Sister Cities Park

Sister Cities Park, managed by the Center City District, is arguably the single best park for young children in all of Center City Philadelphia. Before you've even walked in, the thoughtful design signals that this place was made with families in mind — not just as an afterthought, but as a genuine priority.

The indoor waterfall and rain garden component is the first thing that sets this park apart. Inside the small pavilion, a living green wall and cascading water feature create a sensory experience that captivates babies and toddlers in a way that's hard to explain until you see it. Rain or shine, this element works, and it's a genuinely free rainy-day activity in a city that doesn't have many of those for under-fives.

In warmer months, the outdoor spray ground activates and the sandpit opens. These are the features that earn Sister Cities Park its reputation with the 2-6 set. The spray elements are gentle and low, perfect for young children who want to splash without being blasted. The sandpit is large enough that multiple kids can dig simultaneously without fighting over territory.

The park also hosts free programming through the Center City District — story times, nature walks, and seasonal events that give the space an active community calendar. This programming is particularly valuable if you have children in the 1-5 range who benefit from structured activities.

Practical logistics: the park has clean restrooms and a nursing lounge, which parents of infants will appreciate enormously. Strollers are easy to navigate throughout. The location at 18th and Ben Franklin Parkway puts you two blocks from Rittenhouse Square, meaning you can easily extend the outing with a walk through one of Philadelphia's most beautiful urban spaces.

Entry is free for all park elements. Some seasonal programming and the ice skating in winter have small fees — check centercityphila.org for the current calendar.