Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Playground · East Park

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

Playground · East Park

1

3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121

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Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse by null

Highlights

Smith Memorial Playground: a free, sprawling playground and whimsical three-story playhouse with a legendary 100-year-old wooden slide perfect for kids 10 and under.  

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3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121 Get directions

smithplayground.org
@smithplayground

Information

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3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121 Get directions

+1 215 765 4325
smithplayground.org
@smithplayground
𝕏
@SmithPlayground

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
parking bike
crowd family friendly

Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@afar

"A free playhouse just for kids Philly visitors with young children should not miss this unique, historic (and free) play destination. Inside the large playhouse (for children 5 and younger), kids can choose from room after room of themed play equipment. Outside, the 6-acre playground (for children 10 and younger) features over 50 types of play areas, the highlight of which is a giant wooden slide that is over 100 years old. Opened in 1899 and recently restored, the playhouse was designed specifically as a play space for children and features a three-story open layout. Among many other activities, kids can ride tricycles, play on a train, and put on a puppet show. Be sure to check Smith’s website or Facebook page before you go, to make sure the playground isn’t closed due to inclement weather or excessive heat."

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Haley Torres

Google
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is such a fun spot!! It’s amazing that it’s all free to the public. There are 3 levels of playrooms on the main building and so many play structures across the grounds. This place is great for kids toddler-aged and up to explore and play. It exceeded all of my expectations and the staff members were all so kind! If we lived in the area, we would definitely make this one of our regular play spots. Highly recommend!

Tina Miller

Google
Fun adventure just waiting for your kids to explore the mansion. They have bikes you can donate some of your kids old toys there. You can donate some dress-up stuff there too. You can donate arts and crafts and take your kids there to have ultimate fun day. they are so many playgrounds in the acres of land, so your kids will have so much fun just so much to do when the kids are free to do what they like. You have birthday parties there and all.

Big web 45

Google
Was walking by and me and the frat boys decided to check this place out and see what it’s all about. The inside is really for kids 9 and under not much for any kids older than that to enjoy. The outdoor playground was so neat there is even things for us adults to do. There is this building and the whole thing is a big slide it’s really neat. And the playground has this huge merry go round that the boys got spinning up to 350g force as fast as the 250 pound washer at my work spins! Yea we spun fast and all the water was extracted out of us and we had to replenish it fast. It’s a really nice park and kids of all ages and even adults enjoy this place.

James Taney

Google
The top floor was closed down but otherwise it’s a nice playground for younger children. Some pretty cool outside equipment and the slide is cool even for adults. Inside is really 9 and under max

Desiree Rhodes

Google
Always! clean and well kept area for picnics. Been coming here for over 50yrs with family and celebrating July 4th.

Threads of All Colors

Google
Kids were not disappointed with the big slide. I thought we would never leave it. But when we did the full outdoors park have their attention. New friends were made as they ran from one apparatus to another. A SJ group of children were enjoying the park. Only problem I had was the staff was not engaged. She sat there while the all older children of her group joined the younger children and their grandparents pushing the play structure. I remove my grands and they enjoyed another play structure.

Connie Kwok

Google
This is a great huge playground that will entertain your kids for hours. I like that it is diverse and huge, so you can find shade as the day goes on, and plenty of different equipment fun for a range of all kids and even adults, and places to sit and rest. The potato sack slide was a highlight. Bracelets are provided at the entrance and would highly recommend donating to keep the park clean and going. Plenty of free parking. Bring your own water. Have fun!!!

Dr harjot gurudatta

Google
I cannot think of pain of parents when losing a child. Still I thank the parents to create something immortal in form of children laughing and playing. Must visit if you have complete free day with small kids upto age 7 to 8 years kid. Toys and ground everything is working, clean and well maintained
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Kimi S.

Yelp
I love me a good playground, and Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse is one of the best I've ever visited! Here are the things you should know: 1) To enter, you must go through the playhouse and sign a waiver. 2) The house offers many indoor play areas that include art stations, imaginary play, ride on bikes, tents, and more. There is also a whole separate veranda that was being used for a private birthday party. 3) Clean bathrooms, changing tables, and water bottle filling stations 4) The park has several different sections that will appeal to children of ALL ages. We had so much fun checking out each area and trying out all of the different equipment. 5) Picnic tables are located near the parking lot, or feel free to sit underneath a tree or sit under a park bench and enjoy a snack. There is tons of room to spread out. 6) The best and most favorite attraction for both my children and I was the covered wooden slide. I must have ridden that thing at least eight times and had a big smile every single time. 7) The entire cost of this afternoon of fun was FREE 99! Donations are accepted to help with the upkeep. Truly, truly, a gem!

Ginger D.

Yelp
The facilities are great. The Giant Wooden Slide is sooooo much fun. The drawback is all the adults letting their children behave with no consideration for others. The Wooden Slide gets dangerous. Today there were groups of kids shoving and cutting in line, not moving out of the way after their turn, or running up the slide as others were trying to take a turn to slide down. Too many parents have their faces buried in their phones and/or ignore their kids' misbehavior.

Tiffany S.

Yelp
This place is amazing! They have different areas of play and have an old fashion wooden slide that you take old wheat burlap bags and slid down. Everyone loves the slide! They have sections for bigger kids and little kids. Last I heard they were wanting to put in a zip line of some sort but don't know when that will be. They have been around for 125yrs!
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Jessica L.

Yelp
Super fun - especially for 0-7 yr olds. Lots to do for toddlers especially but plenty for older and younger too. And it's free - donations requested. I like the variety and the options for shade. It's 85 degrees and I didn't feel like I had to sit in the sun. The building is lovely and the inside play areas are kept clean. Wish there was a bit more inside masking happening right now. And not all the hand sanitizers work so be sure to bring some for yourself. Definitely recommend this stop.
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Brittany R.

Yelp
I need to update this review since they renovated. It still is a bit messy and cluttered but the downstairs area is way better. It has little cars and climbing areas. The outdoor playground is great. The employees seem like they'd rather be anywhere else on earth. But such is life, not a huge issue.
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Elizabeth S.

Yelp
What a cool place! It was our first time there and my 3 year old had a blast! There were plenty of different play area for all ages! The things that. Impressed me the most .. 1 the bathroom. The bathroom for a playground was extremely nice. 2. The wooden slide.. 3 the indoor play area.
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Sarah W.

Yelp
Oh yes, this place is gold!! Even during covid! Parents, welcome to a big playground where your kids can wander without wandering off and where you might actually be able to finish a sentence with another adult. The Wooden Slide is amazing and a big hit. During COVID, it's outside only (they are renovating inside anyhow). Totally still a great place to go!
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Toby I.

Yelp
great place, very clean. I expected for some reason, more problems with the parents here but they were all so very courteous and respectful. I donated to the playground area because I think this place should be around for a LONG time. We went and it was crowded with lots of day campers but they all were wearing masks and social distances as best they could. Will come back again!!
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Kim K.

Yelp
This place is a gem! Stopped here with a friend who used to visit years ago. It is wonderful. You enter through the house, which has a large indoor play area for little ones. Outside there are multiple areas with lots to do for kids (and adults...) of all ages. The covered wooden slide is a classic. There are lots of different types of swings and all sorts of climbing, spinning things. The grounds and equipments are nicely maintained. There is plenty of parking and admission is free. There are public bathrooms in the house on the lower floor. We went on a cold winter day and still had an absolute blast. We are going to visit again in the spring.

Carine A.

Yelp
One of the best toddler activities around town, with a lot to explore, and experience. The grounds are nice, the inside is great, the wooden slide is awesome, and the playground is very cool.
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L L.

Yelp
My son has visited twice, once with Mom, once with Dad. He enjoyed it both times, and that's the most important thing! This indoor/outdoor playground is in a wonderful little corner of Fairmount Park, with Please Touch Museum just across the river on the other side of the park. The pair can make for an amazing kid day. I'd read the reviews saying the place is very cool, but a little shabby/old/worn, so I expected that. Upon arrival, the grass needed mowing, and the house could use some freshening too, but press on because if you look past the cosmetics, this is an artfully designed, creatively inspired, special place. At the entrance someone sits in a white plywood hut, like a country fair booth x a lemonade stand. They greet you with cheer, and donations are welcome in cash (or can be done via cc online). Playground is to the left of the house, and around back. The equipment was impressive. They have the old standards (swings, slides, jungle gym), but also a lot of more unique and interesting pieces, that were very popular with the kids. Lots of rotating going on, that seemed to be the theme of the more exciting stuff. Like stand-on saucers, spin-around chairs, girating poles, merry-go-centrifuge things with rope cages to hold you in, etc. I was so tempted I spun on the centrifuge myself (with my 1yo son), but it was a little much for him. That said, there is a designated baby area, which is fitting for toddlers, but sadly, this was the dirtiest of the areas, with a little litter, some broken equipment, and a lot of weeds, all of which aren't safe for kids at the age of grabbing and attempting to eat whatever they see. A few hours of volunteer clean up would correct this. Creative thought has gone into every corner of this playground, and in addition to the exciting equipment, it possesses unique bigger attractions I can't find anywhere else. The longtime favorite huge wooden slide (like a bowling lane floor made into a slide) is in an outbuilding by the side of the house. It is so popular they've made a queue that snakes along it, probably accommodating a line of at least 50. IDK if a slide is worth that to me, but when I visited in the early afternoon on a weekday, there was zero line. Fantastically, there is a gigantic rope web climbing area on the lowest tier, which is the perfect physical challenge for high-energy kids! Nearby, are huge saucer swings that can fit a few little ones at once. My son loved it. There are climbing walls, swings of various kinds, a huge sand area, theme playstructures (train, fire engine, pirate ship), tunnels, clubhouses, a large bouncy ride-on, that even adults can ride, it goes on and on. The rubber track surface underfoot is a nice touch, but as with any playground employing it, the stuff gets a little blackened in places, weeds pop up here and there, and stains happen. So have some forgiveness for its cosmetic ageing, and you will see past it into the magic that awaits your child!
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Donna C.

Yelp
Far and away the best playground I've ever seen. The Disney World of playgrounds. And it's free. Thought it wouldn't be too crowded on a weekday morning and I was incredibly wrong, but we still somehow found a parking spot, and the place is so huge, there was still plenty of room for all the kids. A must on a Philly trip with children. Our 1.5 year old probably liked it as much as he liked Sesame Place. His favorite was a golf cart like thing and spinning the steering wheel on it over and over again. Nice benches for Mom to sit on, as well as one big swing for Mom in the tot lot area amidst all the toddler swings. A memorable and special spot.
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Jesse K.

Yelp
Smith house is pretty neat. A mansion and yard for Kids! The place has a wooden burlap bag slide, dizziness section, pirate/train section, double decker merry go round, multiple tire swings and stuff. Things for small and big kids. Hours of free fun. Bathroom situation is maybe the only weird thing. Malodorous inside 1st floor. Basement ones (for playground) are sketchy. Finicky kids might not be able to go. (Not Ada compliant). Most parents are cool there, playing with their kids. This park draws in all sorts of people. On several visits, I have observed parents using profanity to their toddlers. Be ready.
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Richie H.

Yelp
A great place to come and exert your kids energy! There are so many areas for the kids to play. My son enjoyed the slide at least 10x. You grab a sack at the bottom and bring it up to the top of the slide along a path. The slide is probably 30-50 ft long? Great fun! There are definitely lots of toys for every age. The only downside of this place is the toilet situation. The bathrooms are pretty run down and smelly. If you can hold it, I would.
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Antonio W.

Yelp
The Good: This was a fun place for a couple 3-year old boys. They were equally entertained inside the playhouse and outside in the large playground area. The price is right, they asked for a $5 donation per family the day we went and parking is free but come early for spots closest to the building. The Bad: There was an absence of staff in the playhouse. Therefore, some older children roamed into areas intended for smaller children. Also, there is no access to food at the playhouse or nearby, so please bring your own food and drinks. The Ugly: The restrooms! We were directed to restrooms outside the playhouse near playground but they were locked. When we went inside there were just 2 restrooms for single use, they did not appear to lock, and did not have paper towels the day we went. As a parent, convenient access to a restroom is essential when out. In summary, I would recommend this place for parents of children under 5 and give it just under 4 stars because of the poor restrooms and lack of staff attendance in the playhouse. Enjoy!
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Chris B.

Yelp
This place is a treasure and it's free. Although they do accept donations. The historic wooden slide alone makes it worth the trip. And the rest of the playground has enough interesting apparatus to entertain the kids for hours. Chris Vtrainers Personal Training
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Jessica S.

Yelp
Free playground (donations accepted) with potato sack slide / racing. Great outdoor play area (esp for little ones). 3 floors of indoor play: - Main floor has train track tables and bathroom with kid potty seat to sit at while washing hands which was cool. - Upstairs has library and play kitchen, role play, foam blocks, mini couches ... - Downstairs has play traffic area with over 15 small play cars and traffic lights. This is also how you get to outside Outdoors was open today - they are testing outdoor hours this season if above 50 degrees and nice weather. I've even been to a wedding here which was pretty cool bc all the kids had a playground to play at! Glad this place exists since please touch museum is so pricey and there's not many indoor play areas in Philly, esp this big! Some toys are weathered and lots of little kids means germs but they have antibacterial dispensers in main areas. Also bathrooms on main floor and outdoors (lower level).
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Chanel J.

Yelp
100% FREE They do ask for a small donation. It was our first time there, we stayed for 4 hours on a rainy day. Can't wait till the outside opens up. You can also have food delivered there or bring food. They do have an eating area. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE GOING BACK

Natasha T.

Yelp
I loved this playground, there are so many activities here that are kid friendly! Staff members are so kind and friendly!
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Bob M.

Yelp
Awesome playground that is huge. The mansion is closed for renovation but the outdoor park is open. Highlights include very diverse playground sets including wooden potato sack slide, huge climbing web/net, train and fire truck playground sets. This place must be amazing during the spring because there are also kids gardens made out of row boats.
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Jenaya P.

Yelp
This is one of Philly's staples!! My city is so dope and wonderful places like Smith Park adds to the dopeness ! I was on vacation from work and asked my supervisor about affordable places to take children and she recommended Smith Park which is actually free!! So I took my baby nephew and boy did we have a great time! There were so many children for my nephew to play with at this huge park. While at the park we had a sand bag race down a big slide. We played on the jungle gym. We got on this "ride" where it spinned around and around and it could fit so many people on it and we also was in this spiderweb type of equipment. We also went in this pretend Cho Cho train and we can't forget the swings that brings me nostalgia! Boy oh boy there was so many things to play with at Smith Park. Overall we had a blast and your family would have a blast too at Smith Park!
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Maura P.

Yelp
Outside playground abruptly closed due to uninformed patrons attempting to use the slide. A 'Closed' sign or a door with a lock would resolve playground personnel frustration, patron disappointment and overall safety. Aside from the unprofessionalism of the staff the site itself exceeded my expectations. Three levels of old fashioned fun, tv-less fun. And it's free! Thank you!!!
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Matt A.

Yelp
Nice place to spend an hour or two with the young ones - great free facility. Parking is it a bit tricky if full ( be careful to park along the side road when parking is full ). Upon entering, walk up the entrance and you just need to sign your kids / yourself in then enjoy. The Mansion is only for children under 5 while the outdoors is for everyone - we wanted to see the mansion but the staff was not willing to let anyone under 5 inside ( which is odd if you have a several kids of different age groups ). Anyhow, the kids really enjoyed - some of the playground equipment is a bit outdated but kids will be sure to enjoy. The bathroom is around the back of the mansion and is pretty creepy - dingy / dark / dilapidated ( under construction ). Overall, worth a try but go only during a nice day and preferably a weekday ( not worth going during weekend rush ). PROS - Free, free entrance / parking, interesting playground, mansion facility CONS - dark dingy bathroom, outdated playground equipment, parking / grounds / mansion needs facelift ( but you realize that this is free ) OVERALL - great place to enjoy with kids during the weekday for an hour, kids will enjoy, something different to see ...
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Cynthia F.

Yelp
The outside part of this park is actually huge and clean. My daughter had so much fun here. However I do NOT recommend the inside. It was very old and dirty. Half the place didn't look safe. I would definitely go back for the outside playground. It was worth the drive.
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Jen P.

Yelp
Here's the thing: it's free. So I feel guilty not giving it 5 stars. But, for a couple of hours a week of clean up and tidying, it could look a thousand times better. Things like- littered sacks for the slide all over the area as you walk up to the slide. Sinks for the toilet would have been amazing. Little things. In saying that... it was free!!! The outside was actually fantastic. An eclectic mix of what were each big enough to be their own playground, all sewn together for a HUGE backyard of fun. My 4 year old LOVED the slide. Like, had to be dragged away from the slide. We could have easily stayed longer than the 2 hours we did. The inside was humble. My kids loved running the larger vehicles back and forth, and the little train tables (which we get sucked into at every darn place that has them, ever, despite owning them.) In short? Worth the visit. Would go again. It's a great little secret!
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Joe Z.

Yelp
This is a wonderful hidden gem in Philly. They have playgrounds for big and small kids as well as a huge wooden slide. They also have a indoor play area that is really great when the weather is not. My kid has a blast every time we go to Smith. The only recommendation I have is an upgrade to the bathrooms. If you have a small child, they do not have changing tables in the bathrooms.
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Kay D.

Yelp
Absolutely fun and FREE! Kids any age group love it, there's so many things for them to do. I've even came as a kid and they only continue to improve. No the $5 is not mandatory but they really need it. The one lady jumped for joy and said that they could now replace their broken gates. It's makes you feel great. It's helpful for people who come often or bring A LOT of kids.
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Trang N.

Yelp
I love this playground! There are lots of things to do here- the wooden slide is a huge hit! Grab a sack and enjoy the ride. Lots of hints to climb on and room to run around! The toys in doors are old and germs so get you hand sanitizer ready! They have great concerts here in the spring and summer! It can get crazy her around lunch time! It's also a great place to have a birthday party! Just beware that there is no air conditioning inside during the hot summer months and it can be brutal! A definitely hit with the kids!
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Kandy H.

Yelp
First you need to know it's free! But it would be great if you make a donation. It was very cool to read up on Richard Smith's history and the fact that it's a memorial for his son that he donated the playground back in the 1800s. It's a great space with soft foam floor in case the little one falls, all kinds of playground equipment but most especially of all is the wooden slide! It's great for all ages, you sit on the potato sack and slide down.
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Rafael G.

Yelp
Good, clean fun for little kids, and so cool it's hard to believe it's free. Smith Memorial Playground has tons of stuff to play with indoors and outdoors. The mansion, which is currently having its exterior renovated, has several rooms, each with different types of toys. The basement has trikes the tikes can ride around paths with a real traffic signal, parking meters, and toy gas pumps. The playground has some of the best equipment I've seen anywhere. The have a see saw that I'd have a lot of trouble describing; just go see it. Also outside is the giant wood slide. Smith is open everyday except Monday. The mansion is limited to kids under 5 and the playground is limited to kids under 10. Staff are at the gates to keep out the pedos, but inside you're responsible for your own kids. Although everything is free, consider dropping a few bucks in the till to help maintain this great community resource.
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Matt G.

Yelp
The park s big and on a hot day, most of the playgrounds are in the direct sunlight. Bring lots of water. It is well kept and the inside is nice and has some more to offer. You will encounter a LOT of groups here. There were tons of kids unsupervised running, cursing, pushing, etc. You will have to deal with this often (depending on when you go). Most of the parents and teachers were nowhere near the kids so you couldn't even tell them what was going on. A nice respite in the middle of the city but it takes all kinds.
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Arcadia S.

Yelp
An incredible concept, executed marvelously. This play place is perfect for young children, has the sprawling outdoor playground and wooden slides, but also the indoor three-story playhouse, already described by other reviews but I'll just say it is simply too wonderful to miss if you are in the area with your little ones.
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Sara S.

Yelp
On one hand I am completely skeeved out by the inside toys here, because lets face it- children are gross and put everything in their mouths... But on the other hand, whatever- it builds up their immune system. I just bring my hand spray (organic, because I'm crunchy like that), and get over it. My son has a good time here, but I think it's more fun for him to run around outside- Playing with toys indoors is what we do at home. I think that there are some structured craft days and story times so I'd love to check this out. The playgrounds are great, well maintained and such a fun place for kids of all ages to get outdoors and play. Always excited to go there!
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Erin O.

Yelp
Disclosure: We did not go inside - it was way too beautiful (and fun) outside. We also did not use the restrooms. This weekend we made our first trek to the Smith Memorial Playground - and I mean trek. Even though there was plenty of parking near the playground, we parked on Kelly Drive and jogged a bit before heading up to play. The playground runs on donations (and well deserved ones at that - I'll be making ours online) and is separated into a few different areas. It's a great play place for kids of all ages. Our two years olds found plenty to love and I know they'll grow into a lot of the ride on's. Their absolute favorite (and ours, too) was the wooden slide with the potato/burlap sacks. Despite the long trek up to the slide, the ride down was well worth it. There were also several different areas - swings (tire, ride on swings, and regular), a rocking boat, a train climb-on toy, spinners, and more. I couldn't believe the fun we found at every turn of the corner. You can't factor this into the ratings, but just watch for other kids (because their parents might not) - we had a large group of kids nearly push ours down to reach the slide first instead of waiting their turn as we neared the entrance...the Dad came up behind them eventually and sorta apologized, but let's be honest, your apology means nothing, you should have stopped them!
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Lil B.

Yelp
Very cute place for kids. They have an indoor and outdoor play area but it's very messy and disorganized (go figure... it's a place where kids come play and it's donations only). But otherwise, bathrooms were clean and the kids had a ton of fun. Could probably benefit from more parking as we parked on the street, we were lucky get a spot nearby.
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Izak M.

Yelp
I loved this place as a kid and my kids love it 40yrs later. This is a Philadelphia institution - a gem. This playground is likely known across continents as well as generations. The outdoor equipment was updated and is pretty sophisticated. Indoors it has toys, a kids driving area (trikes and pedal cars w/ a real traffic light). It has a huge two story wooden slide accommodating children, adults, adults with children. Not be missed by the 3 to 8. A well established place for young childrens parties, rivaling the franklin institute, academy of natural sciences, and zoo.
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Amber M.

Yelp
On a sunny day, there may not be a better play space for your little one. Even the older kids seem to enjoy Smith. There's something for every child to enjoy. I love the toddler area and potato sack slide. A $5 donation per family is the suggested amount, if you have more that's great, if you have less that's not a problem. A great place for casual (inexpensive) play dates. During the colder months there is programming for younger children such as storytime or puppet shows. We love Smith. Enjoy!
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Lizi C.

Yelp
Difficult to write a negative review about anything that's free. The concept is really cool, big old house filled with toys for kids to play with with no admission fee. The reality is that for a germaphobic parent this place will seem pretty dirty. The house is stifling hot in the summer time. The outside playground is neat particularly the big wooden slide where kids slide down on top of grungy potato sacks. The playground is overall nice although is a bit weathered and could use a good clean. Over all this place is free therefore I can't really complain. The concept is really a great one. We've only been once and probably won't go back but it was a fun morning activity.
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Rickina C.

Yelp
I wish my mom took me here when I was a tot! Everything is clean and well kept. My only disappointment was the inside. They said it was for a certain age group but I think its more towards the 1-2 old age range. That said, I would still bring the little kiddies here. The child I took had a wonderful time and kept talking about it for days.

A W.

Yelp
Great place to stop in Philly for kids to stretch their legs! Bathroom renovation is wonderful. I'm looking forward to the other improvements they are making. This is definitely a worthy cause contribute to in this community.
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Elena K.

Yelp
Complete shitshow as it happens any time with anything free. Dirty restrooms, no a/c. Dirty toys, zero sanitation. If you can spend some money go to the nearby children's touch museum instead. Night and day.
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Ryan B.

Yelp
This place was awesome!!!! Great place to take ur family on a nice day. Easy to get to and plenty of parking. The slide was the best part, we are definitely coming back. 5 Stars
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Sherese R.

Yelp
My daughter had her first birthday party here and 8 years later she still enjoys it as if it's the first. A gem in the city.
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Michelle W.

Yelp
What a great find! We stayed for hours at this hidden gem. It was a great break from exploring the city with our two kids. Definitely make the trip!
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Kee K.

Yelp
A beautiful playground indeed. Today was my first time visiting this park, with my little girl of course and we couldn't have been more pleased. The first thing we noticed was a huge house. Didn't realize all the fun that lied behind the house :-). Once we gave our donation, we walked down a path where children were everywhere. Children of all ages. There was a model playhouse with a fenced in backyard, an enormous slide, an amazing feature that was spinning over 15 kids at a time, and an array of swings displayed too. To the right, we saw more spinning feature, a web of things to climb, a smaller slide set and so many other features in between. There were so many options of fun for the children that as an adult I was tempted to run and play too! Around 5pm we went into the house, where 3 levels existed. There were life-size dollhouses, wooden blocks, toy bridges, puppets, children's furniture, bikes and trucks, a large choo choo train and so much more to keep the children happy and full of fun, laughter and smiles. The establishment was very clean outdoors and in. Bathrooms were bright and clean as well. Overall a great experience because its all about the children
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Erin May D.

Yelp
This place is amazing. If you haven't been here, you're truly missing out. You can bring kids of all ages here, even your little babies. As long as they can sit up, there is something for them to do here. Even adults can have fun -- it's just got so much great stuff to play with. The playhouse can get a little crazy because there is so little supervision. Parents are supposed to be watching their kids, but you know how that goes with some people... Just keep an eye on your little ones and make sure they don't get trampled. Wish they had some outside water fun area (sprayground). But I suppose you can't have everything.
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Nicey J.

Yelp
Smith playground is a long standing free play space in philadelphia Fairmont park. It is gated off and staffed , and very clean. It's an awesome place to take the kiddos when it's nice. If you've got younger children ( 5 and under) you can play all year around in te play house. Which has 3 floors and a few rooms where you can do anything from riding bikes on the pretend road to reading books, and everything in between. It's a great place to go. The only downfall is that it can get extremely crowded and although there are staff, many people -much like at a normal park- pay no attention to the rules or their children for that matter . But what can you do? Try the epic wooden slide or have a birthday party here . Or just come to play like we do. It's awesome.
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Lark L.

Yelp
In a really lovely setting. The outdoor play area is great and really fun. Indoor area is fun and cozy--love the old building. Please make some sort of donation ( even if not the recommended amount). It's free but anything helps them out I am sure. Wish we had this where we lived!
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Jim H.

Yelp
I stumbled onto this place one day last summer. As most parents would attest, we are always looking for some new form of diversion for our kids. And as a cheapskate, I usually insist that that diversion is free. It wasnt too hard to find, located just off of Kelly Drive in Fairmount park. I didnt notice much parking outside of the playground but there was ample parking along the road leading in. If its nice enough to take the kids to the park, its nice enough for a little walk to get there, right? My kids were too big for the playhouse, but I was amazed by the playground outside. I have seen many different style of playground but some of the contraptions here, were new to me. A giant spider web, weird gyroscopic swings, a Bananna Splits style slide. It definitely made the experience more interesting for both myself and the kids. I also remember it as being very ethnically diverse. I welcomed it as sometimes, being out in the burbs, races tend to segregate themselves. Here, we all played and enjoyed the park as one. Theres something about a playground setting, that brings out the children in people. I was on a bus-like contraption that shimmied and swayed to your movements with an older black woman and we hooted and giggled as if we were back on the playground at recess. Whoever put this park togetherknew what they were doing. Often, when im at an average run-of-the-mill playground, im imagining how the place could be better and cooler. I didnt need to do that here. Someone beat me to it.