Creating Joyful and Meaningful Interactions Through Play
We are a world of indoor and outdoor fun that is always free to visit. Our one-of-a-kind historic Playhouse offers three floors of interactive play. Our 6 1/2 acre Playground has multiple zones for climbing, swinging, spinning and exploring as well as our famous Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide - a Philadelphia tradition.
Hours & Location
Visiting Hours
APRIL - SEPTEMBER
Tues - Fri: 10 am - 6 pm
Sat - Sun: 10 am - 7 pm
OCTOBER - MARCH
Tues - Fri: 10 am - 5 pm
Sat - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm
Please Note: Smith Memorial Playground is always closed on Mondays.
We also occasionally close for private events or maintenance. To avoid any inconvenience, we recommend checking our website or social media before your visit for the most up-to-date hours and announcements.
Smith Through the Years
Celebrate more than a century of play with Smith’s beautifully illustrated book, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse: A Legacy of Play. This publication shares the rich history of Smith, from the founding of the playground in 1899 to the generations of families who have created memories here for more than 125 years.
Filled with historic photographs, stories, and reflections on the importance of play, the book offers a fascinating look at how Smith has evolved while remaining true to its mission of providing free play opportunities for children and families.
Books can be purchased during your next visit or online!
"We The Heroes!"
Step into "We the Heroes!" Smith's newest interactive Play-Stallation celebrating America's 250th birthday through creativity, imagination, and play. Inspired by the people who helped shape our nation, this hands-on exhibit encourages children to discover the hero within themselves through kindness, leadership, and community.
Children can sign their own "Declaration of Independence," design superhero masks, build and "fly" over a city skyline, cast a ballot in a kid-friendly voting booth, create signs supporting causes they care about, and enjoy comic book-inspired art activities. Every experience encourages self-expression, creativity, and confidence while showing that anyone can make a positive difference.
There are countless ways to imagine, create, and explore in this exciting new exhibit.
"We the Heroes!" is now open! Visit the Bodek Den on the first floor of the Playhouse and discover how every child has the power to be a hero.
Play-Stallations are made possible by generous support from Vanguard Strong Start for Kids.
Slide-A-Thon
Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10
Get ready to slide, compete, and support Smith! Join us for Smith’s Slide-a-thon, a fundraising event featuring our famous Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide. Gather your family, friends, coworkers, or community group and compete head-to-head while helping support Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse.
Learn How It Works | Register Your Team (Registration will open on 9/1)
Hear Us! The Children’s Time Capsule
Preserving the voices, dreams, and creativity of Philadelphia’s children for 2076
As part of Philadelphia’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is launching Hear Us! The Children’s Time Capsule, a city-wide project preserving the voices, artwork, hopes, and dreams of Philadelphia’s children. Throughout 2026, children are invited to share their stories, artwork, and reflections, which will be sealed in a time capsule on November 7, 2026 and reopened in 2076.
Support the Time Capsule | Make a Submission
In the News
Hear Us! The Children’s Time Capsule has been featured in the media.
Watch and read the coverage:
Visitor Survey
Help Us Make Smith Even Better!
Take a few minutes to complete the Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse Visitor Survey and share your thoughts about your experiences with us. As a thank you for participating, you’ll be entered to win a free Smith birthday party—a $325 value! Your feedback helps us improve our programs, events, and visitor experience. Thank you for helping us better serve our community!
Playground Map
Things to Do
