Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a Philadelphia treasure offering six acres of completely free play in Fairmount Park. The crown jewel is the legendary Giant Wooden Slide,a 10-foot-wide, polished wooden slide that's been thrilling generations of children since 1905,plus a magnificent three-story indoor playhouse filled with kid-sized furniture, play kitchens, and imaginative play spaces that will keep little ones enchanted for hours.

• ✓The iconic 10-foot-wide Giant Wooden Slide from 1905,a must-try Philadelphia experience
• ✓Three-story indoor playhouse with kid-sized rooms, play kitchens, and dress-up areas
• ✓Outdoor playground with swings, climbing structures, and sandbox areas
• ✓Beautiful historic architecture and mansion setting in Fairmount Park
• ✓Completely free admission to all areas and activities

1. 1.Bring cardboard or wax paper for the Giant Wooden Slide,it makes you go faster and protects clothing from splinters (though the slide is well-maintained and smooth)
2. 2.Arrive right at 10:00 AM opening on weekends to beat the crowds, especially during nice weather when the playground fills up quickly
3. 3.Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the outdoor tables,there's no food sold on-site and you'll want to maximize your play time
4. 4.The indoor playhouse can get warm on hot days, so dress kids in layers you can remove
5. 5.Free street parking is available along Reservoir Drive, but spots fill fast on weekends,consider biking or taking public transit if possible

Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM) offer the most space and shortest waits for the Giant Wooden Slide. Spring and fall provide ideal weather for both indoor and outdoor play. Avoid Saturday afternoons when the venue is busiest with birthday parties and local families.

Admission is completely free, making this an incredible value for families. Street parking is available but limited. No food is sold on-site, so bring snacks and water. The facility is stroller-accessible with ramps, though the playhouse's upper floors require stairs.

Open year-round Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). The outdoor playground is best enjoyed spring through fall, but the indoor playhouse provides excellent winter entertainment. Summer can get crowded, so plan for early morning visits. Check their website for special seasonal events and occasional holiday closures.

Stop by The Glenview Mansion (just minutes away in Fairmount Park) for casual dining with a kids' menu, or head to Kelly Drive for food trucks that typically line the river on weekends. For a quick bite, Wynnefield Plaza shopping area is a 5-minute drive with multiple family-friendly chain restaurants.