As the nation’s sixth largest city, Philadelphia is better known for its concrete jungles than its botanical jungles. But that’s not to say the “City of Brotherly Love” is void of beautiful green spaces. Contrary to popular belief, the area is home to some incredibly family friendly attractions, which display nature at its best.
Fairmount Park
Fairmont Park is considered the largest urban park in the nation. It consists of more than 8,000 acres of trees, trails and rivers. One of the park’s most popular venues is the 25-mile long Schuylkill River Trail, which begins in downtown Philly at Locust Street and the Schuylkill River. The trail is usually packed with residents and visitors taking leisurely strolls (others choose to bike, skate or roller blade) along the scenic river all the way to Oaks in Montgomery County. The park system is also home to various nature viewing areas, waterfalls, streams, sporting fields, picnic areas, sculptures and fountains.
Bartram’s Garden
It may very well be one of the city’s best-kept secrets. When you want to escape the concrete jungle for a few hours I would highly recommend traveling to Bartram’s Garden. It’s located a few minutes from the heart of Philadelphia (a 15-minute cab ride from City Hall), but once you step through the gates you’d think you were a million miles away. The gardens are located on the grounds of the pre-Revolutionary War home of naturalist John Bartram and are considered the oldest botanical gardens in the country. The gardens are bordered by rolling meadows and water from the Schuylkill River. You can opt to take the guided 45-minute tour or explore the grounds on your own.
Schuylkill River
From Bartram’s Garden (or from a dock on Walnut Street downtown) you can take the Schuylkill Banks River Tour. The hour-long boat ride takes you up and down the Schuylkill River and gives you a magnificent view of the city’s waterfront. The Center City skyline serves as the backdrop for the narrated tour, which gives passengers a historical account of what the area looked like in the 19th century. Evening tours come complete with a jazz accompaniment. Tickets are $20 per person.
Related Articles:
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Empire State Building
New York’s Must-See Attractions—The Statue of Liberty