Franklin Square — Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? One of the original five public squares William Penn plotted out when he designed the city, the eight-acre Franklin Square is home to a classic carousel, Philly -themed mini golf course, and a sprawling playground. There’s also SquareBurger—a kiosk selling burgers and a signature Cake Shake blended with Tastykake butterscotch krimpets, one of the city’s quintessential treats. In the center of it all is a historic fountain that dates back to 1838 and reopened in 2019 after a $2 million renovation. The historic square attracts plenty of Old City tourists visiting Philly’s most famous attractions just a few blocks south, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. But it’s also a hub for locals—especially those with kids—in the neighborhood, who come for a ride on the merry-go-round or to romp around the playground. In that vein, it's a popular birthday party destination for the elementary school set. Any standout features or must-sees? Set to music and lights, a seasonal fountain show is reason enough to visit the park, perhaps on the way back from dinner in Chinatown a few blocks away. The Square also hosts events throughout the year, including the Chinese Lantern Festival, with dozens of illuminated displays — seascapes, pandas, an epic dragon—intricately-crafted in China and arranged throughout the square. Was it easy to get around? Spanning just eight acres, the Square is easy to navigate, and from the fountain in the center you can take in most of the park. Plenty of benches and a few tables offer a place to rest, and public restrooms are accessible via ramp. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? Between the carousel, mini-golf, playground and Cake Shakes, Franklin Square is especially beloved by kids. Even if you don’t partake in mini-golf or the carousel (both have a fee) the grassy, landscaped park is a nice city oasis, and families should add it to their list to take a break after exploring Old City historic sites. But even for the child-free, the fountain (and its free, regularly-scheduled light show) makes it a worthwhile destination, especially during annual events like Winter Festival and the Chinese Lantern Festival. (Note: There’s a fee to enter the Chinese Lantern Festival, and the park closes at 5pm daily during the run to accommodate it.)" - Regan Stephens