Herron Playground

Herron Playground is one of Pennsport's most beloved neighborhood spots — a well-kept Philadelphia Parks & Recreation facility that combines a solid play structure with a beloved seasonal spray park. If you're a parent living in or visiting South Philly, this is the kind of place that earns a permanent spot in your summer rotation.

The playground itself has age-appropriate climbing structures, slides, and swings that work well for kids roughly ages 2-10. Younger toddlers can navigate the smaller equipment while bigger kids scramble up the climbing features. The surface is rubberized in the main play areas, which means fewer scraped knees.

The real draw, though, is the spray park that typically opens around Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. The spray jets are low and gentle enough for toddlers — your two-year-old won't get knocked over by an industrial-strength geyser. Kids sprint back and forth through the jets, which makes it a natural energy burner on hot Philadelphia summer days.

Bring a towel and a change of clothes because your kids will absolutely get soaked.

The recreation center staff supervise the facility during operating hours (roughly 11am-7pm weekdays, 12-5pm weekends), which provides a level of oversight you don't get at an unstaffed park. The facility is ADA accessible with paved paths, making stroller navigation straightforward.

Parking is generally available on Reed Street and surrounding neighborhood streets. If you're coming from outside Pennsport, it's a quick trip from Washington Avenue or Broad Street. There's no admission charge — it's a free city facility supported by your tax dollars.

For summer visits, arrive early on weekends. By mid-morning on a hot Saturday, the benches fill up and the spray area gets crowded with neighborhood kids. Weekday mornings are noticeably calmer and more relaxed for younger toddlers who can get overwhelmed by big crowds.