Editing Franklin Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = Franklin Square
| image =
| image_caption = Franklin Square fountain with Center City skyline
| 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 = https://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/
}}

'''Franklin Square''' is one of [[William Penn]]'s original five public squares, transformed in 2006 from an underutilized park into one of Philadelphia's most popular '''family-friendly attractions'''. Located near the [[Benjamin Franklin Bridge]] and [[Independence Mall]], the square now features a carousel, miniature golf course, playground, and the popular SquareBurger restaurant.<ref name="franklin">{{cite web |url=https://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/ |title=Franklin Square |publisher=Historic Philadelphia, Inc. |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The revitalized square draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and has become a model for urban park renewal.

== History ==

=== Original Square ===

Originally called "Northeast Square" in Penn's 1682 plan, the park was renamed for Benjamin Franklin in 1825. Like other Penn squares, it served various purposes over the centuries—pasture, burial ground, and public commons.

=== Decline ===

By the late 20th century, Franklin Square had become the most neglected of Penn's five squares. Located on the edge of downtown near the approaches to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the park saw little foot traffic and fell into disrepair.

=== 2006 Revival ===

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. partnered with the city to completely renovate Franklin Square, reopening it in 2006 with family-oriented attractions. The transformation has been remarkably successful, turning a forgotten space into a beloved destination.

== 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''' showcasing 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:
* Dozens of illuminated lantern displays
* Chinese cultural performances
* Food vendors
* Evening hours (typically May-July)
* Ticketed 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 ===

* Great for families with children
* Combine with Independence Hall visit
* Evening mini-golf is fun with lights
* Don't miss the Cake Shakes at SquareBurger
* Chinese Lantern Festival is spectacular but gets crowded

== 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 ==

* [[Rittenhouse Square]]
* [[Washington Square]]
* [[Logan Square]]
* [[Penn's Five Squares]]
* [[Independence Mall]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.historicphiladelphia.org/franklin-square/ Franklin Square - Historic Philadelphia]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com Visit Philadelphia]

{{#seo:
|title=Franklin Square Philadelphia - Carousel, Mini Golf & Family Fun
|description=Guide to Franklin Square, Philadelphia's family-friendly historic park. Carousel, Philly-themed mini golf, SquareBurger, playground, and Chinese Lantern Festival near Independence Mall.
|keywords=Franklin Square Philadelphia, Philadelphia carousel, Philly mini golf, SquareBurger, Chinese Lantern Festival, Penn's Five Squares, Philadelphia family attractions, Independence Mall
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]
[[Category:Penn's Five Squares]]