Smith Memorial Playground: Difference between revisions
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'''Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse''' is a historic children's playground in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], founded in 1899 and | '''Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse''' is a historic children's playground in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], founded in 1899 and home to the iconic '''Giant Wooden Slide''' that's been a beloved Philadelphia staple for over 125 years. The site combines an expansive outdoor playground, indoor playhouse, and dedicated spaces for children of different ages, all without charge.<ref name="smith">{{cite web |url=https://smithplayground.org |title=Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse |publisher=Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref> | ||
For generations, Philadelphia kids have grown up sliding and climbing at "The Smith." It's one of the city's most treasured family spots. | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
=== Founding === | === Founding === | ||
Richard and Sarah Smith created this place through their will: | |||
* '''1899:''' Opened to the public | * '''1899:''' Opened to the public | ||
* | * A gift to Philadelphia's children | ||
* | * Among America's first playgrounds | ||
* Free admission | * Free admission from day one | ||
=== The Vision === | === The Vision === | ||
What the Smiths actually wanted was straightforward. Safe outdoor play. Places where kids from any background could run around. Wholesome recreation. Room to connect with nature. That was their dream. | |||
=== Preservation === | === Preservation === | ||
It's still here because people cared about keeping it alive: | |||
* | * The original Giant Slide remains the centerpiece | ||
* | * The historic playhouse got updated | ||
* | * New equipment arrived over the decades | ||
* | * Programming expanded significantly | ||
== Features == | == Features == | ||
| Line 49: | Line 45: | ||
=== The Giant Wooden Slide === | === The Giant Wooden Slide === | ||
The '''Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide''' | This is the thing everyone comes for. The '''Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide''' dominates the playground. Forty feet wide. Three stories of wood and memory. You grab a burlap sack, settle in, and slide down this monster. It's from 1905. Still going strong. Every Philadelphia kid should do this at least once. | ||
=== Outdoor Playground === | === Outdoor Playground === | ||
' | There's plenty to do out here: | ||
* Climbing structures | * Climbing structures | ||
* Swings ( | * Swings (plenty of types) | ||
* Sand play areas | * Sand play areas | ||
* Nature play | * Nature play sections | ||
* Shaded | * Shaded spots for picnics | ||
=== Tot Lot === | === Tot Lot === | ||
Younger kids get their own space. Ages 5 and under. Equipment built to their scale. It's enclosed. Soft ground. Parents can sit nearby and actually keep watch. | |||
=== The Playhouse === | === The Playhouse === | ||
Three floors of indoor play. That's what you get here. Spaces for pretend play. Things to climb on and slide down. This is where you head when it rains. It's got air conditioning in summer and heat in winter. Real comfort. | |||
=== Grounds === | === Grounds === | ||
The setting matters. Big old shade trees everywhere. Open grass. Picnic tables. Woods around the edges. You're not just in a playground. You're in a park. | |||
== Visiting == | == Visiting == | ||
| Line 94: | Line 72: | ||
=== Hours === | === Hours === | ||
It runs seasonally, mostly April through October for the outdoor areas. The playhouse sometimes stays open longer. Check their website before you go. | |||
=== Admission === | === Admission === | ||
Free. It's always been free. That was the whole point. Donations help out. Some special programs cost money, but the basic playground doesn't. | |||
=== Age Limits === | === Age Limits === | ||
The playground's designed for kids 10 and under. Some sections work better for specific ages. You need an adult there supervising. | |||
=== Getting There === | === Getting There === | ||
The address is 3500 Reservoir Drive in East Fairmount Park. | |||
Public transit gets you there pretty easily. Take SEPTA Bus 32 to 33rd and Oxford, then walk into the park. | |||
By car, there's free parking. Come in from 33rd Street. | |||
=== Tips === | === Tips === | ||
Bring socks if you're going in the playhouse. On nice days, expect a line for the Giant Slide. Sunscreen matters because the playground isn't heavily shaded. Bring food. There are bathrooms available. | |||
== Programs == | == Programs == | ||
They run summer camps. You can rent it for birthday parties. Schools bring kids on field trips. They host special events. Family programs happen throughout the season. | |||
== The Smith Legacy == | == The Smith Legacy == | ||
This place works because it stayed true to what it was built for. Free and open. Centered on what kids need. Kept up for the next generation. A place where the neighborhood gathers. | |||
== Nearby == | == Nearby == | ||
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' | * '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' - The big park surrounding it | ||
* '''[[Strawberry Mansion]]''' | * '''[[Strawberry Mansion]]''' - Historic house close by | ||
* '''[[Woodford Mansion]]''' | * '''[[Woodford Mansion]]''' - Another historic place | ||
* '''[[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]''' | * '''[[Laurel Hill Cemetery]]''' - Across the Schuylkill | ||
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' | * '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' - River drive access | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Fairmount Park]] | * [[Fairmount Park]] | ||
* [[Franklin Square]] | * [[Franklin Square]] - has a playground too | ||
* [[Sister Cities Park]] | * [[Sister Cities Park]] | ||
* [[Please Touch Museum]] | * [[Please Touch Museum]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:41, 24 April 2026
| Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse | |
|---|---|
| Type | Children's playground / Historic recreation |
| Location | Fairmount Park (East) |
| Coordinates | 39.9880,-75.1840 |
| Area | 6.5 acres |
| Established | 1899 |
| Operated by | Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse |
| Features | Giant wooden slide, indoor playhouse, outdoor playground, tot lot |
| Hours | Seasonal; check website |
| Transit | SEPTA bus to 33rd and Oxford |
| Website | Official Site |
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is a historic children's playground in East Fairmount Park, founded in 1899 and home to the iconic Giant Wooden Slide that's been a beloved Philadelphia staple for over 125 years. The site combines an expansive outdoor playground, indoor playhouse, and dedicated spaces for children of different ages, all without charge.[1]
For generations, Philadelphia kids have grown up sliding and climbing at "The Smith." It's one of the city's most treasured family spots.
History
Founding
Richard and Sarah Smith created this place through their will:
- 1899: Opened to the public
- A gift to Philadelphia's children
- Among America's first playgrounds
- Free admission from day one
The Vision
What the Smiths actually wanted was straightforward. Safe outdoor play. Places where kids from any background could run around. Wholesome recreation. Room to connect with nature. That was their dream.
Preservation
It's still here because people cared about keeping it alive:
- The original Giant Slide remains the centerpiece
- The historic playhouse got updated
- New equipment arrived over the decades
- Programming expanded significantly
Features
The Giant Wooden Slide
This is the thing everyone comes for. The Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide dominates the playground. Forty feet wide. Three stories of wood and memory. You grab a burlap sack, settle in, and slide down this monster. It's from 1905. Still going strong. Every Philadelphia kid should do this at least once.
Outdoor Playground
There's plenty to do out here:
- Climbing structures
- Swings (plenty of types)
- Sand play areas
- Nature play sections
- Shaded spots for picnics
Tot Lot
Younger kids get their own space. Ages 5 and under. Equipment built to their scale. It's enclosed. Soft ground. Parents can sit nearby and actually keep watch.
The Playhouse
Three floors of indoor play. That's what you get here. Spaces for pretend play. Things to climb on and slide down. This is where you head when it rains. It's got air conditioning in summer and heat in winter. Real comfort.
Grounds
The setting matters. Big old shade trees everywhere. Open grass. Picnic tables. Woods around the edges. You're not just in a playground. You're in a park.
Visiting
Hours
It runs seasonally, mostly April through October for the outdoor areas. The playhouse sometimes stays open longer. Check their website before you go.
Admission
Free. It's always been free. That was the whole point. Donations help out. Some special programs cost money, but the basic playground doesn't.
Age Limits
The playground's designed for kids 10 and under. Some sections work better for specific ages. You need an adult there supervising.
Getting There
The address is 3500 Reservoir Drive in East Fairmount Park.
Public transit gets you there pretty easily. Take SEPTA Bus 32 to 33rd and Oxford, then walk into the park.
By car, there's free parking. Come in from 33rd Street.
Tips
Bring socks if you're going in the playhouse. On nice days, expect a line for the Giant Slide. Sunscreen matters because the playground isn't heavily shaded. Bring food. There are bathrooms available.
Programs
They run summer camps. You can rent it for birthday parties. Schools bring kids on field trips. They host special events. Family programs happen throughout the season.
The Smith Legacy
This place works because it stayed true to what it was built for. Free and open. Centered on what kids need. Kept up for the next generation. A place where the neighborhood gathers.
Nearby
- Fairmount Park - The big park surrounding it
- Strawberry Mansion - Historic house close by
- Woodford Mansion - Another historic place
- Laurel Hill Cemetery - Across the Schuylkill
- Kelly Drive - River drive access
See Also
- Fairmount Park
- Franklin Square - has a playground too
- Sister Cities Park
- Please Touch Museum
References
- ↑ "Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse". Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. Retrieved December 30, 2025