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!
"Smith Goes Stellar!"
Our newest Play-stallation, Smith Goes Stellar, is open on the first floor of the Playhouse!
Visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of space through hands-on activities, creativity, and imaginative play.
There are so many ways to explore the galaxy!
- Become an astronaut: Make your own astronaut helmet and get ready for liftoff.
- Create a constellation: Design your own patterns in the stars.
- Light up your imagination: Make colorful designs on our new Lite-Brite panel.
- Explore the cosmos: Take command of your very own space capsule.
- Build and explore: Use our transportation-themed blue blocks to build a moon rover, or drive a mini rover across our lunar surface.
- Discover the UFO: Climb inside an Unbelievably Fun Object and let the fun take off!
Ready for liftoff?
Visit the first floor of the Playhouse and let your imagination take you to infinity and beyond.
Play-Stallations are made possible by generous support from Vanguard Strong Start for Kids.
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
