Franklin Square

Franklin Square is a seven-acre park in Philadelphia's historic district with a restored fountain, miniature golf course, carousel, and children's play area. The spaces connect through paved pathways, making it easy to move between different sections.

William Penn laid out this square in 1682 as the city's northeast corner, originally used for livestock trading. The renaming to Franklin Square in 1825 marked its shift from a market area to a public gathering space.

The benches throughout the green space encourage visitors to sit and listen to local stories about the city's past. This simple way of using the park shows how the place brings together people from different backgrounds.

The park is open year-round with a restaurant, public restrooms, and flat pathways accessible to everyone. Plan to spend an hour or two exploring on foot, depending on how long you linger at each activity.

The minigolf course features replicas of local landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and the rowing clubs along the river. This blend of play and city sights turns the course into something more than a typical activity for children.

Location: Philadelphia

Architects: Thomas Holme

GPS coordinates: 39.95551,-75.15079

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41