Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is the kind of place that makes you wonder why every city doesn't have one: a free, 6. 5-acre playground and indoor play facility in Fairmount Park that's been serving Philadelphia children since 1899. It was funded by Richard and Sarah Smith's bequest specifically for the 'free enjoyment' of children, and 125+ years later, it's still delivering on that mission.

The Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide is the signature attraction. Built in 1905 and still operating, it's a 40-foot-long enclosed wooden slide built into a hillside. Kids sit on squares of carpet and slide down the polished wood surface. The speed is thrilling but safe, and kids line up to do it again and again. It's been making children happy for over a century.

The Playhouse is a three-story indoor play facility opened in 2016, designed for ages 0-10. The ground floor has a tot area for babies and toddlers with soft play equipment and sensory toys. Upper floors have building stations, a pretend supermarket, ride-on toys, and imaginative play areas. The building is bright, clean, and well-maintained. The entire facility is free.

The outdoor playground has been updated with modern equipment including climbing structures, swings, a sand play area, and a splash pad that runs in summer. The 6.5-acre grounds include open lawns for running and picnicking, all surrounded by the trees of Fairmount Park.

The playground is in East Fairmount Park, about a 10-minute drive from Center City. Free parking is available. The location is residential and quiet — there are no food vendors on-site, so bring everything with you. This is not a tourist attraction; it's a community gem that visitors are welcome to share.