "Fox Chase Farm". Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 30, 2025