Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia's five original public squares laid out by William Penn in 1682, and it's the most beautiful and vibrant of the five. The one-block park is framed by townhouses, apartment buildings, and some of Philadelphia's finest restaurants, creating an urban village feel that's immediately comfortable for families.

The park's design is classic: diagonal paths converge at a central plaza with a reflecting pool and fountain. Enormous trees provide shade over most of the park. A small playground on the south side serves the under-7 crowd, and the frog fountain in the center square is the de facto splash pad — kids wade in the shallow water, chase the frogs, and generally treat it as a water park.

Parents sit on the surrounding benches and let it happen.

The Saturday morning farmers market (typically May through November) fills the park's paths with local vendors selling produce, baked goods, flowers, cheese, and prepared food. It's a pleasant social scene — families bring coffee, browse the stalls, and let kids sample fruit and cookies. The market runs rain or shine.

The surrounding neighborhood is the real draw for a family day. Walnut Street and Chestnut Street have boutique shopping, coffee shops, and restaurants at every price point. Parc (a French bistro directly on the square) is the most coveted outdoor dining seat in the city — reserve in advance for weekend brunch.

Di Bruno Bros. (one block away) is an Italian market with excellent prepared foods for a picnic in the park.

Rittenhouse Square is a SEPTA hub — the Broad Street Line (Walnut-Locust station) and multiple bus routes serve the area. Street parking is very limited; garage parking is available but expensive ($20-30).