Franklin Square
| Franklin Square | |
|---|---|
| Type | Urban square / Family park |
| Location | Center City, Philadelphia |
| Coordinates | 39.9553,-75.1503 |
| Area | 7.5 acres |
| Established | 1683 (planned); 2006 (renovated) |
| Operated by | Historic Philadelphia, Inc. |
| Features | Carousel, mini-golf, playground, fountain, SquareBurger |
| Hours | Dawn to 11 PM daily |
| Transit | SEPTA bus routes; near 6th Street |
| Website | Official Site |
Franklin Square is one of William Penn's original five public squares. In 2006, it got a complete overhaul that transformed it from a neglected, underused park into one of Philadelphia's most beloved family-friendly attractions. You'll find a carousel, miniature golf course, playground, and the popular SquareBurger restaurant. It's located near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Independence Mall.[1]
The revitalized square draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It's become a model for urban park renewal.
History
Original Square
Penn's 1682 plan originally called it "Northeast Square." They renamed it for Benjamin Franklin in 1825. Like the other Penn squares, this one went through quite a lot over the centuries: served as pasture, burial ground, and public commons at different times.
Decline
By the late twentieth century, Franklin Square was in terrible shape. It'd become the most neglected of Penn's five squares. Being situated on the edge of downtown near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge approaches meant it got very little foot traffic, and the park simply fell apart.
2006 Revival
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. worked with the city on a complete renovation. They reopened it in 2006 with family-oriented attractions. The transformation worked. A forgotten space became a destination people actually wanted to visit.
Attractions
Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel
A classic Carousel featuring Philadelphia-themed animals and imagery:
- Hand-painted horses and chariots
- Philadelphia landmarks depicted
- Year-round operation (weather permitting)
- Affordable tickets
Philly Mini Golf
An 18-hole miniature golf course that showcases Philadelphia icons:
- Holes themed to Philadelphia landmarks
- Liberty Bell, LOVE statue, Boathouse Row representations
- Family-friendly difficulty
- Evening hours with lights
Playground
A modern playground designed for various ages:
- Climbing structures
- Swings
- Safe surfacing
- Shaded areas
SquareBurger
A popular burger restaurant by celebrity chef Marty Moss:
- Cake shakes (milkshakes blended with cake)
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Outdoor seating
- Seasonal hours
Fountain
The historic fountain at the square's center:
- One of the oldest public fountains in Philadelphia
- Illuminated at night
- Attractive gathering spot
Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches
Free storytelling programs during summer months:
- Costumed storytellers
- Revolutionary-era tales
- Family-friendly programming
Events
Annual Events
- Chinese Lantern Festival — Spectacular light displays (seasonal)
- Halloween events — October family programming
- Holiday events — December festivities
- Summer concerts — Occasional performances
Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival has become Franklin Square's signature event. You get dozens of illuminated lantern displays, Chinese cultural performances, and food vendors. It typically runs May through July in the evenings. There's a ticket fee for admission.
Visiting
Hours
- Park grounds: Dawn to 11 PM daily
- Attractions: Hours vary by season; check website
- SquareBurger: Seasonal hours
Admission
- Park entry: Free
- Carousel: Ticketed (affordable)
- Mini Golf: Ticketed (affordable)
- Playground: Free
- Special events: Varies
Getting There
Location: 6th and Race Streets
By Public Transit:
- Walk from Independence Mall
- SEPTA buses on Market and Race Streets
- Market-Frankford Line: 5th Street Station
By Car:
- Near Benjamin Franklin Bridge approaches
- Nearby parking garages
- Limited street parking
Tips
- It's perfect for families with kids
- Combine it with an Independence Hall visit
- Evening mini-golf is a blast with the lights
- The Cake Shakes at SquareBurger are worth trying
- The Chinese Lantern Festival is stunning but it gets packed
Nearby Attractions
- Independence Mall — Constitution Center, Liberty Bell
- Elfreth's Alley — America's oldest residential street
- Betsy Ross House — Historic home
- Christ Church — Colonial-era church
- Race Street Pier — Delaware River waterfront
See Also
References
- ↑ "Franklin Square". Historic Philadelphia, Inc.. Retrieved December 30, 2025