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, 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.[1]
The revitalized square draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and has become a model for urban park renewal.
History
[edit | edit source]Original Square
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]A modern playground designed for various ages:
- Climbing structures
- Swings
- Safe surfacing
- Shaded areas
SquareBurger
[edit | edit source]A popular burger restaurant by celebrity chef Marty Moss:
- Cake shakes (milkshakes blended with cake)
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Outdoor seating
- Seasonal hours
Fountain
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Free storytelling programs during summer months:
- Costumed storytellers
- Revolutionary-era tales
- Family-friendly programming
Events
[edit | edit source]Annual Events
[edit | edit source]- Chinese Lantern Festival — Spectacular light displays (seasonal)
- Halloween events — October family programming
- Holiday events — December festivities
- Summer concerts — Occasional performances
Chinese Lantern Festival
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Park grounds: Dawn to 11 PM daily
- Attractions: Hours vary by season; check website
- SquareBurger: Seasonal hours
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Park entry: Free
- Carousel: Ticketed (affordable)
- Mini Golf: Ticketed (affordable)
- Playground: Free
- Special events: Varies
Getting There
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Franklin Square". Historic Philadelphia, Inc.. Retrieved December 30, 2025